For new authors at least there seems to be some confusion as to what happens next. Most who get in touch fall into three categories: 1) They have a book in them and wonder if there is mileage in it? 2) They have part written a book and are floundering. 3) They have written their book; where do we go from here?
The structure, for all three, is much the same so why complicate matters. Those who keep abreast of such things know it has never been easier or cheaper for new authors to get published. Change means a book buying bonanza for book readers; an entirely new market for authors previously rejected by elitist publishing houses. You are now your own publisher and with a little help you are now in charge. If you haven’t the confidence to go for it then how could you expect publishers to back your book?
Size does matter. Your average paperback is about 80,000 words; Mills & Boon; perfectly acceptable novels, are about 50,000 words in length. There is no point in over-egging it.
First of all you get it written, or at least a substantial part of it; let’s say 20,000 words. Write it as you would tell your story to yourself or to a close friend. Remember, a writer is only doing with their fingers what you do all day with your tongue. Let me see all or part of it. I will give you an honest opinion. Relax; I am friendly, diplomatic and positive. If I think it hasn’t a chance I will tell you. Otherwise I will tell you what it needs for it to succeed.
Chances are you will need it ghost-written. Free of charge I will take a section of what you have written and ghost-write it. If you like it then give me the go-ahead. I then ghost-write your novel and I get paid in sections; usually every 15,000 words.
I will, without departing from the script, write it as it should be written; adding flair; editing and correcting. When it is completed you will say: “Wow! Did I really write that?” Yes, you get the credit. You know the rates; €20 / £20 per 1,000 words. I am worth much more so it is best not to hang about. As soon as I can I am putting my fees up. There is honesty for you.
You end up with a beautifully written ready for publication novel; calculate the cost per 1,000 words. If it is 60,000 words then it is 60 x €20 = €1,200. Don’t wince: most charge treble or more and yes, they are worth every penny.
You are nearly there. If you wish I pass your completed book to Keidi Keating; the Word Queen. For €600, my clients only; she does the lot. Publishes conventionally; and puts it on Amazon – Kindle, which sells 80 percent of books these days. (Only 1 percent of books are sold through bookshops). All you do is relax and watch your book sell at a far higher profit than the lousy 10 percent offered by conventional publishing houses.
Is the outlay worth it? Let us keep things in perspective. Doing it the old way meant weeks, months; even years posting heavy ink-stained manuscripts to publishing houses. Many weren’t even acknowledged or returned; most received a pre-printed rejection slip. Few made it. This way everyone makes it.
If you were one of the few who were published you were lucky to receive 10 percent of the cover price. Well known writers might receive just a few thousand for a year’s work. You have invested, let’s say €2,000. People spend that on a cruise, or mountaineering equipment, and have only photographs to show for it.
You are a published author; your book will be read and enjoyed long after you are kicking up the daisies. Chances are you will get most or all your money back through sales; most will make a handsome profit. That sounds like a bargain book to me. – Michael.