Want To Write A Book?

How do you write a book?

I’m asked that question a lot.

It’s not that easy a question to answer. At least, not without sitting down with a cup of coffee or two (and, for me, maybe a chocolate brownie) and talking through the endless options and requirements that are required.

Ultimately, of course, it all depends on the publisher and what they expect and demand of even the most nebulous of ideas.

For those who will accept an unsolicited approach (and there are many who don’t and will either bin or delete your letter or e-mail with no hesitation whatsoever), you’ll need to submit a synopsis of your idea (i.e.) a full and detailed (for publishers, the devil really is in the detail) breakdown of what your book is about, including a draft chapter.

They’ll also want to see how you perceive its commercial possibilities.

It’s very important, with that in mind, to remember that a publisher is not in the business they are in to promote and celebrate the written word and all that lays within.

Not a bit of it.

Their modus operandi, their bottom line is to make money.

As much as possible and as quickly as possible.

So, when you flick your weary eyes through all the post-Christmas offerings in WH Smith, rolling your eyes at the piles of books relating to popular TV shows, Z-list celebrities and Taylor Swift, you now know why.

From a literary perspective, they are worthless-badly written, poorly produced and with no artistic merit whatsoever.

A waste of paper in other words.

And all in the bargain bin by Easter.

Yet, for a few crazy weeks, they will fly off the shelves, making the publisher a lot of money in the process.

Which means if you want to share with the world your love of seventeenth century Romanian street theatre or the life cycle of the red legged partridge, you are going to need to convince your publisher of choice that your book is going to make them some money.

Most won’t be convinced.

But look. Somewhere in her attic, JK Rowling has a letter which says something to the effect that, ‘…we really don’t think anyone is interested in the adventures of a boy wizard at a magical school’.

She has a dozen rejections like that.

So if you have an idea for a book, no matter how niche the subject matter might be, you’re going to need, if you’re not headed down the self-publishing route, to be patient and have faith in your idea.

After all. My idea about writing a book that looked at some of the landmarks that peppered a single stretch of road along the Norfolk coast was never going to grip the nation with excitement and see me sharing an early morning sofa with Lorraine Kelly.

But I had faith in the idea, the subject matter and the books proposed audience.

Which I pitched to Amberley Publishing well enough for them to share my belief.

And, with that, A149 Landmarks was born.

Which has done very nicely indeed and thank you for asking.

So look, here’s my pitch to you.

If you’ve always thought, as so many people do, that you do indeed, ‘have a book in you’, but don’t really know where to start, then how about dropping me a line or giving me a call?

I have all the expertise, knowledge and, very importantly, the contacts, to help.

As well as a professional CV that now includes thirty books on a very wide range of subjects.

I never assume any enquiry is going to lead to a commission.

Or even a meeting.

I’m happy to pass on my knowledge and advice to anyone who wants it. If we end up working together, well, that would be wonderful. But if we don’t, at least you’ve taken your idea a bit further and will be a little bit more informed as well as, I hope, enthused about your possible book.

Let’s see if we can make your idea a reality.

I look forward to hearing from you.