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Have you written your own book?

Have you actually written your own book and had it published? What hints and tips can you share with fellow Silversurfers about self-publishing your own work?


Created By on 06/08/2015

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Peter44
4th Mar 2017 17:22:46
0
Thanks for voting!
A few months ago I finished my first novel at the age of 72. It is a Romance/RomCom called 'Not Too Old for Love' and is about relationships and love in a retirement village in England. I thought about self-publishing it but decided it was just too involved for my tired old brain. So I submitted it to an Online Publisher to see if I could get it published as an eBook - readable on Kindles, iPads, etc,

I was very fortunate in that the first publisher I submitted it to liked it and offered me a publishing contract. The book is with the publisher for the first round of edits and hopefully, will be published in five or six months time.

I would thoroughly recommend everyone to try writing a novel as it is an enjoyable experience and a great way of helping stave off dementia.

I do have a blog as well and there is an extract from the novel on that. If anyone is interested then private message me and I'll provide the blog address.
Response from Claire Baldry made on 24th Mar 2017 20:37:39
Peter, I have self published four printed poetry booklets and one autobiographical novella as an ebook. My debut novel is currently with a publishing company for print and ebook. I would be very interested to read your blog. I will message you.
Valleyman
31st May 2020 18:36:29
0
Thanks for voting!
I have written seven books, crime and black humour, and found Amazon self-publishing is really good and really easy. Especially if you use their covers. Decide first if you want e-book or paperback or both. Paperbacks are more difficult but not impossible. Use KindleCreate programme to sort out the bugs. But don't expect to make your fortune! Writing is a joy in itself. I feel proud to see my books presented. Amazon will not reject you!
barday
31st May 2020 16:17:14 (Last activity: 31st May 2020 17:19:31)
0
Thanks for voting!
My late husband wrote a book but passed away before he could get a publisher. I promised him that I would make every effort to get it published. It or rather they since there are 4 books are a series of historical thrillers. Any tips from anyone?
Response from Sally - Silversurfer's Editor Original Poster made on 31st May 2020 17:19:31
Hi barday,

Welcome and many thanks for your first comment in our Forum.

If you already know your way around, then we will leave you to it.

If you are looking for some lively discussions, head on over to the Forum homepage to see what's trending right now and feel free to join in the discussions, with all our friendly members, perhaps ask a question or even start your own post.

DorisM24
27th May 2020 20:26:39 (Last activity: 28th May 2020 01:45:33)
0
Thanks for voting!
I published 2 books after I was ninety.. The first one was a collection of things I had written .
through the years . . poems, light verse, thoughtful essays, humor, true stories, It was so much fun I sat down and wrote and published a second book. As a freelance writer I had written cards for Hallmark Cards for a few years, and I'd had short prose pieces published in magazines now and then. But I was basically a housewife and writing was my hobby.. My books have done well. They are very thoughtful, with things I've learned about life, and there is also plenty of humor. To see go to Amazon.com and type in my name Doris Markland. If anyone has questions about self publishing I would be glad to answer here..It was much easier than I had expected.
Response from Sally - Silversurfer's Editor Original Poster made on 28th May 2020 00:06:25
Hi DorisM24,

Welcome and many thanks for your first comment in our Forum.

If you already know your way around, then we will leave you to it.

If you are looking for some lively discussions, head on over to the Forum homepage to see what's trending right now and feel free to join in the discussions, with all our friendly members, perhaps ask a question or even start your own post.

Response from DorisM24 made on 28th May 2020 01:45:33 > @Sally - Silversurfer's Editor
Thank you for the suggestion. I can't find the forum homepage
supa1
12th Nov 2018 11:33:09 (Last activity: 12th Nov 2018 12:40:11)
0
Thanks for voting!
I am thinking about writing my own book but don't know where to start any tips !
Response from Sally - Silversurfer's Editor Original Poster made on 12th Nov 2018 12:40:11
What type of book? Fiction or fact? Have you made a start already?
davidm111
2nd Jul 2018 14:10:52
0
Thanks for voting!
Hi , I hope wherever you are in the world you’re having fun...

My wife Helene and I have recently returned from a 10 month around the world trip visiting 15 countries. This was not backpacking, far too old!

The wonderful experience prompted me to write a book ‘Turning Left Around the World’ which I hope will inspire other like minded adventurers to leave the safe harbour and explore, dream and discover.

‘Turning Left Around the World’ is published by Mirador for those of a certain age who have rid themselves of the ‘cash-rich time-poor’ restraint and seek adventure. But prefer to turn left when boarding, choose a one-to-one specialist guide rather than a bus full, and enjoy a room with a sea view rather than a room with a share loo.

If you would like to know more please visit my website davidcmoore-author.com or search the book's title on Amazon
Happy travels
David
Grey lady 13
27th Jan 2017 13:26:39 (Last activity: 6th Oct 2017 16:35:03)
0
Thanks for voting!
I finished my autobiography, dealing with various tragedies in my life, a few years ago. Now and again I submit it, but don't think I'm going about it in the right way.
I have had it returned with letters from the publishers expressing their positive thoughts about it, but they say it is not a genre they deal in, and then just wish me luck.
Andrew Lownie sent a note saying he found it a deeply moving, poignant story, and then wished me luck.
97,000 words that remain in my desk.
Help!
Response from jeanmark made on 27th Jan 2017 14:13:59
I have never written a book and doubt I will but you must have felt some satisfaction in writing down your life experiences?
Response from Grey lady 13 made on 27th Jan 2017 17:42:11
There is a sort of satisfaction, but, to write it
the pain must be faced again and again. That can be quite hard.
Response from jeanmark made on 27th Jan 2017 18:54:36
I empathise with that thought Grey Lady 13, it isn't alway easy to re-live some experiences.
Response from hdawnh66 made on 1st Sep 2017 13:56:49
I was going to do mine with a ghostwriter on story terrace. it seemed a bit easier to have it done that way
Response from Peter44 made on 6th Oct 2017 16:35:03
The two stages of editing on my novel 'Not Too Old for Love: Grace's Turmoil' were quite straightforward, apart from a few differences of opinion on some words (The publishers are Canadian) and mostly minor grammatical stuff. The final version of the manuscript with my reaction to their suggestions and some small changes of my own were sent off over a month ago. But they seem to be swamped at the moment.

Once the final changes are agreed there's still the artwork to be designed and agreed so I'll consider myself lucky if it gets published by the end of November. If not then I suspect we are talking about January as the publisher doesn't publish any non-Christmas themed books in December.

One I have the release date, buy links, and cover artwork I'll be submitting a hard copy of it to Silver Surfers and hoping for a review.
Peter44
17th Apr 2017 12:50:40 (Last activity: 17th Apr 2017 15:41:29)
0
Thanks for voting!
I have written my own book 'Not Too Old for Love' and had it accepted for publication as an eBook. It should be published later this year. It is a romance/RomCom set in a retirement village and as such should be of interest to Silversurfers. The hero is 71 and the heroine 68.
Response from jeanmark made on 17th Apr 2017 15:41:29
Congratulations on having your book accepted.
[deleted]
27th Jan 2017 17:07:14 (Last activity: 27th Jan 2017 17:43:45)
0
Thanks for voting!
[deleted]
Response from Grey lady 13 made on 27th Jan 2017 17:43:45
Thanks for that. I'll take a look, but didn't want to self publish really.
Aqua
30th Sep 2015 08:53:56 (Last activity: 30th Sep 2015 10:01:22)
0
Thanks for voting!
I want to write a book....How? no clue! Help please?
Response from Silversurfers Editor Original Poster made on 30th Sep 2015 10:01:22
Hello Aqua .. this blog written by one of our members had some useful tips and links on how to self publish 🙂 https://www.silversurfers.com/members-blogs/write-book/
VictoriaTwead
24th Aug 2015 17:27:44 (Last activity: 22nd Sep 2015 02:01:33)
1
Thanks for voting!
Me! Me! Me! *shoots hand in the air* I've published a series of 5 memoirs, the first one being 'Chickens, Mules and Two Old Fools'. I have to pinch myself because I hit the New York Times bestseller list 3 times. Best tip, never rely on your own proofing skills (or friends & family), but pay for fresh eyes to look at your work. Oh gosh, if people are interested, I have OODLES of tips - I could post a new one every day... 🙂
Response from SuzeK made on 21st Sep 2015 17:46:11
Did you self publish? If so, how did you advertise and how did you make your way to the New York Times list? I have a self published book coming out this winter. I don't have advertising budget (or not much), so need to do whatever I can on my own. Tell me more!
Response from VictoriaTwead made on 22nd Sep 2015 02:01:33
Hi SuzeK - Yes, I self-published, with no advertising budget at all. It didn't all happen overnight but it has been an exciting ride, and hitting the NYT list was totally awesome. I have actually compiled a handbook about what worked for me, so if you'd like a free copy of my 'How to Write a Bestselling Memoir' which also covers promotion, message me or email me, or find me on Facebook. 🙂
SuzeK
21st Sep 2015 17:47:39
0
Thanks for voting!
Beware if you use any quotes-- there are some 'general/fair use' rules, but you may have to get permission for a lot of them, and it's very, very tedious and also can get costly. I didn't know this when I put my non-fiction book together and it does quote others...
scribbler
6th Aug 2015 16:30:01 (Last activity: 12th Aug 2015 11:43:11)
2
Thanks for voting!
I have just self-published my second novel, a slightly fictional version of a true story. The most important thing is to get your manuscript proofed. I did this with the first draft but then by the time I got to the final one I had made alterations and added 5,000 words. I checked it several times myself only to be told by friends who bought the book that there were a number of typos and even a wrong name. Result, the second edition has now replaced the original one.
Great reviews despite the mistakes with 4
& 5 stars. Already Lost and Found has outsold The Cost of Kindness.
Response from scribbler made on 12th Aug 2015 11:43:11
Did not mean to vote for myself. Thought I might find out who had gien me a thumbs up!

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