Thursday, September 29, 2011

on writing a book

Over a year ago, I started writing a book.
It's a book about my experience triumphing over divorce.

Some friends and family are currently reading the manuscript and giving me their feedback.
I'm inching closer and closer to having a finished version ready for an editor.
But first I have to find an awesome editor.
How does one go about doing that, anyways?

Sometimes I wonder if my book will ever really be finished. 
Or if anyone will want to publish it. 
And then what if no one reads it? 

I would like to see it published. I really would.
I imagine it'd feel wonderful to be able to hold the finished product in my hands and know that it's all mine. 

But I think it would be OK if no one read it. 
Because it would still be finished, and it would still be mine.
And that would be enough.

39 comments:

L!$@ said...

Wow, good luck getting it edited and published :D I'd give it a read if you did :D

Salonie said...

That is so amazing!
It's a long-term goal of mine to get a novel published.
Seeing your name up there in a bookshelf must be such a great feeling!

Congratulations!

Salonie
(http://salonie-m.blogspot.com)

Athena said...

Good luck on your book!

http://etiquetteforstyle.blogspot.com

annton said...

Sam, I am pretty sure people will love it! Look at how many are interested in reading your blog already, the book will not be any different.

Maggie said...

I am in awe that you're writing a book! That's so amazing. I wish I knew an editor to recommend or that I was the type of person that could just make a phone call and make something happen:) Sadly, not the case. But I still hope you find a great one.

So awesome. Can't wait to hear about the rest of this journey!

Chelle Lynn said...

I think that anyone who has had the motivation and determination to write a book has already accomplished great things, whether or not the book gets published! All the best luck to you!!

Rae said...

I just love the way you write your posts. I know your book would be just as great. xo, rv

http://aneclecticheap.blogspot.com/

Unknown said...

you go, girl! that's amazing.

good for you.

cheers.

lauren jean allece said...

I would absolutely read your book Sam... I am not in the middle of a divorce, but rather a crushing breakup and even just reading your blog gives me the hope to know that LOVE is still real and God has someone else in mind for me. (Thank you for that, by the way)

Keep us posted on it! (also, gorgeous photo!)

Dana Fox said...

good luck with it :)
my good friend is going through this right now actually. her book is through being edited and will be published shortly and out in Chapters! pretty exciting :)
xox dana
thewonderforest.com

Jeanni said...

Before you try to send the book to editors you should find a literary agent. Very few publishers take unsolicited manuscripts. Try Agent Query here: http://agentquery.com/writer_or.aspx and then check out Query Shark and write a good query letter. Good luck!

Tara @ Beautiful Blendings said...

That's so wonderful! I am actually in the exact same place right now except that I wrote a children's series.

Here's what I know and can share: I was told by the editor-in-chief of a great magazine that the best way to go about getting published is to first find an agent. They work as your liaison and not only that; sometimes it's the only way to get your manuscript read by an editor. Also they will make sure you get through the entire process and don't miss any steps OR get taken advantage of.
And yes, just like a lawyer, they require a fee but it's worth the $ in the end to have someone on your side who knows everything you don't and has the better connections.

GOOD LUCK and I hope it goes great for you as I'm sure it really will!

Cara said...

I admire your courage at writing a book about your divorce. I myself have contemplated on writing about my experiences on divorce and being a mormon. It's hard. There are so many people that would benefit from reading what you went through. Keep at it :)

charla beth said...

"...it would still be mine.
And that would be enough."

you are so sweet. your posts are always captivating and i'm sure your book would be the same...

good luck on getting published!

Andrea Stevenson said...

Not going to lie, but I am very very excited for your finished book

Rachel Sayumi Porter said...

Good luck! I bet it will be amazing!

you inspire me.

xo
rachelsayumi.blogspot.com

JW | PEONY said...

How exciting! I bet you're feeling really accomplished. Even if no one reads it {which I doubt will be the case} it'll feel so good to know you did it allll!

Desarée said...

I wish I knew anything about finding an editor and publisher. I don't. I do know that I would read that book. Stunning photo of you too!

Jenna said...

I can think of at least 1259 people who will read it, myself included! :)

ellen said...

Good for you. I'd like to read it. I bet you'll find a publisher.

Young and Fabulous said...

this is SO exciting! I cant wait to read it (Can i read it?!?!) haha after it hits all the majah book stores ;-)

i think thats so awesome. I've sat down to write a book a few times but dont know what interests people. I feel like nothing in my life has happened that would make people interested!

you are such a strong woman! I cant wait to hear when it happens!

xoxox

Mikelle Jade said...

OH NY HECK you are beautiful. seriously, you model, you!

I would read anything you write... and it looks like there are 1258 people who feel the same way as I!

Kayla said...

I want to read it! Every time you post about it I get excited because I can't wait for you to publish it so that I can go out and buy it. Keep on keeping on! :)

To The Stars said...

1. I can't wait to read your book. 2. You look gorgeous in this picture! 3. I can't stop thinking of you...in a very non-creepy-or-stalkerish kind of way. Go Sam!

Ashley said...

this book completely intrigues me.

writing it in the first place is more than half the battle, i'm sure getting it published will be the easier part. good luck!

Quark

Caitlin said...

Good luck Sam! I've thought of writing a book before :)

I know another blogger who's writing a book and working on geting it published, she seems to have a good idea of what goes into the process. You should check her out - http://thejoyfulsparrow.blogspot.com/

Little Tranquility said...

i will read it! send it my way!

i'd love to write a book. i used to have such a passion for writing, but it seems to have slipped away. i don't know why.

maybe i'll write something tonight. you've inspired me!

p.s. i totally thought your blog link said "loveamanda" - i got all giggly for a second. ;)

Emma Frances said...

I would love to read your book. So I really hope you do get it published!! :)

CinnamonInk said...

You are amazing! I have only read your blog a little while, but I'm so impressed by your ambition and go for it attitude! I remember feeling that way about my art... maybe no one will buy it, but I did it and it's mine so I'm proud to get it out there! Luckily they did buy :) and I'm sure you will sell lots of books! I'd love to read it!

-Kate

candace said...

I think you should ask Kate Fin about getting an editor. A lot of publishers have their own editors...so sometimes it's about getting a publisher first. Did you know Becca does freelance editing? I bet she could help, or maybe help find someone who can. I'd be happy to take a stab at it, if you like. But I am more of a macro editor (look at big-picture ideas, transitions, etc.) than micro (punctuation, sentence structure).

Natalie {Parade of the Day} said...

That sounds like a great book that could help a lot of people who are going through what you went through. My sister just got divorced a month ago, they were only married for a year and a half but it is still hard on her. I would buy her your book if it was in print!

Unknown said...

I would buy it, no doubt. and i LOVE your outfit in this photos. adorable necklace.

Ashlee said...

This post was really amazing. I would certainly read anything you put out there, but sometimes personal accomplishment is enough. Knowing that you did it and it's all for you is an amazing feeling. I commend you for taking on such a large task and I hope you do get a publisher! <3

Evi Figgat said...

I will buy your book in a heartbeat!!

PS if you're looking for anymore free editors, I'm an English major and am taking an editing class/trying to build my portfolio. I would love to help if you need it.

Good luck finding a publisher, I'll keep my eyes open if I find any good ones. :)

Anonymous said...

Well, let me just say that since you've never published a book, you should try to get your manuscript perfect first, then look for a literary agent IF you want to go that route. If you want to Indie Publish (considering how popular your blog is, I might suggest this route!) then there's plenty of software that will let you do that - Kindle and Nook, and Createspace are good places to start looking.

I think that you could do well independently, without sharing much of your profits with an cut throat publisher.

Writing is the easy part. Publishing is the complicated part considering how many choices there are for today's writer.

Anonymous said...

I am an editor and would be happy to edit your book for you!

mathistown said...

First off, AMAZING picture. Second, I love that you're writing a book about something hard. I hope you really do get it published and that I can read it someday. :)

Madeleine said...

Hi there! Thought I'd provide a little insight for you -- I actually work in publishing at Zondervan publications (#1 Bible retailer in the US) in Grand Rapids, Michigan. In terms of finding an editor, what you need first is a literary agent. Many publishing houses (mine included) don't take unsolicited manuscripts. That said, finding an agent is the way to go. Best of luck!

-Madeleine

Rachael said...

Keep writing your book no matter what.
Sometimes I get ideas in my head for a story, but I'm always too lazy to write anything.
Props to you for actually getting the words down!