How hard is it to get into writing a book, is there upfront expenses and things of that nature?
The best advice I can give you is that writing a book is a big investment of both your time, energy, and finances.
Let me clarify the finances part, you are going to have to spend money on writers conferences so you can not only learn how to write a book and a book proposal but get connected with literary agents. If you believe in your topic and believe you are the perfect person to speak on that topic then I encourage you to start.
If someone wanted to write about their journey of breaking free of those binds and how they came to healing, what should they do? What would be a starting point?
I agree that women dealing with pornography is a very important issue, but I would encourage you to broaden your book and talk about other addictions as well. Also, if a book is considered a niche market book, I would encourage you to self publish it first.
I think you should begin by writing down your story and then see if you have an entire book in you:)
I am a fiction writer, so my question is: Which is more marketable, fiction or nonfiction?
In my opinion nonfiction is more marketable. Think about how many authors you see doing interviews on TV and Radio talking about their book. I can guarantee you most of them are nonfiction authors.
Also, for me as an agent, if you're a fiction writer, it's not about how marketable you are, it's about how great your story is.
If Esther could tell us only one thing to do as new (read: unpublished) authors, what would it be?
My best advice is to write, write, write. Read great authors and glean from how they craft their writings. Go to writer's conferences and learn the ins and outs of the publishing industry. If you approach writing as a hobby, that's great. Enjoy the hobby.
But if you are serious about wanting to get published, you will have to approach it as serious as you would any other career pursuit.
Like I said before, it will be an investment of your time, energy, and finances.
How do you build a platform?
Start small but do each thing with great excellence. Don't start by trying to get a book published right out of the gate. Start by getting some articles published. I've known first time authors who've gotten book deals based on a great article. As a matter of fact this is how Lysa got her first book deal. She needs to share this story some time. It's a very motivating and encouraging story.
Also, with a platform build it with tools right in front of you... blog, twitter, facebook, etc. Build your network of contacts and people who are interested in following you. But remember, people have to see some sort of value in what you have to say. So, like I said at the start of this question... do each thing with excellence.
Why does an agent take so long and what are you looking for?
We're so busy it's hard to take time to look at new ideas from first time authors. But, I will eventually look at what I get. And I'll be totally honest here. You've got about 2-3 minutes to grab me. I'll give the title some grace if it's not that great. But please DO YOUR HOMEWORK and get me a proposal that's really worth reading.
Take your time. Research how to do a great proposal. Research the market. Go to bookstores and look at great books. Don't settle for your first draft or even your second.
Seriously, go after it with all your heart.
I have a stack of proposals sitting next to my desk right now. Some of them stand out so much, I want to make time to read them. Make me want you, your idea, and your book.
I'll answer more a little later. Right now, I have to make a healthy lunch for Lysa. She just can't settle for eating once a day.
The best advice I can give you is that writing a book is a big investment of both your time, energy, and finances.
Let me clarify the finances part, you are going to have to spend money on writers conferences so you can not only learn how to write a book and a book proposal but get connected with literary agents. If you believe in your topic and believe you are the perfect person to speak on that topic then I encourage you to start.
If someone wanted to write about their journey of breaking free of those binds and how they came to healing, what should they do? What would be a starting point?
I agree that women dealing with pornography is a very important issue, but I would encourage you to broaden your book and talk about other addictions as well. Also, if a book is considered a niche market book, I would encourage you to self publish it first.
I think you should begin by writing down your story and then see if you have an entire book in you:)
I am a fiction writer, so my question is: Which is more marketable, fiction or nonfiction?
In my opinion nonfiction is more marketable. Think about how many authors you see doing interviews on TV and Radio talking about their book. I can guarantee you most of them are nonfiction authors.
Also, for me as an agent, if you're a fiction writer, it's not about how marketable you are, it's about how great your story is.
If Esther could tell us only one thing to do as new (read: unpublished) authors, what would it be?
My best advice is to write, write, write. Read great authors and glean from how they craft their writings. Go to writer's conferences and learn the ins and outs of the publishing industry. If you approach writing as a hobby, that's great. Enjoy the hobby.
But if you are serious about wanting to get published, you will have to approach it as serious as you would any other career pursuit.
Like I said before, it will be an investment of your time, energy, and finances.
How do you build a platform?
Start small but do each thing with great excellence. Don't start by trying to get a book published right out of the gate. Start by getting some articles published. I've known first time authors who've gotten book deals based on a great article. As a matter of fact this is how Lysa got her first book deal. She needs to share this story some time. It's a very motivating and encouraging story.
Also, with a platform build it with tools right in front of you... blog, twitter, facebook, etc. Build your network of contacts and people who are interested in following you. But remember, people have to see some sort of value in what you have to say. So, like I said at the start of this question... do each thing with excellence.
Why does an agent take so long and what are you looking for?
We're so busy it's hard to take time to look at new ideas from first time authors. But, I will eventually look at what I get. And I'll be totally honest here. You've got about 2-3 minutes to grab me. I'll give the title some grace if it's not that great. But please DO YOUR HOMEWORK and get me a proposal that's really worth reading.
Take your time. Research how to do a great proposal. Research the market. Go to bookstores and look at great books. Don't settle for your first draft or even your second.
Seriously, go after it with all your heart.
I have a stack of proposals sitting next to my desk right now. Some of them stand out so much, I want to make time to read them. Make me want you, your idea, and your book.
I'll answer more a little later. Right now, I have to make a healthy lunch for Lysa. She just can't settle for eating once a day.
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