I read an interesting article at The Outline that starts off by demolishing two diehard myths:
1. Everyone has a book in them.
2. Any story can be turned into a book.
We have to keep in mind, though, that there are two very different publishing models or paths.
LET’S GO OVER MYTH #1
Everyone has a book in them.
The author of the article, literary agent Kate McKean, explained that just because you may have an interesting story that your family and friends love, it doesn’t mean an agent or publishing house will want to take the time and money to turn it into a book. It doesn’t mean that anyone outside your personal realm will pay money to buy the book.
But what if people you know tell you that your story is book-worthy?
Even in this scenario, those people are most likely not professionals in the book industry. A lot goes into creating a published book. And “those well-meaning and supportive people rarely know how a story becomes printed words on a page.” (1)
A look at the self-publishing side.
According to a NY Times article, “81 percent of Americans feel they have a book in them — and that they should write it.” (2)
The author of that article notes, “I wonder if the reason so many people think they can write a book is that so many third-rate books are published nowadays.”
This third-rate philosophy makes creating a book seem easy.
Yes, self-publishing has given those people who want to write a book the opportunity to do so, but should those books be written? Will the finished product be a book that adds value and quality to the self-publishing arena and to the reader?
Unfortunately, in a lot of instances, this isn’t the case.
LET’S GO OVER MYTH #2
Can any story be turned into a book?
This depends on your publishing path and whether you believe quality matters?
Good writers can usually take any story or topic and weave their magic to turn it into an engaging and publishable book. But, these writers have taken the time to learn their craft; they’re professionals.
According to McKean, “Writing a book that people will pay money for or take a trip to the library to read requires an awareness few storytellers have.”
Along with this, while writing itself is a solitary thing, creating the book for others to read isn’t. When writing, you need to have your reader in mind.
Let’s think of it from another viewpoint. Writing a book can be like hosting a dinner party. You cook in the hopes that your guests will love the meal. If you take the time and effort to cook a good meal, chances are your guests will enjoy it and even ask for more.
If you don’t follow a recipe, use inferior ingredients, don’t cook it long enough, and so on, chances are your guests won’t enjoy it. In fact, they may be annoyed that you’d serve them something so awful. In this case, do you think they’d ever come back for another of your dinner parties?
Now, back to the original question: Should you really write that book?
With traditional publishing, you have a buffer. Agents and publishers are the gatekeepers. They ensure value and quality. They decide if your story will sell. While books are considered art, they are also considered a business. The traditional publishing system needs readers to buy those books for them to make a profit.
So, if you have a story you believe in and take the time to create a polished manuscript, then certainly submit it to publishers. They will let you know if it’s book-worthy.
In the self-publishing realm, it’s another ‘story.’ It’s a free-for-all. Any story can be turned into a book. But should it?
Whether or not to self-publish is a matter of conscience. If you’ve done it right and created a good story, go for it. However, you will also need a professional book design and cover. And if you’re writing a children’s picture book, invest in quality illustrations.
Summing it Up
No matter which publishing path you take, let your answer to the title question be yes because you started with a sound story idea and intend to create a quality book.
References:
(1) https://theoutline.com/post/5541/unconventional-wisdom-you-should-not-write-a-book
(2) https://www.nytimes.com/2002/09/28/opinion/think-you-have-a-book-in-you-think-again.html
I’m a working children’s ghostwriter, rewriter, editor, and coach. I can help turn your story into a book you’ll be proud to be the author of, one that’s publishable and marketable.
OTHER HELP I OFFER:
HOW TO WRITE A CHILDREN’S FICTION BOOK
A DIY book to help you write your own children’s book.
PICTURE BOOK, CHAPTER BOOK, MIDDLE GRADE COACHING
Four to twelve-week coaching programs.
WRITERS ON THE MOVE SELF-PUBLISHING HELP
Self-publishing help for children’s authors.
You can contact me at: kcioffiventrice@gmail.com. Or give me a call at 347—834—6700. (Please leave a message- I’ll get back to you as soon as I can.)
Creating Story Characters – Avoid These Common Mistakes
The Secret of Getting Ahead in Your Writing
The Cost of a Picture Book
1 thought on “Should You Really Write That Book?”