Memoir Writing - Nine Tips on How to Publish Your Own Book

So you have finished your memoir or are nearing its completion, congratulations!

Now, your task is to prepare for the distribution of your book. As you begin this process, there are several questions to answer and also some important factors to consider.

1) Do you want to reach a larger audience than family and friends? If so, a "real book" will be necessary. For some books, a simple binding such as a three-ring bender or other store-bought binding will be adequate. For a more widely distributed book, a more professional binding will be required.

2) Inquire locally about printing, photocopy and binding options. Request estimates also from large, regional book printing firms.

3) Read several books on self-publishing to familiarize yourself with the work that goes into preparing and printing a book. Whether you act as your own publishing contractor or hire a professional, knowledge is power!

4) Make a preliminary budget (both of time and money) you can/want to invest in this project. This will help you determine the scope of your publication and your book's distribution.

5) Who should read your memoir? Every story has a natural audience just waiting to know it exists. Who is yours? Identifying your audience--weather it be your family, community, or the whole nation--will help you determine how much marketing is required for your book.

6) Make a list of every individual you know who should buy your book. (That's your pre-publication mailing list!)

7) What community groups will celebrate your accomplishment (perhaps even want to plan a publication party!) and be thrilled to make your book known and available to their members?

8) Establish a preliminary timeline. Is there an anniversary, family reunion, convention or holiday in the next three to five months that is your obvious publication date? (Of course, you may need to readjust as you go.)

9) Have your manuscript edited and proofread so that it is truly as good as it can be. Many new authors are so eager to finish their projects that they short-sightedly omit working with an editor--a final chance to be sure that the text conveys all the meaning you intend. A good editor will not alter your voice. Rather, he will ensure that you communicate clearly in that voice and will find discrepancies you can't see any more.

If you answer these questions in your favor and heed this advice, you will be well on your way to holding your finished book!

Good luck publishing!

About this Author

For your FREE 36-page Memory List Question Book, go to http://turningmemories.com/qebkstore.html Becoming a better writer requires knowledge, but knowledge is not enough. Know how must be reinforced with practice. Tele-classes provide knowledge backed up by week after week of practice with feedback.

You can make significant progress with a Soleil Lifestory Network tele-class--from the comfort of your own home! How easy can it get? http://www.turningmemories.com/memoirteleclasses.html For a free assessment of your writing level, call 207-353-5454

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