Writing (courtesy @hashmil)
Some of you (especially the contributors) may be wondering the status of my book, Calling All Freelance Writers. It is moving forward, but it won’t be ready for publication until early next year. I just ask for your patience!!
Last week, I sat down and read all of the interviews in print form. I attempted to do it online, but I wanted it in front of me, in print.
I took notes in the margin for questions I have, ideas for the book, and comments to myself. Just by sitting down for a few hours and reading all those responses, I, myself, felt enlightened. So much valuable advice! 
Although I detected some common themes threaded throughout all of the interview responses, perspectives existed across the entire spectrum.
Writing the Book
I created an outline. I also began my first chapter and my last. There are some random thoughts that will end up in the middle somewhere. I know some left-brained people would shutter at the thought of that illogical order. But us right-brained writers don’t always think (or write) logically.
When the idea of this book first formed in my mind, I thought I would just compile all the interviews into one book and hit print. Since then, I decided I want to add my own perspectives and have other writers “back me up” with their own experiences. This creates a better flow, and produces more of book instead of just a compilation of interviews.
Since some of the responses were similar, it also didn’t make sense to just “cut and paste” the interviews. Instead, I want to pull out what I believe are the important and relevant messages.
All of the writers who will be in this book will have their full bio placed in the end of the book. By setting it up this way, instead of mixing the bios in with the book, it avoids disruption of the book. It also provides an easy reference for each writer’s bio.
Now for the bad news. . .
Some of the interview responses were detailed and verbose (the more, the better) and very helpful, and other responses were basically one or two word answers.
While I appreciate the inputs from each of you, some of the writers’ responses just did not provide enough substance to be included. I apologize, but I can’t squeeze water out of a rock.
I will be contacting a few of the writers for clarification, questions, or comments. I will also let the writers who I have excluded know, so they are not wondering what happened to their input. If these writers do want to add more, I would definitely welcome it, and keep them on the book’s free distribution list!
The Finishing Updates
Once the book is complete, I will obviously have to edit it, and get it published. I should probably not even think about editing and publishing until I get the book complete. But once again, creatives don’t always think in logical steps.
Editing
I am currently seeking professional editors for the book. A few editors have contacted me, but the more I have to choose from, the better.
The worst thing that can happen is I write the book, publish it, and find out there are typos and grammar mistakes! AHHH! I don’t plan on skipping that step, but my budget will also dictate when that will fit in.
Graphics
In between editing and publishing will be the design work. The good news is many of the self-publishing businesses include custom cover design in their packages. Therefore, this should not be too much of any issue unless I decide to go completely POD, by myself (doubtful).
Publishing
As far as publishers, I have a couple in mind. This will be a self-published book. This book is targeted to a small niche – freelance writers, so I am not interested in “traditional” publishing. (I am no Stephen King after all.) There will be an electronic (Kindle and Nook) version and paperback copy which I will sell on my own website and on CallingAllFreelanceWriters.com.
I read The Fine Print of Self-Publishing by Mark Levine (highly recommend if you are self-publishing) which has helped me a TON in choosing a publisher.
Thoughts on the Book
Between reading Linked In discussions, blog posts, and other media conversations, I realize this book is needed. Hopefully, it will open the eyes of writers who are struggling and think it is impossible to succeed.
This book makes no guarantees of success, but presents insight into the minds’ of successful writers. That should not only inspire writers, but give them hope that it can be done.
It is up to the writer on how to use that advice. It is ALWAYS up to the writer.
Related articles
- Calling All Freelance Writers (inspiredtowrite.com)
- Writing eBook
