Everybody at some point in their lives wants to write a book. Because we all feel we have a story to tell that may be of interest to everyone, or, we want to make a lot of money having a best seller.
Usually....that's not gonna happen.
BUT.................
Here's what I learned after writing three books. Hope it helps ya.
Write about what you have a passion about. You'll enjoy writing much more.
Don't write thinking you're going to have a best seller. Write thinking that IF you DO have a best seller.......WOW!
Give up on sending your manuscript to ANY mainstream publisher. They're all idiots and want a sure thing which is why they cater to well known writers or celebrities or someone with an inside connection.
Self publish your book from anywhere between $800 and $1,200 depending on who you chose to print your book and the number of pages and photos. (I chose Amazon's "Create Space" because they are affordable, work with you all the way, design your cover based on what YOU want, promote your book for free on Amazon and are just great people to work with)
DO NOT be scammed by any company that promises you to publish your book for zip and asks you to sign a contract unless they are a very well known established publisher. Beware, for one, "American Star Books."
Finally, historic events, autobiographies of personalities, and expose's sell the best.
Examples. My first book. "I Could Have Been Famous But Sex, Love and Life Got In The Way" (my personal autobiography of my years in radio broadcasting was rewarding to write but a non seller) Nice to have for my family however. And my ego.
My second book, a mystery novel, "The Covert Chamber" was a huge disaster. I went with that publisher (mentioned above) that promised to publish my book for zip, then they priced it so high nobody in their right mind would buy it, plus, they, to this day, want to promote my book......for a fee of course.
My last book, "Forgotten" was a success. I went with "Create Space" again, priced it at a reasonable price and because it was a documented story of a real life event that took place, the interest and sales were great. It's still selling today after a year.
AND.......it was my most enjoyable effort as I researched the story for a year, spoke to a lot of people involved in the story, recorded hours of interviews (recording is a must) and to this day still make live presentations at various venues speaking about my book and the story.
So, there ya have it. Some tips that may or may not be of use to you.
Tread carefully.
Tifsim