We talk every once in a while in this column about research. I often meet authors who claim they did tons of research during the writing of their nonfiction book or novel. However, when it comes to finding a publisher, an agent, a printer, a publicist or book review opportunities, for example, they are at a loss as to how to proceed.
Authors come to me with all sorts of questions that may take me a scant few minutes to answer. Sure, I have the advantage of knowing where to look, in some cases, or who to ask. But very often, I simply do an Internet search to locate directories of publishers for young adult books, a couple of magazines that publish vampire stories, an editor who lives in the northwest, a couple of writers’ conferences in Arizona, etc.
When I get questions like these from authors who have written books that require careful and diligent research, I begin to doubt the validity of their material. Did they actually do a thorough enough check on each battle they describe in their historical novel? Or did they use one source—an obscure book they found in a used bookstore or in their grandfather’s library? Did they use a style manual to determine whether certain titles should be capitalized and when? Did they reference the latest material when compiling their nonfiction book? Did they use several references for fact-checking?
If the author was thorough in researching his book, he should be skilled at determining which pay-to-publish companies have the fewest complaints lodged against them, locating speaking opportunities for promoting the book, connecting with other authors of similar books and so forth.
I can only guess that some authors look at the research necessary during the writing of a novel or nonfiction book in an entirely different light than they do other types of research. And that’s a shame. Research should be viewed as research—the exploration into facts and data related to a particular topic. The topic might be the earliest use of thimbles for sewing and include the types of material used in making thimbles over the years, whether thimbles are still being used and by whom, etc. You might be writing about dog grooming and need to research the different types of dog fur and the various grooming tools needed for each. Or you may need to learn something about gardening in Alaska for a chapter in your book. And most authors seem to be able to handle this type of research.
So why do they fall short or lose confidence when they need to find someone to design their book cover, they want to connect with a book shepherd or they want to know the basics of establishing their own publishing company?
Perhaps the answer to this question relates to the magnitude and scope of today’s publishing industry. It is so vast and complex that authors don’t know where to turn—which avenue to take. A simple search for publishers, for example, produces so many choices it can become quite overwhelming for the author. And, in fact, contacting someone like me to ask about a publisher for a certain type of manuscript, is a form of research.
Still, I urge and encourage authors and other writers to hone their research skills and actively use them when they have a question about some aspect of publishing or want to connect with someone to help them with editing, cover design, book promotion, etc.
Successful Book Event
SPAWN had a booth at the Ventura County Book and Author Fair yesterday in Camarillo. It was a most successful event. While I spoke with other authors who did not sell many (or any) books, I had a great bookselling day. I talked to dozens of new and hopeful authors about SPAWN (Small Publishers, Artists and Writers Network). Several signed up for our free enewsletter. http://www.spawn.org We got one new member! And I have quite a list of sign-ups for a free manuscript evaluation. I especially enjoyed seeing and chatting with old friends, clients and colleagues. And I was able to collect information for a few authors who have been searching for specific services and connections. Networking! It’s part of researching, after all.
My newest book, Promote Your Book, Over 250 Proven, Low-Cost Tips and Techniques for the Enterprising Author was a big hit. I sold out of copies. Authors and hopeful authors are recognizing the value in this book and many of them are purchasing it early—before they start the process of book promotion—so they can adequately prepare.
Order yours copy of Promote Your Book NOW at amazon.com or here: http://www.matilijapress.com/PromoteYourBook.html (Caps in the title are necessary.)