Is this something you’ve heard from friends, colleagues, family members? Probably it’s because these people believe you’ve lived an interesting life and they’d like to see you document it or share it.
Some of you have written or are writing your memoir, but you might be doing it for all of the wrong reasons. I’ve worked with many memoir writers. A large number of them never made it into print. Most of those who did, sold very few books. Their books were not well received. And that was mainly because they and their books were not well known. Those authors who did well kept their audience in mind while writing, they understood their responsibility to promote their books, and they took it upon themselves to strengthen the skills and obtain the tools they needed to do so. Before setting out to become the next Frank McCourt or Anne Frank, consider this:
- Memoirs by ordinary people with ordinary stories rarely do well.
- Great—I mean great—writing can sometimes trump this fact.
- Publishing is a business and must be approached as such.
Here’s what I want you to consider if you yearn to write a memoir. If you aren’t a seasoned writer and/or you’ve never written a book or story in the style of the book you wish to write, get help.
- Read dozens and dozens of books like the one you want to write.
- Solicit feedback from good editors and avid readers early on. Let professionals and other savvy people guide you toward a more successful experience.
- Read books on memoir writing and take workshops and classes.
- Study the publishing industry so you understand the business side of producing and promoting a memoir.
One book you should read right off the bat is Propose Your Book, How to Craft Persuasive Proposals for Nonfiction, Fiction, and Children’s Books.
If you borrow the book from your library or a friend, at least read the first 50 pages so you understand more about publishing and the value in preparing a book proposal before you ever put pen to paper or fingers to keyboard. Then read the chapter on preparing a book proposal for your memoir—pages 107-120.
http://www.amazon.com/Propose-Your-Book-Persuasive-Nonfiction/dp/1621534677
http://www.allworth.com/book/?GCOI=58115104137700