Thread: getting published

Is there any point trying to write a non-fiction about about your own experiences, if you are an unknown writer and not famous? I recently read Marley & Me which inspired me to write about the journey of pregnancy through a father's view (which I experienced last year). I know it doesnt sound riveting but I'm thinking I'm not going to have a hope in hell of getting it published because I'm just a random person!

Any thoughts? Thanks

I'm a fiction writer, but even in nonfiction, you need a hook. Something that makes your experience as an expectant father stand out enough for an agent or publisher to want it. A title that will make a buyer in a book store pick up your book and glance at it. A great opening that sets the hook and makes him/her decide to buy it.
You might want to try self-publishing. For fiction, I never recommend that, but if you just want to see your thoughts in print and get a few copies out there, it's worth it - maybe.
Traditional publishing is a bitch. But if you've taken the time to write it, why not take the time to submit it ?

Hope that helps,

JohnB

Lots of instances of unknown authors writing non-fiction memoirs and receiving fame and success. John's probably right that you need some kind of hook, though, like a dying old man giving all his sage wisdom or a son with a terminal disease, but a book from the father's perspective during pregnancy seems like it could be quite appealing to the right market.

Jem,

If it was a great, exciting experience, write it. Don't think "I'll write it if I can get it published."

If it isn't worth writing for its own sake, it won't be worth reading for anyone else.

I went through the experience 20 years ago. She almost died, and I had to watch while they put her on a helicopter. Then I had to drive 3 hours to the medical center. That was riveting. I could still tell it in all its agonizing glory today.

I often thought about writing about my experiences (and there have been quite a few) with the Brits (British Army) IRA and the police in my hometown. Never really got around to doing it, though. But, as Jim has said, if it isn't worth writing for the satisfaction of knowing you've written it, then it really won't be worth reading. Write it first (without the objective of getting published) and then try to get it published. If it's interesting enough, some publishers might be interested.

Sam.

If it's well written and enjoyable or interesting to read, there's a chance. If not, much less of a chance.

Thing is, at this point in time for the first time in history ANYBODY can be published. You go do lulu.com and boom,you're published.