Getting Your Story Out There

Your reasons for writing a memoir influence your publication options. Every memoir writer is writing for a reason, and usually a passionate one.

John wanted to write his memoir for his grandchildren. Rosalie’s daughter had begged for years for her mother’s memories. “I need to know where I came from,” she demanded. “That will make me into a whole person.” Both John and Rosalie were happy to take their memoirs to the local stationary store to print and bind them.

Chris, on the other hand, felt it imperative to professionally publish and market his book. When he was forty-five, he fell while rock climbing. His left hand remained paralyzed, and he had to walk with a cane. The vivid story of his recovery and acceptance of his handicap would inspire others in the same situation. Ellen felt the same. She was sexually abused by an older brother from the ages of four to twelve.

She told me, “It’s time we women spoke out!”

Writing a memoir to examine yourself more closely and reflect on life’s purpose is as good a reason as any.

Deciding whether to publish a print (hard copy) book, a Kindle e-book, or both depends on your goals. When giving presentations or teaching, it’s a good idea to have a stack of paperbacks to sell to participants or students. If you are writing this book for your grandchildren or relatives, ask them what they would prefer. Bear in mind that fewer people are going for printed books due to the proliferation of Ipads, notebooks, and cell phones. You may also decide to include some hardcover or picture books, although they are more expensive to publish.

Bear in mind that producing Kindle books save trees by reducing paper.

There is little to equal the thrill of receiving my book proof from the publisher. Reverently, I open the package. I stroke my hands over the silky cover as though the book were a beloved pet — which, in a way, it is!

After you receive the proof, there is still another round or two of editing to be done. And don’t be upset if once you have ordered your books, there are usually one or two mistakes — it happens to all of us!

Before the Internet, the only way a writer could get their book in front of readers was to send a query letter and book proposal to an agent or publisher. With the development of online marketplaces like Amazon, the publishing process has changed. You can distribute your book to everyone, regardless of what a traditional publishing house might think of it.

Go to www.shoshanakobrin.net for upcoming writing workshops