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Frequently Asked Questions
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I want to write a book.
Question: How do I start?
Answer: Most aspiring authors have a story they want to tell. So sit down and write it. As you write just tell your story. After you have your story told you can and will rewrite it many times to perfect it.
Question: Do I need any special training or degrees to write?
Answer: Very few authors get published and are successful without some type of training. The training may be on the job as an apprentice, in workshops both online and in person, taking formal writing classes, or by getting a degree in journalism, writing, communication or a related field. Google writing classes, writing workshops and different degree programs for specific programs. You can also search blogs for writing tips and teachers. There is lots of information on line. Also check locally for writers groups. They are invaluable.
Question: What are critique groups and can they help me?
Answer: Critique groups are a support and sharing group that can help you improve your writing. You learn as they critique your work and your critique theirs. It can take time to find a group that you are comfortable in and feel you benefit from, but keep looking. Critique groups can be in person or on line. Often they have specific rules about how to critique the work. They provide valuable learning experiences.
Question: Should I join a writers group like Romance Writers of America or Mystery Writers of America?
Answer: Yes, look for a local chapter. These organizations provide workshops, information exchanges, critique groups, and networking that are very useful to new authors. Go to the National website of your choice and search for the closest local chapter and visit a few times to get a feel for the group.
Question: Are there any other resources available to help me learn more about writing and publishing?
Answer: There are lots of sources of information if you search them out. Community Education classes on writing; blogs and newsletters by your favorite authors; resource pages on writing sites; magazines on writing like Writers' Digest; and of course sites like Stimulating Conversation about your book are sources of information, some free, some at a price.
I finished my book!
Question: I finished my book-now what?
Answer: First, congratulations! Now it's time to use all you have learned about writing to rewrite. Let people who have successfully published critique your work. Read your work out loud. Look for parts that are slow, confusing, or you stumble over, and re-write them.
Question: What do Book Doctors Do?
Answer: Book doctors and freelance editors can review your book for a price. They correct grammar and spelling. Some Book Doctors will read for the content of your story as well. These types of editors can be helpful, but you could also use a high school grammar teacher or a graduate student in English much cheaper.
Question: Do I need an Agent?
Answer: It all depends on the type of book you are trying to sell. Some publishers won't look at a manuscript without it going through an agent first. The agents have become screeners for many of the large traditional publishing houses. But in truth you don't need an agent or an editor. Today there are many ways to publish where you are in control and your story gets told faster. Check our Resources page for specific sites to consider for publishing your masterpiece.
Question: What is the reading fee that agents ask for?
Answer: A person or group to stay away from. Anyone who charges you a reading fee is making money at your expense. Always check out any agent you consider using on Preditors & Editors at http://anotherealm.com/prededitors. This site offers a large amount of information for authors and artists.
Question: What is Print-On-Demand?
Answer: Print-On-Demand are publishers that keep digital copies of your books and print the books as they are ordered. Some of them will create ebooks and format for hand-held readers, like Kindle. The authors often can set the price of their books within parameters. There are fees for these services but the royalties are much higher percentages than traditional publishers.
Question: What are small presses?
Answer: Small press are publishers that handle limited numbers of books a year. Both small and medium size presses are good options for getting first time authors published. They frequently pay higher royalties but have little or no marketing moneys.
Question: How do I market my book?
Answer: Marketing yourself and your book requires learning several skills or hiring someone who has the skills you need. Marketing to be effective must get people talking about your book. Stimulating Conversation about your book is a strategic marketing company focused on authors and books.
How can Stimulating Conversation about your book help me?
Question: How can Stimulating Conversation help me?
Answer: Stimulating Conversation will help you evaluate your goals and refine your vision. We then offer services to help you meet these goals. You choose what services you want to use. The team at Stimulating Conversation is here to help you develop your vision. You can also use our Authors Tool Kit and follow the step by step guidelines, and subscribe to our blog. The blog has tons of useful content to help you on your journey to stimulate conversation about your book.