From the idea to the book

How does an idea become a book?

One thing is certain: the idea has to be up to scratch, because it has to withstand a lot: Changes, doubts, criticism, stress, loss of motivation. Whether an idea becomes a book depends first and foremost on the idea itself. Is it good enough to keep us on our toes? Because the road to the book in hand is a long one.

During this workshop hour, I would like to take you on a fast-paced journey: On the journey from idea to book. We’ll talk about how to get started writing, what makes a good manuscript, the ways you can then publish it, and the pros and cons of each. We’ll talk about what pitches, synopses, and readings are and what they’re all about. And you’ll notice that it doesn’t end there. The external and internal “sprucing up” (also called cover design and editing) will be discussed, as well as the question of the right publication date. And when it’s almost time – the book is already within reach – the question of distribution channels (bookstore vs. Amazon, ebook vs. print) and promotion (merchandise, networking and readings) will come up.

Being a hybrid author myself (agency and publisher, but also self-publishing and small publisher), I can give you a good idea of the different options available today, with their advantages and disadvantages.