Just curious if anyone here has done so, or known anyone to do so. I've been thinking of undertaking just such a project lately, but I've never done it, am not sure of the process, etc etc... I'm not setting out with this to "get published" or make a sack full of loot, more of a personal project to write about and document the history of my Uncle Joe Petrali. For anyone curious, Joe Petrali was one of the greatest motorcycle racers in American history, going undefeated one year, setting the land speed record on Daytona Beach.... He's in the moto Hall of Fame, and also held AMA card #1. I won't bore you all here, lot's of info out in interweb land... The history of our family, roots, all that shit, has become more of a priority to me as I get older. Just something I'm wanting to explore and learn about...especially as so many more of the older members are dying out and taking their stories and memories with them. So that lead me to Uncle Joe. Same thing there....the older generations that may have first hand accounts are disappearing, and I also thought it may be something cool to do to highlight his accomplishments in one singular source....as opposed to the odd paragraph mentions in random Harley books. I don't know....just the thought of an actual "book" seems cool, instead of just some hokey random collection of old family photos, and odd stuff that's already been published on him. I've written before, so I've got experience on that front. Just never in a formal sort of presentation like a book...../ So beeb......anyone? Bueller? Thoughts, ideas, suggestions? Pointers to get started?
Step One: Start Writing Step Two comes after that. If it's your first book, just get it down and worry about the marketing later. Heck, you can always self-publish. -jim
Yeah for sure! I wasn't even thinking the end product/publishing yet....just more on the fundamentals of book writing...lol....if that makes sense.... But I agree with ya, just need to start getting stuff put together and go from there.
I still have a shitty manuscript laying in a box somewhere that I wrote a few years ago. Every once in a while I think about editing it and sending it off somewhere but I doubt that will happen. It sucks.
You'll want to assemble facts, research and interviews before you'll be able to gauge the focus of your book. Start with an outline and decide on your focus, since this would be a biography. Keep in mind that it will develop itself as you write and do research. Use an editor or editors.
Bruce Wilkins here on the BBS has a couple out (I encourage you to buy copies). The Punisher has a few out as well and they're pretty kick ass.
I believe you'll find that the author of The Count of Cape Hatteras and its sequel is a poster hear. Corolla Dude IIRC.
My dad has written a couple of text books for college students that were published. I'll ask him how he got the process started and let ya know!