write a book

I sent my manuscript to a Christian publishing company called Strang. I even did research at Borders to make sure they were legit. I heard back from them a few weeks ago. They’re offering to “co-publish” my book, meaning we split the publishing tab, thereby minimizing their risk of going with an unknown author (me). This was the only company I sent my manuscript. Some writers try for years to get a publishing offer; I got one on the first try. The problem: I don’t have thousands of dollars to put up for my half of the deal. Is this a usual practice? Do I take out a loan? Should I try another company? If Strang wants my book, then maybe other companies do, too. Maybe there’s a way I can do this without investing my own cash. I’ve already invested plenty of time. Thoughts, please?

I’ve spent the entire weekend on my laptop, working on this book idea I have. Here’s what I’ve realized: The only thing that separates the authors from the wannabe authors is time. Writing takes time. It’s not fun turning off the TV and turning down invitations to spend time with your computer, but if you want to write a book, this is how it’s done. Today I went to the library and stared at all the thousands of books. Each one of those authors took time to be alone, write, get frustrated, write some more, and keep on writing. If they can do it, then so can I. And so can you!

That said, part of me wants to be watching reruns of “America’s Next Top Model” right now, or checking the “Grey’s Anatomy” message board. Another part of me knows I need to do the practical things I’ve been putting off: wash my hair, clean the kitchen, get my tires rotated. But I think this is better in the end. Okay, I’m signing off to go write now.

Recently, a family friend asked me to help him write a book about the Civil Rights Movement. He’s already done most of the research; he just needs help putting it all together. Talk about getting a head start!

I’ll e-mail him today to see if we can speed up the process. Can we have the book to press by, say, Saturday?