Find the Right Help for Your Book

A few weeks ago, C. responded to one of my weekly emails saying

I want to know how to find people to help me with everything I need — writing, publishing, finding reputable publishing houses, editing . . .

And she’s not alone!

So often, I can tell that my services are not right for y’all just based on what you say when you contact me. That’s why I’m going to break down what different folks do in the publishing world, so hopefully you know who to work with next.

The first question to ask yourself is — do you want to write fiction or nonfiction?

Fiction is made-up.

Novels, stories, children’s books, books for young adults — all fiction. I don’t work on fiction, so you should unsubscribe and find an independent editor FIRST before querying agents. Independent editors vary a lot in terms of experience, quality and price but in general — you get what you pay for. Look for positive testimonials and past experience with publishing (either as an editor or as a successful author).

Nonfiction is true, or based in truth.

There are two broad categories within nonfiction — narrative and prescriptive.

Narrative nonfiction is story-based and you guessed it — narrative.