So, I have an idea for a book. What next?

What you MUST do OP is provide zero details and ask for an receive random advice from anonymous DLers who have so much PTSD they get the vapours at the mentions of uncut dick and rim jobs.

My first piece of advice is you must write on a stylish old Swiss manual typewriter.

Agent? Who needs that!

pee on your trick

Talk to your literary agent about it, and ask for advice.

Then submit your pitch document and try to get an advance.

Forget it. Nobody wants to read your stupid book.

Writing for Penthouse Forums is very different than writing a book, dear.

Did you mean 'I'm already out there in a print"?

Shut up and write it.

Just freaking write!

When it comes down to it, make an outline first. Decide how things progress, and decide how your main character is going to grow from beginning to end - if this is fiction. If this is nonfiction, then I'm no help.

Resources: Three books I can suggest. First is "Take Off Your Pants" by Libbie Hawker. This is probably the best book on outlining to write quick and accurately. Second is Natalie Goldberg's "Writing Down The Bones". It's a good book about writing, but it's mostly there to inspire you. Third is "Wired for Story" by Lisa Cron. This one gives you a good idea about what hooks a reader, which will help you with your writing. Additional suggestion - all three of these are available on audiobook. Listen to the audiobook instead of reading the books. Why? Because it engages a different part of your brain, and you're able to stop it and jot notes down, etc. You can also listen on your commute, etc, so you're doing something productive in what would otherwise be dead time.

For little things like book covers, editors, etc, use Fiverr. I've gotten some great services from there. The second book in my trilogy comes out in 2 weeks. :) Do it. Only you can tell your story!

So, I don’t know, OP. So, are you, like, a serious writer? That is so, like, super-amazing!!

So, write it, OP! You have, like, so much emotional intelligence and depth!

If your original post is anything to go by, you need to hire an editor!

Serialize it on DataLounge!

R10 = Cheryl

I work in publishing OP. Post your contact information and I’ll have a contract drawn up and sent to you first thing in the morning.

Lol r9

R8 that's amazing. Congratulations! Will you do reading tours or promote at literature festivals? The book I'm thinking of is non-fiction. Did you conceive of your books as a trilogy from the start?

Size meat verificatia?

Word on the street Carole, is you may need a ghost writer!

R14 Thanks! Nope, no book tours. I'm working 60 hours a week as is, and we just got a puppy, so no time anyway. But I'd like to do those one of these days. I'm going to try and get the third book written in the next four months, then release it in early 2020. Once that's done, I'll start to work on a new series, with occasional books in this series released when I get the time. The original book was meant as a standalone, but my subconscious knew it was going to be multiple books, because I left myself so many damned clues. Sometimes our brain knows more than it lets us know - we just have to watch for the signs.

As for non-fiction, I actually do have a non-fiction book out there (a book about becoming a road warrior/frequent traveler) that has nothing to do with my fiction book. In a way, I'd say those are harder to publish only because I have no clue about that world. And while the books I suggested won't be 100% relatable, they will still help you in a way.

Good luck!

NaNoWriMo is coming up. You can use that as a jumping off point.

Thank you r17. Good luck with your writing too!

Like you, I'm not a full time writer. I've only written when I've been asked to. This is the first time I'm coming up with a writing idea of my own. So I am uncertain how to proceed.

But I'll get to it. It's just been a few days. Comments are all very helpful here even the rude ones - they help me not to take myself too seriously!

Thanks y'all

Ask Ruth Madoff living on $2 million on Long Island, or whatever. I think he published a book.

You already have a published book that you apparently co-wrote and you have an idea for another and you are asking a bunch of people who haven't published anything, WHAT NEXT?

Well you turn the idea into a book, genius, but what do I know?

Sorry r21 I guess I should have directed my post at published writers.

I have an idea for a children’s book, but I need an illustrator. If you think you can draw, submit a drawing of what you think the Christmas Moose looks like, and we’ll go from there. You might want to include any of the following:

Moosie has a stuffed Eeyore that he talks to when he thinks no one is looking; he enjoys his collection of sashes; and treats his mother well. He is a dood dancer, Whist player, and enjoys peanuts, bourbon, and Jazz. He’s a good swimmer, breather, and eater. And he’s a citizen of Canada.

Go!

Hey, OP. I forgot to mention that the best tool in my arsenal is my coach. Met her on Fiverr.com and she's responsible for getting me out of my rut & motivated to finish. Definitely consider it.