Writing Books

[mininik]

Before I start I'm going to say there is absolutely no way, no how I'll tell what I'm writing about but both books will cover minis, ponies and "big horses" in ways that should be of interest to most horse lovers.

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That said, I'm looking for some advice, preferably from those who have tried or are trying to get their work published or who have work that has been published. Anything you can tell me would be appreciated, especially if your work was a book and had to do with critters. From what I've read so far, this isn't going to be easy. My books will be nonfiction and as such will need to rely heavily on information and pictures gathered from sources such as other books, magazines, associations and individuals. Information on dealing with copyrights and knowing how to give credit where credit is due will be important to my success. These two projects are going to take a lot of time and research to complete but I am already excited about the possibilities...

 

[Miniv]

Two Forum members that may be of some help to you are Jenn and Marty. There are probably others on here too.

MA

 

[mininik]

Great idea, MA. Thanks!

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Anyone else?

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[lyn_j]

[SIZE=14pt]I have written two books. Where's My Socks which is about a boy with RP. and Esther Finds The Way. I had them published thru Booksurge.com. They are available on Amazon.com. Socks was illustrated by a friends daughter and Esthers book has photographs .[/SIZE]

Lyn

 

[kaykay]

there have recently been a lot of books published about minis/ponies so i would be sure and check out smallhorsepress.com to make sure you are writing something different. Only because that will make your book more successful if its not something thats already been written about etc.

 

[mininik]

LYN - I looked up your books on Amazon and they look neat! Thank you for recommending booksurge.com, I'll be sure to check it out.

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Kaykay - Thanks for the tip!

I looked at Small Horse Press, Amazon and did a broad search on Google but I've found no books that cover what I want to write about. The topics I've chosen have been covered here and there incompletely in articles and such but not in the scope of a book devoted to just these topics (which won't be about just minis or ponies, but rather ALL horses). One of the books will be aimed at making readers feel good and the other will be more educational. Both should be eye-opening and inspirational... IF I can write them well.

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[Loren&Rocky]

I have a fantasy fiction book published right now. It is called Unicorn Sisters. It is self published adn print on demand, although I have some copies to sell and sign. I used Author house publishing and will not use them again. They were not helpful and messed up my cover. I eventually made my own cover and MADE then use it. It cost $400 to get it published through them.

So, I am currently self editing my sequel to Unicorn sisters and looking for a new publisher.

Hope that helps.

 

[mininik]

That was very helpful, Loren&Rocky. I'm thinking I should start a list as there are probably MANY publishing companies that don't come recommended. Good luck with the sequel!

 

[nootka]

I would think susanne could be very helpful as well, and I know barnbum has written a book.

Liz M.

 

[mininik]

Thanks, Liz! I hope they post. I already sent Emails to Marty & Jenn earlier...

 

[Marty]

I don't know what to tell you except be careful.

There are many guidelines to watch out for that have to be obeyed.

I once had to re-write a whole page just because I made mention of "listerne" and had to replace that with "the mouthwash that is gold and doesn't taste so good"........things like that. You can't meniton names of people or products without getting tons and tons of permission and have to find a way around that like I learned to, just be crafty.

You have to research your brains out but then form your own opinions from that research and then hope that nobody else got the same idea.

After my Dirty Holly book came out, another big horse book came out too that was almost an exact replica and used some of my favorite phrases that if you know me, only I come up with these things, especially in my descriptions a few things, and even copied my illustrator's artwork with MY HORSE sitting under a tree writting, and they settled up real quick and lost their copyright application.

Matter of fact, my Dirty Holly book has been sold out for a long time and is presently being revised and hope I see her back up by springtime.

 

[mininik]

Hey, thanks Marty! That's funny about you not being able to reference Listerine. I've read many books where corporations (such as McDonalds) or common products are named... guess they got permission, huh.

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[Cronewolf]

: Look up Writers Digest. It's a big book of agents and Publishers and what they look for and require from a writer. Last time I looked there were about 3-4 thousand entries. Beat plase fpr a lot of information.

 

[mininik]

Hey, thanks Cronewolf!

: I'll be sure to check it out...

 

[lyn_j]

[SIZE=14pt]Get in touch with Vicki Thompson, aka Dorie and frank......Her husband is an author and she has been helping me.[/SIZE]

Lyn