Save My Writing: Publishing Something Personal?
Question
When I went through group therapy many years ago, we were asked to create a “book” about the abuse we experienced as children. I used construction paper and either drew or cut out various photos & words. The hurts are long gone, but I saved that “book”–and occasionally I think it could make a good picture book (not necessarily for children).
But how would I submit it? Certainly not the original – do I get copies made even though it loses much in the “translation.” Should I just forget about the idea? It’s hardly a driving force; just something that pops up out of nowhere. Thanks! – Jeanette
Answer
Dear Jeanette,
First of all, good for you for getting help to move beyond old wounds. It’s amazing how writing and art can help us express the hurt and reclaim ourselves.
Whether it will make a good book for others is anyone’s guess. If I were you, I’d get clear about what you want for this book. Use these questions and free write your answers to get some clarity.
It’s a lot of time, energy and attention to publish a book. First get clear on what you want and need for this book.
If you decide you’re ready to go for publishing, I’d suggest making color copies of the book to submit to agents or publishers.
Seeking a publisher is a huge process that’s been well-addressed elsewhere. Agent Query is an excellent place to start, as finding the right agent is a big step towards finding the right publisher. You may also want to check out the Writer’s Guild of America (West or East), and the Writers’ & Artists’ Yearbook is an excellent resource for writers in the UK. Alternatively, you could try a self-publishing route such as Lulu or Amazon’s CreateSpace, which might suit the personal nature of your book better.
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Good luck if you do decide to publish your book, and thanks for the great question!
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Image courtesy of Meaghan O’Malley.
Cynthia Morris helps writers, artists and entrepreneurs make their brilliant ideas a shining reality. She writes articles, e-books, blogs and is finishing a historical novel set in Paris. Get your creative juju back with Cynthia’s creativity workshops, from her Juju Infusion videos and from her free newsletter, Impulses, all found at Original Impulse.
Jeanette, First, let me applaude you. It is important to be able to say “I am a survivor”. I too, am a survivor. I also worked with others as a group facillitator. We never did a book in any of my groups, but I did encourage my clients to do journaling. I can really see how a book like this could work great as a guide for groups to make a similar book. My sister recently did a book for a scrapbooking Bible study she calls Faithbook. In her book she leads the group through each page of their scrapbook to walk them through their walk with God. I can see something similar to help others with their ‘walk’ to survival after abuse. How ever you decide to do your book … bravo. I hope to hear more about your decisions on this.