Writing: Fact Or Fiction?
The minute you mention that you're a writer you nearly always get the same reaction. It goes something like this: 'Do you write crime thrillers/science fiction/romance/spy stories etc .etc. etc.' I was pleasantly surprised recently when someone I met at a writer's circle said 'I don't write fiction.' We had a very interesting conversation, the essence of which was this -
The fiction market is absolutely crammed with writers: established A-listers, journeyman B-listers and aspiring hopefuls or those with maybe just one or two minor pieces published. In other words - it's a buyer's market. That's why this person writes factual books. Fiction publishers have their pick of the crop and can afford to be as choosy as they wish.
In a way you can't blame them: the cost of promoting an unknown author can be very high indeed and publishers are a notoriously hard-headed bunch. After all, an editor of any publishing house is responsible to the owners for turning a profit. It's a business, pure and simple.
Factual books are a different matter. I would not suggest for one moment that publishers of factual books - and they range from cookbooks to erudite tomes on some very rarified subjects - are any less business-oriented. It's just that writers of such books are noticeably thinner on the ground than fiction writers, making the chances of publishing success that much more favourable.
Indeed, many fiction writers also write factual books. George MacDonald Fraser, the author of the hugely successful 'Flashman' series of fiction books, also wrote several factual (and entertaining) books such as 'The Steel Bonnets' and 'Quartered Safe Out Here'. His 'McAuslan' series are a thinly-disguised autobiographical account of his time in the army and bridge the gap between fact and fiction.
What does this suggest? Perhaps that even such a successful fiction writer as Fraser discovered the market for factual books?
Whatever the reason for Fraser's decision, the fact remains that books written about factual subjects sell. So how can you break into the market? First requirement: know your subject. This may seem obvious but you simply cannot write a factual book by picking up bits of knowledge from the internet and hoping to appear to be an expert. However, if you have been, let's say, a financial analyst, or a pro football player, or maybe just a lifelong gardener, you may well be qualified to write a book.
Second requirement: know how to write. This is where a lot of would-be writers blow out their cheeks and adopt a rueful expression: ah, if only I could write . . .
If you simply cannot write, consider a ghostwriter. These are people who will turn your knowledge and expertise into a manuscript that will meet the requirements of publishers, yet put your name on the dustjacket. It may not be your ideal way of seeing you name in print but it's an avenue to consider.
If, however, you possess the ability and the knowledge of your subject, why not try writing a factual book? Writing courses and classes are readily available and you might find you possess more ability than you thought! The market is there for you - go out and get a piece of it!
Related Tags: fiction writing, short story, novel writing, writing advice, writing style
Steve Dempster runs several websites and writes fiction and articles (among other things). Take a look at his website at I Want To Write! for more help and advice on getting started as a writer! Your Article Search Directory : Find in Articles
Recent articles in this category:
- 10 Mistakes to Avoid When Writing an Article
Here are 10 mistakes that writers tend to make when writing articles for newsletters or magazines. K - Invigorate Your Healthcare Writing With Words That Are Short, Sweet, And Full of Energy
There are certain kinds of phrasing and word choice, especially in official statements, that can soa - The Case For Customizing Content
You have to consider every angle when you are writing. There are lots of rules to follow and tips to - Writing Strategies For Creating Viral Content
For anybody involved in content marketing the need to develop writing strategies that will produce t - Three Key Ways a Writing Coach Can Improve Your College Admission Essay
In an article entitled "Writing The Essay: Sound Advice from an Expert", Parke Muth, Senior Assistan - Acquiring A Fantastic Proxy - Proxy List
A proxy or proxy server is applied for both effortless obtain to your certain useful resource like a - Turnkey Sites & Website Templates - A Comparison
I'm constantly finding emails soon after a person buys a offer of Site Desing templates. Some men an - Standard Manual For Laptop Or Computer Elements & Software
For many people today, computer system sections plus the innards of the computer system are anything - Different Kinds Of Cameras Can Be Used For Webcams
There are many physical components that make the technology of the PC camera webcam work. The import - What Can Pc Camera Webcam Bring To Us And How It Works?
The PC camera webcam can be used in a wide range of aspects. Such as personal "Big Brother" style di
Most viewed articles in this category:
- Don't Put Off Writing that Book!
If writing that book you've always had in mind tops your list of resolutions or regrets, hiring a wr - How To Write A Better Press Release
A press release is the most effective way to generate free publicity for your business or organizati - Writing on the Hoof
Finding inspiration when you are writing is often a haphazard affair. When you are physically ready - Focus On Nigeria
Focus on Nigeria Nigеria is a natural gas and oil rich country that is bordеrеd b - How to Write Great Dialogue in Your Book
Dialogue isn't so much read as it is heard by the reader. The eyes see the words on the page, the b - Women SUV Driver from www.thefrap.com
Why do so many women drive around in the oversized SUV's, the Tahoe, Excursion, Escalade - How To Write Good Articles
As a writer you may be ready to cash in on the need for web content. There is a lot of money that c - NEWS FLASH: Technical Communicator Saves World
I had a boss several years ago who was amused by my earnest and relentless preaching about the impor - Writers Resources
Writers use certain inherent talents to come up with their pieces of writing. However, they do need - Popular Articles
Articles are those that are available in plenty these days in the internet. The articles are written