AboutCathy Clamp Expertise I'm happy to answer questions about any aspect of getting published through commercial publishers, ebook publishers and self-publishing I can help with writing a query letter and synopsis to an agent or editor. I can explain publishing terminology, acronyms and manuscript formatting. I can also assist with questions about verifying the credentials of agents/publishers and how to proceed once you've been accepted for publication.
Experience I'm a USA Today bestselling author of romance fiction in the Tor/Forge Books paranormal romance line. Along with a co-author, I've published eight novels (combination of mass market and trade softcover) since 2003, and have contracts for six more books through 2009. I've also published short stories in regional and national magazines as well as freelance feature articles.
Organizations Romance Writers of America, Science Fiction & Fantasy Writers of America, International Thriller Writers, Western Outdoor Writers, Horror Writers of America.
Publications Books: Tor/Forge Books, Western Reflections Publishing; Magazines: Rocky Mountain Game & Fish, Guns & Ammo, Fur-Fish-Game, many others.
Education/Credentials My educational background is limited to real life experience of publishing novels commercially for the past five years.
Awards and Honors USA Today bestseller, Waldenbooks Mass Market Paperback Top 20 bestseller, Nielsen BookScan Top 20 bestseller, Book Buyers Best Award for Paranormal, 2007, Romantic Times Best Werewolf Novel, 2006, Write Touch Readers Award, EVVY Best Historical Chronicle Award, The Lories Best Paranormal. Many others.
Expert: Cathy Clamp Date: 2/20/2008 Subject: Where to begin?
Question I've always wanted to write a book reflecting some of the experiences I've had in my life, in hopes to help others. I've never written a book before and don't even know where to begin to know what is expected of me when it comes to creating that perfect manuscript, and where to start in looking for a publisher. I know this will not be an easy road to take, but I am passionate enough to take this avenue and willing to go through what I have to. Scouring the Internet for inaccurate answers is giving me a headache so I am hoping I can get your expert advice or basic requirements?
Answer Hi, Anita!
Well, your best bet is to hit your local bookstore and look at some of the other books like this. The shelf is called "Memoirs" which is what you would be writing. Memoirs, as a book category, come and go in popularity. If your experiences are about a strong topic with broad appeal (drugs, illness, etc.) it can do well. How you organize the book is really up to you, which is why it's important to read other books of the same kind. There are some that tell an entire life through one key event, and others that tell JUST about that key event. It all depends. There are tons of books on how to write memoirs. Unfortunately, since that's not what I do, I don't know many of the titles. But there's a writing website I visit a lot (in fact, I'm a moderator there) that has a great forum for memoir/life experience writers. You'll get accurate answers there, and most everyone is really friendly. We have over 20,000 members from all over the world. You might find a lot of answers there! Here's a link in case you want to drop by:
