I'm hoping that someone will be able to help me.

I'm in an inter-racial AND and inter-faith relationship right now and it's been really hard on me - both emotionally and physically. I've gotten into huge fights with my parents, almost gotten myself kicked out, wanted to run away, and everything else you can think of. Despite this, I am still together with my boyfriend.

I've had a pretty rough childhood. I was dumped off at babysitters, and beaten by my parents when I didn't behave.

I've always wanted to write a book, and I decided that a fictional story based loosely on things that I have been through - centered around an interracial/interfaith relationship would be one that I would be interested in writing.

It's mostly a healing/release outlet for me, but I would like other people to be able to read it. What are the chances of me being able to find a company to publish it?

Or does anyone have any connections that I can get someone to take a serious look at what I write?

 

If you write well, and work your butt off, you should be able to find someone willing to work with you. I'd suggest a couple of reference guides:
1. Writers guide to book editors, publishers, and literary agents - by Jeff Hermen
2. A copy or two of Writer's Digest
3. Stephan King's On Writing

Even if you don't like Stephan King, On Writing is an awsome read. Part Memoir, part style guide. Doesn't matter what genre your writing falls under, he gives sound advice on style.

There are a lot of writers out there who'll say they are not necessarily better writers than others (who are unpublished), but they are more persistent. If you don't take rejection well, this probably isn't for you.

Can't help you with inside connections; wish I could. As a first time writer with no writing credits (I assume no published articles or anything), you might want to consider trying the Agent route first. Just be careful, any yahoo with a printer and make Johnny X, Literary Agent letterhead.

good luck tho...

 

Man BG....you seem really unique...

Hope everything goes well.

 

BG, I think you should write it. Too many people have unwritten stories & thoughts these days, and I would love to hear yours given my own predilection for interracial relationships. Let us know whatever you do -- I'll support you 100%!!

 

Once you join the writesguild they can supply you with a list of people who can help you (talent agents I think is their name?). They supposedly are not allowed to take any $ up front. I personally had no luck when I outlined what I thought would be a great book/movie. I think the entire book needs to be written.....and a lot of luck or some connections.

A guy from my highschool wrote "the plantation". I am guessing he did not have too many connections.... but his parents are rich, so maybe he did have connections.?

Scot

 

Wow, thanks for the help guys. I think I'm really serious about this. I'm not going to write a full on 100% biography - I think it's just going to be loosely based.

I don't know how I'm going to even attempt to get it published if I do write it though. A fake name maybe?

My parents would murder me if they ever found out I wrote something like this. Plus they would know about things I've been keeping from them.

It's all about the family reputation and what not. *rolls eyes*

 

If it's fiction (yours will be, probably literary fiction or similar), you really need a finished work before you proceed. For non-fiction, a book proposal with summary/outline (among other things) will suffice. If you have a finished work, you'll be much more motived to move it along (and agents will be willing to listen). Unfortunately, you won't get far trying to sell unwritten fiction.

I'd suggest to just start writing and set a goal for each day, 1hr or 10 pages, whatever comes first. Let the story tell itself. You can always edit later.

Go to a bookstore and flip thru the Jeff Hermen book (above ref), it gives pretty detailed advice on how to get published or to find a literary agent. Scot is right, stay away from fee-based agents; most quit working as soon as they collect the fee.

And yes, publishing under a pseudonym is always an option, but then only your close friends will know who the real genius is...

 

Thanks jvils -> This is great advice. I really had no idea where to start. At least now I have a path.