I’ve mentioned in a previous article about my love of writing, but I don’t think I talked about my young aspirations for being an author.
My ideas back then for books were stories. I loved writing them and wanted to become a novelist. But my ideas just didn’t stretch far enough to have any fully-fledged plan; nor did I think I was good enough that anyone would want to read them. So on the back shelf it went to accompany other deserted plans I had made.
A few years ago, it came to me that I could still write books, just non-fiction instead. As a genealogist and family history researcher I’ve come across many interesting stories and ideas to write about that I now see as a viable option for a writing career. But other brick walls came up that made me think that it would be another failed plan.
The problem stems from the fact that my subject matter is rather… niche. I have contacted a publishing company, that publish more niche history topics, with a proposal — but no reply. There were other factors that I saw as a barrier, such as travel for research, the financial costs of such a project, and how to do it anyway. I didn’t know what the publishers were looking for.
It happened, when I was looking at a website for writers, that I read that one of above mentioned obstacles might be overcome — applying for a grant. In the UK, so I learnt, there are several charities that give grants for writers for different reasons — like starting a new project or helping writers in difficult financial situations. So, with that in mind, it started to feel like a door opening opportunity that I had to try.
But what about the publishers? I didn’t want to email proposal after proposal with no response — that would make me feel that my career was flatlining before I had a chance. The only other option that seemed viable was self-publishing. But it’s not a cheap business. I dug in further about the different grants and found one where I could have my expenses met — the Arts Council. Then I did a lot of reading up about what they expected in an application, what they needed to know, etc. I then did all the research and workings out to what I expect my expenses to be, how it would be used, and when I expect to achieve it. A month in and I have nearly finalised the details. The next application period opens next month.
In that time, I have also researched how to promote the book. It sounds a bit pre-emptive since it’s still in the early stages of writing, but I want to make sure I am ready for the publishing stage. It also gives me the encouragement to keep going and finish it. I also have a self-publishing company that I want to contact.
Even though I won’t know the outcome of the grant application until next year, I have to believe I can achieve it. The only way forward is positive thinking.
In the meantime I’m going to carry on writing and researching my book until it’s finished.
How’s your writing going? Do you have any book publishing plans?
Copyright © 2023 Charlotte Clark
Charlotte Clark 