by Yvonne Perry
The books I write (other than the ones for clients) typically stream from whatever is going on in my life. For example, my children’s books were written for and about my grandson when he was three years old. My book on death, dying, and afterlife was written shortly after my uncle passed away. My book on stem cell research was a product of my curiosity on the topic when President Bush vetoed HR 810 and I had contact with a friend who is certain his son can be helped by stem cell treatment. My latest eBook is a compilation of lectures and workshops I’ve given.
Even though the inspiration for books come from within me or what is happening in my life, I try to remember to write with the end user (the reader) in mind. When starting a new book, I ask myself a few questions:
· What do people want to know?
· What should the reader be able to learn from this book?
· What format should I use to best get this message across to the reader?
Since I write mostly non-fiction to include how-to, self-help, biographies, memoirs, spirituality, and medical or science genres, the process itself doesn’t change from one book to another. I research and gather my material, create a working outline, organize the material, write and develop the chapters, edit the entire book, and proofread it. Then, I will have someone on my team edit and proofread it before it is published.
That’s because sometimes when a writer pens a document, he gets too involved to see his own mistakes. I either let my work sit for several days (weeks preferably) and come back to it with fresh eyes, or I call upon someone to proofread for me. Editing or proofreading your own work requires that you step back from it to take a realistic look. If you get too close to your writing, it can hinder you because it creates an attachment that will not allow you to receive a critique that could help you develop or hone your skills. You may act defensively or take things personally, and end up ignoring helpful suggestions from outsiders.
Never see a piece you have written as your “baby” or as an extension of yourself. Learn to see your writing as a product or tool to help you reach your next goal. Allow others to lend a comment. Always keep your audience in mind and write toward fulfilling what they need from your writing.
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Yvonne Perry is a freelance writer and the owner of Writers in the Sky Creative Writing Services (WITS). She and her team of ghostwriters are ready to assist you with writing and editing for books, Web text, business documents, resumes, bios, articles and media releases.
For more information about writing, networking, publishing, and book promotion, or to sign up for free email delivery of WITS newsletter, please visit https://www.writersinthesky.com. New subscribers receive a free eBook “Tips for Freelance Writing.”
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