From idea to publication: Ensure you have the write stuff for your book

After just going through the difficult process herself, Jo Kerrigan traces a book’s journey from pub idea to publication.

WRITING a book takes a lot of time and determination. The bright idea in the pub, the brilliant notion on holiday isn’t any good until you put in the spadework. A familiar phrase is, “I always thought I could write a book…”? But you have to be dedicated to take it from thought to triumph.

Publishers these days expect to see a well thought out proposal, with theme, length, submission date, and, most importantly, the potential readership. Throwing a clever idea in their direction isn’t enough. You have to show that you’ve done your thinking in advance. Their in-tray is miniscule, their waste basket is huge.