4 Comments

I’m a TV writer who is writing a first novel. Everyone talks about how HARD it is to write a book. Can I ask why specifically? Is it just the writing part?? Or addressing notes?? And if so notes from whom?? Or is it fixing commas?? Every person I know says it’s so so so hard and I believe you! They retreat to hotels to meet deadlines with manuscripts full of post it notes and I’m curious/terrified/baffled.

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I forgot about the coloring book! That was so great! Glad to hear you made a little chunk of money off it.

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Thank you for sharing this! I’m in the process of writing my first book on race, supremacy, and colonization and this was very helpful! I am committed to making this book fully BIPOC, I just found my editor cause as an ESL Latina I need all the help I can get, and she’s a brilliant Black woman. I was recommended an agent but he ended up being a white man who believed there’s no racism in publishing so that was a hell no for me! So I’m in the search for an agent who understands what we go through. I’m wondering if you would recommend your agent for a first time author like myself?

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Thank you so much for your work Ijeoma! I am starting to write my first book so this is incredibly timely and helpful. I am considering working with a book coach to help me make the proposal. I'm writing nonfiction and want to try for a publishing deal. What is your advice on working with a book coach? What are the most important qualities/experiences etc to look for in a book coach? How do you decide how much of an investment in a book coach is worth it? I see packages for book proposal coaching, over 6-8 months ranging from $5,000-$12,000+ which is a huge range!

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