Sunday Interview on Jeanie

Why did you decide to get published?

The main reason that I decided to have my poetry published was down to my mother.  She has been encouraging me to take on writing as a career ever since I was a child.  I had never followed my mother’s advice until this year.  My mother came to stay with us for some respite and she told me that she would love to see my poetry in a book. I printed off some of my poems and turned them into a book and gave them to my mother as a present.   When my mother returned home she began showing friends and family my little book of poems. Emails and telephone calls started to come in asking where the book could be bought.   I decided then to have the book published.  

How long have you been writing?

I have written stories and poems all of my life since childhood.  Before I was old enough to write I remember telling stories my family.  My grandfather used to tell stories and my parents used to encourage me to recite poetry at family gatherings.   When my children were young I used to write stories for them and we would make up poems and little songs.   In later life I was involved in writing Newsletters for the family and also for work.  Writing is something I have always done and I never saw it as a talent, it’s just something I do.

Do you have any previous publishing experience?

I don’t have any previous publishing experience.  The only type of publishing I have done in the past is work that I have done from my own computer and printer.  For instance I write, edit and produce the local Community Newsletter and this was done from home.  However, I have learned a lot this year about publishing.

What is the cost of getting everything done?

The cost of getting everything done will vary depending on the amount of pages, book cover and size of the publication.  There a lots of different publishing companies who will help you self publish your book.  You need to be very careful when choosing self-publishing companies. It can cost anything up to £1000 to have your book self published. It is always best to look around and check the company out before doing this.  However, the main stream publishers will publish you book for you and retain a percentage of the royalty fees.  Amazon Kindle publishing is free to publish but they will retain a percentage on books that are sold.

Which part of your book do you believe is most charming to your readers?

According to the feedback I have been getting from people who have read my poetry book, one of the most popular poems is Monkey’s Adventure this poem was written for children.   Another popular poem from the book is, I Am With You, this poem was written for my mother and my family to help cope with my dad passing away.  Some people see this poem as a poem of faith while others see it as a source of comfort.    Summer Morning is also a popular poem, I have been told by many people that they wish they could be in that place.

Do you have any hints on how to get published?

I would advise that you try publishing with Amazon Kindle first to see how you book will sell.  Main stream publishers are always the best way to go.  You may get a few rejections but that is a usual occurrence in the writing world and comes as part of the experience. Never give up!   Before submitting your manuscript to a publisher make sure that you read their guidelines for submissions.  Some publishers like you to send only a chapter about your book to start with and some may ask for a little more before you send your complete manuscript.  It is always best to research publishing companies before you approach them and always read the terms and conditions. 

Do you have a favorite author?

I am not quite sure where to start.  I have many favourite authors such as Nigel Tranter, Virginia Holt, Charles Dickens, Samuel Pepys, Jane Austin, Thomas Hardy.  My list is endless.

What are your writing plans for the future?

I have several plans for writing in the future. At present I am working on a series of children’s books called  ‘The Adventures of Wallace’ and I am hoping to have these published in the near future.   I am also writing a horror story with various twists and turns in it, and hopefully it will be published in 2012.   As a Freelance Journalist, writing is now my career and I hope to complete my diploma for this in a few months time.  My future plans also include another poetry book and more children’s books too. 

Thank you for the interview.

Here is the link to my blog:  http://bit.ly/nuu2Qm