hi Lou and others!
its Kerrie here.

i wanted some feedback. i have an idea for a book and i wanted to know what you would think.
i have been keeping a journal for a few months, monitoring my journey through post-natal depression and i was thinking about publishing the journal, when i feel it is complete.

the purpose for my wanting to do this is simply to let other mothers who suffer from this disease know that they aren't alone.

i am thinking about changing all names in the journal before publishing it, and perhaps even publishing it under a false name to protect myself.

is it possible to do this?

i see that Random House publishes true-life novels and i was thinking about submitting the journal to them when it is complete.

any advice is very welcome, and feedback, please!

miss you all terribly,
kerrie x

Okay, I'll try again. I replied to this the other day (in some detail) but alas it was lost in the ether!

Kerrie, I think it's fab that you're writing a non-fiction book from personal experience. I'm sure the authenticity would really help you catch a publisher's eye. My advice is to finish the journal so you have a resolution (ie, it's not all about the challenges, but also about how you overcame them so there's an upbeat ending - they like that and I'm sure so do you!)

Then I'd check out bookstores to find books that are in a similar area of interest: non fiction about childbirth/parenting, and see who the publisher is. Then go to the acknowledgements page and see if the author has thanked their agent. That's another person who might want to see your work. So you prepare the manuscript the same way as you would for submission of a fictional novel (info on my "working with louise" webpage on my website: www.louisecusack.com ) and if the publishes will accept unsolicited manuscripts, post it away with a covering letter saying who you are and any writing qualifications/credentials you have.

HOpe that's helpful. Let me know if you need further info (but I have to say, non fiction isn't an area I've had any experience with in publication myself)



Louise

Whoa it has been a long time since I logged on here. I wonder if anyone even remembers me. I was looking for a new book to read and ebaying for some ideas and I wondered where Louise was at with her next one and I found Kerrie has not so long ago wandered back also.

I must say that I haven't even thought about writing for a couple of years now. I never have the time anymore. However I am published in a way now... a copy of my Psychology honors thesis now sits in the library of University of New England in Armidale. I've finished my psych degree. Yay! So at least I haven't stopped all forms of writing.

Kerrie, its a fantastic idea that you've been keeping a journal. It would be a great way for other people going through what you are going through now to read your experiences and realise there aren't alone in feeling how they do.

Anyway, just thought I'd say hello to everyone and hope you have all had success with your writing and other areas of life since my last visit.