Memoir page count/word count?

Pushingfordream · Feb 19, 2013

I have written around 43,000 words and I think I will finish it around 55,000. Is this sort for a memoir, It is my life story up to age 16... Also how many pages would this result in?
Any advice to first time writer about what to think about when writing? Or any advice about writing autobiographic book?

Ruth2 · Feb 19, 2013

I've got a few questions that you may want to think about:

Why stop at age 16? Who do you see is your audience? What is unique about your story? What is the theme? Is it humorous? sad? angry?

Pushingfordream · Feb 19, 2013

I have had a intense life because of heart conditions and choices I have made. The memoir is suppose to be my life-story, and its suppose to be inspirational. I want to inspire others to appreciate life.

Ruth2 · Feb 19, 2013

That's a worthy aspiration. Are you planning to self-publish or do with a publishing house? Either way, I'd suggest checking out some memoirs and/or autobiographies to see 1) who's publishing them, 2) how many words/pages the books have and 3) what your competition is. Some of this you can find on Amazon, but Amazon can't tell you what's on a bookstore's shelves.

Pushingfordream · Feb 19, 2013

This may sound crazy, but I plan on writing the book without reading anything esle and then publishing it. I want to be told how ever I write it.

Siri Kirpal · Feb 19, 2013

Sat Nam! (literally "Truth Name"--a Sikh greeting)

If you're planning on self-publishing, then it doesn't matter. Do what you want.

If you're planning on any form of traditional publishing, then you will need a minimum of 50K words and preferably 70-90K words. You will also need to know what else is out there in your sub-genre. Traditional publishers will want to see a proposal, whether you rep yourself or an agent does.

Blessings,

Siri Kirpal

Ruth2 · Feb 19, 2013

If you go with a publishing house, you'll need to submit a proposal. One of the requirements is to compare your book with a number of similar books and explain why yours is different or better. But that comes later. For now, just write.

Good luck!!

Pushingfordream · Feb 19, 2013

What is the difference between a publishing house and a publisher? I want my book to be marketed and printed widely. Are there any benefits to self-publishing? (By the way i'm a dreamer)

Siri Kirpal · Feb 20, 2013

Sat Nam! (literally "Truth Name"--a Sikh greeting)

Publishing House/Publisher = same thing.

You're obviously a dreamer. Self publishing gives you more control, but you probably will sell fewer books, unless you're a topnotch sales person or have a friend who is.

Blessings,

Siri Kirpal

Memoir page count/word count?

Pushingfordream

Writing about life!

Ruth2

Tam, na Koncu Drevoreda

Pushingfordream

Writing about life!

Ruth2

Tam, na Koncu Drevoreda

Pushingfordream

Writing about life!

Siri Kirpal

Swan in Process

Ruth2

Tam, na Koncu Drevoreda

Pushingfordream

Writing about life!

Siri Kirpal

Swan in Process