Mastering Book Publishing with Terry Whalin

Join me and Terry Whalin, an accomplished author and acquisitions editor at a New York publishing house, who has published over 60 books as we uncover the secrets to writing success and explore how dads can make their mark in the literary world. Whether you’re considering capturing your fatherhood experiences or crafting a novel, this conversation provides the motivation and direction to get started.

In this episode, you will be able to:

1. Explore the differences between traditional, self, and independent publishing, and learn about the role of literary agents.
2. Learn why a book proposal is crucial as a plan for your writing project.
3. Discover how writing for magazines can help you build an audience and hone your craft.
4. Understand the importance of an online presence and controlling your own platforms for promoting your book.
5. Receive advice on capturing personal stories and the benefits of joining writing groups for support.

Hello, fellow dads and aspiring writers! It’s Paul Banas here from Great Dad Talks, and I’m thrilled to share with you some insights from a recent episode where I had an enlightening conversation about the world of publishing with Terry Whalin. Terry is not only an accomplished author with over 60 books to his name, but he’s also an acquisitions editor at a New York publishing house. With his wealth of experience, he has a unique perspective on how you can take your first steps toward becoming a published author.

The Power of Personal Stories

As dads, we often find ourselves with an abundance of stories to tell. During our chat, Terry emphasized the importance of capturing those personal experiences, especially if you’re pondering book writing. “All of us have, stories and experiences,” Terry shared, highlighting how these moments can often spark the best writing ideas. Reading books to our kids can also inspire the creative process and lead us to think, “Hey, I could write one of those.”

Key Takeaway:

• Start writing down your personal stories; these could become the foundation for your future book.

Starting Small: Magazine Writing

Terry suggests that if you’re at the beginning of your writing journey, magazine writing can be an excellent way to hone your skills. “Books are complicated; they’re long,” Terry explained. He recommends starting with magazine articles because they are shorter and still offer a chance to reach a wide audience. Here’s why magazine writing can be beneficial:

• Smaller Scope: Work with a manageable piece of work.
• Broader Reach: Articles can be read by thousands, if not millions.
• Skill Building: Develop essential writing skills, like crafting engaging openings and structuring a story.

Navigating the Publishing Landscape

We also talked about the myth of self-publishing being the easiest route to success. Terry pointed out the importance of being cautious and doing your homework when considering self-publishing. “Sure, you can publish with Amazon, but you’re missing 76% of what we do for the book out there,” he said.

Considerations:

• Broader Distribution: Aim for a publisher that can get your book into physical stores.
• Quality Control: Pay attention to the cover, interior layout, and marketing plan.

The Role of Book Proposals

No matter where you are in the writing process, Terry advocates for starting with a solid book proposal. “It’s your business plan,” he explained. A proposal not only helps organize your thoughts but also serves as a crucial tool whether you’re self-publishing or seeking a traditional publisher.

Building Your Platform

In today’s world, having an online presence is invaluable. Terry advised building your audience on platforms you own and control. “I always encourage people to build this stuff on something that they can control,” he stressed. This could mean starting a blog, creating a website, or even starting a newsletter.

Wrapping Up

I hope you find these insights as inspiring and practical as I did. If writing a book has always been a dream of yours, take Terry’s advice to heart and start small, work on a proposal, and consider all your publishing options. Remember, writing is a journey, and every small step brings you closer to seeing your name on the spine of a book.

For more episodes and dad-centric insights, stay tuned to Great Dad Talks and let’s navigate this wonderful journey of fatherhood and creativity together!