Reader question: Who can help me write a book about my life?
Dear readers,
I am looking for a man or woman here in Thailand who could help me write a book that I also want to publish, but I need help with that.
From my childhood until now my life story I am now 76 years old. What you as an ordinary woman can experience in your life. I have lived in Thailand for 15 years now and it is becoming increasingly clear to me that I have to do something with it. Things that happen to you here, and happened when you were young, things you wouldn't believe possible. Then add this beautiful Thailand and the picture is complete, really worth a book.
All the ups and downs of life here in Hua Hin are of course covered. The sweet, soft, warm land of smiles seen through the eyes of a Dutch woman.
I myself thought of a kind of John Hauser type in writing. I think I am his female Dutch version of that.
Or that someone on this block says hey, I can see this, I can do something with this.
Regards,
A.
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Nice initiative though.
Do you also publish your adventures here on Thailandblog.??
Think I can, although I've never done it before. Do live in Chiang Mai. My Line or Whatsapp number is 095 221 6809
You will have to do the writing yourself, but I would like to advise you on structure, method and such..
I myself have published books and stories with Dutch publishers and worked as an editor.
[email protected]
Sjon Hauser was unique at the time and therefore popular, but 30 years later we live in a different world.
As Gerbrand says publish on some blogs and see what kind of reactions it gets.
Everyone has a life story and the question is why your life is more unique than the life of a buyer of the book.
In the Sjon Hauser time you had to make do with hearsay. Now there is Google Streetview to get an impression, Tripadvisor with many reviews so there remains a small opinion of the questioner.
Even then, I think a publisher should also be approached who has a choice of even more dreams.
There will always be people willing to help you and I'd love to hear from you.
30 years ago you had Lonely Planet (travel) books in various languages, and there was no internet, and you could find every detail there. I find hearsay in Sjon Hauser's time exaggerated, in the early 90s you could find series of books about Thailand in the shops with endless details, I had bought several myself where you could find some information about most places or about the local nature, local food, local culture and so on. Idem in the nineties there were various travel programs about and to Thailand, cooking shows, trekking tours on TV, etc.. Then name it 50 years ago, but 30 years ago there was so much information available, was even an ardent lover of magazines about Asia and devoured every article about Asia and also Thailand.
Best A.
I would first take the good advice of Gerbrand and Johnny BG and first publish something here on the Thailand Blog (and that is not a bloK but a bloG). There are plenty of sections here on the blog that you can use, such as “you experience all kinds of things in Thailand”. You will then already see whether it appeals to the readers or not. If you really intend to write a book, you will first have to do something about your own language. There are a lot of linguistic imperfections in the few sentences you write. In fact, not using appropriate punctuation marks is common. Also referring to a particular writer: John Hauser. John Hauser and 'Sjon Hauser' are two completely different persons and, compare yourself to Sjon Hauser….??? Sjon Hauser was a professional journalist-writer.
I don't want to discourage you but, from what I read in your question, the 'helper' must have a tough job.
Good luck.
Good day A,
We are the same age, I am also 76 years old.
Born in Aalst near Eindhoven
Wrote a book 5 years ago, here in Thailand when I was still living in Bangkok (now living in Ubon) about my life from 0-16 years old.
I wrote the book in Dutch and English.
Here is the Dutch version link:
https://www.amazon.com/Jeert-Handboek-voor-Leven-Dutch/dp/9081617400
Writing in itself is fun, but you have to be consistent, but not force yourself in the sense of writing every day. No, you write when something comes to mind. Definitely don't let someone else write for you, just write in your own words. You will then laugh / cry () so to speak) when the memory lives in you again.
However, it is important that you have someone who translates each chapter into good Dutch as soon as it is finished.
YOU HAVE TO FIND SOMEONE FOR THAT!! The text must come from you.
Finding a publisher is difficult.
My manuscript was not accepted.
Mostly there was reaction, a nice story but not suitable for the general public.
I'm at peace with that and have published my book through an English company who print, even if it's 1 book, on demand and ship it to the buyer.
Dutch version about 500 sold without any advertisement, but sales are getting less and less.
English version never released.
I don't know of the help you're looking for, but as I said before writing I can't help you.
Maybe advise, ask is free, is the saying
Book layout is also important.
You need a professional for that too
Most printers want a ready-made manuscript that can go straight into the machine.
Cover design is also important.
No one understands my design in combination with the title. That's why I didn't publish the English version.
The front cover of my book represents a DNA string that reaches my heart from my mother's heart just before I was born. The DNA string contains the HANDBOOK FOR LIFE.
A simpler title and another nice picture of a crying boy, for example, would probably have been better.
Let me know if I can help you.
Kind regards and good luck.
jeert