The Writer Within You: A Step-by-Step Guide to Writing and Publishing in Your Retirement Years

by Charles Jacobs

The Writer Within You responds to repeated requests by Retirees-both Seniors and Baby Boomers-who long to become published authors and have repeatedly requested a simplified, comprehensive, single-volume guidebook to lead them through the confusing publishing process from initial planning to final success. It teaches readers the basics of crafting a book or articles and simplifies the challenge of selecting the best method of publishing, marketing, and promoting their work. The book is divided into sections. "Writing Your Book" includes instruction in crafting a novel, memoir, or how-to. A separate section devoted to freelancing articles covers researching ideas, writing and placement in periodicals. The primary methods of book publishing are explained to help readers choose what best suits their needs. The "Marketing and Promotion" section leads the reader through these processes from advance review copies through branding, signings, press contacts, and the use of the Internet. Several chapters are devoted to an extensive look into writing and promoting on the Web. Readers are given guidelines for researching, editing, rewriting, and organizing an office and business. An extensive Appendix provides tested resources for authors. Toned boxes labeled "Words of Wisdom" are sprinkled throughout the book with quotations and advice from recognized authors, literary agents, publishers, and academics. \n

344 pages, Paperback

First published October 1, 2007

Reviews

[Jeanette · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is a book I would love to get (if I didn't have it already) as one of my retirement gifts. Not only does it have very useful information about writing and the process of getting a book into the hands of readers, but it has lists of resources to other helpful books and to websites helpful to a new writer. I have read many books about writing over the years, and The Writer Within You includes most of the great information I've read in others, but it is more up-to-date in discussing e-publishing. The text is easy-to-understand. [return][return]Half-way through reading this book, I decided to buy a copy for my father for Christmas. He has done a little writing, and has tried to sell his books online. This book will give him a more realistic and helpful understanding of what needs to go into marketing his books.[return][return]I believe one of the reasons some people reviewing this book are not pleased with it may be because of the title. It doesn't really speak to the writer within -- it's much more of a nuts and bolts review of what one has to do to become published. There are some very useful tips to a new writer, and many references in the back. [return][return]I believe this would be a good book to give to a beginning writer who is retiring. Not only would the gift show you support her desire to write about things she has learned throughout their lifetime, but Jacobs helps get her on their way to making the book she has always had within her become a reality.

[Debra Goodman]

I am not a retiree, I am in my 50's. I started (and stopped) writing a children's book many times. I just never seemed to be able to pull it all together to create a final book I was happy with. I have attended classes at professional writing schools on how to write in hope to be able to complete it and have it published. The classes scared me, more than helped me. But I still want to finish my book, so I keep looking for assistance. I tried some self- write how-to books. They were very confusing. Recently I purchased the book, The Writer Within You. It intrigued me, as it seem to put all the how-to books into one. I read it and loved it. Much more informative than any of my classes. Detailed explanations of the process, broken down into easy steps. And by easy steps, I mean even a simple person like myself could understand. This arthur should be teaching the classes, not the instructors I had. And to some extent he does. Check out his website www.retirement-writing.com . It is fabulous! More ideas & blogs to help me along. If you want to write, this is a must have on your list.

[Janie Brown]

WOW! JUST WHAT I WAS WAITING FOR!
This is the book I have been waiting for! It is a comprehensive step-by-step guide that has made my dream come true! As a retiree, I have always thought of writing my memoirs in the form of my family history for my grandchildren to pass down to their children. I never knew where to begin. My friend suggested I pick up a copy of Mr. Jacobs' book as it went step by step through the process. So I purchased it. And indeed, it did simplify what was such a scary process. I could not wait to start writing. His guidance made the first steps so easy. My only regret is that he did not write this book earlier. Thank you Mr. Jacobs for helping me achieve my life-long dream!