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From Idea To Item
Your personal journey to publication.
Do you know the difference between an independent publisher and a self publisher? Have you written a book but don’t know what your options are? Are you baffled by how the publishing industry has transformed in the last twenty years? How does crowdfunding fit in? If you have pondered these questions, then this is the book for you!
Join multi-genre author, creative writing tutor, editor and mentor Karl Drinkwater for an informal overview of book publishing. He explains the concepts and processes involved, and lays out the pros and cons of all your options. By the end of it you’ll be in a position of knowledge about the process of turning an idea into an item you can hold in your hands.
This book will be useful to anyone with a part-finished manuscript who wonders: what on earth am I going to do with this labour of love? It is aimed at new authors, yet packs in enough information and tips that even experienced writers should learn something new.
Note: this work is 100% human-created, crafted with love by the author. No generative AI has been used in the writing or editing.
Do you know the difference between an independent publisher and a self publisher? Have you written a book but don’t know what your options are? Are you baffled by how the publishing industry has transformed in the last twenty years? How does crowdfunding fit in? If you have pondered these questions, then this is the book for you!
Join multi-genre author, creative writing tutor, editor and mentor Karl Drinkwater for an informal overview of book publishing. He explains the concepts and processes involved, and lays out the pros and cons of all your options. By the end of it you’ll be in a position of knowledge about the process of turning an idea into an item you can hold in your hands.
This book will be useful to anyone with a part-finished manuscript who wonders: what on earth am I going to do with this labour of love? It is aimed at new authors, yet packs in enough information and tips that even experienced writers should learn something new.
Note: this work is 100% human-created, crafted with love by the author. No generative AI has been used in the writing or editing.
598 pages, ebook
Published July 14, 2025
About the author
Karl Drinkwater
28 books125 followersKarl Drinkwater is an author with a silly name and a thousand-mile stare. He writes dystopian space opera, dark suspense and diverse social fiction. If you want compelling stories and characters worth caring about, then you’re in the right place. Welcome!
Karl lives in Scotland and owns two kilts. He has degrees in librarianship, literature and classics, but also studied astronomy and philosophy. Dolly the cat helps him finish books by sleeping on his lap so he can’t leave the desk. When he isn’t writing he loves music, nature, games and vegan cake.
Go to karldrinkwater.uk to view all his books grouped by genre.
As well as crafting his own fictional worlds, Karl has supported other writers for years with his creative writing workshops, editorial services, articles on writing and publishing, and mentoring of new authors. He’s also judged writing competitions such as the international Bram Stoker Awards, which act as a snapshot of quality contemporary fiction.
DON’T MISS OUT!
Enter your email at karldrinkwater.substack.com to be notified about his new books. Fans mean a lot to him, and replies to the newsletter go straight to his inbox, where every email is read. There is also an option for paid subscribers to support his work: in exchange you receive additional posts and complimentary books.
PRAISE FOR KARL’S WORK
“Drinkwater creates fantastically believable characters.” —On The Shelf Reviews
“Each book remains in my mind for a long time after. Anything he writes is a must-read.” —Pink Quill Books
“Karl Drinkwater has the skill of making it near impossible to stop reading. Expect late nights. Simply outstanding.” —Jera’s Jamboree
“An intelligent and empathetic writer who has a clear understanding of the world around him and the truly horrific experiences life can bring. A literary gem.” —Cooking The Books
“Drinkwater is a dab hand at creating an air of dread.” —Altered Instinct
“A gifted writer. Each book brings its own uniqueness to the table, and a table Drinkwater sets is one I will visit every time." —Scintilla
Karl lives in Scotland and owns two kilts. He has degrees in librarianship, literature and classics, but also studied astronomy and philosophy. Dolly the cat helps him finish books by sleeping on his lap so he can’t leave the desk. When he isn’t writing he loves music, nature, games and vegan cake.
Go to karldrinkwater.uk to view all his books grouped by genre.
As well as crafting his own fictional worlds, Karl has supported other writers for years with his creative writing workshops, editorial services, articles on writing and publishing, and mentoring of new authors. He’s also judged writing competitions such as the international Bram Stoker Awards, which act as a snapshot of quality contemporary fiction.
DON’T MISS OUT!
Enter your email at karldrinkwater.substack.com to be notified about his new books. Fans mean a lot to him, and replies to the newsletter go straight to his inbox, where every email is read. There is also an option for paid subscribers to support his work: in exchange you receive additional posts and complimentary books.
PRAISE FOR KARL’S WORK
“Drinkwater creates fantastically believable characters.” —On The Shelf Reviews
“Each book remains in my mind for a long time after. Anything he writes is a must-read.” —Pink Quill Books
“Karl Drinkwater has the skill of making it near impossible to stop reading. Expect late nights. Simply outstanding.” —Jera’s Jamboree
“An intelligent and empathetic writer who has a clear understanding of the world around him and the truly horrific experiences life can bring. A literary gem.” —Cooking The Books
“Drinkwater is a dab hand at creating an air of dread.” —Altered Instinct
“A gifted writer. Each book brings its own uniqueness to the table, and a table Drinkwater sets is one I will visit every time." —Scintilla
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Displaying 1 of 1 review
August 1, 2025
More than just an insightful resource, From Idea To Item is your guide on the side helping you with every step of the publishing process. Highly recommend!
Displaying 1 of 1 review