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Original poster

Where to get the Book of Boff published?

164 replies

BoffinMum · 14/02/2011 14:55

As some of you may know from other threads, or from being sent bits of my housekeeping book to help you out, I have written a domestic manual for those short of time and money that I'd like to get published. I did a lot of research into pitches, wrote what I think is a good one, and susequently approached Darley Anderson, a literary agency, and also Dorling Kindersley, the publisher, and have got absolutely nowhere (not that I expected to, tbh). Not even a standard 'thank you for your email' response. I would welcome any advice people care to give me on how to move this on, as I think it would be a real shame if it never saw the light of day.

OP posts:
CarrieABag · 14/02/2011 19:19

P.S. You're right that self-publishing is usually a very bad idea.

CarrieABag · 14/02/2011 19:18

Maybe try a pitch to serialise excerpts in the first instance in a women's magazine or Sunday newspaper mag?

Or find a journo to write up a "organisation for the modern woman" type article using your own vivid been to hell and back anedotes. May attract the interest of a publisher.

sethstarkaddersmackerel · 14/02/2011 19:15

getting a blog is easy - just go to wordpress.com and sign up.

CarrieABag · 14/02/2011 19:14

Can you get some "names" to endorse your book?
Publishers like expert/celeb links.

No disrespect, but targetting DK is aiming very high. Lots of other lesser known publishers to try - one approach to one publisher is nothing in this business.

Keep knocking on doors. Remember that JK Rowling had some rejections before she was published and they are still kicking themselves .

midnightexpress · 14/02/2011 19:12

Ah, now there I can't help you I'm afraid Grin.

Original poster
BoffinMum · 14/02/2011 19:11

Aha, excellent idea.

OP posts:
midnightexpress · 14/02/2011 19:09

Do you have a blog? It seems that pretty much everyone getting a deal these days blogs. And your book sounds as if it would be good blog material. I'd try that first - if you can pull in some fans then it will show publishers that there is a market for your book. Use FB and Twitter to pull in fans/readers.

The trouble with non-fiction is that it is relatively expensive to produce (more highly illustrated, non-standard formats, shorter print runs etc) so I think you'd be well advised to show people as clearly as possible that it's qa winner.

Original poster
BoffinMum · 14/02/2011 19:04

In that case I will attach a feedback form as well. Insult it as freely as you like! Wink

OP posts:
BeatriceLaBranche · 14/02/2011 19:02

I will give impartial opinion!

Original poster
BoffinMum · 14/02/2011 18:00

Yup, it has all that, even a nod in the direction of the weight thing for those so inclined. Email me at boffinmum at hotmail dot co dot uk and I will see what I can do.

See, everyone wants this book and nobody will publish it! And if I self-publish I will be Uncool.

OP posts:
BeatriceLaBranche · 14/02/2011 17:07

Losing weight whilst doing the above would be genius.

BeatriceLaBranche · 14/02/2011 17:07

Pretty much everything but decluttering, I am good at that at least.

I would like to know how to be more organised, get out the door in the morning without tears and tantrums. How to keep the house clean, whilst having an open fire and children.

Anything really.

Original poster
BoffinMum · 14/02/2011 16:39

What type of content would help? Cleaning schedules/time management/monthly menu plans/deluttering/surviving high days and holiays? Shopping lists, packing lists, printing out your own family planner? Tell me your biggest domestic woe and I can probably find a section to help.

OP posts:
BeatriceLaBranche · 14/02/2011 15:57

I need samples - the most useful ones Grin

Seriously, I hope someone helps you soon.