My dad has written a book & we need some advise

[KatyMac]

He has terminal lung cancer & he has always written - he hasn't had much published (a text book, articles in magazines, some prizes in short story competitions)

& he's written 'a book' all bits & pieces he's written before sort of jammed in together

I think it's rather good (well I would, wouldn't I?)

He has this idea that he would self-publish (amazon?/kindle?) it, give it away & write a little bit at the end asking people to donate to a particular charity - not sure it will work, but it's his choice

So how would we go about this? I'll probably do most of the work as he is having a rough patch atm

Have PMd you.

It's easier than it's ever been to produce a book. Selling the book, however, is much less so.
Once the book is complete and you have decided how to proceed with the self-publishing, make sure the process includes copy-editing/proofreading. Unless you or a family member has some skill and experience in this area, it's best to pay for it. Nothing devalues a book more than spelling mistakes and poor grammar.
Then, if his main aim is to raise money for charity, he will need (or you will need, if he is too unwell to do much of this himself) some shameless self-publicity. Get on to the local paper, the local radio, magazines like Take A Break and Chat - not only do they love stories about people with terminal illnesses doing things to raise money for charity, they will also put a chunk of money your way for the right to 'share your story' ie give you free advertising.
It might also be worth considering print-on-demand, and getting a few copies to sell (or give-away-for-donations) in local charity shops/community centres/your dad's favourite pub.
Good luck.

Thanks for all that - you are right - it will be me publicising it

I think his writing group leader will edit it - I think that's what she does for a living

I guess I need about 6 people, or so, to read it as so far only family & friend have. & to be honest it may only interest family & friends

It's sort of a medley of fact, fiction & feelings - formed as lists, poems & prose

I have found it just wonderful but then it is my life & history; for the general public it might be soul-destroyingly boring & actually that is extremely likely

Excellent advice from SGB - and make sure that if it goes on Amazon you are ruthless with what it looks like when people click. If it seems amateurish in any way, people just don't bite - readers/buyers are getting more selective, so it might help to have someone objective on board.

Thanks Tipsey - are you volunteering to be a pre-reader?

Under absolutely no circumstances whatsoever . . .

Good luck!

Even if you decide not to try and sell it, you should definitely get a copy printed for yourself. It sounds like a lovely book.

My brother produced some beautiful hardback books of photos of my children. He used a company called Blurb.com. No idea of the price as they were presents but they are lovely.

Since he died they have been a great source of comfort.

Thanks Vestandknickers - would you like to read it?

It does sound like a book for family and friends rather than the general public, but that's not a bad thing and enables you to target it very precisely. Do a spreadsheet to work out costs/pricing; it may make sense to price it at 5 or whatever on Amazon while highlighting that all the proceeds your Dad receives will go straight to charity. If you ask people to get the book for free from Amazon and donate separately it's more hassle for them.

I'm happy to have a quick look but after years of managing the slush pile for a non-fiction publisher I am hard as nails about these things so possibly not the right person!

Thanks that might be worth it - I'll write all this up for him & discuss it so he can decide

I PM'd you

I'd love to read it.

Thanks - I think I've PM'ed everyone (I hope)