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Real Life Book - Advice

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  • 01-10-2012 5:23pm
    #1
    Eastcoastryan
    Banned (with Prison Access) Posts: 197 ✭✭


    Hi All,

    I am just looking for some advice. I have a pretty unique story to tell. I dont want to go into too many details but basically there is a genetic fault in my family, it wiped out my dads family, 8 out of 11 kids died and now I have to go through a course of Genetic Testing over the next 12 months to find out if I have inherited the faulty gene, there is a 50/50 chance so I compare it to a roll of a roulette wheel.

    I have started to write a book, it is mainly about my experiences now but also about growing up with my Dad and his family being so ill (he died when I was 16) but I'm not sure of the process or how I should approach publishers or agents.

    In addition to this, a TV Production company working with RTE has show an interest in doing a 1 hour documentary about my story, this would also include the process over the next 12 months. I am meeting with the Production company for the second time next week, would the fact that there will also be a TV programme make a difference to publishers? I have never written a book before but I have worked in media for years.

    Any advice would be appreciated, sorry if I went into too much details but I wanted to give you an idea of what it's all about.

    Thanks

    R.


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    #2
    pickarooney
    Moderators, Arts Moderators Posts: 35,252 Mod ✭✭✭✭pickarooney


    From your post, what jumps out is the course of tests over the next twelve months and, if you'll forgive the morbidity of this, a diary style book of your own experiences, with details of your family history and a layman-friendly insight into the disease is what's most likely to appeal to readers.


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    #3
    Eastcoastryan
    Banned (with Prison Access) Posts: 197 ✭✭Eastcoastryan


    pickarooney wrote: »
    From your post, what jumps out is the course of tests over the next twelve months and, if you'll forgive the morbidity of this, a diary style book of your own experiences, with details of your family history and a layman-friendly insight into the disease is what's most likely to appeal to readers.

    Thanks for your reply.

    Yeah I agree, I have started to keep a diary. I am going through different emotions, there is sadness but positivity. Do you think the fact that there will be a TV Programme make it more attractive to a publisher?


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    #4
    The Princess Bride
    Registered Users Posts: 18,585 ✭✭✭✭The Princess Bride


    I would imagine you'd have to make a conscious effort to find a lot of positives in your story,(ie: happy memories) too,not only to make it attractive to publishers,but to prospective readers?
    Otherwise it might have the potential to be a very depressing read?

    Best of luck.


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    #5
    Eastcoastryan
    Banned (with Prison Access) Posts: 197 ✭✭Eastcoastryan


    msthe80s wrote: »
    I would imagine you'd have to make a conscious effort to find a lot of positives in your story,(ie: happy memories) too,not only to make it attractive to publishers,but to prospective readers?
    Otherwise it might have the potential to be a very depressing read?

    Best of luck.


    Yes, I totally agree. This was one of my concerns too. As I mentioned, there is alot of positivity in the story too. One of the things that I have had to do in my life is remain positive in the most difficult circumstances.


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    #6
    Eastcoastryan
    Banned (with Prison Access) Posts: 197 ✭✭Eastcoastryan


    Just to update you on this, I got a call today from a publishing agent today after sending him a synopsis of the book. He was familiar with the TV Production company that I have been dealing with and thinks the story is very unique. I am meeting with him next week to discuss it further. This is happening quicker than I thought so I am pretty happy. Wish me luck!


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