As I wrote to to my free newsletter subscribers earlier this week – I have news.
After many years of work, DRAFT 1 of my long-awaited Hitz FM book is done. (Well, “done enough”.) So, what does this mean? And how much longer will you have to WAIT?
I have lots to tell you…
Draft 1: Complete.
So, as I said I’ve finished the first draft of my book.
Every book you’ve ever read goes through ‘drafts’ as the writer improves the story. It’s a bit like starting with a lump of clay and moulding it into a coffee mug or vase. You can’t just write a book – then release it. The most famous authors in the world won’t do it. Books need editing & polishing.
Now that Draft 1 is complete, I’ll leave the book alone for a few months. Why? So I can come back and edit it with ‘fresh eyes’.
What I’ll be doing in my down time
For the next few months, I’ll be building a fanbase for the book. ie: Making contact with Hitz fans via social media. The more of those people onboard – the better chance of getting a book deal.
I do have a particular plan to accelerate contacting Hitz fans. And I’ll need your help. Please keep an eye on my Hitz FM Memories Facebook Page for the launch!
Now, I’m SURE you have questions…
so let’s take a dodgy photo… and start answering them!
My Hitz FM book FAQ
Q: Oh my GOD Gabe, there’s only one question in town…
WHEN WILL THE BOOK BE FINISHED?
A: OK, OK. I’m sorry it’s taking so long. I’ve never written anything like this before and believe me, I’ve made every mistake on the way. The conservative answer is, in a few years.
Q: What?!? YEARS? Seriously????? Why so long?
A: OK, here’s a question for YOU. Which way should I publish the Hitz book?
Option 1: Release it myself on Amazon.
In 2023, there were 2.6 million self-published books. That’s 7,100 books PER DAY. 296 books every hour. The chance of people discovering my book amongst that flood is so unbelievably tiny.
I want this story to be read, not buried.
Option 2: Get an agent, and aim for a traditional publisher.
That’s what I’m doing. It’s a much harder road, but we’re talking books in bookshops. Hopefully read by thousands of Aussies, rather than lost in the digital swamp. The problem is, publishers have their own schedules, and I just have to ‘join the queue’.
Drafts??
Q: You said you’ve done “Draft 1”. How many drafts will you do?
A: Different writers do this different ways. I’ll probably do 3 more drafts but DON’T WORRY they’re much MUCH faster than draft 1.
Draft 2 – Cutting out unnecessary sections. Moving things for a better flow.
Draft 3 – Working on the dialogue. Adding more descriptions, emotions, senses.
Draft 4 – Fixing grammar, spelling, etc
Q: So, what happens after you finish doing “drafts”?
A: Well, I might need a few beta readers, to get a sneak peek in return for some feedback…
After that…
Find an agent, find a publisher. Save the cheerleader.
(Oh no, that last bit was Heroes.)
Q: So what can we do to help?
A: To make the book happen, Agents and publishers want to see 2 things.
ONE: A great book. (That’s my job)
TWO: FANS. (That’s where YOU come in)
Publishers want to see lots of people who’ll buy the book.
Facebook followers. That sort of thing.
One thing you can do RIGHT NOW:
- Visit my Facebook page.
- Pick one post – and share it.
eg: “Check this out! A recording of my fave radio station of the 90s!”
One thing you can do LATER:
I have a plan to get much BIGGER on Facebook, and I’ll tell you about it in my next newsletter.
So, that’s it for now.
Thanks for your support.
PS: Got any MORE questions about this long-awaited Hitz FM book?
Comment below – and I’ll answer them!
(even the silly ones)
Can’t wait to read it!
Thanks Rose!
Long-delayed, but doing my best to make it worth the wait.