How I found a publisher for my mental health book
From dealing with rejection, the pitching process and finalising a deal I share the ins and outs of getting published.
My first book, Living at the Speed of Light, went through many forms before it was finally published back in 2021. I cut and stripped down much of my original idea from that shaky first draft to the completed manuscript. I learnt not to be too precious about my writing, and sometimes a passage I loved and didn’t want to edit or remove entirely just didn’t work in the book.
But let’s start at the beginning. In 2018, I began approaching agents and publishers with my idea for a bipolar memoir. I wanted it to be raw and messy and not to shy away from the ugly side of the disorder. The rejections started pouring in with one overarching theme; my memoir wasn’t inspirational enough. Now I don’t always do inspiration in my mental health advocacy. It would be fake of me if I did, and I don’t do fake. But inspiring memoirs sell. They make money. I could have changed the memoir up and made it about my road to recovery and hope and sunshine and rainbows, but that wouldn’t have stayed true to who I am and how I live my life with authenticity. I felt defeated, and it was difficult not to take it personally or believe I was a terrible writer.
I knew I wanted to get this book published, so I shook off the imposter syndrome and the rejection and carried on pitching. In late 2019 I told myself I'd send it out one last time, not with much hope or expectation of anything coming of it. This time though, the response was different. The publisher, Jessica Kingsley Publishers, would work with me if I made some changes. We discussed it over a couple of weeks and decided that the book could work as part memoir, part guide to living with Bipolar disorder. The ‘living with’ part is meaningful here and why I was willing to work with JKP. It wasn’t about overcoming or recovering but managing and making the best of a lifelong illness. It’s a realistic expectation for anyone with bipolar disorder to strive for.
Navigating the publishing industry takes confidence, tenacity and a thick skin.
Non-fiction books are commissioned through a proposal rather than a completed manuscript. They want you to have a solid idea, structure, and a taste of your writing style. In a proposal, they want to know why you specifically should write this book, who your target audience is and why your book is relevant and timely. It’s a good idea to research similar books, so you can identify and explain how your book will differ. I put together a proposal of what the book would look like and wrote a sample chapter. The answer; they liked it, and I had a book deal!
Now I just had to write it. I couldn't use my original manuscript and had to start from scratch. It wasn't an easy process. Writing a book is bloody hard work! Anyone who writes a blog or journals or talks about their mental illness on social media knows it's draining. After a day spent writing about my experiences for the book and sharing my insights and advice, I was emotionally exhausted. During those months, I had to look after myself and talk it through with people close to me, like my partner Jimi. Then it was ready to be sent to my publisher. I was so nervous about pressing send on that email! I didn't need to be - there were changes I needed to make, but nothing stressful. Before I knew it, the editing process was complete.
Navigating the publishing industry takes confidence, tenacity and a thick skin. If you believe in your idea but are also open to suggestions and constructive feedback and are willing to make reasonable changes to your original idea, then you’re more likely to find a home for your book. My last few pieces of advice are to keep going, keep refining your idea and keep practising your craft!