Is There a Book in You? [Paperback]

"Whether you're aiming at full-length fiction, non-fiction or even shorter pieces of writing, this book is a worthwhile read." "Whether you have a book in you or not... this book is life-enhancing." --London Writer Circle (September 2006)

This is the perfect present for any family member who is an aspiring writer. The author has collected nuggets of wisdom...and combined them into a well-structured manual..." --The Good Book Guide (August 2006)

I'm completely hooked. It is very inspiring. I hope the book is as successful as it thoroughly deserves to be.

Many people feel they might have a book in them - but how do you know whether you have what it takes to be a writer, whether your writing is any good, what you should write about and whether you should dedicate proper time to begin your dream? This book asks pertinent questions of you via a questionnaire to help you discover whether there is a talented writer in you. Each chapter provides background to the relevant point in the questionnaire. Packed with advice from experienced writers including known authors; P D James, Philip Pullman, Jacqueline Wilson, Margaret Drabble, Katie Fforde and more. Expert advice from Daniel Roche (BA President), independent booksellers, publishers Helen Fraser (Penguin) and Ian Trewin (Chairman Cheltenham Literary Festival and administrator, Man Booker Prize), agents and creative writing tutors. Foreword by columnist and writer Katharine Whitehorn.

I have been a publisher and an author, and given my position on both sides of the fence, always interested in why some people get published and others do not. I decided to try to theorise, and my book is the result: a serious look at the personal and physical resources you need in order to get a book published. I particularly enjoyed exploring the circumstances writers choose in which to work - this revealed a vast range of interesting ideas and environments to try out!

Alison Baverstock is a former publisher and now author, who writes about writing, publishing and creativity. She is Course Leader of the MA in Publishing at Kingston University and her website is www.alisonbaverstock.com.