Wondering how to get your book published? Start here: How to Get Your Book Published

How to decide whether traditional publishing or self-publishing is right for you:

Should You Self-Publish or Traditionally Publish?

Pros and Cons of Traditional Publishing vs Self-Publishing

I recommend Jane Friedman for all things publishing. She has a fabulous blog chock full of information. Here are a few of her most popular posts:

How to Get Your Book Published

How to Find a Literary Agent for Your Book

The Complete Guide to Query Letters

How to Write a Book Proposal

For help navigating the self-publishing world, here are some resources that might be helpful. Please remember to vet each provider carefully.

How to Self-Publish Your Book

Joanna Penn (The Creative Penn) is a wonderful resource for all things indie (self-) publishing.

Colorado Independent Publishers Association

Here’s a short, clear description of the different kinds of editing:

What Does an Editor Do?

Here’s a longer description:

The Comprehensive Guide to Finding, Hiring and Working with an Editor

If you’re looking for help with developmental editing for your memoir, I might be a good fit for you. Contact me here to discuss your project.

If you’re looking for a copyeditor or proofreader, I recommend Boulder Editors, a professional group with wide-ranging expertise from academic journals to business materials to fiction. Services cover everything from proofreading to ghostwriting. (Full disclosure: I used to be a member.)

If you’re interested in shoring up your creative writing education, here’s a short list of classic writing texts:

Bird by Bird: Some Instructions on Writing and Life by Anne Lamott

On Writing: A Memoir of the Craft by Stephen King

On Writing Well: The Classic Guide to Writing Nonfictionby William Zinsser

In the Palm of Your Hand: A Poet’s Portable Workshop by Steve Kowit

If you’re newer to memoir and/or are looking for a good overview as well as lots of clear, practical advice:

Writing the Memoir: A Practical Guide to the Craft, the Personal Challenges, and the Ethical Dilemmas of Writing Your True Stories by Judith Barrington

For help shaping your material into art form:

The Situation and the Story: The Art of Personal Narrative by Vivian Gornick

For a thought-provoking dive into the nuances of memoir:

The Art of Memoir by Mary Karr

For help writing and publishing shorter essays, I recommend Susan Shapiro’s The Byline Bible: Get Published in 5 Weeks. It’s a clear, concise DIY course packed into one powerful little book.