I've uploaded the intro and a chapter of a book I've been working on. It's a profile of different ages of people, and what they've achieved.

The problem I have is one of classification - it's good practice, I know, to submit to agents who deal with books in the same area or genre - but what is this? I think it's a 'bathroom book', to use an international euphemism - the sort that sit next to the toilet for the entertainment value while one is busy with something else.

This doesn't seem to be a formal classification - any suggestions on classification - and on the work so far, are welcome.

Cheers


Martin

Martin, I’d say it's non-fiction, reference.

I should also say that, if you’re planning to publish it in its current form, you’ll need a damned good indexer – and they don’t come cheap!

Good luck with it and welcome to WW.

Dee.

Thanks Dee. I hadn't even thought of needing indexing. I assume from your comment that either (a) an author is supposed to fund indexing costs, or (b) an agent/publisher is less likely to take something on if the indexing costs will be high. Do you know which of these is right (or if there's another explanation)?

Cheers

Martin

As far as I know, Martin, the author pays for the index.

My brother-in-law is an indexer (funnily enough!) so I ought to know these things. I'll try and remember to ask him next time I speak to him.

You can contact indexers through The Society of Indexers website. They usually specialise so you'd need to shop around for a suitable one.

Good luck with it.

Dee.

Dee - thanks for your input on the work itself. Len mentioned indexing too.

I've put in another post - 'BOA anecdotes' giving examples of stories that I think meet the idea of 'more flesh'.

Martin