MobileRead Forums - View Single Post - Not a writer, but needing writers' advice

derangedhermit · 03-14-2015, 03:42 AM

I have access to almost 20 unpublished book manuscripts, written by an author of old-school Westerns. He was a very popular author decades ago. His published books start in the 1940's and he wrote Westerns for over 60 years. There may also be a few screenplays worth examining, since he had some strong Hollywood relationships.

The Western Writers of America (http://westernwriters.org) knew this man and his works well. They are having their annual meeting in Lubbock, TX in June this year. They have given assurance they want to see the manuscripts published and will help, if it can be worked on during the convention, with follow-up to be arranged. This can be done, and sounds very helpful.

That's where I am. My objectives are to get the works published, at least most of them, and to make what money can be made, for his grandson. He's a good man and could use whatever comes from it.

I find it difficult to think that attempting to publish in paper, the traditional way, would be a sound action. Maybe some POD if a quality product can be produced. That leaves, mainly, e-books of some sort, and maybe audiobooks. The manuscripts are mostly typewritten, with some hand-written changes. So I imagine I have what many of you have done or are doing (aside from the writing bit):
- Production
- Marketing
- Distribution

Should I start out by counting on the WWA for all direction and assistance? Is there any advice from here for preparing for working with them in good faith on the various issues that arise? Do I need an attorney? Some other specialist?

Any opinions on the market interest for unpublished books by a once semi-famous author?

03-14-2015, 03:42 AM	#1
derangedhermit Addict Posts: 239 Karma: 1280000 Join Date: Oct 2010 Location: USA Device: None	Not a writer, but needing writers' advice I have access to almost 20 unpublished book manuscripts, written by an author of old-school Westerns. He was a very popular author decades ago. His published books start in the 1940's and he wrote Westerns for over 60 years. There may also be a few screenplays worth examining, since he had some strong Hollywood relationships. The Western Writers of America (http://westernwriters.org) knew this man and his works well. They are having their annual meeting in Lubbock, TX in June this year. They have given assurance they want to see the manuscripts published and will help, if it can be worked on during the convention, with follow-up to be arranged. This can be done, and sounds very helpful. That's where I am. My objectives are to get the works published, at least most of them, and to make what money can be made, for his grandson. He's a good man and could use whatever comes from it. I find it difficult to think that attempting to publish in paper, the traditional way, would be a sound action. Maybe some POD if a quality product can be produced. That leaves, mainly, e-books of some sort, and maybe audiobooks. The manuscripts are mostly typewritten, with some hand-written changes. So I imagine I have what many of you have done or are doing (aside from the writing bit): - Production - Marketing - Distribution Should I start out by counting on the WWA for all direction and assistance? Is there any advice from here for preparing for working with them in good faith on the various issues that arise? Do I need an attorney? Some other specialist? Any opinions on the market interest for unpublished books by a once semi-famous author?