So this time I attended a Book Launch of an author who is from Barcelona, Spain but is of Indian Origin. It was yesterday at Title Waves Bookstore in Bandra...
1. NO PREFACE : A Preface, Prologue, Author's Note forms a crucial part of a book. I know, it is generally perceived as neglected but that doesn't mean it is not important. Within the writer's world and book readers associations, 40% of the sales of your book takes place via these things since the people get to know you, decide whether they want to invest their time and money into the book by looking at it.
Who have you published this book for? Is it your friends, relatives and your followers only or is it for a larger world out there.
2. Editing and Content Design : There are a few foreign language content, punctuation errors, typo's which are not understood by a unknown reader. They need explaining. The book must be proof read and edited. Publishing a book is a very serious ball game and very different from writing a blog.
3. Observations :The content of the book is very personal. It is a narrative of the most organic thoughts. That reminded me of my early days when I first started writing - 9 years back . I consider those my nursery years when I was just learning A-B-C with a blissful composure just like a baby and that is the stage you are in right now . Each word in your book, "EACH WORD" , is expressing something so you have to choose them carefully. The content will only make complete sense to you, right now- there are several instances when I found myself lost (for there were underground thoughts unexplained which were assumed to be known to me).
You have thrown too many words and phrases not giving them enough value.
You used "Truly,Madly Deeply" in one of your poem - which is a song by Savage Gardens.
Generalizing your opinions and beliefs with " We" and "You" , is a very disastrous error and puts off the reader. You must give the reader their space and let them feel comfortable reading rather than involving them - personally - into you.
4. No Visuals : The book is too philosophical. There is no visuals one can create in their minds. You need to give a reader a ground to walk on. With no location, no house, no sky, no nothing your chapters do not connect with the reader. You're living in Spain, and have spent much of your time in UK, you would've done well to describe the places and setup where you discovered these experiences.
For conclusion, I congratulate you for fulfilling your dream of being a published author and wish you all the very best with your book. However, my strong recommendation would be that you re-write and structure your book at least two more times before you re-publish this.
Do not make yourself so vulnerable and naked. Make your characters that.
You have a long road ahead, you'll walk alone, before mixing into the social world of writers!!!
BE PREPARED!!!
Akshay Sonthalia, Author and Publisher of Poet's Choice with Goldie Nanwani, Author of Thoughts Translated
All that I now say will be directed straight to you, dear author - Goldie. And I say this, it is going to be a toughened up blatantly slashing rough review as you walk down the road tiled with my words.
Save two steps from action, the Book Launch became a family affair with casual small talks and emotional linkages gaining significance, which I must point out makes the others attending your event find themselves "unwanted" and worse " uninvited". I do not speak of myself here, that was the general observation I made. The conversations which were happening there had the interest shifted from your book , to elsewhere.
Your Friend and guest of honor - Rohit Verma, was side stepped away. The event lacked enough planning and proper organizing.
One step from the Book........ before I delved into the ocean of your thoughts I was asked to not waste my time. That came from a person who did not know you, never met you and judged your book from what was there in it. She actually slapped the book on the table and I was surprised to see that.
Now that we are ready lets spring into action .. rubbing my hands together!!
HERE WE GO -----------
1. NO PREFACE : A Preface, Prologue, Author's Note forms a crucial part of a book. I know, it is generally perceived as neglected but that doesn't mean it is not important. Within the writer's world and book readers associations, 40% of the sales of your book takes place via these things since the people get to know you, decide whether they want to invest their time and money into the book by looking at it.
Who have you published this book for? Is it your friends, relatives and your followers only or is it for a larger world out there.
2. Editing and Content Design : There are a few foreign language content, punctuation errors, typo's which are not understood by a unknown reader. They need explaining. The book must be proof read and edited. Publishing a book is a very serious ball game and very different from writing a blog.
3. Observations :The content of the book is very personal. It is a narrative of the most organic thoughts. That reminded me of my early days when I first started writing - 9 years back . I consider those my nursery years when I was just learning A-B-C with a blissful composure just like a baby and that is the stage you are in right now . Each word in your book, "EACH WORD" , is expressing something so you have to choose them carefully. The content will only make complete sense to you, right now- there are several instances when I found myself lost (for there were underground thoughts unexplained which were assumed to be known to me).
You have thrown too many words and phrases not giving them enough value.
You used "Truly,Madly Deeply" in one of your poem - which is a song by Savage Gardens.
Generalizing your opinions and beliefs with " We" and "You" , is a very disastrous error and puts off the reader. You must give the reader their space and let them feel comfortable reading rather than involving them - personally - into you.
4. No Visuals : The book is too philosophical. There is no visuals one can create in their minds. You need to give a reader a ground to walk on. With no location, no house, no sky, no nothing your chapters do not connect with the reader. You're living in Spain, and have spent much of your time in UK, you would've done well to describe the places and setup where you discovered these experiences.
For conclusion, I congratulate you for fulfilling your dream of being a published author and wish you all the very best with your book. However, my strong recommendation would be that you re-write and structure your book at least two more times before you re-publish this.
Do not make yourself so vulnerable and naked. Make your characters that.
You have a long road ahead, you'll walk alone, before mixing into the social world of writers!!!
BE PREPARED!!!
Dear Akshay, thank you for your analysis. I have taken on board all your feedback and constructive criticism. I will be reading your book in the near future. Wishing you well.
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