Alinka Rutkowska’s Post

Someone asked me recently – will you ever write another book? My answer.  Absolutely! I had no idea what ‘writing a book’ entailed, and I can tell you it’s a lot. The writing of the Working Mother manuscript only took about 4 months. That bit I could do. The research took a decade. Finding my voice, my audience, structuring the content took about 6 months. Finding my publisher took a few more. The endless (but important!) rounds of editing took another half a year. And now we are there. Entering the phase until launch on the 3rd September. And very soon we'll be sharing the way to pre-order! So will I ever write another one? Of course. As long as I have something useful to share, it feels like a complete waste of all that learning to not put it to good use again. #workingmotherbook #learningtowrite #usingexperiences

Before writing my first book, I had no clue what actually went into creating a full-length finished manuscript. -How do I know when it’s finished? -How do I know people are going to like it? -How do I create a perfectly finished product? The truth is, you don’t. A lot of writing a book comes down to taking a leap of faith. There’s never a right time to do it, and it’ll never be perfect. You always want to keep tweaking it. There are processes you can do to help, of course, like getting feedback from beta readers and editors. But no one is going to care about the project as much as you. Doesn’t matter if you’re with a big publishing house or going the indie route. You have to let it go. It’ll be what it’s going to be, and people will respond the way you want them to. Or they won’t. What’s most important is that you wrote it. The work works on us as much as we work on it. We all have a story to tell. Write 1-2K a day, and you can finish a rough draft in a month. It’s not as hard as it seems. Give it a shot, and let me know how it goes.

Get 10% off manuscript appraisals between 14 January and 5 February. I’ve got THREE slots available. If you're publishing your non-fiction book in 2025 or you've finished your first draft, don't worry if you're not sure what the next steps are.   No doubt you’re currently wondering whether your current draft is any good and you want someone to give you an honest opinion. That’s what a manuscript appraisal is for (sometimes called a manuscript review). This service is for you if: -         You’ve completed your first draft (possibly done some self-edits) -         You want to publish but you don’t know if it’s any good -         You’re keen to receive feedback and suggestions for improvements   This service is NOT for you if you want someone to edit at a sentence or paragraph level: that’s what copyediting is. (I offer this too, if that sounds more like what you’re after, so let me know if that’s the case.)   Most first-time authors I work with don’t know which service they want or what’s involved in the editorial process. Have no fear, we can discuss that in our FREE connection call.   At this stage, if you know you want some professional help in honing what you’ve currently written and you’re working on a non-fiction book, then just get in touch via email or DM and tell me what your book is about and the anticipated word count.   My email is [email protected]   I can’t wait to hear all about your book and see if we can work on it together in 2025! #selfpublishing #bookeditor #nonfiction #wellbeing

📚 Unlocking the Power of Beta Readers: Your Free Editing Dream Team Are you planning to use Beta Readers for your new book? Beta readers are not just readers; they're the unsung heroes of the writing process, offering invaluable feedback and insights that can transform a manuscript. But did you know that beta reading also offers a unique opportunity for free book editing? In a recent article by Kevin Chapman, the role of beta readers in providing free editing services is highlighted, illuminating the mutual benefits of the beta reading process. Chapman stresses the significance of the cover letter to beta readers, where writers can precisely outline their expectations and specific areas for feedback. By effectively communicating their needs, writers can steer beta readers towards providing the feedback most beneficial for the editing process. One notable example from the article is a cover letter template, which expresses gratitude to beta readers and encourages them to provide candid criticism and suggestions for improvement. This transparent approach fosters an environment where beta readers feel empowered to offer honest feedback without hesitation. Moreover, incorporating beta reader feedback into the editing process can significantly improve the manuscript and provide editorial reviews you can use on your book’s cover and in your marketing. As writers of nonfiction business books, it's crucial to recognize the immense value that beta readers bring to the table, not only as readers but also as editors who provide invaluable feedback free of charge. Boston Business Books provides a comprehensive book launch and promotion service that is a game-changer in the author's journey. Link to the article: https://lnkd.in/gQzbGecs #Publishing #BetaReaders #Editing #AuthorLife

Yesterday, I received a manuscript yesterday from a first-time client. His note read: "I don't know how to write, but this is the manuscript we talked about." I read 89 pages and was left wondering: who told this man he can't write? This work is one of the simplest yet most detailed manuscripts I'll be editing this year. So, what’s stopping you from writing your book? - Is it because you think you can't write? - Did you stop writing because you feel it's not worth it? -Are you struggling to find the perfect title? Who is advising you? Have you tried contacting the Impactful Book Editor for help? Are you sure you're not your own worst enemy? No long words here. Just a reminder: You shouldn’t publish until you've edited your manuscript. And guess what? You have everything it takes to start and complete your book. Get to work. I'm Oluwatomisin, the Impactful Book Editor, and I'm here to help.My DM doesn't bite. Finished your manuscript already? —let me turn it into a flawless, impactful solution.

No, you haven't written rubbish. That's a good way to start. 📌 Many authors seek to write a truly great book, but they've been stuck for ages on the idea and haven't penned down even a chapter. Often, this is due to the fear of the first draft. It's the fear of execution. 📌 This stage is tricky because you must face your fears to write a great book. It's the hardest for first-timers and experienced authors alike. Your worst fear is that you might end up writing something that makes no sense at all. So, you never write anything at all. But then, that's the only way forward. 📌 Creating an epic masterpiece begins with a crappy draft. This is why editing exists. It's how you work your message and story through the "nonsense" to make it sensible and enjoyable. 👣 Step by step, with some editing here and there, your book is on its way to being published. Remember, no one attains perfection in a day. 🫂 Let's work through the process. Book a call today LIKE. SHARE. COMMENT. #maddabookmedia #authorscommunity

Day 3 #30DaysBranding: Struggle Alert! Balancing Creativity with Structure Let’s talk about one of the toughest lessons I’ve had to learn as a new writer—balancing creativity with structure. When I first started writing, my stories were bursting with imagination and wild ideas. I thought that’s all I needed to create a great book. But soon, I realized that without structure, those imaginative ideas became a little chaotic and difficult for readers to follow. Ballad of a Bullfrog, for example, was a vivid, exciting tale about a brave frog exploring new lands, but it lacked the clear direction and pacing that a children’s book needs to keep young readers engaged. I had to learn how to create a solid foundation, organize the plot, and make sure each chapter flowed smoothly into the next. It wasn’t easy—there were lots of rewrites, edits, and moments of doubt. But it made me a better writer. What I discovered is that even the wildest stories need structure to help guide the reader. It doesn’t limit creativity; it enhances it! Now, I’m able to balance the two in a way that creates richer, more engaging books. Have you ever struggled with balancing creativity and structure? How did you overcome it? #CreativeDiscipline #LearningCurve #WritingStruggles #StoryStructure #AuthorJourney #KidsBooks #ChildrenStorytelling #WritingTips #BalancingCreativity #PlotPacing

How do you know a course is great? Even the dog wants in! 🐶 Calling all aspiring authors: Claim your spot now before June 14 when the price goes up. Your Book, Your Rules is currently offering a special enrollment price of $500. After two decades in publishing, I'm excited to share this course that has everything you need to know about modern publishing so you can start writing with confidence. But act fast, because after the special enrollment period, the price goes up. ⬆️ 💡 Invest in your writing journey for a fraction of the cost (Just $500!). The doors close (and the price goes up!) after June 14. 💼 Fuel your expertise by sharing it with the world through the power of a book. 💫 Upgrade your author status and leave a lasting impact on your audience. I created this because YOU deserve to be published! Ready to take the leap? Secure your spot in Your Book, Your Rules before it’s too late. The first module will be available on June 17 and you'll get a new module every week for seven weeks. Download the course details here: https://lnkd.in/gaUs88bv Or REGISTER RIGHT NOW: https://lnkd.in/gqzmUWC9 Tag and share with an aspiring author who needs to know about this limited-time offer.📝 #tinylaunchpromo #selfpublishing #bookwritingtips #authorslife #writingcommunity #startwriting #bookproject

📚 The Key to a Successful Manuscript Submission 🌟 A great submission begins long before it reaches a publisher’s desk. It starts with the right tools for authors to craft and refine their stories. At My Book Lair, we empower authors with advanced tools to shape their narratives, ensuring that their plot, characters, and world-building are cohesive and compelling. For authors, our system guides you through the plot development process, helping you avoid common pitfalls like plot holes or inconsistent world-building. Our goal is to ensure that every manuscript submitted is polished and ready for review. For publishers, this means receiving better-prepared submissions that are clearer, more detailed, and consistent—saving you time and making the selection process easier. We’re here to support creators on both sides of the page, helping stories evolve from inspiration to a professional manuscript submission. ✏️ Authors: How do you ensure your story is ready for submission? 📩 Publishers: What makes a submission stand out for you? We’d love to hear your thoughts in the comments! 🌟 #MyBookLair #Authors #Publishers #WritingCommunity #PublishingTools #StoryDevelopment #WorldBuilding #CharacterDevelopment #FictionWriting #FantasyBooks #SciFiBooks #BookPublishing

📚📒A Sneak-peak into my upcoming first BOOK !!📖 Writing a tech book is no small feat – it’s a journey filled with research, planning, and countless drafts. 📚🔍 It has already been 8 months!! Every chapter requires digging deep into current trends and technologies, ensuring that the content is both relevant and accurate. What’s surprising is that you learn more and your concepts get clearer all during this entire process. The planning process is all about structuring information to create a smooth learning curve, while the drafting involves revisiting ideas, refining explanations, and making sure everything is crystal clear for readers. It’s a challenging, yet incredibly rewarding process. Can’t wait to share more soon! #BookWriting #TechAuthor #DataEngineering