Green Hill Publishing
1300 810 131
Contact us
Green Hill Publishing
Tips for writing your history book

Tips for writing your history book

clock - estimated reading time  Estimated reading time: 8 minutes

Here’s some invaluable tips for writing that history book you’ve been planning, from Green Hill’s own Richard Maerschel.

Contents

1. Preserve and value private photo albums and document collections
2. Don’t rely too much on public records
3. Other information sources
4. Quality of Photos
5. Juggling writing with staying alive

1. Preserve and value private photo albums and document collections 

When you decide to write, don’t expect that background information will be on the internet in more than superficial depth. Even basic information on the net is often wrong, not deliberately but because, unlike you, the writer might be too quick to get a story out, often using documents perhaps a century old which might have been wrong in the first place. My own family records have examples of such errors.

I feel lucky that I have always kept books and a lots of notes on things important to me. I also feel lucky that forty years ago I asked my old aunty to sit down with me and her numerous photo albums – she told me names and I wrote them on the backs of photos. My main my point is Don’t rely on memory which inevitably loses accuracy and completion over time.

Back to Contents

​2. Don’t rely too much on public records 

Trove is very good at preserving old newspapers and making them freely available on line, but they stop at 1954, and that is now more than seventy years ago and receding further every day. State libraries and archives hold a vast amount of material, but the funding of our State Library is being squeezed so that expertise to help you and me find what’s there is diminishing, and quite rapidly.

Newspapers are shadows of what they used to be, so the little things going on in daily life are no longer in the papers but on our phones and tablets. Those records may be a 100 times larger than what we used to read in the papers, but they are too fragile. When a phone is lost or is thrown out when someone dies, the photos and text messages are usually lost too. The same happens with emails when we change computers or even update software that took charge of everything that we wrote on our keyboards and received on our screens.

Marriage isn’t what it used to be, and neither is our old way of children taking their father’s surname, so your descendants will probably have a hard time doing family histories because the line of names will be hard to find and decipher.

Back to Contents

​3. Other information sources 

When you are writing about history, your work gains its main value after you get inside the minds of people living in those times. Their ideas about society might be a world away from your ideas, but unless you can see their world from their times, your critical evaluation will be defective. Old books are invaluable. If you haven’t got your own, go a library and ask questions, and be prepared to go down roads less travelled to find answers to what you want to know.

O’Connells, Old and Rare Books, and Michael Treloar are mines of old books and photos, but they are more focussed on collectors rather than writers. If you want information rather than an expensive rare book, I suggest suggest that you think about the relevant locality. If your story is based in Adelaide suburbs, go to the local library for relevant records, maps, photos and the like. In recent time I’ve turned up sources valuable to me from Aldinga and Mount Gambier libraries. The custodians there love to think that people from Adelaide want their help, and those same people are usually involved in local museums run by the National Trust and district councils, so there is a good chance you’ll get more than you are expecting. Also, when you travel, drop into any place that advertises old books.

Three of my most valued books I bought interstate, one from Maryborough in Victoria, and two from Berrima and Uralla in NSW. It is essential that you keep your eyes and mind open to finding information in unexpected places

Back to Contents

4. Quality of photos 

The digital technology which drives our screens – cinemas, computers and phones – is now so good that it often makes any photo more than five years old look below par, even miserable. Wonders of enhancement and removal have now descended out of the realm of touchup artists into the hands of you and me or, more particularly, our kids and their children. This is bad news for us who write history books because the old pictures we are forced to use look bad and worse against the expectations of what anyone can get, even out of a cheap mobile phone.

The good thing is that the technical advances which present us each day with high quality images we might have just taken also enable us to improve old pictures, even though they may be the third or fourth in a series of copies out of a book. Light and shade, clarity, and blemishes can all be made to look better using software which keeps coming out of the same smart minds as the imagery on our screens.

But improving old photos can take a lot of time and money, and there is the risk that the final image looks too good, lacking the warmth and charm of an old defective photo. AI will never match what the old camera tried to do but missed, but the compromise available now and into the future should enable us to present impressive pictures.

Back to Contents

5. Juggling writing with staying alive 

For too long I put off writing a whole lot of stuff which had been running around in my brain for decades. I had jobs which kept me too busy to give time to writing. Writers like actors, musicians and sports people, are countless in number, but very few get to the point of fame and riches, so don’t wait for that to give you lots of leisure time. Get on with your writing, make enough money to keep body and soul together, and your writings will bring you satisfaction whether the world values them or not.

Richard Maerschel ~ richard@greenhillpublishing.com.au

Back to Contents

SUBMIT YOUR BOOK DETAILS
CALL US 1300 810 131

Featured Blog Posts:

No Results Found

The page you requested could not be found. Try refining your search, or use the navigation above to locate the post.

Featured Blog Posts

No Results Found

The page you requested could not be found. Try refining your search, or use the navigation above to locate the post.

Interested in publishing your book but unsure where to start or what is even involved? Tell us about your project and we will post you a copy of our:

 

The Little Book of
Big Publishing Tips.

 

In just a quick 8,000 words, this little book will equip you with the knowledge you need to successfully publish your book.

The Little Book of Big Publishing tips goes into the essentials of self-publishing a book, outlining the business and financial side of publishing, legal issues, design, editing, sales and marketing. There's even a section on how to identify a vanity-publishing scam.

submit your project details

What does self-publishing mean?

What does self-publishing mean?

clock - estimated reading time  Estimated reading time: 12 minutes

Self-publishing means more than just uploading a manuscript to KDP or paying someone to publish your book. In a world domineered by traditional publishers who cherry-pick which manuscripts get to be published, self-publishing gives authors’ back their freedom and autonomy. This is because self-publishing gives authors—not publishers—the ability to decide that their stories are worthy of being heard.

Authors who self-publish their books feel the empowerment and fulfilment that self-publishing provides. When you hold your beautifully, professionally designed and printed book in your hands, and you know that you alone have ownership over it, it can be extremely rewarding. The satisfaction and pride you feel when you realise that you have made something that is out on bookshelves and in the hands of readers is unparalleled.

Contents

1. It means authors regaining control​
2. It means having creative freedom
3. It means having your book published quicker
4. It means getting to interact with your readership
5. It means greater financial reward for authors

1. It means authors regaining control

With the advancements of technology and the internet, self-publishing has become so much more accessible and viable for authors who want to publish their book outside of traditional means. It also means that authors can take more control of their publishing journey. There are many ways that you can self-publish a book, including completely independently through services like Kindle Direct Publishing, or assisted through a self-publisher or a hybrid publisher.

1.1 Publishing your book completely independently

Choosing to publish your book without the assistance of a self-publisher / hybrid publisher can be quite difficult, but is possible. There are a few things you need to be aware of when considering this option:

Editing is integral

Everyone would like to think that their book is perfect, but it’s rarely the case. Readers will be able to tell pretty quickly whether a boo has been edited or not. This means that it’s important to consider having someone—if not a professional editor, then a at least a well-read and literate friend/family member—look over your manuscript and correct any errors that are present. There are different kinds of editing, which we go over in our blog post about editing.

Book cover design matters

Everyone knows the saying “Don’t judge a book by its cover,” we’ve even said it a few times in other blog posts, and this is because it’s not true. The first thing that your potential readers will see when they look at your book is the cover. Your book cover is your front-line marketing salesman—its main purpose is to persuade readers to first pick the book up and then to keep it. Having a professional designer create your book cover is an excellent way to ensure that you’re presenting your book well to your potential readers.

Typesetting also matters

The design of a book’s interior is just as important as the book cover, only for different reasons. It focuses on the look of a books interior and how the design interacts with the text, but also focuses on readability, searchability, and accessibility. This means that if your book is typeset correctly, the readers will have an enjoyable reading experience and won’t be distracted by errors in typesetting that draw their eye. If you’re unsure if you can do this properly, it’s always best to hire a professional.

Every book needs an ISBN

While there are some exceptions (read our blog post on ISBNs), every book in the market is required to have an ISBN. ISBNs are International Standard Book Numbers that are required by distributors and retailers for sales tracking and cataloguing purposes. Because ISBNs are unique to their assigned book, while titles and covers can be very similar to each other, ISBNs are instrumental to your book’s online searchability. You must purchase an ISBN for your book. If you live and publish in Australia, Thorpe Bowker is the ISBN provider you need.

You have to organise your own printing

Most if not all self-publishers and hybrid publishers have connections to printers. If you publish your book completely independently, however, you’ll have to approach printers yourself to discuss printing. This can be daunting and confusing as there are many different options out there regarding printers, book formats, paper types, and more.

You’ll need to set up your own distribution methods

If you publish your book through services like KDP, you will automatically be set up on Amazon and can then take it further by approaching other retailers to sell your book. Some online retailers do have specific requirements regarding the formatting and distribution of their books, so make sure to check their guidelines before you publish on them. Bookstore distribution can be a little difficult for self-published authors. This is because bookstores are wary of the quality and sales-value of self-published books as some authors cut corners and do not properly produce their books.

Book marketing is ongoing

Self-published authors have to work hard and continuously to get their books into the minds of readers, but there are certainly strategies that can help. For help on how to do this, read our blog post on marketing for self-published authors.

1.2 Publishing your book with a self-publisher / hybrid publisher

If you decide to publish your book through a self-publisher / hybrid publisher, they will usually assist you with all aspects of your publishing journey. This is not to say that they will force you to do something you don’t want to, however. You, the author, are still the primary authority on all decisions made during the publishing process of your book.

When you choose to go with a self-publisher or hybrid publisher, you can get assistance you with the following:

Editing your book

Whether they do this in-house or out-source editing to partnered companies, they will help you to get your book professionally edited.

Designing your book

These companies often have their own design studios or out-source to freelance designers. It’s good to look at their past covers to determine whether you’re happy with the quality of work they can produce.

Getting the right printer

As I said earlier, printers and publishing companies deal with each other often and usually have connections with one another. When choosing to go with a publisher, they will advise you on format, paper, appropriate printers, and more, taking the stress out of this step.

Organising proper distribution

Not all self-publishing companies do this, but reputable ones provide their authors with an ISBN and enable their book for distribution with online retailers. Some also have contacts or a good reputation with bookstore distributors and retailers and can help you get your book into places like that, too.

Assistance with marketing

Some companies offer marketing services, some don’t. It’s best to do your research when deciding on which company to go with. Green Hill offers marketing services on an hourly basis to our authors.

Back to Contents

2. It means having creative freedom

In the same vein as maintaining control, self-publishing also allows authors to exert control over the creative aspects of their publishing journey, both the book itself and the author’s “author persona”.

2.1 Control your book design

Only extremely established authors in the traditional publishing sphere have any kind of say over their book cover or typesetting design. On the other hand, self-published authors maintain control over the design of their book—both the cover and the typesetting.

This can happen in one of two ways:

  1. You can design your book yourself: If you have access to design software and an aptitude for design, you may be able to make your own book cover and typesetting. The Adobe Suite is best for this. If you do choose to DIY, however, make sure that you do your research and get in contact with your printer—they will need you to meet specific parameters.
  2. Hire a professional book designer: Whether you contract a freelance book designer or go through a self-publisher / hybrid publisher, having a professional, experience, and trade-educated book designer is always a good idea. This will mean that your book will be up to market quality and can compete with others in the genre. You’ll be able to give the designer a creative brief of what you want on the cover, and they will give you options and suggest great ideas that you might not have thought of.

2.2 Control your author persona

Many traditionally published authors are forced to have their social media accounts filtered by a marketing team. Meanwhile, as a self-published author, you have complete control over your author persona and how you present yourself to readers. More on this point later in point 4.

Back to Contents

3. It means having your book published quicker

Having your book published through traditional means could anywhere from 12 months and three years. This doesn’t even account for the time it takes to find and be accepted by a literary agent or the time it takes for a publisher to accept your manuscript for publishing. On the contrary, self-publishers and hybrid publishers are much quicker plus you don’t have to worry about finding a literary agent. If things go smoothly, you could be holding your book in 6-8 weeks—this is the timeline you’ll get with Green Hill Publishing. That is an undeniably more appealing timeline, right?

A short timeline like this can be especially important for those with ill loved ones, or businesses with strict deadlines that need to be met. It also means that you won’t have to wait a year or more to see your idea be fully realised and achieve the dream of being a published author.

Your timeline with self-publishing can be pushed out if you get editing, ghost writing, illustration, or other extra production services. However, if your self-publisher or hybrid publisher suggests these things, it’s usually for a reason. It’s up to you whether you decide to take it on board or not.

Back to Contents

4. It means getting to interact with your readership

To be in control of your author persona means that you are in charge of your social media, your book events, your launches, your website—everything. In doing this, you have the freedom to interact with your readers in your own way. You can interact with what people are posting about you as an author and your book, allowing you to answer their questions, pose your own, receive feedback, and interact with their creativity (e.g. fanart and fanfiction).

Self-published authors also have control over their own marketing. This includes promotional social media marketing, book launches and events, and author websites. When you have control over these aspects of your author persona, you can write your own blog posts, host your own livestreams and webinars, create videos and graphics, and use any number of other marketing strategies to ger your readers to interact with you and each other. This all means that you can present your author persona how you want—choosing your own aesthetic and strategies without the influence of a marketing team. This lets you show your readers the real you.

Doing all of this fosters a closer relationship between author and audience, building a community of loyal fans and helping you to appreciate your readers more.

Back to Contents

5. It means greater financial reward for authors

Typically, traditionally published authors only see a small percentage of their book’s profits. This can be around 10-15%. On the other hand, self-published authors receive a much higher percentage. If you put time into your publishing project—from the first spark of inspiration, to having a professionally edited and designed book, to organising printing, and finally to marketing—you as a self-published author could see 70% or more of your book’s profits. This is a much higher percentage and more fairly reflects the effort and work that you, the author, have put into your book.

For many authors, this means that their writing is funded and their career as an author is viable financially. While financial success is not guaranteed for authors—self-published and traditionally published alike—self-published authors not only receive more of their sales profits, they can better control their income and what they invest in, like publicists, agents, and their next publishing project.

Back to Contents

SUBMIT YOUR BOOK DETAILS
CALL US 1300 810 131

Featured Blog Posts:

No Results Found

The page you requested could not be found. Try refining your search, or use the navigation above to locate the post.

Featured Blog Posts

No Results Found

The page you requested could not be found. Try refining your search, or use the navigation above to locate the post.

Interested in publishing your book but unsure where to start or what is even involved? Tell us about your project and we will post you a copy of our:

 

The Little Book of
Big Publishing Tips.

 

In just a quick 8,000 words, this little book will equip you with the knowledge you need to successfully publish your book.

The Little Book of Big Publishing tips goes into the essentials of self-publishing a book, outlining the business and financial side of publishing, legal issues, design, editing, sales and marketing. There's even a section on how to identify a vanity-publishing scam.

submit your project details

How long does it take to publish a book?

How long does it take to publish a book?

clock - estimated reading time  Estimated reading time: 8 minutes

You’ve poured your heart into your manuscript and now dream of seeing it on the shelves, but how long does it even take to publish a book? The process is very different for self-publishing and traditional publishing routes, too, making the answer even more complex.

Contents

1. The difference in timeline between traditional and self-publishing
2. Preparing your content
3. Outside factors that can influence your publishing timeline
4. The work never stops when you’re a published author
5. Publishing through green hill

1. The difference in timeline between traditional and self-publishing

 

When you publish a book, the path you choose can greatly impact your timeline. On average, traditional book publishing takes much longer than self-publishing. From finding a literary agent to securing a publishing deal and going through the publisher’s editorial, design, and print process, it can take 12–18 months before your book reaches the shelves.

Self-publishing, however, offers more control and speeds up the process. If you go DIY, you set your own deadlines and manage your own schedule. With assisted self-publishing, it can take a little longer, but is still fast-tracked compared to traditional publishing. With dedication, you can publish your book within 6–8 weeks after finalising your manuscript.

Whether you choose traditional publishing or self-publishing, understanding these timelines will help you plan better and achieve your book publishing goals.

Back to contents

2. Preparing your content

 

2.1 From first draft to finished manuscript

Completing your first draft is a huge milestone, but it’s only the start of the journey. Turning a rough draft into a polished manuscript takes a lot of time and effort. On average, this process could take a writer several months to over a year of going through multiple rounds of self-editing, seeking feedback from beta readers, and then making even more necessary revisions.

 

2.2 Polishing your work with editing

Once you have your manuscript ready, it’s time for professional editing. Many authors often overlook this crucial step, fearing the process or thinking that self-editing is enough. Editors, however, do more than correct typos; they improve structure, flow, and consistency and are often an author’s first reader.

A thorough book edit can take a few weeks to a few months, depending on the length and complexity of your manuscript. Investing in professional editing ensures your book is polished and ready for publishing or presenting to a literary agent.

 

2.3 Your book artwork: Book cover and typesetting

People often say not to judge a book by its cover, but the truth? Everyone does. Your book cover design gives readers their first impression, so it has to be eye-catching and tell your readers what they need to know about your book. An attractive and accurate book cover grabs attention and drives sales. Additionally, professional typesetting makes your text look polished and improves the readability and overall experience of your book.

It’s not unusual to invest up to a month or more in a great cover design and proper typesetting, as it’s crucial for making your book stand out and look professionally done. Use these book publishing tips to ensure your book looks its best and attracts readers.

 

2.4 Getting your book distributed

After all of the work and time to get your manuscript and artwork ready, it’s now time to sell your book! But how do you get it into readers’ hands? Using popular distribution channels like Amazon and other online book retailers will help speed up the distribution process, making it possible to have global distribution with a matter of days.

Distributing through physical bookshops and libraries takes longer as you generally have to pitch your book to the stores and libraries yourself. With this in mind, setting up these channels can take several weeks, so plan ahead.

 

2.5 Marketing your book to its audience

Marketing is crucial for the success of any book. Start creating buzz well before the release date and continue long after. Utilise social media campaigns, book tours, and other promotional strategies to increase your book’s visibility and gather sales. Effective book marketing requires time and effort, and the marketing work never really stops, but it can significantly boost your book’s success.

Back to contents

3. Outside factors that can influence your publishing timeline

 

3.1 Busy times of year

Seasonal trends, especially during the end-of-year holidays and back-to-school season, can influence publishing timelines. Like any service company, editors, publishers, and printers take time off during this time of year, so expect longer turnaround times.

 

3.2 Bulk printing

When printing a large number of copies, always factor in extra time for printing and shipping. Printers often require longer lead times for larger print orders, especially during busy seasons, so they can ensure quality. To keep a smooth printing process, communicate effectively with your printing service to get accurate timelines, but don’t bug them too often and distract them from their work. Efficient bulk printing, timely communication, and understanding print lead times are key to successful large-order printing.

Back to contents

4. The work never stops when you’re a published author

 

Marketing requires ongoing commitment, not just a one-time effort. It demands consistent engagement, adapting to market trends, and deeply understanding your target audience. Effective marketing involves regularly analysing, innovating strategies, and focusing on building long-term relationships with your readership. By staying current with trends and maintaining regular interaction, you can create a successful marketing plan that drives growth and customer loyalty.

Back to contents

5. The publishing timeline with Green Hill

 

Thinking of publishing with Green Hill? Great decision. At Green Hill, we pride ourselves on our efficiency in book publishing. Our streamlined book publishing process ensures a smooth journey from manuscript to published book. In just 6–8 weeks from receiving your final content, we turn your publishing dreams into reality. This efficient turnaround allows you to focus on your next creative project while we handle the details.

Back to contents

SUBMIT YOUR BOOK DETAILS
CALL US 1300 810 131

Featured Blog Posts:

No Results Found

The page you requested could not be found. Try refining your search, or use the navigation above to locate the post.

Featured Blog Posts

No Results Found

The page you requested could not be found. Try refining your search, or use the navigation above to locate the post.

Interested in publishing your book but unsure where to start or what is even involved? Tell us about your project and we will post you a copy of our:

 

The Little Book of
Big Publishing Tips.

 

In just a quick 8,000 words, this little book will equip you with the knowledge you need to successfully publish your book.

The Little Book of Big Publishing tips goes into the essentials of self-publishing a book, outlining the business and financial side of publishing, legal issues, design, editing, sales and marketing. There's even a section on how to identify a vanity-publishing scam.

submit your project details