What should you consider when writing a book about military experiences?

SPC Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 23 Jun 2021 23:16:51 -0400

I am considering writing a book about my military and personal experiences, nothing classified or overly sensitive, but what factors should I consider?

Subjects may include balancing military and civilian life, depression, leadership, COVID, and first deployment.

Outside of a dedication page, I'm not sure how into detail I want to go into names, etc.

Response by CSM Charles Hayden made Jun 23 at 2021 11:36 PM

CSM Charles Hayden — Wed, 23 Jun 2021 23:36:46 -0400

SPC Private RallyPoint Member Identifying fellow Soldiers by their home of record seems to work well.

Response by SPC Nancy Greene made Jun 23 at 2021 11:48 PM

SPC Nancy Greene — Wed, 23 Jun 2021 23:48:56 -0400

IMHO, what you share in a book should be pertinent to what you are trying to say as the topic of your book.

Response by SGM Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 24 at 2021 8:42 PM

SGM Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 24 Jun 2021 20:42:18 -0400

If they didn't sign a release, then make up names for them.

Response by SFC Casey O'Mally made Jun 24 at 2021 9:05 PM

SFC Casey O'Mally — Thu, 24 Jun 2021 21:05:15 -0400

I think it is very important to identify whether you will be writing non-fiction, "based on real events" fiction (dramatized), straight fiction, advice/opinion, etc. And then keep that concept in mind and VERY CLEARLY identify that to your reader

Response by LTC Jason Mackay made Jun 25 at 2021 2:01 AM

LTC Jason Mackay — Fri, 25 Jun 2021 02:01:37 -0400

Write what you know and if it’s for publication, you’ll need to
- attribute quotes etc to their originators
- if required, submit the manuscript to DA to have it cleared.

Response by Cpl Vic Burk made Jun 27 at 2021 8:18 PM

Cpl Vic Burk — Sun, 27 Jun 2021 20:18:47 -0400

SPC Private RallyPoint Member I would include something about how the military changed your life. Did it make your life better by signing up or worse?

Response by MAJ Ken Landgren made Jun 27 at 2021 10:44 PM

MAJ Ken Landgren — Sun, 27 Jun 2021 22:44:40 -0400

Why do you feel compelled to write a book?

Response by Sgt Dennis Doty made Jul 2 at 2021 7:32 PM

Sgt Dennis Doty — Fri, 02 Jul 2021 19:32:28 -0400

SPC Benjamin, I'm a professional editor/publisher. You're safe using real names so long as nothing is defamatory, libelous or classified. Consider what might be offensive to the person they are today. Even if you can win a lawsuit, it can be expensive and a pain in the ass. If you need to change the name, you can cover that with a disclaimer, but you'll need to ensure that the individual isn't clearly identifiable.

Response by Sgt Dennis Doty made Jul 31 at 2021 2:45 PM

Sgt Dennis Doty — Sat, 31 Jul 2021 14:45:13 -0400

First, you need to develop a clear picture of the story you want to tell. Do you plan to write a fictional story, an autobiography or a non-fiction self-help book? It is unclear from your post which direction you are taking which makes me, as an editor, think that you might be unclear also.
Once you have identified they type of book and the story you wish to tell, ask yourself who is going to read or benefit from this book and why are you the best person to write it.
As to using real names in your book, you will need written permission from each character you name before a traditional publisher will consider such a book. Even if you use fictitious names, you need to take care that the character is unidentifiable or you risk legal consequences. Anything written about a real person which may be considered in any way defamatory or derogatory is likely to draw a lawsuit.
Don't try to get cute with the fictitious names you use. For example, if your fictional Chairman of the Joint Chiefs is called General Wiley, everything you write about them had better be complimentary or you're likely to hear from an attorney for the current Chief.
Plan ahead for the expenses you may encounter. If you plan to self-publish, you will need at least a copy editor, a proofreader, a formatter and a cover artist. On average a decent, not necessarily top of the line, but decent copy editor will require somewhere around $700-$1000 for their time and work. A proofreader will run half of that or a bit less. Plan on $150-$200 for a decent formatter and anywhere from $100 to several thousand for a cover artist depending on whether you use existing art or want an original piece for the cover. You will also need to purchase an ISBN for each version of your book, hardcover, paperback and electronic. Individually, these will cost around $100 each, but you can save by buying them in quantities of 10 or more.
If you are lucky enough to land a traditional publishing contract, all of these expenses will be paid for by the publisher, however you will give up a good deal of control and anywhere from half to 90% of your royalties and will likely need an agent to get such a contract, so that's another 15% off the top.
A new single title by an unknown author will likely sell 500 copies over the life of the book. The more titles you have published, the more copies will likely sell if your writing is any good. But success doesn't come overnight.
All this is not to discourage you, but rather to show you what's ahead. If you have a story that you're burning to tell, by all means, write it.

Response by Hazel G. Watts made Feb 5 at 2022 5:26 AM

Hazel G. Watts — Sat, 05 Feb 2022 05:26:23 -0500

A memoir concentrates on a specific event or time period in your life, whereas an autobiography covers your entire life up until the time you write your book. We must all know that there is no guarantee of survival in this COVID circumstance. I work as an essay writer and need to make contact with a foreign company in order to collaborate. With the greatest cheap essay writing service, click here https://www.europeanbusinessreview.com/5-best-cheap-essay-writing-services-in-usa/ this is the only place where you can find a solution to all of your issues. This is an excellent website for getting a free essay online. Other websites will provide free bibliographies and reference pages. For memoirists and autobiography authors, self-publishing is a viable option.

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