In December of 2019, I received the wonderful news, that Jessica Kingsley Publishers wanted to commission my first memoir. In January 2020, I signed the contract for my book deal and my dream became a reality. I am soon to be a published author! In this blog, I want to talk about how I got here, how it happened, and what’s ahead as I finalize my manuscript ready for submission.
The Story So Far
In 2018 I decided on a complete change of career and I declared myself to be a writer. Since then, I’ve been doing my best to turn my hobby of creating content on mental health, gender transition, and LGBT life, into a full-time career and a sustainable business.
I have had all manner of adventures along the way. I’ve filled this blog with lots of new content. I have had several articles published. And, I have even added public speaking to my repertoire. Generally, I have been working hard to get myself and my work noticed. However, although my income is steadily increasing, I still am not yet making a sustainable income.
Early Plans for My Memoir
In a recent blog, I reviewed my progress so far, looking at what I had achieved and how I might proceed forward in achieving my sustainability goal. Most long-term members of our Finn Family will know that I have been writing the memoirs of my gender transition process. My plan, for 2020, was to begin to self-publish those memoirs, starting with my phalloplasty (lower surgery) memoir. Self-publishing seemed likely to be where I might at last start to make a living from writing. This would then in turn increase revenue from other areas, such as my YouTube channel.
A Surprise Event!
I had to temporarily put my self-publishing plans on hold after I received the incredible news that I had been accepted to be a TEDx speaker. My efforts, from September 2019 until the talk in November, were understandable focused instead on perfecting my TEDx Talk. However, this turned out to be a blessing in disguise because out of the blue, I received a message from the senior commissioning editor no less, of Jessica Kingsley Publishers (guess how chuffed I was at that!) expressing an interest in any books I might be developing!
Submitting A Book Proposal
I hadn’t considered submitting to a traditional publisher, at least not for my phalloplasty memoir. The reason being is because it is fairly explicit in nature. I write very frankly in my memoir, as I do in all my content, about the surgical procedures and my sexual explorations. Because the book is so frank, I didn’t think a traditional publisher would take it on. I also worried about how such a memoir might be handled. The last thing I wanted was for my memoir to be sensationalized. Therefore, I thought self-publishing would be a better option for me as it would give me complete control of how it was marketed and so on.
However, researching JKP, it was clear my book would be in great hands. They have a specific gender diversity department and an impressive catalog of incredible transgender literature. All the books in their catalog have been sensitively marketed and well represented, which is so important for trans stories. I decided that if they wanted my book, I would feel confident in their care of it. So, I took a leap of faith (you all know I love these leaps of faith!) put together a detailed book proposal and submitted it for review.
Receiving a Contract For My Memoir!
I did, of course, allow myself to feel optimistic, but there were still doubts! Imagine my surprise then, when soon after, I received an email which read:
‘Jessica Kingsley Publishers are delighted to offer you a contract for your book!’
Let me tell you, there was much high-pitched squealing, excessive hand clapping, and tears of joy, from both myself and my partner Chris! (His pride in me is the best thing ever!)
Fulfilling My Childhood Dream to Be An Author
This just shows what happens if you stick to your goals and work hard. I have been faffing with my memoirs and talking about writing a book for years. In fact, I have dreamed of being an author since early childhood. Those dreams died until I got sober back in 2010. In the years since I’ve come to realize that writing and speaking are my callings. It is incredible to see all the hard work and effort I have put in, to my content and my personal development, finally come to fruition and turn this dream into a reality. Can you tell I am over the moon!
What Happens Next in The Memoir Writing Process?
I don’t yet know when the book will be out. I have until the end of May to get the manuscript completed and submitted. Hopefully, it won’t take too long after that date, to see the book on shelves in bookstores (oh my goodness!). For the next few months then, I shall be squirreled away in my office, frantically typing away! Luckily, I have already written the main bones of the book. Now, I need to go through it a few times, editing and tightening and getting it nicely polished for you all to read!
Follow Me On My Memoir Writing and Publication Journey
I will, of course, be updating you all on my writing progress, here on my blog and on my YouTube channel. I also hope to have sneak peeks, release updates and perhaps competitions for you as we progress towards the publication date. There will also be frequent updates in my monthly newsletter. It’s free to subscribe and you will get a chance to see behind the scenes and follow the journey of the book from writing to publication. I am very excited to share this process with you all!
To anyone out there reading this and wishing you could do the same, you can! If you want something badly enough go grab it with both hands. Talk about it, write about it, picture it, meditate on it, until it appears as a reality in front of your very eyes! Where attention goes energy flows, where energy flows, something grows.
Hello! My name is Finn and I have a passion for creating honest content, that inspires personal growth and promotes well-being.
Buy my Phalloplasty memoir here.
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[…] I do, however, use an online method for my writing journal. Previously, I kept all my writing notes, thoughts, ideas and so on, in a notebook. The trouble was, it was hard to find things and I ended up with a ton of writer’s notebooks and lots of deeply buried ideas! So, I began to use Evernote as a method to record my writing notes. This has been great at I can easily find all my content ideas, characters, personal reflections on my writing and so on, by using folders and tags. Using an online app in this way… Read more »
[…] 20-minute time slots with breaks in between. This way, I am gradually chipping away at my essay and my manuscript. Again, it’s about doing what I can, celebrating the small wins and not beating myself up […]
I am so so happy you. You inspire me so much just with your social media posts. I can only imagine what a memoir will do for someone! Wishing you the best, always. Can’t wait to see the finished product.
Ah that is such a kind comment! Thank you so very much!