Writing Local History Today: A Guide to Researching, Publishing, and Marketing Your Book

Writing Local History Today provides step-by-step advice for researching, writing, and publishing local history, with updated literature, databases, and websites. It is useful for first-time authors and previously published historians.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 220 pages
Publication date: 02 May 2024
Publisher: Rowman & Littlefield

Writing Local History Today is a comprehensive guide for local historians who are interested in researching, writing, and publishing their work. Written by Thomas A. Mason and J. Kent Calder, this book provides step-by-step advice to help aspiring authors achieve success in their publication endeavors. The book covers a wide range of topics, including how to identify an audience for your writing project, effective research and planning, sample documents such as contracts and requests for proposals, tips and guidance for working with publishers, and how to use social media to leverage your publication. The second edition of the book has been updated to include the latest literature, databases, and websites in the field, making it a valuable resource for both first-time authors and previously published historians.

One of the key highlights of Writing Local History Today is its discussion of how to identify an audience for your writing project. The authors emphasize the importance of understanding your target audience and tailoring your writing to meet their needs and interests. This includes considering factors such as age, gender, education level, and cultural background. By identifying your audience, you can create content that is more engaging and relevant to them, which can increase your chances of success.

Effective research and planning are also essential components of writing local history. The authors provide detailed instructions on how to conduct research, including using primary sources such as newspapers, archives, and oral histories, as well as secondary sources such as books, articles, and databases. They also offer tips on how to plan your writing project, including setting deadlines, creating a timeline, and developing a budget.

Sample documents such as contracts and requests for proposals are also included in the book. These documents can help you understand the legal and financial aspects of publishing your work, and can provide you with a template for creating your own documents. The authors also offer guidance on how to work with publishers, including submitting your manuscript, negotiating terms, and promoting your book.

Social media is a powerful tool for promoting your publication, and Writing Local History Today provides tips on how to use it effectively. The authors discuss the benefits and drawbacks of self-publishing, and offer advice on how to choose the right platform for your book. They also provide examples of successful social media campaigns for local history books.

The second edition of Writing Local History Today has been updated to include the latest literature, databases, and websites in the field. This includes information on digital publishing, e-books, and online publishing platforms. The authors also provide tips on how to use social media to reach a wider audience, including using hashtags, creating engaging content, and engaging with your readers.

Writing Local History Today is a valuable resource for local historians who are interested in researching, writing, and publishing their work. It provides step-by-step advice to help aspiring authors achieve success in their publication endeavors, and is updated to include the latest literature, databases, and websites in the field. Whether you are a first-time author or a previously published historian, this book is a must-read.

Weight: 286g
Dimension: 228 x 151 x 13 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781538182628
Edition number: Second Edition