Hello,
I am new here, and I am interested in writing a popular science book about medical imaging.
About me: I have been a 'science writer' for a few years now though there are no publications that credit me as an author. I edited and wrote text for two chapters of a popular science book when I worked as a research intern for a scientist in college. I also have written successful grants and the text of articles published in major journals (WSJ and Science). I am guessing that the scientists I wrote for would be willing to write reference letters that document my contributions. I am currently working with a published author and programmer who plans to let me co-author a number of scholarly articles, so I may have some minor publications to my name within the next few months.
About my co-author: The radiologist that pitched the idea to me is highly respected for his technical expertise and visual capabilities. He has also never published a book, but has written a number of scholarly articles in academic journals and medical journals. He is a research faculty member of MGH, one of the world's best hospitals, and he also has an MD from Harvard.
So, my questions are about the book proposal process. I am told that publishers might agree to publish a non fiction book if they have a good proposal and the first few chapters. I am told that it is possible to receive an advance for such a book even before it is completed. My co-author has no financial need for an advance and also has time to dedicate to this project this year since he is taking a six month sabbatical. I, however, live on a meager writer's income and would probably need some kind of immediate compensation in order to be able to dedicate a proper amount of time to this book. Is it realistic for me to expect that we can a) get a publisher before we have a finished book and b) get an advance.
Also, is it realistic to expect that we can even get a mainstream publisher to take interest in this book? It would not be out of the question for us to seek an additional contributor who has already published books though I would prefer not to have to do this.
Thank you very much!
I am new here, and I am interested in writing a popular science book about medical imaging.
About me: I have been a 'science writer' for a few years now though there are no publications that credit me as an author. I edited and wrote text for two chapters of a popular science book when I worked as a research intern for a scientist in college. I also have written successful grants and the text of articles published in major journals (WSJ and Science). I am guessing that the scientists I wrote for would be willing to write reference letters that document my contributions. I am currently working with a published author and programmer who plans to let me co-author a number of scholarly articles, so I may have some minor publications to my name within the next few months.
About my co-author: The radiologist that pitched the idea to me is highly respected for his technical expertise and visual capabilities. He has also never published a book, but has written a number of scholarly articles in academic journals and medical journals. He is a research faculty member of MGH, one of the world's best hospitals, and he also has an MD from Harvard.
So, my questions are about the book proposal process. I am told that publishers might agree to publish a non fiction book if they have a good proposal and the first few chapters. I am told that it is possible to receive an advance for such a book even before it is completed. My co-author has no financial need for an advance and also has time to dedicate to this project this year since he is taking a six month sabbatical. I, however, live on a meager writer's income and would probably need some kind of immediate compensation in order to be able to dedicate a proper amount of time to this book. Is it realistic for me to expect that we can a) get a publisher before we have a finished book and b) get an advance.
Also, is it realistic to expect that we can even get a mainstream publisher to take interest in this book? It would not be out of the question for us to seek an additional contributor who has already published books though I would prefer not to have to do this.
Thank you very much!
