So do I. That's why I'm feeling conflicted. Is it enough to sell the book? For me it's not. I had a book deal on the table and turned it down. I'd love the money and all, but this is about a lot more than just being published.
Wayne,
From a fairly simple discussion, this is getting kind of complicated. A new door seems to open after it seems you have gotten good advice.
Apparently, by saying "...but this is about a lot more than just being published," you have a story which you feel
must be told, whoever the story may be about. An advance, royalties from sales, acknowledgment of your writing ability, while nice, are apparently secondary to you. The story trumps all. Right? If so, aren't we back to where we started? Should this be a work of fiction or nonfiction?
If I understand you correctly, your story is true, actual, and factual in every aspect. There's not an ounce of fiction in it. Nothing's been made up. If that's true, how could your work be anything other nonfiction? And since nonfiction sells extremely well, why is it a problem. The only problem I can envision coming into play is it being a story that isn't well known and you must find a way to convince agent and editor it's true, important, and has a needy audience.