Now what? | Autism PDD
Well aside from some final proofreading and touch-ups, I have finished with the "manuscript" for what I hope will be a book about my experiences with all of the oddities associated with autism and Asperger's. It is about 40 pages on Microsoft word, not counting table of contents, title page, etc., so that will probably translate into about an 80 to 90-page book.
So I guess my question is, what do I do now? It's not like I would even know how to introduce myself even if I did know where to take it. I'm sure it will also need to be edited and all even when I get done proofreading and having it proofread by others. I'm afraid I may be stuck for now.
a good cover letter.
You can start small, with publishers of specialty books on autism.
OR, you could get a list of literary agents and submit it to them blindly.
They "shop it around" for you.
You could submit your IDEA for the book, and see where their interest
level is first. With so much in the news about autism, I'm sure someone
would take the bait.
Also, you could contact "Autism Speaks" Many of the people that started
that foundation are very media savvy types, and perhaps someone would
be willing to help or mentor you in editing and getting it into manuscript
form.
Just some ideas 
Hi Nick,
I recommend that you consult with a representative from your local autism society and have someone work with you to assist in contacting publishers, making introductions, etc.
If you are willing to share which state you live in, some of us here might be able to recommend people or organizations who can assist you.
Julie
Hi stickboy,
You should be proud for having the initiative and the focus to complete such a task. Good work!
I'm not an expert, though I do have some experience as a writer and published author. I offer my guidance if you want it. I may not always be able to tell you what you should do, but I can probably advise you on things that you shouldn't do, as I've made a few mistakes along the way (if there's one thing I'm really good at, it's making mistakes). Perhaps I could help you to avoid making similar mistakes.
You are very welcome to contact me with any specific questions and I'll be happy to offer my thoughts. Contact me directly, rather than through my website, because there is often a delay in my getting messages there because they need to be forwarded by the webmaster. It would be better if you were to email me at auburnaquaculture@yahoo.com
Hope to hear from you soon. Til then, congratulations on your completed manuscript!
Best Regards,
Dave
I think the two above me have the right idea...I want a copy though. GOOD LUCK. Good luck Nick - I will pay money to buy your book when it is out
Hi Nick,
My brother is trying to get his book published. It’s about his daughter’s life and her tragic death from Human Mad Cow Disease. He is in the process of copyrighting the book title. He is deciding if he should self-publish (which I think he should) because we don’t want a publishing house to change the manuscript in anyway. It has taken a lot of heartfelt time and effort to get it just right. Not to mention, the likelihood of a publishing house even being interested in the story. It could take years submitting to them. I have attached a few links which I hope will be useful.
Good luck,
http://www.lyaltapublishing.com/ShouldYouSelfPublish.html
David Donch is a writer that often contributes to this site. He wrote a novel based on his autistic son's little league career.
I found the website for his book and it has a "contact the author" link. Hopefully he can point you in the right direction.
http://www.beastthenovel.com/contact_beast_donch.html
Good Luck Nick. I definitely will buy a copy when it hits the shelves.
Hey, Nick! Congrats on finishing your book.
I'm going to post a link here to AgentQuery.com. They have a listing of many, many agents, and a searchable database you can use to narrow down the list of agents to those who represent non-fiction, and whom you are interested in. They have all kinds of good details, and often links to the agent's sites, which will give you their individual submission guidelines, which I cannot stress enough...FOLLOW THEM CAREFULLY!
You should start proofreading and editing now, and see if you can get some help with that if need be. Someone you whose opinion you trust to be objective about your writing, and who is willing to point out errors in a constructive way.
Then, I would get to work on writing a book proposal, though in your case, you already have a finished (or nearly!) manuscript. I'll post some more links here on how to craft query letters and book proposals I hope you will find to be useful.
Good luck, and great job finishing the book! That in and of itself is quite an accomplishment...I'm still knee-deep in my own MS right now, lol. (ETA: It's fiction, though, so I really haven't a prayer of getting this one pubbed. Maybe my next one, though!)
Links:
Agent Query: http://www.agentquery.com/
A good link here to all kinds of things related to proposals and query letters:
http://www.manuscriptediting.com/proposals.htm
Some tips from agent Jenny Bent about book proposals and cover letters you might find helpful:
http://www.jennybent.com/submitting/index.html
Hope this will help, Nick! Googling on these topics should help you find even more information.
HEH
I'm impressed by your discipline -- going from idea to manuscript so quickly. Most people just think about it and think about it, without ever getting down to the actual writing.
Best of luck from a future customer...
Keep us posted.
Once it hits the shelves, I would like to buy a copy also!
Don't have any advice to give ya, but sending you lots of support and hope you find what you are looking for!!
Good luck and add me to the customer list!
i hope you find what you are looking for 
i know i would buy that book the minute i saw it I would love to read it!!..good luck with a publisher:) Thanks for the ideas. I went over my manuscript again last night and I have about 2 dozen little editing marks to tend to now. 
I think I may need a few more anecdotes too. That being said, I'm happy to see that I have so much support. This board alone has given me the inspiration to put all of my thoughts in manuscript form. So thanks everyone.
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