Book Advice

[Pandamich]

Hello. Recently I've started a zootube channel, but I have also been seriously considering writing a book, but I can't decide on what I want to write. I've been considering these four options. From least to greatest

• A zoo book about a certain part of the world with a focus on notable endangered species.
• A regular encyclopedia about prehistoric life.
• A regular wildlife encyclopedia, which would be mostly based on Planet Zoo's roster (with obvious differences).
• A massive zoo book based on the 50 / 100 Must See threads written on ZooChat.

I understand the challenges that come with such a project, so any advice and help would be greatly appreciated. Thanks!

 

[TinoPup]

Hello. Recently I've started a zootube channel, but I have also been seriously considering writing a book, but I can't decide on what I want to write. I've been considering these four options. From least to greatest

• A zoo book about a certain part of the world with a focus on notable endangered species.
• A regular encyclopedia about prehistoric life.
• A regular wildlife encyclopedia, which would be mostly based on Planet Zoo's roster (with obvious differences).
• A massive zoo book based on the 50 / 100 Must See threads written on ZooChat.

I understand the challenges that come with such a project, so any advice and help would be greatly appreciated. Thanks!

I really don't think you should be writing something based on someone else's work.

 

[Chlidonias]

Also, you are listing four subjects which are encyclopaedic in nature - but you are asking for help in deciding which one. That immediately suggests you aren't equipped to write any of them.

 

[Pandamich]

I really don't think you should be writing something based on someone else's work.

Sorry. Should have specified. I meant Planet Zoo's ROSTER. Obviously I want to put my own spin on it. I know not to just use Planet Zoo. My thoughts on that optionb were to just go geographical while putting in other species like marine and aviaries.

 

[Pandamich]

Also, you are listing four subjects which are encyclopaedic in nature - but you are asking for help in deciding which one. That immediately suggests you aren't equipped to write any of them.

Is it really bad to ask for advice?

 

[TinoPup]

Sorry. Should have specified. I meant Planet Zoo's ROSTER. Obviously I want to put my own spin on it. I know not to just use Planet Zoo. My thoughts on that optionb were to just go geographical while putting in other species like marine and aviaries.

I was referring to your 4th option.

 

[Chlidonias]

Is it really bad to ask for advice?

Asking for advice is fine.

However you have never written a book before and you are still in school. Encyclopaedic works tend not to be written by individual people who, as you phrased it, have just started a zootube channel and are now "seriously considering writing a book".

 

[MRJ]

Hello. Recently I've started a zootube channel, but I have also been seriously considering writing a book, but I can't decide on what I want to write. I've been considering these four options. From least to greatest

• A zoo book about a certain part of the world with a focus on notable endangered species.
• A regular encyclopedia about prehistoric life.
• A regular wildlife encyclopedia, which would be mostly based on Planet Zoo's roster (with obvious differences).
• A massive zoo book based on the 50 / 100 Must See threads written on ZooChat.

I understand the challenges that come with such a project, so any advice and help would be greatly appreciated. Thanks!

My view is that publishing is in decline, and only the most sellable books with established authors are going to get published. Social media, Wikipedia etc are taking the market in the areas you are talking about.

Best thing for you would be to work on making your channel top rate, building visitation and through that income, and associated social media channels.

 

[DDcorvus]

My view is that publishing is in decline, and only the most sellable books with established authors are going to get published. Social media, Wikipedia etc are taking the market in the areas you are talking about.
.

I fear you are right. What I do see among me is that people publish articles and papers which in the end might lead to a book. Making a good quality non-fiction book is expensive and takes a lot of time, while the market for those is limited. So if publishers feel there is a risk they will not back it up. Also making a book is very boring work, even when you are passionate and an expert in the topic. I have pieces of a book laying around and although I love the subject (and is a taxon I'm considered an expert in) it will take quite some time for it is ready, if ever. And that is even without having convinced the publisher I know to actually publish it.