So you want to write a book? An insider’s experience with publishing.

Have you noticed how many people want to be writers? Some are happy to flex their scribbler sides with daily social media updates, others hope to write a novel and, out here in Los Angeles, the number of wishful screenwriters increases yearly, almost but not quite exceeding the numbers of aspiring actors.

In October 2012, my book Tarzan: the Centennial Celebration was published by Titan Books (a limited edition was released simultaneously). The book was released in concert with the centenary of Tarzan of the Apes, by Edgar Rice Burroughs (ERB), the American author who created Tarzan and many other memorable literary characters. Tarzan of the Apes was first published in manuscript format in the October 1912 issue of All-Story magazine and followed by a book version in 1914.

Because of the book’s continuing success (due as much to the enduring fascination with the character of Tarzan as to my abilities, he says humbly), I am often asked about how one gets a book into print. Everyone’s experience is unique but here are some general points that readers might find helpful:

Have a personal plan of what you want the book to be.

Titan’s marketing materials describe Tarzan: the Centennial Celebration as “the only official commemorative illustrated history of this worldwide phenomenon.” This was definitely a goal while penning the book; I wanted to celebrate the author as well as his most famous creation and its role in popular culture beyond literature, including film, TV, stage, radio, comics and the web.

I’ve been a fan and avid collector of the works of ERB from childhood, and had always hoped to write a book that explored the author’s many projects. After I moved to Southern California, I wrote articles for film and genre magazines, which included interviews with many of the actors who appeared in the Tarzan film canon, such as Denny Miller (Tarzan the Ape Man, 1959), Ron Ely (NBC-TV Tarzan, 1966-68), Vanessa Brown (Tarzan and the Slave Girl, 1950) and Bruce Bennett né Herman Brix (The New Adventures of Tarzan, 1935).

Some of these jobs paid quite well; others not so much. But they were an excellent source of learning for me, which, when linked with my early affinity for ERB’s work, gave me a solid foundation upon which to begin a book.

Create an outline that helps you determine how your words will lay out.

Many people think that they can simply sit down at their computer and the words will flow organically. That will happen, to some degree, but you need to have a clear idea of the beginning, the middle and, yes, the conclusion.

Be sure the material you want to write about is legally available.

In 1993, I was privileged to meet Danton Burroughs, ERB’s grandson and a board member of ERB, Inc., the corporation that oversees licensing for everything related to ERB’s stories. Danton was a big supporter of my efforts; though he died far too young in 2008, our business relationship (and friendship) was a valuable component in my dealings with his successors at ERB, Inc. They gave me access to the materials I needed to write my book – important as ERB, Inc. maintains stringent control over its collection (ERB trademarked the character of Tarzan in 1913 and incorporated in 1923, to ensure vigorous protection of his legacy).

Accept that your publisher will demand input.

If you’re working with a legit publishing house, you must accept that you won’t have 100 percent control. You can fight for your vision, by all means, but I suggest you be flexible on certain editorial points.

Take advantage of offers to see the layouts.

This is especially important if you’ve supplied images and captions. Things get moved around in layout and your participation in the review process means another set of eyes to catch errors.

There is, of course, the increasingly common process of self-publishing. You’ll bear the full production costs but also reap the profits. I have mixed feelings on self-publishing but believe that all writers should work with an established entity for their initial venture. It will accord you and your work respect and protection.

About the author: Scott Tracy Griffin

Scott Tracy Griffin, is the author of Tarzan on Film (2016), and Tarzan: The Centennial Celebration (2012), an authorized commemorative visual history of American author Edgar Rice Burroughs and a 2013 Locus Award finalist in the Art Book category. Tracy’s work has been featured in print periodicals including Cinefantastique, FilmFax, and Alter Ego, and online in Huffington Post, Aintitcool.com, Amazon’s Hollywonk, and MTV. Geek. He has appeared in numerous documentaries and news programs, among them Tarzan Revisited (2017), Investigating Tarzan (1997), Tarzan: Silver Screen King of the Jungle (2004), and the award-winning Tarzan, Lord of the Louisiana Jungle (2012).