Includes bibliographical references (p. -[265]-275) and index.

Introduction: More than an interesting story -- Pt. 1. A genre unto itself -- Learning from memoir's history -- Your role as a memoirist -- Pt. 2. Major memoir categories -- Coming-of-age -- Addictions and compulsions -- Transformation stories -- Food and travel -- Religion and spirituality -- Outsider narratives -- Pt. 3. Here's what else you need to know -- Working with a co-author -- Contacting an agent.

"The days are long gone when publishing professionals were willing to take on a manuscript simply because it's based on a "good idea" or even because it's well written. With eyes focused on the bottom line, agents and editors now look for skilled and creative authors who come with an established audience, too. You Should Really Write a Book is essential reading for those wanting to write commercially viable memoirs in today's vastly changed publishing industry. It is designed as a guide for writers, editors, and marketing professionals. Brooks and Richardson utilize the newest social networking, marketing and promotional trends and explain how to conceptualize and strategize campaigns that cause buzz, dramatically fueling word-of-mouth and boosting the chances of attracting attention in the publishing world and beyond. Created to give writers a competitive advantage, this handy and concise book focuses on six major memoir categories, explains what sells and why, and teaches writers to think like publishers"-- Provided by publisher.