Frequently Asked Questions
Q: I have a collection of notes, written
in long-hand, about interesting events that occurred during my
younger years. I would like to see those events in book form, but I
feel that I need assistance. How can GO-VA help me?
A: We recommend that you carefully read your notes again so that the
events are fresh in your mind. Subsequently, arrange the notes in a
certain order. Next, make an appointment with one of our staff
members to discuss the amount of assistance you will need.
Q: On GO-VA's home page, my attention
was drawn to the line concerning the sons who wanted to know more
about their father's roots. I am in a somewhat similar situation
with my daughters. They want me to write down some details about my
early years..."for my grandchildren," they say. I have always had
much difficulty writing, so I will need your help. To what extent
can GO-VA assist me?
A: We suggest that you record some interesting anecdotes from (what
you consider) your most enjoyable years. An audio tape from a
reasonably good recorder will be fine. As you speak into the
microphone, relax and pretend you are relating the story to a good
friend. However, do the recording with no one present. Then, if you
are so inclined, you can erase parts that you don't want to share
with others. One more suggestion: Write down, prior to the
recording, one line for each story you want to talk about; it will
allow you to arrange all the anecdotes in chronological order. GO-VA
will be able to transform your audio recording into a book or
booklet.
Q: My girlfriend makes daily entries into a journal. I
think they are reasonably well-written and I advised her to publish
her writing. Since some of the pages contain details of our intimate
moments, she feels that GO-VA would not want to publish them.
Please, give us your verdict.
A: If your girlfriend has described those intimate moments
tastefully or agrees to accept our edits so that the final script
will be in good taste, GO-VA would gladly be involved in the
publishing process.
The inquisitive one flew out of the logo to scrutinize...GO-VA has edited the questions...at the request of those who asked them.
Once you have finished the rough draft of your script, it is time to think seriously about the title. Often, the title that the author had in mind in the beginning, is no longer suitable; the story has taken a different direction. Attempting to modify the original title is usually not a good idea. An entirely fresh approach is needed. Keep the title short; it does not need to express the content of the entire book.
The cover design needs your attention as well. If you have a relative or friend who is familiar with graphic design, he/she will urge you to keep the sketch simple. If it is not too complex, GO-VA can do the graphics. For a complicated design, we would refer you to an "outside" professional illustrator.
On the back cover, you can have your photograph...or not. It is your choice. The amount of text, on the back cover, can vary considerably. There should probably be at least 50 words and one should not go far beyond 200 words.