MY PUBLISHING JOURNEY: Author Larry Chrysler

Have you ever wondered how authors get their start?

How do they get agents?

How do they get published?

Is it luck? Talent? Drive?

This segment is an attempt to answer the one question: How did your book become a book?

Today's Featured Author:

LARRY CHRYSLER

www.larrychrysler.com

Author of

SCATTERSHOT

What has been your experience with literary agents and/or traditional publishing?

Is that a path you explored?

When I wrote the book at age 93, I knew that sending it off to literary agents or traditional publishers wasn't realistic. Most publishing houses don't even accept unsolicited submissions, and even if I did manage to get my manuscript to the right hands, the wait for a response could stretch on for months — or years. By that time, it might already be past my life expectancy.

When you started this journey, how many queries did you send? Or how long did it take you to find Acorn?

I sent queries to four publishers. Before submitting, I spent a couple of months researching —reading through countless publisher websites and biographies to understand their focus and style. From there, I narrowed it down and chose the four that felt like the best fit for my memoir.

How did you find Acorn Publishing?

I came across Acorn while researching hybrid publishers online. Out of the options I found, they stood out as a strong fit for my book.

What made you decide to publish through Acorn Publishing?

I really liked that Acorn Publishing was a small company based here in Southern California. On top of that, I had a strong sense that the two owners, Holly and Jessica, would genuinely understand my writing and what I was trying to do with my book.

What has been your favorite part of the publishing journey?

I've always loved learning, and this journey opened up a whole world I knew nothing about. I found the publishing process fascinating — from working closely with Leslie, who kept me updated every step of the way, to collaborating with Kat, the editor, whose insights really strengthened certain passages and even the chapter flow. Then there was the excitement of making decisions with the cover design team. Every part of it kept me engaged and inspired.

Was there anything about the process you didn't expect?

Every day felt like a revelation. What really surprised me was just how detailed the publishing process is — from the close attention to grammar and punctuation, to the back-and-forth editing, and then the amount of time it actually takes to bring a book all the way to completion.

Did you hit any snags along the way, and if so, how did you overcome them?

The only real snag was at the very beginning — getting comfortable with the team, learning each other's personalities, and, for me as a first-time author, picking up all the publishing terminology. But that's perfectly natural. Once we found our rhythm, everything fell into place, and the process became much smoother — and enjoyable.

After publication, what marketing tactics worked best for you?

Marketing my book was probably the biggest surprise of all. I honestly had no idea how much I'd need to be personally involved in getting it out there. I've never thought of myself as a salesman, so stepping into that role felt like starting a whole new learning process.

Thankfully, Acorn provided a lot of guidance — they shared information packed with social media tips and marketing strategies, which really helped ease my nerves. Little by little, I began to find my footing. I expanded my Facebook friend list, set up a website, and started writing a blog. I also entered book award contests and took part in private book signings. Each step pushed me a little further outside my comfort zone, but it also gave me a chance to connect with readers in ways I hadn't expected.

Looking back, what lessons have you learned?

Looking back, I've learned that the publishing world has a lot of moving parts, and most of them were completely new to me at the start. My biggest takeaway is to keep an open mind and not get too hung up on the little things — you'll drive yourself crazy trying to control every detail. Instead, trust the process, go with the flow, and have confidence in the publisher you've chosen. For me, knowing that my publisher believed in me and accepted my work made all the difference.

If you could go back in time, what's one thing you would tell your earlier self about publishing?

If I could go back, I'd tell myself to do more research before diving in. When I started, I really didn't have a full picture of just how long the publishing process can take or how many steps are involved. I wish I had prepared myself more thoroughly for those months — it would have made the surprises feel a little less overwhelming. At the same time, I'd also remind myself that patience is part of the process, and that every stage, no matter how drawn-out, is moving the book closer to the finish line.  

Any advice for aspiring authors just starting to explore writing?

My biggest advice is simple: write, write, write. Everyone has a story to tell, whether it's memoir or fiction, and the best way to start is by drawing from your own experiences. You'd be surprised how often people tell me they'd love to write but don't know how. The truth is, you don't need to know exactly where the story is going at the beginning.

Whether you grab a yellow legal pad and a pencil or sit down right at your computer, just start putting words on the page. Don't worry about structure, polish, or the final outcome. the important thing is to get your story out of your head and into the world. You can shape and refine it later, but you can't edit a blank page.

Any advice for those about to begin the search for a publisher or an agent?

My advice is to start by doing your homework. Google publisher lists and look for the ones that fit your story and the audience you want to reach. The same goes for agents — make sure they represent the kind of work you're writing. It takes some digging, but that research will save you time and frustration later.

From my own experience, I'll be honest: I never heard back from the agents I queried. that was discouraging at first, but it also nudged me to explore other paths. If I'd had access to today's AI tools back then, the search would have been much easier. Now, you can quickly identify which publishers or agents are the best match, what they're currently accepting, and even tailor your queries more effectively.

They key is persistence and openness. The publishing world has many routes, so don't be discouraged if one doesn't work out. Keep looking for the fit that feels right for you and your book. I am fortunate I found Acorn Publishing.

Are you currently working on any new projects? What are your goals moving forward?

Last summer, I wrote a children's travel book inspired by a true story, and that single book grew into a series. I submitted it to traditional publishers and agents, but like I mentioned earlier, I never received a reply from any of them.

After the release of my memoir, several readers reached out and encouraged me to write about the adventures and experiences that didn't make it into the final book — the pieces that ended up on the proverbial cutting-room floor. That encouragement pushed me to begin a new project; a collection of short stories, all true, but presented outside the memoir format.

At the same time, just for fun and to give myself a break from writing about my own life, I've started my first novel. Exploring fiction has been both liberating and challenging — it's opened me up to new ways of storytelling, and I'll admit the thesaurus has quickly become my newest best friend.

What are a few of your favorite books?

I read exclusively nonfiction, so my favorites reflect that. Fearless and Free: The Life of Josephine Baker — originally published in French in 1946 — remains a standout for me, both for its subject and its time of publication. I also greatly admire Ben MacIntyre's Operation Mincemeat, a brilliant account of wartime deception, and Helen Zia's Last Boat Out of Shanghai, which captures a pivotal moment in modern Chinese history. Another book that left a deep impression on me is Beyond Enemy Lines. I regret that I can't recall the author's name, but the story itself is unforgettable.

BONUS QUESTION ADDED BY LARRY: What was it like seeing your published book for the first time?

When the package arrived, I opened it with trembling hands and lifted out my memoir. The weight of the book, the feel of its cover, sent chills racing up my spine. In that instant, the truth settled over me — I am an author. I have written a book, and it has come to life on printed pages. The thrill was indescribable, the culmination of so much labor and longing. It reminded me of that lyric: "Long ago and far away, I dreamed a dream one day. And now that dream is here before me."

Scattershot

Scattershot tells the unforgettable story of a Jewish gay boy who leaves the oppressiveness of the Minneapolis projects to pursue a glamorous career in design among elite fashion circles in America and Europe. At times funny, wise, and heartfelt, this story is about coming out during the repressive 1950s and eventually finding true love. In this wryly candid and inspirational memoir, Larry proves that no dream is impossible with a little daring and panache—and, of course, a fabulous wardrobe.

About the author

I’ve always been recognized among my friends as someone who loves to talk. Whether it’s over dinner or any casual setting, if a particular topic sparks a memory from my past, I dive into a narrative filled with intricate details. Admittedly, there have been occasions where I’ve been sometimes less than gently nudged to wrap up my storytelling, as I tend to extend the tales. Fortunately, I possess a vivid memory that allows me to effortlessly recollect events, people, and the emotions woven into those moments, so it wasn’t long before the suggestion to document these stories in a book became a persistent refrain.

In 2007, I took the plunge into writing, penning anecdotes about the myriad experiences and the fascinating individuals who colored my long and eventful life. Some of these encounters resulted in enduring friendships, while others remained fleeting acquaintances, leaving behind indelible imprints. As my words flowed onto the pages, I discovered moments that were humorous, titillating, and at times, deeply poignant. The process of crafting my first book became a cathartic journey, often accompanied by the shedding of tears.

Within the pages of my memoir, I candidly share the circumstances that shaped my world—moments that might evoke laughter, touch your heart, or even elicit a gasp of shock. This memoir is a collection of stories that reflect the tapestry of my life: a narrative that I hope inspires, resonates, and leaves you with an array of emotions.

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