Successful Nonfiction: Tips and Inspiration for Getting Published [Paperback]

Zev Saftlas, Author of Motivation That Works: How to Get Motivated and Stay Motivated

Poynter abandons the traditional chapter-section-subsection organization of most non-fiction books and instead deals with 124 aphorisms, one per page. The aphorism is stated in a header line, restated in a subtitle, then explained in a few sentences. A pertinent example is narrated, and finally a suitable quotation is appended. Different typefaces distinguish the five elements on each page.

The result is a book that reads quickly yet conveys much pertinent information. The reader's attention does not flag and useful advice is located without difficulty.

The one-page-per-topic organization is not unique. It enjoyed a vogue in the 1960's and 1970's in documentation of systems. NeverthelessSuccessful Nonfiction utilizes the format as well as we have seen it done.

Some of the topics are repetitive, and occasionally the advice borders on contradiction. But the overall impact is positive and instructive.

This is a candidate for the most handsome book offered to us for
review. The gold embossed cover with French flaps, the pertinent cover illustration, the distinctive endpapers and of course the excellent interior design set a standard to be emulated. Yet it retails for a low price. True, the cover art does not reach the highest standard. But this is praising with faint damn's.

We strongly recommend this book to authors, self-publishers, and those who simply admire well-crafted books. The content is provocative. Additionally it sets a new level for design and presentation of the paperback nonfiction title.

I followed Dan's recipe for writing my book, step-by-step. He helped me to see I had already written much of my book in my day-to-day life. After my weight-loss success, I became a motivational speaker. I followed his suggestion to start making audiotapes of my weight-loss lectures I was currently giving to inspire hundreds of people each week. The chapters began to take shape quickly. I even used the same margins, fonts and layouts he describes in his book.

I wanted to get some known names to endorse my book, and Dan's advice to dream BIG was priceless. He gave me to courage to think I could approach Mark Victor Hansen, Richard Simmons, Art Linkletter, Ken Blanchard and many others. I used the sample letter in Dan's book, along with a few twists of my own, and I found that many great people are quite approachable. All you have to do is to A-S-K and you will G-E-T. (As a result of my numerous endorsements, I have now been asked to give workshops on that topic too, and I am writing a second book, now, called: "ENDORSEMENTS, HOW TO JUMP YOUR BOOK OUT OF THE BOX!")

I decided to go the self-publishing route, and Dan's list of printers was invaluable for getting the best quotes for my specific book. I followed his calendar check-off list, and by the time my books arrived, I already received my first orders from Amazon, .... and several contracts from wholesalers and distributors.

I continue to give workshops, but now I can enjoy the added benefit of BORS (back of the room sales.) The most exciting thing is that I feel like I'm helping people change their lives, maybe even save their lives. How about you? Dan says there is a book inside of everyone!