8 of 8 people found the following review helpful
5.0 out of 5 stars
My New Favorite Reference Book!, May 4 2010
By Weston Locher "Author of Musings on Minutiae" - Published on Amazon.com
This review is from: Writer's Market Guide to Getting Published (Paperback)
There needs to be a lot of love for this book. As a self-published author, with aspirations of having future books published, and looking to break into various other areas of the writing industry, this book will become a tome that I hang onto and reference regularly as I continue my writing career.
The reason I grabbed this book by the wonderful folks at Writer's Market was because it was current. Published in 2010, it gives an updated look at the state of the publishing industry as well as current technology and where these things may be headed in the future. Whether you're trying to publish your novel, sell some articles to magazines, sell a screenplay, or have recently made the jump to full time freelance copy writing and need some advice on how to start your business (and ensure you aren't audited by the IRS), the Guide to Getting Published has you covered. It's a one-stop shop that you can reference throughout a career and at the time of this writing, is completely relevant.
The authors of this book don't try to use big industry slang terms and talk over your head (they do, however, provide a glossary of industry terms in case someone tries to!) and keep their ideas concise. Even the areas that I have no experience in, I gained a better understanding of after reading their designated sections.
This really opened my eyes to the publishing world, and was no-nonsense in regards to how difficult a career it can be, but it was full of encouragement and reassurance as to how rewarding it can be with a little bit of passion, persistence, determination, and talent.
The main information I was looking for from this volume was how to submit a book proposal, and the subsequent manuscripts, but I feel ready to write a killer query letter, and have a better understanding of what editors and literary agents are looking for. The web links in this book are worth the cover price alone. There are a million websites out there with information on publishing, however, these book gives you lists upon lists of the best sites so you can operate efficiently and don't have to waste time sifting through the internet muck.
The Writer's Market Guide to Getting Published comes highly recommended for any writer serious about a career and willing to do whatever it takes to succeed. No one is going to do it for you, but this book will help cheerlead you on your journey.
You can bet that when I do end up selling my next book, Writer's Market will be receiving a huge thank you in the Acknowledgments section!
6 of 6 people found the following review helpful
5.0 out of 5 stars
Sound advice - good book, Nov 11 2011
By S. Post - Published on Amazon.com
This review is from: Writer's Market Guide to Getting Published (Paperback)
In the months leading up to publishing my book, I scanned or read numerous books. I thought this book offered the most sound advice and was geared to first-time authors without being too simplistic. I particularly appreciated that the book didn't attempt to be the only source for writers but referred to many other sources that could be helpful.
7 of 9 people found the following review helpful
5.0 out of 5 stars
Get from idea to publication, April 1 2010
By Melissa Hill - Published on Amazon.com
This review is from: Writer's Market Guide to Getting Published (Paperback)
I had the pleasure of editing this book. This thoroughly researched and up-to-date book gives you the steps you need to organize your writing life, find markets for your work, and promote yourself as a writer. It's straightforward and approachable and will equip you for writing success.