Title: Book Marketing from A - Z
Editor: Francine Silverman
Illustrator:
Publisher and/or Distributor: Infinity Publishing.Com
Pages: 400
ISBN: 0-7414-2431-2
Price: $18.95
Publishing Date: 2005
Reader: Bob Spear
Rating:
The editor publishes an email newsletter every two weeks on book promotion (http://www.bookpromotionnewsletter.com/ ). She has taken the input of several hundred authors and put together an essential resource book for all writers. With so many books being published each year (175,000+ last year) and fewer readers, it is imperative that authors learn how to promote their books, be they self-published, with a small press, or even in the stable of one of the major publishers. The book is organized alphabetically by types of promotion strategies: advertising, book signings, on to zero promotion. She proffers both what has and has not worked for these various authors. Many of the ideas are ingenious. Some ideas sound silly, until one considers they worked for their particular niche. Others, which are touted as being tried and true, may not work for everyone. The editor is not judgmental, but simply provides the information in the authors’ own words. To quote the Master Martial Artist—Bruce Lee—“Take what is useful and use it.”
We recommend all serious writers buy this book, read it cover to cover, and keep it at hand to refer to often. We rated it a solid four hearts.
Title: The Making of a Bestseller: Success Stories from Authors and the Editors, Agents and Booksellers Behind Them
Author: Brian Hill and Dee Power
Illustrator:
Publisher and/or Distributor: Dearborn Trade
Pages: 256
ISBN: 0793193087
Price: $19.95
Publishing Date: March 2005
Reader: Bob Spear
Rating:
This is a must have book for aspiring and early break-through writers. The information, some good news, some bad, is an invaluable reality check. Going straight to the sources of the industry, the authors have put together a powerful evaluation of the book writing and publishing industry. It dispels some myths and confirms others. The competition is so great; a writer needs every edge possible. Reading this book won’t make you a bestseller, necessarily; however, it will tell you what the agents and editors are looking for and what the odds are of your breaking in. It covers such subjects as: the rewards, pleasures, and the likelihood of attaining bestselling status; how the bestselling lists are created; the common factors involved in bestsellers; the importance of reviews; the readers; promotion and publicity; career building; turning a book into a movie; the bestselling author’s life; and much more.
The authors show each aspect from many different viewpoints, using surveys and interviews of authors, agents, editors, publicists, and even bookstore owners. We rated this excellent intelligence report a solid four hearts.
Title: The Book on Writing: The Ultimate Guide to Writing Well
Author: Paula LaRocque
Illustrator:
Publisher and/or Distributor: Marion Street Press, Inc.
Pages: 240
ISBN: 0-9665176-9-5
Price: $18.95
Publishing Date: 2003
Reader: Bob Spear
Rating:
This highly experienced journalist, newspaper editor, and writing coach has written the quintessential book on writing well. She provides guidelines and tips, info on what’s acceptable these days and what grammatical areas of concern are myths and why. She provides examples of right and not so good. There is even a short style manual included. Beginning and experienced writers and editors have something to gain from reading this book. We rated it a max five hearts.
Title: Copywriting Business
Author: Steve Slaunwhite
Illustrator:
Publisher and/or Distributor: Self-Counsel Press
Pages: 216 plus a CD
ISBN: 1-55180-306-2
Price: $18.95
Publishing Date: 2001
Reader: Bob Spear
Rating:
This is a superb how-to for the business of writing advertising copy on a freelance basis. It is extremely well written, which is no surprise because the author is a successful freelance writer, earning his living everyday by writing for businesses. The book covers the basics of running one’s own business, what the life is like, how to write effective copy and where to go to learn more, and most importantly, the nits and grits of pricing one’s services, avoiding the pitfalls, and creating the best likelihood for making it in a competitive world. Copywriting Business is totally realistic and practical. There is a useful, accompanying CD, which provides fill in the blank forms in Word and pdf for most of your business needs. This reviewer just spent $100 on a similar book and found Mr. Slaunwhite’s to be better. This is an absolute must-have for anyone considering a career in the business of copywriting. We rated it five hearts.
Title: The Elements of Mystery Fiction: Writing the Modern Whodunit
Author: William G. Tapply
Illustrator:
Publisher and/or Distributor: Poisoned Pen Press
Pages: 187
ISBN: 1-59058-115-6
Price: $16.95
Publishing Date: 2004
Reader: Bob Spear
Rating:
This is an update of a classic how-to on mystery writing by a master. First published almost ten years ago, the author has brought it up to date and added the contributions of several specialists to round it out for today’s writers. It includes excellent examples of do’s and don’t’s of good writing in general and mystery writing specifically. In addition, contributors add in considerations about issues such as whether to write a series or not and how. It also addresses important business aspects of the mystery genre. We rated it a max five hearts.
Title: Writing Freelance
Author: Christine Adamec
Illustrator:
Publisher and/or Distributor: Self-Counsel Press
Pages: 255
ISBN: 1-55180-289-9
Price: $19.95
Publishing Date: 2000
Reader: Bob Spear
Rating:
This excellent how-to on the careers of freelance writing walks the reader through all its considerations. It realistically addresses what it takes and what it’s like to write for a living. It defines the type of personality and skill characteristics successful writers must have. The author does an excellent job of describing the various writing markets and venues; how to sell oneself to them; and how to deal with one’s clients and editors, including typical problems and solutions.
Once a writer gains an assignment, the book covers how to go about it to successful completion. Finally, it addresses how to approach the career field in a businesslike manner, to include an excellent chapter on how to price out a job. Good examples of the important writing vehicles such as queries and proposals, business forms, and many other aspects needed day-to-day are provided in an appendix. We rated this valuable resource five hearts.
Title: The Renegade Writer: A Totally Unconventional Guide to Freelance Writing Success
Author: Linda Formichelli and Diana Burrell
Illustrator:
Publisher and/or Distributor: Marion Street Press, Inc.
Pages: 206
ISBN: 0-9665176-8-7
Price: $14.95
Publishing Date: 2003
Reader: Bob Spear
Rating:
This is a most unusual and welcome addition to writers’ reference libraries. The authors are definitely of the “easier to ask forgiveness than permission” school of writing. They take just about every ‘have to,’ ‘must do,’ and ‘you better not’ and turn them on their heads. For every trade practice preached to freelance writing wanabees in all the other writing books and magazines, they explain why not to do it that way, how to do it right, and give real-life examples of how these violations worked.
When I mentioned I was reviewing this book to my good friend and past National Writers Union officer, Dr. Jennifer Lawler (25 books and too many magazine articles to mention), she gave a joyous whoop and said, “I love those guys! Isn’t that a great book!” That was exactly my initial and final reaction to the guide. Heavily slanted toward magazine article freelancers, the book still had much value to address to us book writers. We rated it a solid five hearts.
Title: How to Start & Run a Profitable Home-Based Transcription Service
Author: Sandra K. Shirah, CLA
Illustrator:
Publisher and/or Distributor: HerCareer Press
Pages: 144
ISBN: 0-9734286-0-0
Price: $14.95
Publishing Date: 2004
Reader: Bob Spear
Rating:
People interested in working out of their homes and aspiring writers waiting for that big break will find the information in this book of great help. Transcribers of information of any kind are needed. The author explains many of the potential markets, how to get the necessary training and certification, how to start their business, marketing their services, knowing how to set realistic rates, and much more. This may not be for everyone, but for those who have an interest in developing this service into a career and a business will find the author’s advice invaluable. She has provided very complete information for a start-up. We rated this book four hearts.
Title: Writing for the Web, Geek’s Edition
Author: Crawford Kilian
Illustrator:
Publisher and/or Distributor: Self-Counsel Press
Pages: 196
ISBN: 1-55180-303-8
Price: $21.95
Publishing Date: 2000
Reader: Bob Spear
Rating:
This is a good reference how-to for writing copy for websites. Although it purports to be the geek or technical edition, this reviewer did not find it to be intimidating. There are solid suggestions on web styles and even includes a short style manual section. For those just starting out with the web, there is valuable, useful information. It is a little dated, as is so often the case for technical books these days. The publisher has acknowledged this challenge and plans on providing updates on their website at some future date.
The web environment changes so rapidly, it’s difficult to write how-to’s that don’t get overcome by events quickly. We believe the publisher has the right approach for dealing with this problem. We feel all who want to write for the web should have this book on their reference shelf, accepting they will need to periodically update its information. We rated this book three hearts.
Title: Dojo Wisdom for Writers: 100 Simple Ways to Become a More Inspired, Successful, and Fearless Writer
Author: Jennifer Lawler
Illustrator:
Publisher and/or Distributor: Penguin Compass
Pages: 204
ISBN: 0-14-219631-2
Price: $13
Publishing Date: 27 July, 2004
Reader: Bob Spear
Rating:
Intense training in the martial arts produces reflexive instincts and skills, which can be applied for positive results. The same mental and emotional tools and skills can be applied to any worthwhile endeavor, especially writing. Dr. Lawler has absolutely nailed one hundred ways in which the wisdom gained in the martial arts gym (dojo) can be used to make one a much better, more disciplined, and focused writer. Regardless of what kinds of writing you may do, these suggestions will work wonders for you, if you seriously apply yourself to them.
Jennifer Lawler is one of the most consistently competent and kind teacher of writing skills I have had the privilege of knowing. Her guidance will take any serious writer to a higher level. Her language is understandable without talking down. She manages to clearly describe complex concepts, breaking them down into easy-to-follow guidelines. This book will provide value to all writers, from the inexperienced to the pro. We rated this book five hearts.
Title: Write to Publish
Author: Christopher Klim
Illustrator:
Publisher and/or Distributor: Hopewell Publications
Pages: 161
ISBN: 0-9726906-9-7
Price: $17.95
Publishing Date: 2004
Reader: Bob Spear
Rating:
Writing to Publish is a must have reference book for beginning fiction writers. It clearly and succinctly provides elemental guidance for writing fiction. Then it goes on to teach how the book industry works and how to connect with it. It also discusses the creative writing process and overcoming typical problems. The writer’s emotional challenges are addressed, as well as many “have to knows” about submissions, rejections, and specific areas such as formats and support systems. We rated this book a high four hearts.
Title: On Writing: A Memoir of the Craft
Author: Stephen King
Illustrator:
Publisher and/or Distributor: Pocket Books
Pages: 298
ISBN: 0-7434-5596-7
Price: $7.99
Publishing Date: 2000
Reader: Bob Spear
Rating:
This is first an autobiography of one of America’s most commercially successful writers. It is secondly a darn good explanation of Mr. King’s views and approaches to writing, including many how-to’s. To understand him as a writer and a teacher of writing, it helps to understand his background and influences. That is why his autobiography is so important. All aspiring novelists should read this book and keep it handy on their reference shelf. We rated it five hearts.
Title: 2003 Children's Writer's & Illustrator's Market
Editors: Alice Pope and Mona Michael
Illustrator:
Publisher and/or Distributor: Writer's Digest Books
Pages: 394
ISBN: 1-58297-148-X
Price: $24.99
Publishing Date: 2003
Reader: Bob Spear
Rating:
Each year the Writer's Digest produces two invaluable booksone is the writer's guide for the adult market. The other is this one for children's book writers and illustrators. The writer's market is constantly changing, adjusting to market realities. This year's guide has captured the state of the Children's Book Industry so well. As always, the contact info is essential and well done. The supplemental articles were very interesting in that they both helpful and admonishing. The bottom line is this: the industry's standards are getting tougher. Anything less than total professionalism will knell the bell of doom for ill-prepared authors and illustrators. Folks, whether you write for children or adult markets, the info in this book is absolutely required reading we rated it five hearts.
Title: Picture Writing
Author: Anastasia Suen
Illustrator:
Publisher and/or Distributor: Writer's Digest
Pages: 244
ISBN: 1-58297-072-6
Price: $16.99
Publishing Date: 2003
Reader: Judy Schuler
Rating:
Although subtitled "A new approach to writing for kids and teens," Picture Writing is for any writer who wants to make his manuscript sparkle. In Picture Writing award-winning author, Anastasia Suen, shows the writer how to apply the technique of "picture writing" to fiction, non-fiction, and poetry. She covers plot, character, and setting, and then how to pull them all together to form a manuscript in which readers can "see" them. In short, she encourages the writer to visualize each element and then write what they see. The appendix includes useful resources such as Children's Book Awards, Market Resources, and Best Book Lists. This book is a must-have tool for all writers. We give it five hearts.
Title: The Writer's Guide to Crafting Stories for Children
Author: Nancy Lamb
Illustrator:
Publisher and/or Distributor: Writer's Digest Books
Pages: 232
ISBN: 1-58297-052-1
Price: $16.99
Publishing Date: 2001
Reader: Bob Spear
Rating:
OK, writers, I know the title says children's stories, but it's so much more. If one were to outline this book, it would make a marvelous desk reference for all fiction writers. What works for children will work for any age. The author, a highly experienced writer and teacher, explains the genre; breaks down the various parts of a good story's structure; explains the aspects of its supports (scenes, plot & subplot, characters, point of view, and inner & outer dialogue); describes the necessary ancillary aspects (premise, theme, moral, promise, voice & tone, and settings); and finally, the care and feeding of the writer's spirit.
She gives wonderful examples from her own writing and the classics of everything she suggests. There is just enough information to give the writer what is needed without becoming too academic. This is not theory, but tips on what works well and why. If a writer follows this author's advice, a smashing novel will be the result. We rate this a perfect five hearts!
Title: The Publishing Game: Find an Agent in 30 Days
Author: Fern Reiss
Illustrator:
Publisher and/or Distributor: Peanut Butter and Jelly Press
Publisher Website: http://www.PublishingGame.com
Pages: 224
ISBN: 1-893290-83-2
Price: $19.95
Publishing Date: 2003
Reader: Bob Spear
Rating: 4
This book is one of the newest offerings in the Publishing Game series. The author systematically walks the reader through all the actions one should take to acquire an agent in thirty days. As a published author, myself, I have placed books without an agent; I have self-published; and I have been badly burnt by two agents. Writers, if you want to find a good, legit agent; if you want a crack at the major publishers, or even smaller ones; if you want someone protecting your interests; if you want to sell foreign and movie rights, you really need this book. The author communicates clearly and concisely. I am always impressed with her resources she provides to the reader. We rated this resource four hearts.
Top
Title: Murder and Mayhem
Author: D.P. Lyle, M.D.
Illustrator: Nan Owen
Publisher and/or Distributor: St. Martin's Minotaur
Publisher Website: www.stmartins.com
Pages: 282
ISBN: 0-312-30945-7
Price: $23.95
Publishing Date: 2003
Reader: Bob Spear
Rating: 3
Listen up, all aspiring mystery, medical, and thriller writers, this is essential reading for credible writing in these genres. The author is a cardiologist and a columnist for the Mystery Writers of America. This is a compilation of some of his best columns from several different specialty publications. The columns are questions from and answers to writers of mysteries and TV shows. Regard this as required reading for all who have an interest in these areas. We rated it three hearts only because of the limited scope of its intended audience. With the huge size of the true-crime genre buying audience, the publisher would be well advised to expand its marketing focus.
Top
Title: The Publishing Game: Publish A Book In 30 Days
Author: Fern Reiss
Illustrator:
Publisher and/or Distributor: Peanut Butter and Jelly Press
Publisher Website: http://www.PublishingGame.com
Pages: 256
ISBN: 1-893290-85-9
Price: $19.95
Publishing Date: 2003
Reader: Bob Spear
Rating: 5
This is the book in the author's series for those who are thinking of self-publishing. She includes many of the business and marketing aspects of this endeavor, as well as the nits and grits of preparing a book for publishing. Her suggested strategies for bringing your book to fruition are eye opening and appealing. For instance the author explains the importance of how many ISBN numbers you should order from Bowkers and which one you should use to keep from being spotted as a self-publisher.
The author is known for her ability to organize her information in logical, manageable chunks. Each day's activities will systematically bring you toward your goal of creating and selling your next book. It includes how to do business on the internet. We rated it five hearts.
Top
Title: Writer's Market FAQs
Author: Peter Rubie
Illustrator:
Publisher and/or Distributor: Writer's Digest Books
Publisher Website: www.writersdigest.com
Pages: 272
ISBN: 1-58297-071-8
Price: $18.99
Publishing Date: 2002
Reader: Bob Spear
Rating: 5
This is a must have writers' resource! I'm recommending every member of my bookstore's writers group buy a copy of Writer's Market FAQs. This is an essential description of how the publishing industry works and the interpretation of its jargon. The author has been an author, a publishing house editor, a book doctor and an agent. His information is not only from an insider's perspective; it is the essence of what professional book writing is all about. He lays all the facts out clearly and in a logical fashion. Folks, you cannot afford to be without this book. Even if you are an experienced, published writer, he shares the most up-to-date market info and trends. Don't leave home without it. We rated it a perfect five hearts.
Title: Effective Business & Nonfiction Writing
Author: Dr. Jan Yager
Illustrator:
Publisher and/or Distributor: Hannacroix Creek Books, Inc.
Publisher Website: www.Hannacroix.com
Pages: 163
ISBN: 1-889262-26-9
Price: $20.95
Publishing Date: 2001
Reader: Bob Spear
Rating: 5 Hearts
This is an excellent reference and a self-evaluation tool for writers who must communicate in the real world. It is a second edition and has been updated to make it internet savvy. The author includes a section on time management for writers, which is invaluable. It is not a style manual, but a practical, how-to handbook that addresses the many day-to-day writing requirements of both authors and business people. It includes email etiquette and the differences of style when it comes to internet writing. We rated this five hearts.
Title: The Writing and Revision Stylebook
Author: Gregory Heyworth, PhD. and Rosette Liberman, EdD.
Illustrator:
Publisher and/or Distributor: Cooper Hill Press
Publisher Website: www.cooperhill.com
Pages: 444
ISBN: 0-9701113-0-4
Price: $ 21.95
Publishing Date: 2000
Reader: Bob Spear
Rating: 5
The Writing and Revision Stylebook is an excellent reference book for writers and editors. We have begun using it ourselves, as opposed to some better-known resources. This manual was written by a college professor of English and a high school English teacher with over thirty-five years of experience (I hope they're not grading my review). It addresses the most common problems seen in typical high school and college student writing assignments. The book starts off explaining proofing marks and gives examples of how they should be used. There are examples and revision exercises for every English concept presented.
This is more than a reference manual; it is a teaching text as well, which makes it good for students and professionals alike. We rate this resource five hearts.
Top
Title: The Dictionary of Concise Writing: Alternatives to Wordy Phrases
Author: Robert Hartwell Fiske
Illustrator:
Publisher and/or Distributor: Marion Street Press
Publisher Website: www.marionstreetpress.com
Pages: 412
ISBN: 0-9665176-6-0
Price: $19.95
Publishing Date: 2002
Reader: Bob Spear
Rating: 4
The Dictionary of Concise Writing is a superb partial solution to a common writing problem-excessive wordiness. The author first provides examples of wordy writing in a number of professional genres. He then provides 10,000 wordy phrases and their more concise alternatives. This is an excellent reference book for writers of all ilk. We rated it a high four hearts.
Top
Title: The Dimwit's Dictionary: 5,000 Overused Words and Phrases and Alternatives to Them
Author: Robert Hartwell Fiske
Illustrator:
Publisher and/or Distributor: Marion Street Press
Publisher Website: www.marionstreetpress.com
Pages: 400
ISBN: 0-9665176-7-9
Price: $ 19.95
Publishing Date: 2002
Reader: Bob Spear
Rating: 5
This book is a cure all (thank goodness that phrase is OK) for trite writing. The author first defines different levels of poor writing, giving examples and then proceeds to the dictionary portion. If you're having problems being accepted as a writer, it may be because you use too many trite words and phrases. This reference is the remedy to that problem. To use a trite phrase, when in doubt, whip it out (the dictionary, that is). We rated it five hearts.
Top
Title: The Publishing Game: Bestseller in 30 Days
Author: Fern Reiss
Publisher and/or Distributor: Peanut Butter and Jelly Press
Publishing Date: 2002
Pages: 208
Price: $19.95 each
ISBN: 1-893290-88-3
Reviewer: Bob Spear
Rating: 5
The Publishing Game is another essential tool for published writers, be they self-published or by a publishing company. This book is a great guerilla marketing plan for writers who want to get their biggest return on their marketing investment. If this reviewer had had this book back in 1989 when I started my publishing company, I would have gotten up-and-running faster and with far fewer heartaches. Writers, you absolutely need this template for getting your books out of the garage or off the publisher's stock floor and into the hands of happy readers.
Ms Reiss provides many practical how-to's and excellent resources. My daughter is thinking of self-publishing a book for young mothers. The Publishing Game will be my recommendation of a must-have to her. We rated it five hearts.
Title: Fast Track Course on How to Write a Nonfiction Book Proposal
Author: Stephen Blake Mettee
Publisher and/or Distributor: Quill Driver Books
Publisher Website: www.quilldriverbooks.com
Publishing Date: 2002
Price: $12.95
ISBN:
Reviewer: Bob Spear
Rating: 5
How to Write a Nonfiction Book Proposal is an essential, succinct guideline to writing nonfiction book proposals and the query letters which precede them. The author is an editor and publisher of excellent nonfiction books and knows his business. More importantly, he shares insider information on what to send, how to send it, and how to improve the odds of getting it accepted. This is a must have reference book for writers and sets the industry standard. We rate it a high five hearts.
Title: Damn! Why Didn't I Write That?
Author: Marc McCutcheon
Publisher and/or Distributor: Quill Driver Books
Publisher Website: www.quilldriverbooks.com
Pages: 259
Price: $14.95
Reviewer: Bob Spear
Rating: 5
Damn! Why Didn't I Write That? is a well organized how-to book on writing commercial nonfiction. The author shares many tips from his past experience as both an author and an agent. The title demonstrates how wonderfully simple ideas presented well can make for highly successful books. The reader is led logically through the process of finding, researching, and developing a market niche. His point is that nonfiction writers can score over and over again, compared to struggling fiction authors. This is a reference book for many writer's libraries. We give it five hearts.
Title: Complete Guide to Self-Publishing, 4th Edition
Author: Tom & Marilyn Ross
Publisher and/or Distributor: Writers Digest Books
Publishing Date: 03/2002
Pages: 521
Price: $19.99
ISBN: 1-58297-091-2
Reviewer: Bob Spear
Rating: 5
The Complete Guide to Self-Publishing is just what the title says it is. It's also up to date with invaluable resources and insights into the publishing industry seen from the eyes and in the language of those of us who believed they could do it better themselves. The book not only provides all the information you'll need on the production side, it also strongly supports the promotion and marketing sides of the business as well. Publishing your own book is an adventure only the strong of heart and hopelessly naive willingly take on. This book is your guide map and your life preserver. No one should self-publish without reading this tome cover-to-cover. We give this book the strongest five hearts we can.
Title: Media Magic
Author: Marisa D¹Vari
Publisher and/or Distributor: D'Vari Entertainment Group
Publisher Website: www.deg.com
Publishing Date: 2002
Pages: 146
Price: $21.95
ISBN: 1-931094-01-2
Reviewer: Bob Spear
Rating: 4
Media Magic is an essential book for those who are into guerrilla marketing of themselves, their business, their book, or whatever. The author covers the waterfront with both excellent tips on how to get the best publicity, while providing practical exercises which will add marketing tools to one's tool kit. This is a must book for professional business development reading.
The author really knows her subject and presents her material in a straight forward, easy to remember manner. Her tone is lightly humorous and she stresses practical, do-able techniques. We rated this book four hearts.
