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Book Magic: Turning Writers into Published Authors
"Book Magic" (3rd edition) is my bestselling title and is indispensable for every emerging writer who longs for publication. Easy to read, it provides all the information and tools to increase your chances of getting commercially published or to manage your own self-publication, in print or electronically.(New section added in June 2011 - "Electronic Sorcery.")
Discover how to weave some spells that boost your chances of getting published; explore the wizardry surrounding agents, query letters, book proposals/synopses, and phone calls to editors; and look into a crystal ball at trends in the North American market, as well as and in electronic and self-publishing.
Discover how to weave some spells that boost your chances of getting published; explore the wizardry surrounding agents, query letters, book proposals/synopses, and phone calls to editors; and look into a crystal ball at trends in the North American market, as well as and in electronic and self-publishing.
150 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 1, 2007
4 people want to read
About the author
Julie H. Ferguson
13 books24 followersJulie is a working writer, author, and a voracious reader.
A writer for forty-seven years, Julie is the author of five books for writers, including "Book Magic: Turning Writers into Published Authors" (now in its third edition) and "Crafting Irresistible Query Letters that Result in Publication," and fifteen other nonfiction books. Julie's many articles and photographs have appeared in international, national, and regional publications, as well as on the Web. Today her focus is travel writing and photography.
Julie has experienced it all — commercial and self-publication, print and electronic publishing, as well as print-on-demand.
Her first non-fiction book, "Through a Canadian Periscope; the Story of the Canadian Submarine Service" (Dundurn) appeared in 1995. Not only was it hailed as “a major contribution to our naval history,” Canadian booksellers chose it for Books for Everyone for Christmas 1995 and Dundurn re-released it in a second edition in 2014 for the centenary of the Canadian Submarine Service. Her second book, "Deeply Canadian: New Submarines for a New Millennium" (Beacon Publishing), was released in the fall of 2000 electronically (commercial) and in print (POD). Now updated, it is available in its 2nd edition as an ebook with restored and additional images. "Sing a New Song: Portraits of Canada’s Crusading Bishops," again from Dundurn, came out in May 2006 and her last Dundurn book is a YA biography, "James Douglas: Father of British Columbia" that was also featured in Books for Everyone in 2009.
Since early 2001, Julie has also self-published (DIY) six books for writers, speakers, and teachers, travel journals, two family histories, one for a health authority, and sixteen photo portfolios.
Not only is Julie a successful author, she is also an accomplished professional speaker and trainer who taught for Vancouver Community College and presented at the Surrey International Writers’ Conference for nine years. From 1997 to 2010, she was also in great demand with school districts and leads sessions for teachers' professional development events and students that inspire participants to develop their writing skills while having fun. Julie's keynotes and many break-out sessions for writers include "All Aboard the Electronic Express," "Pitching in a Cold Climate, and "Create Gorgeous Family Memory Books." She is also a facilitator of one of the acclaimed Port Moody Writers' Groups that have been running for over forty years
Julie's honest, one-on-one coaching practice guides writers who seek either commercial or self-publication for their books and/or articles, as well as assists with writing promotional material, such as bios and book descriptors.
"...from inspiration to publication" TM
A writer for forty-seven years, Julie is the author of five books for writers, including "Book Magic: Turning Writers into Published Authors" (now in its third edition) and "Crafting Irresistible Query Letters that Result in Publication," and fifteen other nonfiction books. Julie's many articles and photographs have appeared in international, national, and regional publications, as well as on the Web. Today her focus is travel writing and photography.
Julie has experienced it all — commercial and self-publication, print and electronic publishing, as well as print-on-demand.
Her first non-fiction book, "Through a Canadian Periscope; the Story of the Canadian Submarine Service" (Dundurn) appeared in 1995. Not only was it hailed as “a major contribution to our naval history,” Canadian booksellers chose it for Books for Everyone for Christmas 1995 and Dundurn re-released it in a second edition in 2014 for the centenary of the Canadian Submarine Service. Her second book, "Deeply Canadian: New Submarines for a New Millennium" (Beacon Publishing), was released in the fall of 2000 electronically (commercial) and in print (POD). Now updated, it is available in its 2nd edition as an ebook with restored and additional images. "Sing a New Song: Portraits of Canada’s Crusading Bishops," again from Dundurn, came out in May 2006 and her last Dundurn book is a YA biography, "James Douglas: Father of British Columbia" that was also featured in Books for Everyone in 2009.
Since early 2001, Julie has also self-published (DIY) six books for writers, speakers, and teachers, travel journals, two family histories, one for a health authority, and sixteen photo portfolios.
Not only is Julie a successful author, she is also an accomplished professional speaker and trainer who taught for Vancouver Community College and presented at the Surrey International Writers’ Conference for nine years. From 1997 to 2010, she was also in great demand with school districts and leads sessions for teachers' professional development events and students that inspire participants to develop their writing skills while having fun. Julie's keynotes and many break-out sessions for writers include "All Aboard the Electronic Express," "Pitching in a Cold Climate, and "Create Gorgeous Family Memory Books." She is also a facilitator of one of the acclaimed Port Moody Writers' Groups that have been running for over forty years
Julie's honest, one-on-one coaching practice guides writers who seek either commercial or self-publication for their books and/or articles, as well as assists with writing promotional material, such as bios and book descriptors.
"...from inspiration to publication" TM
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Displaying 1 - 4 of 4 reviews
June 9, 2017
An excellent, clear guide. I've read it twice. I'd especially recommend it to Canadian Authours.
March 31, 2009
Before you read this review, please note that author, Julie H. Ferguson, is a colleague who interviewed me for the book to gain insights into my publishing experience. If you think I’m too biased to provide an adequate review of Book Magic then read no further. But also note that I wouldn’t have agreed to the interview if I didn’t believe in the quality of Julie’s work as a writer and publisher. If you still wish to continue, then . . .
They say that everyone has a story to tell and, based on my experience, many folks would love to have their stories published. Those with the courage to write their stories, though, soon discover how difficult writing is. And writing well is absolutely formidable. But to see one’s story in print is truly a magical experience, and if you want a legitimate shot at experiencing this magic, then Julie’s practical guide can help you achieve your dream.
She begins by demolishing prevailing myths about getting published, such as needing an agent or that publishers prefer fiction. From there, she delves into the different ways one can be published, thanks to technology. Topics include finding a publisher, avoiding the slush pile, pitching your book, writing query letters, and what you need to know about publishing electronically. This book is full of useful information including appendices that provide sample pitches and query letters. Needless to say, Book Magic covers a lot of ground in a mere 122 pages, which might frustrate those readers looking for more details regarding editing, book production, or the publishing/marketing process. However, the author provides a great list of books that cover these issues.
What I liked best about Book Magic is that Ferguson addresses nearly every type of writer from those who want to write a memoir for family and friends only, to those seeking bestseller status. Whether you’ve been writing for years or are just beginning, you’ll find something in Book Magic to make the journey easier, and that too is magical.
They say that everyone has a story to tell and, based on my experience, many folks would love to have their stories published. Those with the courage to write their stories, though, soon discover how difficult writing is. And writing well is absolutely formidable. But to see one’s story in print is truly a magical experience, and if you want a legitimate shot at experiencing this magic, then Julie’s practical guide can help you achieve your dream.
She begins by demolishing prevailing myths about getting published, such as needing an agent or that publishers prefer fiction. From there, she delves into the different ways one can be published, thanks to technology. Topics include finding a publisher, avoiding the slush pile, pitching your book, writing query letters, and what you need to know about publishing electronically. This book is full of useful information including appendices that provide sample pitches and query letters. Needless to say, Book Magic covers a lot of ground in a mere 122 pages, which might frustrate those readers looking for more details regarding editing, book production, or the publishing/marketing process. However, the author provides a great list of books that cover these issues.
What I liked best about Book Magic is that Ferguson addresses nearly every type of writer from those who want to write a memoir for family and friends only, to those seeking bestseller status. Whether you’ve been writing for years or are just beginning, you’ll find something in Book Magic to make the journey easier, and that too is magical.
October 2, 2023
Book Magic is an excellent read if you’re ready to publish. The book delves into: what to expect if you go the traditional route; what kinds of books are better to self-publish; pitching your work; and copyright, to name a few.
With forty years experience, the author has six books published on writing as well as her own fiction and non-fiction works. With headings and sub-headings this is a great reference book, I can refer back to when needed.
With forty years experience, the author has six books published on writing as well as her own fiction and non-fiction works. With headings and sub-headings this is a great reference book, I can refer back to when needed.
August 10, 2013
I'm the author so will not review this book
This is the third edition (June 2011) of Book Magic and it has been thoroughly revised and updated for authors dreaming of e-publishing their work, as well as for those seeking commercial and self-publishing in print. Goodread members can buy it as an ePub file on this site.
Also available for Kindle, Sony, Nook, iBooks, and Kobo readers.
This is the third edition (June 2011) of Book Magic and it has been thoroughly revised and updated for authors dreaming of e-publishing their work, as well as for those seeking commercial and self-publishing in print. Goodread members can buy it as an ePub file on this site.
Also available for Kindle, Sony, Nook, iBooks, and Kobo readers.
Displaying 1 - 4 of 4 reviews