There is a process in the publishing world, and writers need to know that process and fit themselves into it if they want to get published.
The synopsis is, “You’ve finished your manuscript and you want to get published. There’s a prescribed pathway to do this, and you need to follow it. So let me guide you on that path.”
The book comes out of the courses I teach in the Professional Writing major at Taylor University. My focus--as it is in everything--is the practical application of what I talk about. Thus, the book will take you to a spot on my website where readers can download worksheets in order to actually work through what I discuss in each chapter. This should be a great resource for all you writers out there, and I also wrote it for homeschool parents who have teen writers who might like some advice on stepping on that pathway to eventual publication.
Over on Twitter (@Lindaedits) and Instagram (lindataylor5558), I share writerly tips that are quotes from the book. So if you're a writer and so inclined, you can follow me there.
As an aspiring author myself, Linda’s Pathway to Publication set me up for success in the otherwise daunting publishing industry. She organized the chapters in a timeline that any writer would want to follow to see his or her book published. I found this especially helpful as someone who needs detailed instructions before I can take the next step.
Not only does Linda give you practical and organized steps, but the comparisons of her sister’s hiking experience to the publishing process and her classroom worksheets elevate this book to give the readers a unique, hands-on experience. Linda’s tone is conversational yet unmistakably professional. She covers everything from the uses of an em dash to the big-picture questions of which publishing track you should choose. You won’t feel rushed or pressured by any means. She will guide you with grace and patience, gleaning from her own writing experience.
Most importantly, as a Christian, I appreciated her reminders that we have an audience of one who is in control of our writing. Go check it out! You won’t regret it:)
My goodness, is this book a goldmine! I can tell this is DEFINITELY going to be something I keep on hand for continued reference as I pursue publishing my own book in the works. So many notes and practical tips to make book publishing a reality. I’ve already told another writer friend about this book as well! Don’t pursue getting your manuscript published without this tool!
Since I had the good fortune to take writing classes with the author, the book was a fun mix of deja vu ("oh, I've been here before, this was good") and vuja de ("this is entirely new to me... But still good"). Practical tips said very well, and a great tone mixing empathy with honesty. The book is up front about mistakes you should avoid, why they're dangerous, and how tough it is to make it in publishing. However, the book keeps affirming that if readers have made mistakes, there is room to regrow, and the work is never wasted.
This is an incredible resource for writers no matter the stage they're at! It covers everything you need to know in a very cohesive style. I'll definitely be picking this book up again to reference.
I have wished for a book such as this, to share with aspiring authors new to the publishing world, and anyone who may want to be a writer, yet feels daunted about where to go or how to begin.
The author is a publishing industry professional and college professor with decades of experience, who has put together a “guidebook” that anyone can read and come away with insider knowledge of publishing, a plan for setting and achieving writing goals, and a confidence when submitting your works into the world. As a writer herself, the author compares the journey to an adventurous trek into the unknown wilderness, covering the peaks and valleys that occur in a writer’s life, all shared simply and conversationally from an author who clearly finds joy in leading others along their writing path.
Readers will come away with a full understanding of the business of writing, from a 30-year publishing industry veteran.