How I Got Published: Famous Authors Tell You in Their Own Words

by Ray White, Duane Lindsay (Compiler)

The one thing all writers ignore is the one thing they need inspiration. And let's face it, writers thrive on dreams."How I Got Published" provides compelling success stories of how many writer-heroes got published, stories that will help would-be writers persevere until they succeed. Writing is a lonely occupation where rejection is the norm, and this book details the early hardships authors like Stephen King, David Morrell and Stephen White went through, reassuring writers that they can become published if they keep trying."How I Got Published" features stories of success from major writers, and technical instruction on following the rules of writing and getting published.

Genres: Writing, Nonfiction

368 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 2007

About the author

Darrell James is a California writer living in Pasadena. His short stories have appeared in numerous mystery magazines and in the book anthologies LAndmarked For Murder and Deadly Ink. He is the 2004 winner of Fire To Fly and winner of the 2007 Deadly Ink Competition. His solo anthology, Body Count: A Killer Collection, garnered a 2007 Reader Views-Reviewers Choice Award. Seductive schemes and dark ambitions dominate his story landscapes. "

Reviews

[Shawn Bird]

This is one of those books that sits on the side table or the back of the toilet for quick reads. It provides jolts of inspiration and lots of encouragement to keep working toward the goal. Every story is completely unique, but the theme is the same. Persevere. Keep writing. Keep getting better. Hold fast to the dream.

[C.B. Wentworth · Rating 3 out of 5]

The title alone is enough to grab the attention of any writer dying to get published. Famous and not-so-famous authors share their stories of failure and eventual success in the brutal business of publishing.

Organized into short essays, a number of authors write about their experiences with query letters, rejections, agents, deals gone wrong, and the unpredictable nature of the literary scene. It’s a tough industry to break into and they are very honest about the fact that publishing is not for those with paper-thin skin or a gelatinous spine. As horrible as that sounds, each author’s story has a strong sense of optimism brought on by a taste of success. The odds of snagging an agent or a book deal may be small, but anything is possible.

Two pieces of advice dominate How I Got Published from start to finish. First, there is no perfect tried and true method of getting published. Second, persistence is a writer’s greatest weapon. The only way to find the right agent or get your work in front of an editor is to put it out there and do so relentlessly. Send query letters even when nothing but rejections follow. Keep revising and writing until no word goes untouched. What it all comes down to is hard work, a little luck, and a great story.

The only flaw with an otherwise highly motivational and encouraging read is a problem with repetition. While every author has their own unique story, they all start to blur together about halfway through the book. Furthermore, most of the writers showcased are mystery and crime fiction writers. Little attention is given to writers in other genres, thereby limiting the inside perspective on agents and publishing houses.

[Johnarthurmiller Miller · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is the best motivational read you'll ever purchase if you're a writer. The advice from published authors is great. They write, laugh and lament about their pre-fame days. This book brings you into the heart of what it is to be a writer, and it pushes you into the darkness (rejection) and squeezes you through the long-dark tunnel until you gush out at the other end "into the light" (success). It's a great pick-me-up for ALL writers, and can even be converted into a daily-read for writers. This don't-give-up book is absolutely awesome, with its tales from many, many authors. I can't recommend it enough for WRITERS and possibly poets (it's definitely not for readers).

[Katy · Rating 4 out of 5]

A really cool book for people who want to write. As an aspiring author, I loved the tips that the authors shared in this book. Their stories were all unique and entertaining.

If you take only one thing from this book, let it be this: PERSISTANCE is the key to succeeding as a writer and getting published. That's the one thing that was repeated over and over again. Taking rejection well seems to be another key to success.

I don't know how much people with no interest in actually writing would have in this one, but it's great for writers!

[Mike Mullin · Rating 2 out of 5]

I didn't finish this book. If I pick up a book titled "How I Got Published, Famous Authors Tell You in Their Own Words," I expect exactly that: first publication stories. Not mini-lessons on writing TV scripts. Not semi-amusing anecdotes about selling movie rights. Not excerpts from the author's autobiography that reach deep into her childhood. Pieces of it are excellent--J.A. Konrath's essay is particularly good, but overall, this book needed stronger editing.

[Carol J. · Rating 4 out of 5]

An interesting peek into the writing lives of successful authors. The "if I can do it, so can you" references were encouraging and at times humorous.

[Laura · Rating 5 out of 5]

I laughed and cried and could relate to many of the stories. Most important thing I learned is perseverance supersedes talent. Keep writing.

[Landon · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very inspiring, interesting in that there are as many ways to get published as there are authors, and very practical. I must read for aspiring authors.

[James · Rating 2 out of 5]

This book has some very good suggestions about writing as well as how to get published. It focuses on getting published and it has authors tell their story and advice on how to get published. There is much in the book that I liked, so far. I don't know all that much about writing or being published, but I am keeping track of the various items they are talking about. This book is good for someone who is just starting or has been disheartened by the rejection a writer faces after finishing that "great novel." If I had to boil down the advice it would be these items. Get an agent, keep writing, work on improving your writing, and have thick skin. I was disappointed that the website mentioned in the book is gone, but maybe that speaks to the fact that his book isn't a great book, but a handy book for encouraging those who need encouraging. That is really what it does, encourage rather than give help to those who want to get published.

[David Fleming · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is a book that just leaps off the shelf for any writer. And I too fell prey to the charm of its catchy title. Was the $18.50 plopped down at a local Barnes and Noble wasted? No. Because what this book does is give a feel for the realities of the world through hundreds of brief, personal accounts of publishing success.

People often say, “Well, people are only successful in X because of Y.” This book both confirms all the assertions of cynics and optimists alike. It gives a sense that these writers succeeded through differing blends of talent, perseverance, luck, who they knew and ‘you-name-it.’ With ‘you-name-it’ constituting the lion’s-share. I really wish this was a whole series of books on different topics.

There are descriptive inserts scattered throughout the personal accounts that I really didn’t find all that useful. Not sure I would recommend this to anyone who doesn’t have a burning curiosity about the trials and tribulations of the traditional publishing world.

[Ray White · Rating 5 out of 5]

If you want to know how to do something ask an expert, right?

The authors of How I Got Published: Famous Author Tell You in Their Own Words asked 88 famous and near famous authors (experts) how they did it.

Clive Cussler, JA Konrath, Gayle Lynds, Dave Barry, Aimee & David Thurlo, Thomas Perry, Steven White and many, many more will entertain you and inspire you to keep trying.

This is a great book for the writer who hasn't quite made it yet, but wants to. Includes the Ten Rules for Getting Published and best of all, unveils the best way to write that %$#* synopsis all agents want.

[Keegan Taylor · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book was really encouraging because so many of the authors took years, sometimes many manuscripts, and lots of rejection before they got published. Furthermore, the message that rang throughout all the essays was that writers write. This is a good message because lots of would-be writers (myself included) don't write or don't write often anyway.

[Laura · Rating 3 out of 5]

This will only be interesting to someone trying to publish a book, specifically a novel. It is both depressing and uplifting. But you will learn so much about the publishing world, I would call it a difficult must-read for the aspiring author.

[Carl Brookins · Rating 3 out of 5]

Another enjoyable resource. I dip in from time to time to refresh my memory about some of the authors and some of the frustrations as well as the good times.

[John · Rating 3 out of 5]

Authors tell their stories in 5 pages or less each, few had any sort of publishing connections at all. Interesting mix, and I've picked up a few additions to my TBR pile.

[Raymond White · Rating 5 out of 5]

I am one of the authors of this book so I'm going to say nothing more than many of the stories included in this book are highly entertaining and informative.

[John · Rating 3 out of 5]

Some of these short essays are great, others are weak. Most are in between. Altogether worth the read if you need some motivation.