Hungry Authors: The Indispensable Guide to Planning, Writing, and Publishing a Nonfiction Book

by Liz Morrow, Ariel Curry, Allison Fallon (foreword)

Industry insiders offer insight and advice to aspiring nonfiction authors

So many people want to write a book. They dream of holding their work in their hands, seeing their name on the spine. They feel passionate and invigorated, ready to take action. They know it won’t be easy; it takes grit, initiative, and commitment. But with the right mindset and the right plan, publishing a book is within every writer’s reach.

In HUNGRY AUTHORS: THE INDISPENSABLE GUIDE TO PLANNING, CREATING, AND PUBLISHING A NONFICTION BOOK, writers and publishing experts Liz Morrow and Ariel Curry offer aspiring authors an engaging, hands-on resource that includes:

- Hope and optimism about the publishing landscape
- A fresh and humorous perspective on the work and business of being a writer
- A practical roadmap for ideating, planning, writing, and publishing a book
- Tips and tricks for how to get an agent or publisher’s attention, even without a huge platform
-Access to dozens of extra resources on the accompanying website, hungryauthors [dot] com.

Good books don’t happen by accident. They happen because the author has a plan every step of the way, from their book’s structure to the publishing path that’s best for them. Any author with a great idea and a boatload of gumption can write and publish an impactful nonfiction book, and Hungry Authors is the tool every writer needs to make that happen.

Genres: Writing, Nonfiction

282 pages, Paperback

Published August 6, 2024

Reviews

[W. Whalin · Rating 5 out of 5]

Every Author Can Learn from These Authors

Whenever I read a how-to-write book (and I’ve read many during my decades in publishing), I look at the background of the authors and specifically their publishing credentials. Liz Morrow and Ariel Curry have worked with many authors through the years and pour their experience and insights into HUNGRY AUTHORS. The creators of THE HUNGRY AUTHOR PODCAST each one has a wealth of experience for authors on any part of the journey—beginners or seasoned.

In the early pages, these authors define “hungry authors” saying, “Because the truth about Hungry Authors is that they will stop at nothing to achieve their vision. They have gumption, drive and a certain stick-with-it-ness that compels them to keep going even when the odds are stacked against them. It’s not that they can’t or won’t listen to feedback, in fact, they do seek out and take action on the feedback they receive. They’re willing to do the work necessary to make their book successful, and instead of seeing traditional publishing as the only way, they keep their eyes focused on the end goal: a great book. Make no mistake: A great book can be published in many ways.” (Page 3)

I highly recommend you pull out your yellow highlighter and your Post-it notes for reading the valuable information in HUNGRY AUTHORS.

W. Terry Whalin is an editor and the author of more than 60 books including his recent 10 Publishing Myths, Insights Every Author Needs to Succeed .

[Ericka Andersen · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have been following Hungry Authors for awhile now and gained so much wisdom from their podcast. I knew I had to get the book when it came out and I was NOT disappointed. These ladies have a broad wealth of experience and seem to touch on everything you need to know about publishing your book. Their advice is golden and anyone remotely interested in pursuing it should immediately get this!

[Amy Gruber · Rating 5 out of 5]

Full disclosure. I bought this book because I know one of the authors. I didn’t necessarily plan to read it from cover to cover. Mainly because I don’t plan to write a book. HOWEVER-this book was engaging and so well written that I read it in 4 days and not only did it make me WANT to write a book, it made me think I CAN write a book.

[Camden Morgante · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is such an entertaining and helpful book! Liz Morrow and Ariel Curry offer expert, practical advice and walk you step-by-step through defining your audience, picking your book topic, mapping your book, writing the first draft, and pitching or self-publishing it. The authors manage to inject humor and personality into what could have been a dry topic, making for an enjoyable and pleasant read. Their book mapping process is something you can't find anywhere else, and as someone who has worked with them and used this process, I can attest to how transformative it is! This book will be an invaluable guide to any aspiring non-fiction author who wants to plan, write, and publish their first book.

Disclaimer; I received an ARC from NetGalley in exchange for a review of the book and am personal friends with the authors.

[Susan Lenz · Rating 5 out of 5]

I will read this book again and again as I struggle to write a memoir. The style is straight-forward but with a nice, personal infliction from both authors. The information is valuable. I've gained insights to myself and the process of writing. I highly recommend this book.

[Lauren Gambill · Rating 5 out of 5]

Incredibly practical and easy to read.

[Kimberly Patton · Rating 5 out of 5]

First of all, the title is incredible. It invites hungry, starving, desperate authors to come drink a cool glass of water and wisdom. I love how the authors are so down to earth, honest about the publishing process, and easy to follow. They make the publishing process DO-ABLE! It is very encouraging.

I think the visuals, graphs, and illustrations are key to helping a new author or even seasoned author put together their book. The step-by-step chapters are perfect to follow along, and motivational so that the writer isn’t tempted to give in.

Hungry Authors is a fantastic read! Highly recommend!

Thank you to NetGalley for a copy of this book in exchange for this review!

[Merideth Estevez · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ariel and Liz are my go-to writing gurus. And this book is gold. I have been learning from them for years, and to have all of their teaching in one place—what a resource! The writing is easy to read and feels like chatting with an old friend. They coach and guide you through getting your book down from "soup to nuts" and even provide solutions to challenges you may encounter on the way. Now, as I write my second book, I am lucky enough to have this one close by as I prepare the manuscript. Thank you, Ariel and Liz!

[India · Rating 5 out of 5]

Sometimes the right book book walks into my life at the right (write?) time. This is one of those books. I started writing nonfiction just a few months ago and while I know I have a story somewhere in me, it’s been a jumbled mess. My ideas needed a stronger foundation and this book starts with that essential step. Then with levity and what seems like sound wisdom, the authors walk you through idea development, writing, and (GULP!) publishing. With this book, what once seemed insurmountable is a little easier to take on.

[Paula Rizzo · Rating 5 out of 5]

Writing a book isn’t for the faint of heart. With Liz and Ariel’s Hungry Authors you’ll have a treasure trove of wisdom at your fingertips as you start your author adventure. This book is an organized and practical guide to crafting and publishing your nonfiction work. Highly recommended for authors in all stages of writing.

[Janice Post-White · Rating 5 out of 5]

So helpful to walk through the steps of drafting a nonfiction book (specific to narrative NF and prescriptive NF). The authors really know their stuff and they say it concisely and specifically, with authority and encouragement. Very motivating and helpful with step-by-step directions, with additional chapters on drafting a proposal and publishing tips.

[Catherine Baab-Muguira · Rating 5 out of 5]

If you're looking to sell a nonfiction book proposal, you need this book! Ariel and Liz make excellent guides to the process. You'll find tips on refining your ideas, understanding the market, dealing with agents and publishers - the whole shebang. Highly recommend!

[Courtney Cardini · Rating 5 out of 5]

I found this book extremely helpful, and I love the positive attitude that you can make it happen if you want to publish a book. I know I will have to return to it again and again as I write my first book. Thank you so much for creating this book!

[Mary · Rating 5 out of 5]

A VERY helpful book for aspiring authors. Practical advice in a very readable format.

[Carolyn · Rating 5 out of 5]

This guide has been my book writing and proposal bible. It sits on my desk at all times.