Behind the Book: Eleven Authors on Their Path to Publication

by Chris Mackenzie Jones

One of Poets & Writers’ “Best Books for Writers”: The behind-the-scenes stories of eleven debut books, from their authors, agents, editors, and publishers.Every book has a story of its own, a path leading from the initial idea that sparked it to its emergence into the world in published form. No two books follow quite the same path, but all are shaped by a similar array of market forces and writing craft concerns as well as by a cast of characters stretching beyond the author.Behind the Book explores how eleven contemporary first-time authors, in genres ranging from post-apocalyptic fiction to young adult fantasy to travel memoir, navigated these pathways with their debut works. Based on extensive interviews with the authors, it covers the process of writing and publishing a book from beginning to end, including idea generation, developing a process, building a support network, revising the manuscript, finding the right approach to publication, building awareness, and ultimately moving on to the next project. It also includes insights from editors, agents, publishers, and others who helped to bring these projects to life.Unlike other books on writing craft, Behind the Book looks at the larger picture of how an author’s work and choices can affect the outcome of a project. The authors profiled in each story open up about their challenges, mistakes, and successes. While their paths to publication may be unique, together they offer important lessons that authors of all types can apply to their own writing journeys.“Essential.” —Poets & Writers

Genres: Writing, Nonfiction, Books About Books

231 pages, Kindle Edition

First published March 23, 2018

Reviews

[Scott Pearson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Publishing a book is a big deal. I’ve never done it, but I’ve read enough to appreciate each author’s contribution. Getting to that point is tough, getting through that point is tough, and after that point is tough. Then getting on to the next one is tough. Nonetheless, ways exist to expedite the process. Chris Mackenzie Jones has himself published this book to guide authors how to navigate successfully through this process. He uses the stories of eleven published authors, garnered through interviews, to inspire, educate, and drive aspiring authors to success.

Stories from each of the recent authors function as case studies for the reader to learn from. They aren’t presented one by one. Rather, Jones guides us progressively through various points along these authors’ common journey. The paths voyage through both traditional publishing houses and self-publishing avenues.

He starts from the “spark” of a story’s inspiration. What that looks like certainly varies from author to author, but all stories had to start in some way. He continues through the writing process, including the often painful step of revision. Then he chronicles the submission process and the heavily trod path of rejection. Finally, he explores publication and release – a process that often forces introverted literary geeks into an extroverted world.

To assess, there’s not a whole lot “new” in this book. It simply captures the essence of 11 authors’ journeys, but it does an extremely thorough, careful job of it. It provides a comprehensive, detailed picture of a writing career that few other books can rival. It’s not the only book in this genre, but it provides unique advice to aspiring authors while suggesting outside resources to look for more. Finally, it highlights interesting work by current authors for readers to dive into more.

Those involved in honing the craft of writing – that is, aspiring authors – comprise the main audience for this book. Writing is a lonely task, and sharing one’s writing is a path laden with much rejection. This book can provide comfort and camaraderie along that path. Established guides, like literary agents or writing teachers, involved in mentoring these writers can also benefit through better empathizing with their students. Overall, this book’s wide-ranging approach enlightens, charms, and instructs so that authors can more successfully produce and disseminate their work.

[Charlie Lowrey · Rating 4 out of 5]

Succinct and effective series of accounts of how other authors went through the publishing process. I love books like this, I know my own experience won’t be identical to anyone, but it’s super helpful to see the successes and pitfalls and even just possible things to expect.

[Nicole Roth · Rating 4 out of 5]

A very encouraging read for writers and a great look at the whole publishing process. At times, I found it difficult to keep track of all the names of the authors, but regardless there is a lot of great information in here. I felt particularly validated by the section about feedback and trusting yourself as a writer. It was wonderful to hear that many writers trusted friends and family for feedback and that the most important vision for your book is your own. Overall, an excellent resource for writers and worth a read for the reader interested in the emotional and logistical concerns an author experiences during the publishing process.

[Adam Shafer · Rating 4 out of 5]

Highly recommended for anyone near the end of writing their first novel or interested in varied glimpses into what the end looks like.

If everything in this book surprises you– congratulations! You’re going to learn so much! If almost nothing in this book surprises you– congratulations! You’re prepared and on the right track!

[Beverly Hollandbeck · Rating 3 out of 5]

I like books about books, and this one offered quite a bit of insight into writing and publishing. My problem was the structure. In the first chapter are brief synopses of 11 debut books, and in the succeeding chapters, these books are revisited about each step of writing and publishing, a brief example from each author in each chapter. The problem is that after the first chapter, we are supposed to remember what the topic of each book was, and that was too much for my old brain. Maybe eleven was too many.

[Emma Couette · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a great book. Not 5 stars because it's not the best book on writing I've ever read, but it was very insightful. It follows the path to publication of 11 debut authors and gives advice for every step of the way. My favourite thing about this book is that it's modern. It was published this year and actually covers self published authors as well with just as much care as the traditional ones.

[Tessa · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book takes readers inside the publishing world through case studies with eleven authors. I found the treatment of their stories to be compelling and insightful, and there's plenty of practical advice for aspiring authors to apply to their own process. Terrific all around.

[Elisabeth Valienne · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5 rounded up.

Solid read, gave a great overview on the entire writing and publishing journey. I loved how many different types of journeys were featured as well! This was super encouraging overall and I'm really grateful for a chance to read a book like it as I'm working on my own book.

[M.E. Byrd · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5

[Emily Coppella · Rating 5 out of 5]

A book that is honest about and true to its intention: to reveal several pathways from a debut author’s idea to publication, and quite frankly, beyond. Charting multiple pathways by using specific author’s works and their own words, this is less a guidebook and more a story itself. I loved this!

[Sunday Dutro · Rating 4 out of 5]

A medium-paced and informative craft book for those wanting more behind-the-scenes info about writing, agenting, editing, the publishing industry, and life after the first book.