Funny You Should Ask: Mostly Serious Answers to Mostly Serious Questions About the Book Publishing Industry

by Barbara Poelle, Holly Root (Foreword)

There is a certain perception from the outside that the publishing industry is a near insurmountable fortress, with gatekeepers and naysayers manning the turrets looking for any way to fire a flaming arrow at the dreams of an aspiring writer. Funny You Should Ask, based on the popular Writer's Digest column of the same name, assists to deconstruct, inform, and illuminate the path to publication and beyond, all while dispelling the rumor that those in the industry are better than thou. And even though each writer's publishing journey is like a game of PLINKO--you can drop the chip in the same slot every time and get a different result--there are still common constructs and confusions that can be shared and explored together in order to help inform all writers. From understanding the nuts and bolts of a query letter, to learning how to process the soul-searing envy of watching someone else's career flourish, to how to talk to your editor, veteran literary agent Barbara Poelle covers the approach and execution of the common and uncommon bumps along the traditional publishing path. Includes    • More than 100 questions answered including expanded answers to topics that didn't get the full treatment in a column   • Writing exercises, submission checklists, and publishing BINGO for every publishing milestone

223 pages, Kindle Edition

Published January 14, 2020

Reviews

[Mahua Cavanagh · Rating 5 out of 5]

So helpful and positive!

I’m working on my first novel and I’m intimidated by the publishing process. Poelle breaks things down into digestible chunks. On top of that, the book is hilarious. You can’t get a better experience than laughing while you learn.

[Andy Scontras · Rating 5 out of 5]

Easy to read, clear concise. lighthearted, and engaging. A great how-to with out being too how-toey Aspiring writer "must read."

[Rosey Lee · Rating 5 out of 5]

Delightful read - from the foreword to the conclusion. The Q&A style and lighthearted approach make it easy to sail through the book. And so much great info! The agent worksheet at the end will be helpful. There are also a few writing exercises to get your creative juices flowing and a publishing bingo for levity. I LOVE that there's an index. Who doesn't love an index?