Shortest Distance Between You and a Published Book

by Susan Page

Publishers buy new book ideas every week.  Why not yours?

Whether your book consists of a few notes on the back of a napkin or a completed manuscript, Susan Page's proven system will make your dream of successful publication come true.  A bestselling author and leading consultant to other writers, Susan Page knows the difference between common industry wisdom that doesn't work and the precise, easy-to-follow strategies that actually get results.  In this breakthrough book, she leads you away from the obstacles that often delay and frustrate writers and introduces the twenty essential steps for success,

The three "magic first steps" you must take now to claim success later on

The real differences between self-publishing and selling to a publisher

Clever methods for finding a truly brilliant title for your book

The formula for writing proposals that get read...and then bought

A deliberate method for finding the right agent for you

The six biggest hidden heartbreaks in publishers' contracts and how to avoid them

The range of royalty advances and how much you might expect ( it may be larger than you think!)

Seven minimum requirements for a six-figure advance

A step-by-step method for planning your own "blockbuster" promotion

Susan Page not only tells you how to proceed, she anticipates how you might feel at various stages and deftly coaches you through the best and the worst of it all.  And the gift many of her clients have appreciated most is the crucial, little-known skill of keeping your hopes high and your expectations realistic.  This book will leave you feeling excited, inspired, and ready to get to work.

Genres: Writing, Nonfiction

288 pages, Paperback

First published May 12, 1997

Reviews

[J. Hicks · Rating 4 out of 5]

I'd have given it a five if so much of the information hadn't been out-of-date. It's still a worthwhile read.

[Brooke · Rating 3 out of 5]

It would get a better rating if I were published. ha ha.

[C · Rating 3 out of 5]

A helpful guide but a little outdated. There are better books now that publishing's gone through a major shift.

[Denise · Rating 3 out of 5]

I had to read this book for my creative writing program in college. Good information is provided, and it was easy to read.

[Susan Sepples · Rating 4 out of 5]

From Prince Memorial Library:
only 4?stars because a little dated but truly a helpful book on getting started in publishing- I renewed it twice at library

[Cindy Sikkema · Rating 4 out of 5]

Written for the writer who covets a traditional book deal, which doesn't necessarily describe myself, this book still held several nuggets well worth the time to dig up. Most notably in "Taming The Monsters" where Page discusses the difference between procrastination (and the accompanying flagellation) and 'acedia'--the idea of welcoming and embracing the downtime between creative spurts of action. Revolutionary, if it works, so I'll be giving it a try.

[Wendy · Rating 4 out of 5]

OK, I'll start with the caveat: This is a how-to book written by a woman who writes relationship books. That said, she KNOWS marketing. This is the best book -- about a bunch that I've read -- about how to write a nonfiction book proposal and how to market your writing. It's very well-organized and cuts right to the chase.

[Dave Cullen · Rating 4 out of 5]

Lots of great advice in here. I learned a lot.

[Beverly · Rating 5 out of 5]

A great book for any writer who is looking to publish a book.

[Leslie Monroe · Rating 4 out of 5]

Still had good valid points. I loved the example proposal at the end. Was a good read and informative.