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Write That Book Already!: The Tough Love You Need to Get Published Now
From the foreword by Maya Angelou:
"[T]he joy they promise in their prose makes me glad that I and other writers have been willing to make good writing our aim, and even great writing our dream."
"How do I get my book published?"
Good question. Lucky for you, publishing insiders Sam Barry and Kathi Kamen Goldmark have laid out the blueprint for what you want--your book. From transforming an idea into a manuscript to finding an agent to working with an editor to marketing your book, BookPage's Author Enablers are here to assist you every step of the way. And they've brought some backup with original insight from literary superstars like Stephen King, Amy Tan, Rita Mae Brown, and more.
It's everything you would ever want--and need--to know about the industry from the inside out.
Praise for Write That Book Already! The Tough Love You Need To Get Published Now
"This is THE book that every would-be author needs to own. It's full of incredibly practical advice about how to write and sell a book -- finding an agent, writing a proposal, dealing with an editor, boosting sales -- and on top of that, it's also probably the funniest thing every written about how to get published. Write That Book Already! is a gem." -- Scott Turow, author of Presumed Innocent and Innocent
"Write That Book Already! is the perfect companion to writer's angst, brimming with wise advice for all scribes, including myself." -- Amy Tan, author of Saving Fish From Drowning
226 pages, Paperback
First published April 1, 2010
73 people are currently reading
927 people want to read
About the author
Sam Barry
10 books60 followersSam Barry is the publisher, editor, and a contributor to Hard Listening: The Greatest Rock Band Ever (of Authors) Tells All (Coliloquy; June, 2013), by Dave Barry, Sam Barry, Amy Tan, Scott Turow, Roy Blount Jr., Greg Iles, Stephen King, James McBride, Mitch Albom, Ridley Pearson, Matt Groening, Ted Habte-Gabr, and rock legend Roger McGuinn.
He is the author of How to Play the Harmonica: and Other Life Lessons and coauthored Write That Book Already! The Tough Love You Need to Get Published Now with his late wife, the author and founder of the Rock Bottom Remainders, Kathi Kamen Goldmark. In 2014 Sam was instrumental in getting Kathi's novel "Her Wild Oats," posthumously published by Untreed Reads Publishing.
Sam is writing a book with musician and folk music matriarch Ellen Verdries (mother of Ben Harper and owner of the Folk Music Center in Claremont) that will be published in 2020.
Although he has played harmonica, piano, and sung with the world’s most famous mediocre rock band for many years, Sam really is a great musician. He lives in the San Francisco Bay Area and is the proud father of Daniel and Laura and stepfather of Tony Goldmark. You can also find Sam on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter @sambarry.
He is the author of How to Play the Harmonica: and Other Life Lessons and coauthored Write That Book Already! The Tough Love You Need to Get Published Now with his late wife, the author and founder of the Rock Bottom Remainders, Kathi Kamen Goldmark. In 2014 Sam was instrumental in getting Kathi's novel "Her Wild Oats," posthumously published by Untreed Reads Publishing.
Sam is writing a book with musician and folk music matriarch Ellen Verdries (mother of Ben Harper and owner of the Folk Music Center in Claremont) that will be published in 2020.
Although he has played harmonica, piano, and sung with the world’s most famous mediocre rock band for many years, Sam really is a great musician. He lives in the San Francisco Bay Area and is the proud father of Daniel and Laura and stepfather of Tony Goldmark. You can also find Sam on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter @sambarry.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 46 reviews
September 13, 2019
This book was not at all what I expected, I thought it would be helpful tips about writing instead it was all about the process of publishing; the title is misleading - it should have been called "Publish that book already". It was interesting if not a little terrifying and completely disabused all notions I had about getting published. The authors seem to have an inflated amount of self-importance, perhaps because they managed to find the grail (as they make it seem) of getting published themselves..
January 13, 2011
I know many of the people I network with are writing books and for many of you (including myself), it's your first novel. I recently read a book many of you will find helpful.
Anytime you do something for the first time, you come across aspects of the task that are unfamiliar. This is where books come in handy. "Write that Book Already!" by Sam Barry and Kathi Kamen Goldmark, is a wonderfully informative book about the business aspect of publishing a book.
It takes you through all the steps and answered many of the questions I had.
I found several of the sections particularly helpful. Here they are:
1.) Should an author self publish or go the traditional route? The authors take a neutral stance on this issue, but don't hold back with the pros and cons of each. Everyone knows the book industry is changing and a lot of the authors are choosing to self publish. I've been very skeptical of this (and continue to be), but I do find self publishing to be intriguing.
2.) Helpful Information about getting an agent, editor, or both. For example, the acknowledgment section of a book is a great place to scout out reputable names.
3.) Explains the various functions of the various people who help promote a book. There are a lot of stages in a books promotion. I didn't know them all. I bet most unpublished authors don't either.
4.) Do you know the differences between big chain bookstores and small independent bookstores. We would all love to see our book at the front of Barnes and Noble or Borders. But did you know that 50% of people who buy books at big chain bookstores don't read the books they buy. Creating word of mouth buzz should be the ultimate goal for any new author. If people don't read your book, they can't encourage others to do so too. Independent bookstores are a key component in the establishment of new authors.
These are just a few of the things I found interesting in Write That Book Already! I would encourage any new author to check it out before publishing. I give it 8 out of 10 (10 being great).
Originally reviewed on my blog at http://www.AustinJamesHere.blogspot.com
Anytime you do something for the first time, you come across aspects of the task that are unfamiliar. This is where books come in handy. "Write that Book Already!" by Sam Barry and Kathi Kamen Goldmark, is a wonderfully informative book about the business aspect of publishing a book.
It takes you through all the steps and answered many of the questions I had.
I found several of the sections particularly helpful. Here they are:
1.) Should an author self publish or go the traditional route? The authors take a neutral stance on this issue, but don't hold back with the pros and cons of each. Everyone knows the book industry is changing and a lot of the authors are choosing to self publish. I've been very skeptical of this (and continue to be), but I do find self publishing to be intriguing.
2.) Helpful Information about getting an agent, editor, or both. For example, the acknowledgment section of a book is a great place to scout out reputable names.
3.) Explains the various functions of the various people who help promote a book. There are a lot of stages in a books promotion. I didn't know them all. I bet most unpublished authors don't either.
4.) Do you know the differences between big chain bookstores and small independent bookstores. We would all love to see our book at the front of Barnes and Noble or Borders. But did you know that 50% of people who buy books at big chain bookstores don't read the books they buy. Creating word of mouth buzz should be the ultimate goal for any new author. If people don't read your book, they can't encourage others to do so too. Independent bookstores are a key component in the establishment of new authors.
These are just a few of the things I found interesting in Write That Book Already! I would encourage any new author to check it out before publishing. I give it 8 out of 10 (10 being great).
Originally reviewed on my blog at http://www.AustinJamesHere.blogspot.com
May 10, 2012
3 1/2 stars or so -- pretty good, as far as instructional books go.
I think the very first recommendation nailed it when they called this book a 'Publishing Primer.' Filled with easy-to-understand perspective and practical advice, it's definitely worth a read by anyone who's finished a manuscript and is wondering what the next steps are and should be if they hope to succeed on the lengthy path to publication. Appendix 2 contains a comprehensive overview of the entire process.
While the first five chapters or so were pretty elementary, it's worth skimming through until you get to something you might still be in need of familiarizing yourself with. There are a number of worthwhile suggestions that will save you time and aid in marketing your book once you've reached that stage. And though the humor applied is sometimes more snide than funny, it holds your attention and gets it's point across without being convoluted. They don't try to kill your dreams, but they also don't attempt to make any false promises.
Standout thought to ponder:
"If you are not ready to promote yourself and your writing, maybe you're not ready to become an author."
I think the very first recommendation nailed it when they called this book a 'Publishing Primer.' Filled with easy-to-understand perspective and practical advice, it's definitely worth a read by anyone who's finished a manuscript and is wondering what the next steps are and should be if they hope to succeed on the lengthy path to publication. Appendix 2 contains a comprehensive overview of the entire process.
While the first five chapters or so were pretty elementary, it's worth skimming through until you get to something you might still be in need of familiarizing yourself with. There are a number of worthwhile suggestions that will save you time and aid in marketing your book once you've reached that stage. And though the humor applied is sometimes more snide than funny, it holds your attention and gets it's point across without being convoluted. They don't try to kill your dreams, but they also don't attempt to make any false promises.
Standout thought to ponder:
"If you are not ready to promote yourself and your writing, maybe you're not ready to become an author."
August 4, 2013
I won this as a free copy through the Goodreads Firstreads giveaways
program, from the author himself. However, over 2 months later I have not received the book so I am unable to review further until (or if) I receive the book. Unfortunately, part of the request for these giveaways is a review of said book so here is all I get to say.
That being said, I have heard that it is not considered a proper review unless its at least two paragraphs so my rambling...3 weeks ago (just shy of the giveaway being 2 months past) I attempted to contact Mr Barry but have not received a reply which is why I do not have much faith to ever get the book.If I receive it, I will change and properly review the book and rate it based on what it is, instead of reviewing how Mr Barry has not sent it and has not responded to messages (hence the current 1 star). So, hope I get the book so I can review the book itself.
program, from the author himself. However, over 2 months later I have not received the book so I am unable to review further until (or if) I receive the book. Unfortunately, part of the request for these giveaways is a review of said book so here is all I get to say.
That being said, I have heard that it is not considered a proper review unless its at least two paragraphs so my rambling...3 weeks ago (just shy of the giveaway being 2 months past) I attempted to contact Mr Barry but have not received a reply which is why I do not have much faith to ever get the book.If I receive it, I will change and properly review the book and rate it based on what it is, instead of reviewing how Mr Barry has not sent it and has not responded to messages (hence the current 1 star). So, hope I get the book so I can review the book itself.
May 29, 2020
Given the title and subtitle, I thought this woul be a book about both writing AND publishing. Apparently I was wrong and it is mostly solely about publishing. Traditional publishing only, at that.
This book is NOT for you if you want actual writing advice or encouragement, nor if you want to self-publish.
I guess it has some decent, though probably dated, information about traditional publishing. I had a very hard time getting through it as the writing style was distracting, I had no idea who these "author enablers" were or why they called themselves that, the structure was off, and it was trying too hard to be funny. It was quite wordy as well and had a hard time getting the point across easily.
Would not recommend even if you want to go the trad publishing route.
This book is NOT for you if you want actual writing advice or encouragement, nor if you want to self-publish.
I guess it has some decent, though probably dated, information about traditional publishing. I had a very hard time getting through it as the writing style was distracting, I had no idea who these "author enablers" were or why they called themselves that, the structure was off, and it was trying too hard to be funny. It was quite wordy as well and had a hard time getting the point across easily.
Would not recommend even if you want to go the trad publishing route.
June 8, 2012
3 1/2 Stars
A How-to book covering the aspects of getting published. There is great information in the book for every new author, whether writing a piece of fiction or non-fiction. This is easy to read and the advice given is easy to follow if one does so diligently.
One thing to keep in mind, though, is that the market is in constant flux, and much of the advice given may no longer be valid in a couple of years. Possibly even in a year. With that in mind, a new author can still pick up some valuable information that can be helpful in getting their book published.
A How-to book covering the aspects of getting published. There is great information in the book for every new author, whether writing a piece of fiction or non-fiction. This is easy to read and the advice given is easy to follow if one does so diligently.
One thing to keep in mind, though, is that the market is in constant flux, and much of the advice given may no longer be valid in a couple of years. Possibly even in a year. With that in mind, a new author can still pick up some valuable information that can be helpful in getting their book published.
April 11, 2012
How-to-write books. I read way too many of these.
This is actually one of the better 'how to write' books I've read. I didn't have a lot of faith in it - the humor's a lot forced at parts and it starts out really slow - but it surprised me. It's less focused on craft and much more on the business of writing and selling books. Which I find devoutly fascinating. :) It breaks down the industry to all the moving parts, lets you see and understand what's expected of you as an emergent author, and what you should expect from the industry.
Definitely planning on rereading sometime. :)
This is actually one of the better 'how to write' books I've read. I didn't have a lot of faith in it - the humor's a lot forced at parts and it starts out really slow - but it surprised me. It's less focused on craft and much more on the business of writing and selling books. Which I find devoutly fascinating. :) It breaks down the industry to all the moving parts, lets you see and understand what's expected of you as an emergent author, and what you should expect from the industry.
Definitely planning on rereading sometime. :)
April 14, 2014
This book doesn't teach you how to write, but it gives great insight to the publishing world, and shows you how to get that book published. It discusses the process of getting something published, and even gives you ideas about trying self publishing. The self publishing part is pretty thin, but since that is changing rapidly and I am more familiar with it, I needed the info about publishing companies anyway.
February 4, 2023
I mean, the big takeaway from this book is that I'm not ever even going to try to get published. While I honestly believe that my writing is good enough, I don't have the mental capacity to deal with all the stress of publishing, the consequences of publishing, and writing and editing quickly enough to keep a writing contract. Honestly, it sounds exhausting and stressful and not at all worth it. That said, if you do want to publish, and you're sure about that, then this is a good book for teaching you about the industry and the parts of books that go on behind the scenes between writing and a publication date. You should know what you're getting into, and this book provides that. This may not be the outcome the authors were hoping for, deciding not to publish. But I thank them for an honest look at the publishing industry and the ability to make an informed decision about this for myself.
March 12, 2019
Despite the title, this isn't really a book about writing. It's more about how the traditional publication model works after a book has been written. After all, you should have written that book already!
That said, the Author Enablers, as they call themselves write in a very encouraging and engagingly witty style, so whilst the book may not help you to write, it will definitely help feel good about whatever output you have.
Despite that, it's still a realistic assessment of the chances of your work seeing print, even if some of the advice has been outdated by the eBook and self-publishing revolution of the past few years.
That said, the Author Enablers, as they call themselves write in a very encouraging and engagingly witty style, so whilst the book may not help you to write, it will definitely help feel good about whatever output you have.
Despite that, it's still a realistic assessment of the chances of your work seeing print, even if some of the advice has been outdated by the eBook and self-publishing revolution of the past few years.
February 25, 2023
Loved the list of books on writing it contains, but other than that and 2-3 helpful suggestions, I didn't find any new takes on the same old advice. However, I suppose if other writers find a few agreat ideas, just as I did, it's a win-win situation.
August 31, 2024
This book provided a lot of insight regarding the following: how to publish a book, how to approach the business side of things, how to network within the industry. It did generally make me feel a bit overwhelmed about approaching the process but did take away a lot of the smoke and mirrors surrounding the publishing industry for me.
I rated 2 stars because I was expecting to have suggestions surrounding how to write a book, not just publish and deal with the business side of things. It ddid briefly touch on tips to help with “getting in the zone” and getting around writers block, but nothing that isn’t glaringly obvious.
I also wish that it included help on writing query letters and how to structure them, ways to help a manuscript stand out, etc. Most of the content was about “okay you have successfully done xyz, now this will happen”, without providing much insight on how to do xyz.
I rated 2 stars because I was expecting to have suggestions surrounding how to write a book, not just publish and deal with the business side of things. It ddid briefly touch on tips to help with “getting in the zone” and getting around writers block, but nothing that isn’t glaringly obvious.
I also wish that it included help on writing query letters and how to structure them, ways to help a manuscript stand out, etc. Most of the content was about “okay you have successfully done xyz, now this will happen”, without providing much insight on how to do xyz.
May 20, 2019
Lacking details of actual book writing but focuses more on publishing, marketing and the dynamic of book-selling process.
September 5, 2020
Fun and well-written. It provides many insight and sticks to the point, "Write!"
January 26, 2021
A great addition to the aspiring writer’s library, this book was written by the (former) Author Enablers of BookPage’s monthly column that ran for years. Not only is it humorous, but is also very informative, but not so much so that it bogs you down with things you’ve already heard a million times before (for example, I don’t need twenty pages on crafting a query letter or synopsis). With a good balance of instruction and experience, this is a great book on contemporary publishing and, at some over 200 pages, not too long a one either.
January 27, 2020
It has some good advice from writing, to getting an agent to, getting traditionally published, to marketing, and to ending up on the back list 2 years later. Though it was a bit dated at times.
The authors had a good sense of humor, and I laughed out loud a lot. Though around the middle they rambled too long stretching out jokes and scenarios unnecessarily, by the end I was laughing again.
I will say having read and watched a lot of publishing there wasn't anything crazy new I haven't heard before. It's a good starting point, but is definitely written for those who know about nothing.
The advice near the end was definitely more helpful, but I wished for a bit more information. It spends a whole chapter writing out a scenario of editors pitching different books to the publishers that just got boring. I would've much preferred advice on publishing contracts.
Also, what this book says on self publishing is especially dated. Do not read this book if you want self publishing advice. If you're trying to decide this is a good book for info on the traditional publishing process! It is very detailed and doesn't sugarcoat anything, while still being encouraging.
Overall, this book was helpful as someone trying to decide how I want to publish. It's definitely more "big picture" than specific detail. Though it does give some very good and specific advice (like looking at the acknowledgments in the back of books for agents to query) I wish there had been a lot more specific advice.
However, though it might be fore the best, because the general gist of traditional publishing is the same, while some of the details have changed.
The writing style was fun, and my only critique is sometimes this book needed to be more to the point and could've fit in more information. Especially, about publishing contracts.
The authors had a good sense of humor, and I laughed out loud a lot. Though around the middle they rambled too long stretching out jokes and scenarios unnecessarily, by the end I was laughing again.
I will say having read and watched a lot of publishing there wasn't anything crazy new I haven't heard before. It's a good starting point, but is definitely written for those who know about nothing.
The advice near the end was definitely more helpful, but I wished for a bit more information. It spends a whole chapter writing out a scenario of editors pitching different books to the publishers that just got boring. I would've much preferred advice on publishing contracts.
Also, what this book says on self publishing is especially dated. Do not read this book if you want self publishing advice. If you're trying to decide this is a good book for info on the traditional publishing process! It is very detailed and doesn't sugarcoat anything, while still being encouraging.
Overall, this book was helpful as someone trying to decide how I want to publish. It's definitely more "big picture" than specific detail. Though it does give some very good and specific advice (like looking at the acknowledgments in the back of books for agents to query) I wish there had been a lot more specific advice.
However, though it might be fore the best, because the general gist of traditional publishing is the same, while some of the details have changed.
The writing style was fun, and my only critique is sometimes this book needed to be more to the point and could've fit in more information. Especially, about publishing contracts.
February 6, 2014
"Write that book already!"--by the title, one might think that this was a guide for writing a book. A motivational guide or step-by-step how-to. Instead, it's a guide for getting published. You'd know that if you can read the subtitle, but if you are perusing your ebook library, you might not be able to see the subtitle, and you might just start reading and wonder when, if ever, the text actually gets to the point.
I found this ebook on my Kindle app, which I haven't used in a couple of years. Who knows how long ago I downloaded it, and I'm really hoping I didn't pay for it when I did.
Appendix II is a nice summary on the book publishing process, but other than that, I didn't seem to find much useful information in the rest of the text. I'd recommend it more for nonfiction writers than aspiring novelists.
I find it interesting that a book on publishing, especially one that refers to its copy editors directly, would have so many typos. Maybe it's just the ebook version? At least one of them is a joke (see the entry regarding typos), but come on, it's Edgar Allan Poe, not Edgar Allen Poe. I can understand a couple of eyes not noticing the misspelling, but I can't be the only person to have caught that one, or the random missing letters from other words.
If you can find this for free (and I expect I got it as part of some package from Writer's Digest back in 2010 or something), go ahead and download it. Otherwise search engines will probably give you any information you are looking for that might be in this book.
I found this ebook on my Kindle app, which I haven't used in a couple of years. Who knows how long ago I downloaded it, and I'm really hoping I didn't pay for it when I did.
Appendix II is a nice summary on the book publishing process, but other than that, I didn't seem to find much useful information in the rest of the text. I'd recommend it more for nonfiction writers than aspiring novelists.
I find it interesting that a book on publishing, especially one that refers to its copy editors directly, would have so many typos. Maybe it's just the ebook version? At least one of them is a joke (see the entry regarding typos), but come on, it's Edgar Allan Poe, not Edgar Allen Poe. I can understand a couple of eyes not noticing the misspelling, but I can't be the only person to have caught that one, or the random missing letters from other words.
If you can find this for free (and I expect I got it as part of some package from Writer's Digest back in 2010 or something), go ahead and download it. Otherwise search engines will probably give you any information you are looking for that might be in this book.
March 8, 2013
As an unpublished writer myself, this book is truly inspiring in the sense that the authors explain (in layman terms) what goes on after the writer types "The End" on their manuscripts and starts the campaign to find a kick ass agent to represent you and your book, what an agent does, what an editor from a publishing house does, who the other important people are and what they do to get your book out.
The book is evenly sprinkled with light humor so reading this guide or overview to publication is not boring at all. Also, it is filled with lots of tips for coping with rejection slips, time management tips in order to fit in some writing time, searching for an agent, marketing and publicity tips that you can do on your own to help out your publicity team from the big house, and lots of book and movie recommendations to jump start your creative juices to get you back on track with your writing goals.
This book is not designed to help newbie writers improve their writing skills (you have writing workshops/conferences/retreats and creative writing classes/courses for that). As I said earlier, this book is more of a guide into what happens after the writing process and you have decided to submit queries to agents/editors and what you should and should not do. With that said, I think this is a great guide in its simplicity and an inspiration to newbie writers who are serious enough about getting published one of these days.
The book is evenly sprinkled with light humor so reading this guide or overview to publication is not boring at all. Also, it is filled with lots of tips for coping with rejection slips, time management tips in order to fit in some writing time, searching for an agent, marketing and publicity tips that you can do on your own to help out your publicity team from the big house, and lots of book and movie recommendations to jump start your creative juices to get you back on track with your writing goals.
This book is not designed to help newbie writers improve their writing skills (you have writing workshops/conferences/retreats and creative writing classes/courses for that). As I said earlier, this book is more of a guide into what happens after the writing process and you have decided to submit queries to agents/editors and what you should and should not do. With that said, I think this is a great guide in its simplicity and an inspiration to newbie writers who are serious enough about getting published one of these days.
November 22, 2010
I was selected to receive this on October 11, 2010 through the giveaway program.
The cover of this title is colorful and smartly designed to attract attention. It also name-drops like crazy. It touts a foreword written by Maya Angelou and claims original insights from the likes of Stephen King, Amy Tan, Dave Barry, and more.
As a cheerleading text, it is a page turner.
There is no magic formula for writing a book, or for getting published. Each day the writer must write. And when it has all been committed to paper (or a folder on your hard drive), the work begins.
The nice thing about this how-to is that it puts things in perspective. Do 'A' before 'B'. Sometimes that is all that is necessary—to see it laid out.
It is chock full of ideas and insights to keep the writer on track and focused. Things like networking before the contacts are needed including going to other author's book-signings, attending writer conferences, assembling a list of dream questions, are all great ideas.
This is the sort of book one should take out on occasion to peruse and realign oneself. This writer certainly should anyway.
Thanks, Sam and Kathi, for this guiding light.
The cover of this title is colorful and smartly designed to attract attention. It also name-drops like crazy. It touts a foreword written by Maya Angelou and claims original insights from the likes of Stephen King, Amy Tan, Dave Barry, and more.
As a cheerleading text, it is a page turner.
There is no magic formula for writing a book, or for getting published. Each day the writer must write. And when it has all been committed to paper (or a folder on your hard drive), the work begins.
The nice thing about this how-to is that it puts things in perspective. Do 'A' before 'B'. Sometimes that is all that is necessary—to see it laid out.
It is chock full of ideas and insights to keep the writer on track and focused. Things like networking before the contacts are needed including going to other author's book-signings, attending writer conferences, assembling a list of dream questions, are all great ideas.
This is the sort of book one should take out on occasion to peruse and realign oneself. This writer certainly should anyway.
Thanks, Sam and Kathi, for this guiding light.
February 12, 2017
I wouldn't say this is the best book in the market of publishing advice but it did contain some useful nuggets of information. I found the websites helpful and jotted them down in my journal.
November 14, 2011
What a Great introduction to the publishing buisness for the beginning writer. This book explains everything from why you should have an agent and how to get one to how to handle the book tour and why you shouldn't cry if you don't get to go on one.
The writting was very readable and humorous. The Authors (plural not a typo) easy going style and obvious expiriance gives this instructional book a very narrative feel. It read almost like a second person story about someone (YOU) going through the whole process of being published for the first time.
Highly recomend it any aspiring authors and anyone who just wants to know how their favorite books make it from the author's mind to the bookstore shelf.
The writting was very readable and humorous. The Authors (plural not a typo) easy going style and obvious expiriance gives this instructional book a very narrative feel. It read almost like a second person story about someone (YOU) going through the whole process of being published for the first time.
Highly recomend it any aspiring authors and anyone who just wants to know how their favorite books make it from the author's mind to the bookstore shelf.
October 16, 2012
A great book to find out more about writing. Reading this book gave me enough reading recommendations to fill out my Amazon wish list for a year and keep my e-library list stacked to the next belt buckle. This book is where I became obsessed with Amy Tan, curious about Stephen King writing non-horror and reminded of Anne Lamott.
I think my favorite part of the interviews with popular authors were where they spoke of their favorite authors and books. They grant each other a great deal of mutual respect and honor the books that inspired them to write.
A great book to get your mind thinking in the "write" direction.
I think my favorite part of the interviews with popular authors were where they spoke of their favorite authors and books. They grant each other a great deal of mutual respect and honor the books that inspired them to write.
A great book to get your mind thinking in the "write" direction.
October 15, 2010
Just when I said that I wasn't going to read anymore "how to" books, along came another one. This book was suggested reading for an upcoming workshop that I'll be attending. Most of the advice I had heard before. My favorite sections came at the end of the book: authors' suggestions for books on writing, and books that authors give as gifts. The co-authors of this book have been members of the rock group, The Rock Bottom Remainders (other members include Stephen King, Dave Barry, and Amy Tan, to name a few).
February 1, 2015
We all know how wonderful it would feel to have our own cheering squad. Or if there were guidelines and side posts for what we have to do as a writer. Novelist. And there are so many books out there, it is hard to choose one that would give salient advice. Well try this one. It offers advice from well-known authors who have done what you, I mean we are trying to do. Plus it breaks down the whole business of what happens when a book is created, accepted...etc.
September 5, 2013
I've read a few "books about writing," and this one was pretty good. A bit of humor, and I learned some new publishing terms. Now, if I could actually get my gumption back TO write something other than blog entries . . . but that's not their fault. I also enjoyed the suggestions from authors of books to read, about writing and otherwise.
November 28, 2011
A quick, easy and amusing read with lots of good information about a writers path to publication. I had assumed it was going to be more about writing a book (from the first part of the title), but it's actually more about getting published. Definitely recommend for those who are new to the writing thing and haven't spent lots of time reading blogs/researching.
January 24, 2011
Informative and enjoyable to read, this book walks an aspiring writer through the post-writing process. It provides just the right combination of encouragement and cautioning for anyone about to take that first step into authorship. I would definitely recommend it to any yet-unpublished writers.
January 30, 2012
A quick, informative and entertaining primer for all aspects of writing and getting published. Probably nothing new here for old hats, but for my first, i found it useful. I especially enjoyed the bit at the end with current writer suggested readings.
April 9, 2012
This was a great book to read but I think the title was a little misleading. I didn't think anything in it would (or did) help me make any forward progress in finishing my book but if my book WAS finished, it would have been helpful in deciding what my next step might be.
July 30, 2012
Good overview of how to get your book out there. Not really a step by step how to, but it gives you the big picture. Folksy descriptions of the publishing process to give you an appreciation of the struggle to publish. Worth reading, but it will not change your life.
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