Bestselling Book Proposals: The Insider's Guide to Selling Your Work

by Mark Steisel, Robyn Freedman Spizman, Rick Frishman

Takes readers through all stages of developing a book proposal from conception of the book idea to crafted executable marketing strategies for the book. Each chapter in this student-friendly insider's... This description may be from another edition of this product.

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 1593374127
• ISBN13: 9781593374129
• Release Date: January 2005
• Publisher: Adams Media Corporation
• Length: 249 Pages
• Weight: 0.75 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.7" x 6.1" x 8.1"

Customer Reviews

Old Dogs Can Learn New Tricks

I have been a writer since I was in kindergarten with 8 titles published, and have my own small publishing company. I have published 10 books, ranging from poetry to Ernest Norquist's war diary kept while he was a prisoner in a Japanese labor camp, with various success. I have read so many books on writing and publishing I did not expect to learn much I didn't already know from Author 101 by Rick Frishman and Robyn Freedman Spizman. Wrong! This pair have come up with fresh ideas and up-to-date info. My favorite idea was their advice to learn all you can about an agent before you send a query. They also reveal advice on how to do this that I had never heard before. This book is not just for novices.

A Must Have/Must Read!

After reading Author 101, the reality of becoming a published author seems daunting. I wanted to throw my writing pen away. But, as the authors said, regarding the negativity and uphill climb: Don't let anyone talk you out of your dreams. The book is bulging with everything a writer needs to thoroughly understand the process and your role in the author/agent/publisher triangle. The publisher holds the key to your success, the agent can help turn that key, and the author must propose and then write a darn good book. They discussed the idea of having a platform for non-fiction writers. This means that you need to show you have a following through your speeches, workshops, columns, etc. Just writing about something you have passion about isn't always enough to get a book deal. Authors do themselves a disservice by not researching their market and then being professional in every aspect, including query letter and proposal. I liked the idea of writing a "Dear Reader" letter about what you plan to deliver to the reader. This forces you to be clear on your market and content's value. Authors Rick and Robyn tell you what agents love and hate--and how to give them what they love. The subtitle of the book is: The Insider's Guide to Selling Your Work. It took me forever to get through he book as I was highlighting, making notes and thinking about the excellent advice. The book covers the people, the steps, the process as well as specifics like query letters and proposals formats and cover letters. If you want to know about it, they have included it, including some excellent resources. Much needed in this competitive market. Reality bites--but so does not pursuing your dream of being a published author--so keep at it. Armchair Interviews says: These two respected authors have written, published and promoted authors so they know what they talk about. Author 101 covers it all.

An outstanding resource for writing proposals!

I've read several books on the subject of book proposals, but this is certainly one of the best. The other books I've read really make the proposal process seem mechanical in nature. Author 101 inspires you to write your book proposal from the inside out using your passion and feeling to fuel your fire, as opposed to simply following a formula. It has great suggestions especially if you are a new author. The chapters about the "comparative analysis", "promotion", and "about the author" are oustanding. The book has a great flow and is easy to read and understand.

An Absolute MUST for Authors!

Resisting writing your book proposal? Read this crash course and you will be amazed at what you will learn. Follow this easy step-by-step process to publishing success!

101 teaches EXACTLY how to get your book published.

I've been trying to get published. Great manuscript that everyone loves; about creating success and contentment in your life. A real how-to based on 25 years of research and training. I have a great agent...No deals. Why? No media platform! Media platform? The publisher does that right? WRONG. The authors of 101 make it clear that the publishing world has changed and EXACTLY what I (and you) need to do about it. Read 101 and Guerilla Marketing for Writers. With these two books you will understand what you face and what you can do about it. Gordon Wolf PhD