RESOURCES FOR WRITERS
There are many excellent books on the publishing process. Here are some that we highly recommend. We’ve highlighted those that are in print and that can be ordered from Amazon.com [click on the title for a direct link]. The others can be found in any good public library.
GUIDES TO AGENTS & PUBLISHERS
Literary Market Place (R.R. Bowker): The standard annual directory for the publishing industry, but it’s far too expensive for most writers to purchase. Fortunately, you’ll find it in many public libraries. The comprehensive source for the names and addresses of publishers and agents.
Writer’s Guide to Book Editors, Publishers, and Literary Agents by Jeff Herman. Extensive and up-to-date annotations make this annual a fine resource – and it’s reasonably priced.
Writer’s Market (Annual) published by Writer’s Digest magazine. Covers magazine and book publishing.
BOOK PROPOSAL WRITING
How to Write a Book Proposal, 3rd Edition by Michael Larsen. A well-respected agent tells you everything you need to know to write a top-notch proposal.
Author 101: Bestselling Book Proposals by Rick Frishman and Robyn Freedman Spizman. We highly recommend this straight-forward and well-written guide, which first-time book authors will find particularly helpful – and it’s modestly priced as well!
WORKING WITH AGENTS, EDITORS, & PUBLISHERS
Literary Agents: What They Do, How They Do It, and How to Find and Work With the Right One for You by Michael Larsen. Another book by an agent who has earned his stripes.
How to Get Happily Published by Judith Appelbaum. Now in its 5th edition, this is a classic overview of the publishing process from start to finish.
30 Steps to Becoming a Writer by Scott Edelstein.
The Shortest Distance Between You and a Published Book by Susan Page.
The Complete Idiot’s Guide to Getting Published by Sheree Bykovsky and Jennifer Basye Sander.
WRITING SKILLS
Writing for Story: Craft Secrets of Dramatic Nonfiction by Jon Franklin. If you want to write nonfiction narratives, this book is essential reading. Trust us; this is a book every nonfiction writer should read and reread.
Elements of Expression by Arthur Plotnik. This book will help any writer add snap, crackle and pop to the page.
The Art of Creative Nonfiction by Lee Gutkind.
On Writing Well: The Classic Guide to Writing Nonfiction by William Zinsser. If you haven’t read this book, you’ve missed one of the best books ever written on the subject.
Spunk & Bite: A Writer’s Guide to Punchier, More Engaging Language & Style by NEPA client Arthur Plotnik. This edgy book encourages writers to put Strunk and White back on the shelf if they want to make their writing sparkle. Art practices what he preaches, making for a fun read.
LEGAL STUFF
The Copyright Permission and Libel Handbook by Lloyd Jassin et al. A modestly priced basic, plain-English introduction to issues such as fair use, permissions, etc.
Every Writer’s Guide to Copyright and Publishing Law by Ellen M. Kozak. A succinct guide with a slightly broader scope than Jassin.
Getting Permission: How to License & Clear Copyrighted Materials Online & Off by Richard Stim. This Nolo Press book offers clear and excellent guidance not only about the legal basics when it comes to both text and illustration permissions but also on how to research permissions and negotiate the lowest fees. It includes a disk with forms and agreements. Well worth the investment.
Kirsch’s Guide to the Book Contract: For Authors, Publishers, Editors, and Agents by Jonathan Kirsch. Too short to cover every issue, but worth owning.
MARKETING
The Savvy Author’s Guide to Book Publicity by Lissa Warren (Carroll & Graf, 2004, $14). Every author should read this book – preferably at least 6-9 months before their own book hits the stores. Warren explains exactly what in-house publicists do and don’t do, what you can do to get the most of out of your publicist’s efforts, when and how to hire a freelance publicist, what to do at a bookstore signing, how to cultivate bookstores, etc., etc. It’s filled with concrete and practical tips.
The Making of a Bestseller by Brian Hill and Dee Power (Dearborn, 2005, $19.95): Although much of this book is more germane to novelists than to the non-fiction writers NEPA represents, it does offer many perceptive insights into the marketing and publicity process and what authors can do to help promote their books. Two sobering facts it reports: 1 out of 10 books ever earns back its advance and the number one reason editors give for turning down books is that the author's platform is "too small." One piece of practical advice it offers: develop a well-designed and interactive author web site that will capture names and e-mail addresses you can use to promote your book upon publication.
Guerrilla Marketing for Writers by Jay Conrad Levinson, Rick Fishman & Michael Larsen. Useful tips on how to promote your book, although some chapters are more inspirational than practical.
1001 Ways to Market Your Books (6th Edition) by John Kremer (Open Horizons Publishing, 2006): Although this 700-page book is targeted primarily at small publishers and self-published authors, every author could profit from reading it. The chapters on "How Authors Can Help Promote Their Books," "Tips on Publicizing Your Books," and ‘How to Sell Your Books Via Computer" are particularly useful. It retails for about $28 plus shipping. You can order via our link to Amazon or directly from the author’s web site: www.bookmarket.com. At the bookmarket web site you’ll also find specialized reports and tip sheets on various aspects of book marketing offered for sale at reasonable prices.
Jump Start Your Book Sales by Marilyn and Tom Ross. A great guide on how to sell more copies of your book.
WEBSITES
I always like to point people to Preditors and Editors This is an excellent site with a myriad or links and resources to help move you forward. Another good site is Writers Beware This organization offers a lot of good cautionary news to writers with good links and other reputable agents. Authorlink is a dynamic, all purpose informational site with good information.
Association of Author’s Representatives (AAR) is the association to which most reputable agents subscribe. You will find good information about agents, and our guiding code of ethics.