Customer Reviews

2009 Writer Watchdog Self-Publishing Directory

5 star:		(7)
4 star:		(1)
3 star:		(1)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

Writer Watchdog has burst on to an already overcrowded self-publishing and author marketplace. Why should we care? Because it is jam-packed with resources and no-nonsense information that you would have to attend an entire publishing conference to get any other way.

The most interesting part for me was the "Articles" section. If you follow the proven success strategies that these contributors provide, your product will be head-and-shoulders above the rest. The advice provided within is from industry experts who have already made all the mistakes and are trying to help you down the right publishing paths. Among other things, this book contains the only intelligent discussion of the pros and cons of buying your own ISBN ids that I have yet found. I'm going to use Corey Blake's article on loglines right now to write a backcover for an upcoming book. Without his simple outline, I would be adrift. It's that simple.

Writer Watchdog 2009 has teething pains, just like any such ambitious project should have in its first outing. Three things which will improve the 2010 edition:
1. An index
2. Alphabetize all resources
3. Fill in missing page numbers in the Table of Contents
But these are just minor nits and I guarantee you will find much more than your 20 bucks worth of value in between the covers.

"Writer Watchdog" is the proverbial example of killing two birds with one stone. It has over 100 focused, to the point articles about publishing topics from book reviews and the importance of editing to blogging, websites, and bookstores. It includes directories for finding publishers, book printers, editing and proofreading services, marketing sources, book reviewers etc., and it even provides a short list of various book and writing contests. If you want current information on publishing for 2009, this is a must-have all around!

- Tyler R. Tichelaar, author of "The Marquette Trilogy"

Finally a convenient, comprehensive and well-organized directory for Self-Publishing authors. Authors who independently publish are usually left scratching their heads when it comes to getting the book printed, distributed, and promoted - but NOT ANYMORE! The 2009 Writer Watchdog Self-Publishing Directory is the BEST resource for self-publishing authors and independent publishers that I've ever come across. What will you get? Lot's of direction, choices and advice for your next move! More than 200 resource listings and advice from experts in the industry make this a MUST have plus there are discounts offered for authors from many of the resources listed. No self-publishing writer's library would be complete without a copy of this directory!

WRITER WATCHDOG 2009 EDITION

This self-publishing directory has over 200 useful resources and helpful advice from publishing experts. If you are interested in knowing your options, comparing services, and having a directory of resources at your fingertips, the Writer Watchdog 2009 edition is a must.

What makes this directory different from other self-publishing guides? It not only provides essential resources, but it saves money. Most of the listings offer a discount for services and permission to contact directly. An example of the listings include resources for book design, book printing, book review, website hosting, and consultation. The 2009 edition has expert articles that explain ways to avoid self-publishing traps, how to prepare a manuscript for submission, and how to publish under your own imprint. As a bonus, the book includes a record keeping section in the back for notes and a log of your progress.

The most useful section is the articles that provide invaluable information. Please note this is not a manual or guide, but simply a directory that leads you to where information can be found and who to contact. It would have helped if the resources were in alphabetical order and an index for quick reference. Hopefully the 2010 edition has these updates.

I would suggest using the Writer Watchdog as a supplement to Dan Poynter's Self-Publishing Manual. With both manuals, you will be on the right path to self-publishing your very own book. Good luck!

January 16, 2010

' L Marie '

Writer Watchdog 2009 Edition: Self-publishing Directory
BY: Deana Riddle
PUBLISHED BY: New Vision Media
PUBLISHED IN: 2009
ISBN: 978-0-9822674-9-3
Pages: 213
Reviewed by Billy Burgess

With a flashy cover, the Writer Watchdog 2009 Edition: Self - publishing Directory will catch any writer's eye. Being a writer myself, I have read several resource and writing books, but this is the first I've read about self-publishing.

The book is filled with over two hundred resources and over thirty articles. You learn every step there is in publishing your own book. Learn the difference between a book printer and a self-publishing service. Find out how to use social networking websites, blogs and book reviews to promote your book.

My favorite sections are the Book Review Resources, and the Informational Sites and Writer Organizations. The tips in these sections are very helpful.

I found the Writer Watchdog 2009 Edition to be full of wonderful information that any writer can use. Before jumping into the self-publishing world, I recommend reading this. Any questions you would ever have will be answered in this amazing book.

As the author of a self-published book about self-publishing, it is a bit painful to write this, but buy this book, not mine, if you can only buy one book about the field of self-publishing!

It is NOT an in depth source for all the information that you will need as an author to enter the field of self-publishing. It IS a comprehensive source of WHERE TO FIND all the information you will need to know as a self-published author. Buying this one book will save you a lot of time, and money, in doing the research you will need to succeed as a self-published author.

It is published in an easy to use format that is reader friendly. The information provided, particularly websites, is current.

My only complaint is the lack of an index.

You will use this reference book constantly. Mine is already dog eared and marked in.

Review by Kevin Sivils

Wow! I've read several self publishing help books/directories, and this is by far the most extensively researched and helpful one I have come across.

Any question you have about self publishing is sure to be answered here, in an easy-to-understand method and very thoroughly. This book will definitely stay on my reference shelf, and I will be sure to watch for updates by this author as they become available.

Anyone considering or planning to self publish will thank themselves for buying this book. It will prove to be a valuable timesaver, moneysaver and sanity saver.

Now in a newly released 2009 edition, New Vision Media's "Writer Watchdog Self-Publishing Directory" is one of the most valuable references any aspiring (or well experienced) self-published author could hope to include on the professional reference shelf. The word 'useful' is a profound understatement when it comes to describing the value of its more than two hundred resource listings, expert advice and commentary drawn from a variety of notable contacts from the publishing industry, and its listings of discounts for many services from many service providers with respect to the self-publishing process. In fairness, it should be clearly noted that the Midwest Book Review is well identified as one of those 'useful' entries in the chapter dedicated to 'Book Review Resources'. Of special note is the inclusion of a series of informed and informative articles from 'Using a Book Printer or a Self-Publishing Service', to 'The Cost of Editing and Not Editing', to 'Selling Books without Bookstores', to (my personal favorite) 'Why You Need Book Reviews', and so many more practical and applicable self-publishing specific contributions. Simply stated, anyone contemplating the prospect and possibility of self-publishing should begin with a careful perusal of the "Writer Watchdog Self-Publishing Directory".

This excellent directory provides everything an author needs to publish his or her own book, including some handy advice from industry experts and other successful self-publishers. All it lacks is an index, and if it had one, I'd give it five stars.