Author 101 Bestselling Book Proposals: The Insider's Guide to Selling Your Work [Paperback]

Rick Frishman (Author), Robyn Freedman Spizman (Author)

Book Description

ISBN-10: 1593374127 | ISBN-13: 978-1593374129 | Publication Date: October 1, 2005

All that aspiring authors need to secure that first book deal is a killer proposal. With Author 101 Bestselling Book Proposals, readers will find everything they need to know to put together a book proposal that works. Each chapter offers a different lesson, complete with definitions, exercises, and a review of the material. This student-friendly insider's guide takes readers through all stages of developing a book proposal from conception of the book idea to crafted executable marketing strategies for the book.

Editorial Reviews

About the Author

Rick Frishman is one of the most powerful publicists in the media industry, working with authors such as Henry Kissinger. This top notch publicist has worked with the field's top agents editors and publishers. Robyn Freedman Spizman is no stranger to success. As an award-winning author, she has written dozens of inspirational and educational non-fiction books during her accomplished career.

Product Details

• Paperback: 256 pages
• Publisher: Adams Media (October 1, 2005)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1593374127
• ISBN-13: 978-1593374129
• Product Dimensions: 8.1 x 6.1 x 0.7 inches
• Shipping Weight: 15.5 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.5 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (17 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #151,871 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

11 of 12 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars 101 teaches EXACTLY how to get your book published., November 8, 2005

By 

Gordon Wolf PhD "www.personalblueprint.com" (Napa, CA. USA) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Author 101 Bestselling Book Proposals: The Insider's Guide to Selling Your Work (Paperback)

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

5 of 5 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Old Dogs Can Learn New Tricks, March 12, 2006

By 

B. Vroman "Barbara Fitz Vroman" (Hancock, Wisconsin United States) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Author 101 Bestselling Book Proposals: The Insider's Guide to Selling Your Work (Paperback)

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.

4 of 4 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A Must Have/Must Read!, February 23, 2006

By 

Armchair Interviews (Minneapolis, MN) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Author 101 Bestselling Book Proposals: The Insider's Guide to Selling Your Work (Paperback)

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.