Customer Reviews

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

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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

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.

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.

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.

As an industry insider; having worked at a large publishing house, an independent bookstore, and now owning my own Literary Agency, I can honestly tell you the information in this book is exactly what every author-to-be needs to read. From how to find an agent to writing a query letter, even how to think about your project, it's all here. The book is exactly what it purports: A crash course in publishing success. Experience and expertise are on every page, leaving you with a step-by-step plan that will truly give you a shot at turning your great idea into a book. I will be recommending this one to all of my clients, new and old. --Helen Zimmermann

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!

Just like their other books Rick Frishman and Robyn Freedman Spizman give you the best crash course in publishing success. If you are planning to write a book proposal, you CANNOT afford not to read this book and follow the tips and techniques that are clearly outlined for you. If you are an author who is about to deal with publishers, buy this book, read it and take notes, follow the advice and you are on your way. If you seriously want to increase your chances of obtaining a publishing contract, this book is a must have. You can write the greatest book ever, but then have a poorly presented proposal and your book and your proposal can languish at the bottom of a publishers pile of the many books and proposals they receive every day. Don't let this happen to you or your book! Get your book out there!

The collaboration of publicist Rick Frishman and award-winning author Robyn Freedman Spizman, Author 101: Bestselling Book Proposals is a true "insider's guide" for authors seeking to sell what they write in today's complex and competitive publishing marketplace. A "great idea" for a book is not enough; to get publishers to take notice, prospective authors need a top-quality book proposal. Author 101 covers the basics of query letters and formulating proposals, and delves in-depth about specific details such as promotion plans, discerning the market for one's book, and perhaps most valuably, what agents and publishers hate the most (including "writers who say how much they liked other books", "writers who call constantly, are demanding, and don't hang up", and "writers who constantly tinker"). A "must-read", no-nonsense primer for publishing success and professional conduct, with the absolute highest recommendation for novice writers.

What a great new tool for the publishing industry! Author 101 is an absolutely essential resource for anyone interested in writing a book. Frishman and Spizman's advice speaks to both new and established authors; everyone can learn something from this book. Since my background is in public relations for authors, I especially liked the chapters on comparative analysis, marketing and promotion. Many authors forget about those critical steps and their ideas don't travel as far as a result. Author 101 emphasizes all the aspects needed to make a book successful. I plan to recommend this book to all of our authors and several people I know who are thinking about writing books.

While the information in this book is useful, it is specifically aimed at non-fiction authors. In addition, NF authors aiming at the mainstream - NY top 10, Oprah etc. Much of the book is given over to the NF NY Top 10 game, sadly.

Authors like myself, who neither wish to write NF or subscribe to the the tiresome values of the mainstream - instead, wishing to write literature or fringe work - will be severely disappointed.

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