Customer Reviews

The Author's Toolkit: A Step-By-Step Guide to Writing a Book

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Having recently written and self-published a book I had become familiar with a number of excellent books on the subject of creating, writing and publishing books. Most writers who are interested in self-publishing would immediately buy and utilize Dan Poynter's indispensable book "The Self-Publishing Manual" for help and guidance. Now there is another book, which I would add to that small list of indispensable books on writing and publishing, Mary Embree's "The Author's Toolkit." In a brief 130 pages Mary Embree has put together more information and time saving advice then any other book I have read on the subject. Her editing ideas alone are sufficient reason to buy this book. I thought I fully understood the rules of writing but not until I read her ideas on this subject did I realize that my thoughts were at best fuzzy and at the worst incomplete. Also her ability to give you in a few short pages the needed information for copyrighting a book, making certain you understand how to negotiate with publishers, how to interpret contracts, and developing a proposal and query letter is nothing short of showing writing at its best. In her background, according to the biographical information on the back cover she has been a literary consultant and book doctor. I must emphasize that her book certainly indicates an exceptional skill at editing and writing in a clear, concise and effective manner. I can heartily recommend this book to anyone interested in writing or publishing. Marvin H.Berenson, M.D.,Author, "Think Yourself Smokeless."

Although a 'book doctor' by trade ... Embree prefers to call herself simply a teacher. She has coached hundreds of writers successfully through the writing process, from idea to publication. "Toolkit" is actually an apt name for this little handbook, which covers each step of the writing process in short chapters: beginning ideas, planning and research, writing and editing fundamentals, manuscript submission, copyright, literary agents, contracts, and publishing in an electronic environment. A usefull gift for novice writers; libraries supporting writing groups and workshops may want multiple copies. --Denise S. Sticha

I found THE AUTHOR'S TOOLKIT in my public library, and when I caught myself jotting down two pages of notes from Mary Embree's advice, I realized this book is worth purchasing for my reference shelf. One such practical hint which I teach my writing students (while reminding myself of the same) is this: "Don't worry if you can't figure out what that first page, first sentence should be. You don't have to know that now. You might find after you have written 15 chapters that your book really starts at Chapter 5 and you can throw away Chapters One, Two, Three, and Four or plug them in somewhere else." (p.8) Who cares whether this book includes an index or not? It's full of practical, encouraging, direct advice.

"You may write for the joy of it. But the act of writing is not complete in itself. It has its end in its audience."
--Flannery O'Connor

I realize that this book is a brief compendium of the steps involved with writing a book, but there is absolutely no excuse for not having an index! And, having an index wouldn't imply that the index, or the book, was any good.

Curiously, the Resources "chapter" of the book lists references that do discuss the need for a good index. From a marketing perspective, the inclusion of a good index is a requirement of most publishers, shows respect for the book and the reader, and certainly improves the chances that someone will buy the book (provided she/he is browsing a copy at the time).

"There is no book... so good that is not made better by an index, and no book so bad that it may not by this adjunct escape the worst condemnation."
--- Sir Edward Cook

I realize that this book is a brief compendium of the steps involved with writing a book, but there is absolutely no excuse for not having an index! And, having an index wouldn't imply that the index, or the book, was any good.

Curiously, the Resources "chapter" of the book lists references that do discuss the need for a good index. From a marketing perspective, the inclusion of a good index is a requirement of most publishers, shows respect for the book and the reader, and certainly improves the chances that someone will buy the book (provided she/he is browsing a copy at the time).

"There is no book... so good that is not made better by an index, and no book so bad that it may not by this adjunct escape the worst condemnation."
--- Sir Edward Cook

The Author's Toolkit takes you from the first thought, through writing, to editing, to that decision to publish. Mary Embree supplies the inside details on book writing only a successful author and accomplished editor could know. It is obvious that she has "been there" as both an author and an editor. Friendly, accurate and reliable, it is comforting to have her guide you through the maze of book writing. This book is your toolkit. DanPoynter@ParaPublishing.com