Customer Reviews

A Book is Born: 24 Authors Tell All

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The collaborative effort of Nancy C. Cleary and twenty-four published authors, "A Book Is Born" reveals what it is really like to earn a living as a writer. A after a brief foreword and introduction, "A Book Is Born" is divided into two main sections: Part One - '24 Mom Authors Tell All' in which the contributing authors provided informative examples of going through pre-publication work, author platform-building, pitching manuscripts and story ideas to prospective publishers, post-publication publicity and marketing demands upon the author, and even the 'post-partum'-like depression that afflicts many authors after their book is finished, in print, and available to the reading public. Part Two - 'The Secret to Publishing' is actually a writing/publishing curriculum of instruction complete with visual examples for every step of the publishing (and getting published) process. Of special note in this do-it-yourself curriculum for aspiring authors are the Four Principles every writer should understand and apply; the Universal Laws which are essential to a book being written; and Insider Secrets on the four publishing options available to writers -- and determining which particular one is best suited for them. "A Book Is Born" is especially 'user friendly' reading and an invaluable addition to every aspiring writer's reference collection and professional reading list.

As a first time author, I have been struggling with the complexities of how to get from point A (writing) to point B (published). This book provided really practical information: details about terminology, chronological checklists, and actual experiences related by authors. I enjoyed the tales of the authors even as I was being instructed by them. The book is like a user's manual supplemented with "dream potion recipes", and will undoubtedly launch the careers of a new generation of writers who have been waiting in the wings for stage directions.

Whatever else they do in life, Nancy Cleary and co-authors have left a legacy of impactful guidance that will further the goals of storytellers yet unrecognized.

Nancy Clearly has spent more than 20 years as a product packager and a graphic designer. Her indie press Wyatt-MacKenzie has printed over a quarter of a million books in the last eleven years. She traditionally publishes authors with a special focus on mom writers. It is her goal to guide authors through the publishing process. Nancy was a Stevie ® Award Finalist in Women Helping Women. She also has been quoted in many well-known magazines such as USA Today, Family Circle, and The Wall Street Journal, just to name a few.



A Book is Born is a wonderful book that is both inspirational and educational. Nancy's strong passion to help authors, clearly shows as you learn all she has to share. Ever wonder what it feels like to be a published author? Twenty-four moms tell all, and nothing holds them back from sharing. They thoroughly describe their journeys through the publishing process and share tips on success. They also share what it's like to raise books and babies.



The book is divided into two parts. The first part of the book, 24 Authors Tell All, peeks inside the mind of mom authors. It covers pitching manuscripts, pre-publication, technical terms, industry lingo, author branding, and much more. They discuss how publishing a book is like having a baby. Learn how these ladies' book ideas come to life.



The second part of the book, The Secret and Science to Getting Published, includes secrets to getting your book published, examples of the publishing process, how to write well, the four publishing options, and guidance to the Universal Laws. A Principle Chart helps aide authors to success. Writing, presence, pitching, and publishing all play a part in getting published. Nancy shows you how to direct energy in the right direction using these four principles. She provides the knowledge and tools to help guide you through a journey of becoming a published author.



An excellent source for authors. Whether you're an aspiring author or an author with several titles under your name, there is a little bit for everyone. Even avid readers, who are not authors, would find this book intriguing. Not only does it include helpful insight and encouragement, but it covers many important topics such as how to seek reviews, book tours, endorsements, pitching to the media, and overall practical advice straight from the heart.



A motivating, encouraging, and informative book all in one.



Nancy Cleary takes you on an unforgettable journey along with twenty-four beautiful and passionate women who share their experiences on what it is like to have a book be born.



A must-read treasure waiting to be read!

Reviewed by Martha Ramirez
Bookpleasures

With 24 authors contributing to A Book Is Born, the reader gets many perspectives on what it is like to publish a book for the first time. A new author will be comforted knowing their struggles are typical in the crazy world of publishing. They can look ahead, learn from the authors, and avoid some of the pitfalls that are common in this business. There are many tips and practical suggestions for all of the little things that come up in the process of getting a book published.
Dorothy Lee
Author of Invest In Joy: Teachings of the Light Collective

"A Book is Born" is a truly useful insider's guide to getting a book published, but it's so much more. The book's format invites the reader to share the minutiae of all phases of the experience of 24 women authors as they travel the journey from idea to action to realizing the dream of getting published (and publicized). The women's voices are clear, companionable,and reassuring, and Nancy Cleary's vision of empowering women authors is evident throughout. Especially for those of us who are visually oriented, the book's design--lots of graphics--is wonderful! In the book's final section, "The Secret and Science of Getting Published", various innovative approaches are revealed.(I was so impressed with Nancy Cleary and this book that I contacted her; the result is that she'll be helping me with the publication of my book "There and Back: A Journal Companion for Special Needs Parents".)

Mary Lee Moser

There are already more than enough books on the publishing process and the nuts and bolts of publishing yourself or finding a publisher.

What was lacking was a book that talked about the love/hate relationship I have with my book, that made me feel part of something bigger and let me know I was not alone in my journey.

I thought other authors knew things, and had confidence in their work 24/7 without fail. I thought I was a freak for not being totally sure of my book and my abilities as a writer.

A Book is Born showed me this process is painful for everyone. It is confusing for everyone. It is scary for everyone.

I cannot express how relieved I felt as I got to the end of the book, my only regret was that I wasn't published by Wyatt-MacKenzie...all the women felt so supported by the publishing house I actually thought I might have made the wrong decision regarding self-publishing.

But even if I did make the wrong decision, it's something that happens to everyone. While I write my next book I'll refer back to A Book is Born early and often to remind me my journey is not a unique one, and that the feelings I have while my book is being born are natural and normal.

I wish I had this book when I started out on this writing journey over six years ago. A Book is Born is a wonderful, informative, fun read for all the writers out there. All the inside secrets and how to's are shared in a fun way.

Reading this book is like having a mocha latte at a corner Starbuck's and getting the scoop on this writing journey from some of the best writers there are!

Thanks, Nancy. What a great read!

Trish Berg
Author, Book Reviewer
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Nancy Cleary's "A Book is Born" is a hands-on, photo and graphic-filled blueprint for the regular person to use starting when they're tossing around an idea to get published, all the way through actual publication. Told from the point of view of 24 different authors as they journey from book idea to publishing that book, there is always a different voice to tune into if one person's perspective isn't the direction you're interested in. With so many unique voices, Cleary shows that there are as many techniques to prepare for publishing and the aftermath of publicity as there are writers. Very easy to read, extremely helpful for the frazzled writer in the midst of publishing chaos. Cleary breaks the demons of publishing down into easy steps, and offers solutions for the up-and-coming writer. A fun essential for any writer. Cleary's concise and practical book makes the trip toward publication a natural and interesting journey. Definitely order one!

I spent the weekend reading this book and found it truly inspiring. It was wonderful to hear about all the women's experiences and the paths they took, going through the process. The touch of "baby" humor throughout was an added bonus.

All the advice given throughout the book will help any aspiring author reach their dream, including myself. This book offers both encouragement and motivation. A great read!

A Book is Born is a wonderfully laid out and written book for all of us who dream of becoming an author. Even if you have never given birth the idea of nurturing a dream is common to us all. In this book the chapters are laid logically through the birth or creative process. As an example; pre-natal care can relate to preparing your inspiration for completion.

Included in the book are the real life stories of women who have taken their dreams of a book and brought it into reality.

The bonus and gem in A Book is Born is the section of Secret and Science of Getting Published. Why recreate the wheel again and again? Learn from Nancy Cleary and cut your publishing time. I would recommend this book to anyone who is interested in publishing a book.