Complete Idiot's Guide to Getting Published [Paperback]

Jennifer Basye Sander (Author), Sheree Bykofsky (Author)

Book Description

ISBN-10: 1592571212 | ISBN-13: 978-1592571215 | Publication Date: September 2, 2003 | Edition: 3rd

A new updated edition...to help writers beat the competition.

Written by a New York literary agent and a West Coast acquiring editor, this book offers inside advice, author case studies, and even sample proposals, contracts, press releases, co-author agreements and more. This third edition features new content on non-fiction success, hot topics in fiction and non-fiction, how world events affect publishing, and more.

€ The most complete handbook on the market in this area
€ Expanded information relevant to the changing tide of the industry
€ Includes sample proposals, press releases, agreements, etc.
€ Authors know the book publishing world as editor, agent, and as authors

Editorial Reviews

From the Back Cover

Getting a novel or other work published remains one of the most mysterious processes in business today. Using the comprehensive and easy-to-read format of The Complete Idiot's Guide to Getting Published, Second Edition, you'll learn practical steps to get your masterpiece published. Learn how to write book proposals and query letters, how to pitch ideas to agents and editors, how to write outlines and sample chapters, and how to deal with publishing companies. --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

About the Author

Sheree Bykofsky is principal literary agent at the Sheree Bykofsky Agency in New York, representing over one hundred fiction and non-fiction authors. She has also co-authored several books. She is a frequent speaker at colleges, conferences, and seminars across the country.

Jennifer Basye Sander has worked in all aspects of the book publishing business from authoring to packaging to acquiring. Currently the senior editor of Prima Publishing, she has written 24 books.

Product Details

• Paperback: 384 pages
• Publisher: Alpha; 3rd edition (September 2, 2003)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1592571212
• ISBN-13: 978-1592571215
• Product Dimensions: 9.1 x 7.4 x 0.9 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.4 pounds
• Average Customer Review: 4.8 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (60 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #1,039,265 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

80 of 82 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars If You Buy Only ONE Book, THIS BOOK Is The One, September 3, 1999

By A Customer

This review is from: The Complete Idiot's Guide to Getting Published (Complete Idiot's Guides Ser.) (Paperback)

In October 1998, with very little money to spend and a kernel of an idea for a book, I spent an afternoon in a book superstore and emerged with only two books--the "Idiot's Guide to Getting Published" and based on a suggestion from that book, "Jeff Herman's Writer's Guide." I couldn't afford any others and as it turns out, I didn't need them anyway.

Having read "Getting Published" cover to cover with a highlighter in hand, a notepad nearby, using no previous contacts, and using the principles, suggestions and tips found in this simple, straighforward guide, I sent out my first batch of query letters to agents on November 12.

Requests for my proposal began to come in within DAYS and (the honest truth) I found a wonderful agent and sold my proposal to a MAJOR publisher *before* Christmas.

I share this information because I believe in equal access. It is my sincere hope tha people will use this informative book to gain the type of access thought to belong to only a relative few. It changed my mind 100%.

Reading "Getting Published" does not guarantee that you will get published, but it WILL make sure you have the all the information you need to take your best shot at it.

In hindsight, I am certain that I was incredibly blessed at that time and, thanks to "Getting Published", incredibly well-prepared. I cannot thank the authors enough for demystifying this process and making it available to *anyone* that has their heart set on Getting Published.

angel Kyodo williams,
Book Publication: Spring 2000

15 of 15 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars So much information..., August 16, 2002

By 

Paladin08 (Folsom, CA) - See all my reviews
(VINE VOICE)    (TOP 500 REVIEWER)   

This review is from: The Complete Idiot's Guide to Getting Published (2nd Edition) (Paperback)

There is so much here I had to stop and wait until I get to that point in my actual writing since I know I won't be able to remember it all.

This is a must have reference for anyone looking to take that step beyond talking about getting published and actually going out on a limb and doing it. Thing is, the information here makes you feel like it isn't a limb at all but a well established bridge between you and the publishing business.

If you are still having second thoughts...don't! Just get the book.

11 of 11 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars GET PUBLISHED & SEEN NOW!, December 30, 1999

By 

CARY WOLF WMG Promotions-Literary Agents (West Bloomfield, MI) - See all my reviews

This review is from: The Complete Idiot's Guide to Getting Published (Complete Idiot's Guides Ser.) (Paperback)

This is a great descriptive informative guide for writers(new & established)! If you are looking to get your work published and promoted, then you will benefit and appreciate the insiders secrets and helpful tips Sheree and Jennifer offer. The "asides and comments" are especially beneficial. Their step by step process make this an easy guide to refer back to over and over again.