Customer Reviews

Complete Idiot's Guide to Getting Published

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3 star:		(1)
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1 star:		(2)

 

 

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

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.

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.

I just finished reading the Complete Idiots Guide to Getting Published and I had to say thank you. The book is clear, to the point and all my questions. Using the advice I've come up with a nice query letter and book proposal. So far a few agents and three publishers have shown some interest. I don't know if any of this will come to anything but I know I wouldn't have gotten this far without this book.

This book helped me transform a factual but understated book proposal into an engaging and enticing document, making me wish I were the agent or publisher receiving it.

The book is easy reading. It entertains as it informs - providing a quick overview of the publishing business, why and how to appear businesslike, what steps to take towards getting your book published (assuming that it is print-worthy), tips you can use, and blunders to avoid. Furthermore, it shows, with examples and quotes from credible individuals, simple and effective ways to get the job done - from writing the query letter to publicity for the book, after it is published - so people will know about your book and will buy it. Is'nt that why you wrote your book? Well, The Idiot's Guide to Getting Published, can help you transform your work from that of a writer to a book by a published author.

I have no hesitation in stating that this book has made a significant contribution to my journey to become a published author in the business sense of the word. Although I am a professor, with more than one hundred technical papers to my credit, this book taught me much that I did not know about book publishing - and showed me how I can succeed at it.

Finally, I teach management, ethics and economics. So, I did the math for the investment in the book. If you believe, as I do, that this book can help you get published in the first place, and then you assume that the advice will earn you fifty cents more per book (than the $1.50 you'd get without it), and you sell an additional 20,000 books (more than the 100,000 books you'd sell without it), you'd earn an additional $80,000 because of this book - you do the math! Even with different assumptions, it is impossible to deny the benefit of a $16 investment in a helpful book such as this.

So, if you want to learn about publishing, and improve your chances of getting published, think smart and buy this 'Idiot's Guide.'

I did and, most of the time I believe, I'm no idiot.

My daughter gave me this book as my first 'publishing' book to give me inside information to the publishing world. I took it to bed every night for months and absorbed much valuable insight into what I needed to do to get my book into the public's hands.

This "Idiot's" book is packed full of little tidbits that are easy to see in blocked sections. It helped eliminate some mistakes I would have made in my ignorance. The authors are somewhat comical in their delivery of advice.

The book is laid out very well, easy to read and understand, and I would recommend it to any aspiring author. It includes sample contracts and legal agreements that are most helpful. It describes what goes on behind the scenes of a publishing house, how to work with an editor, and finally, the ins and outs of marketing through publicity, especially media of tv and radio, and the workings of retail booksellers (I had my eyes opened!). I learned a lot through its pages and I thank my daughter for the gift.

Gail Gupton, Author: The 31-Day Diet of Spiritual Enlightenment and Seekers of Truth

I found this book to be informative, useful, and fun. It confirmed what I knew, and filled in the blanks for everything else. I read it cover to cover last week. Since then, I've probably recommended it to at least half-a-dozen people. The title may be off-putting, but what's inside puts you right where you want to be -- in the know.

Following is an e-mail I sent to the author. It speaks for itself. "I'm writing a novel and my wife gave your book (Idiot's Guide ...) to me as a Christmas gift. It is really outstanding. I thank you for sharing such a wealth of knowledge with the rest of us. It gives those of us, the uninitiated, a level of sophistication when approaching the market that we would not ordinarily have. All the best Nick Battista"

As a new writer, I have found no other single book on the market that guides you through the publishing process as well as Sheree Bykofsky's "The Complete Idiot's Guide to Getting Published."

I have read and studied many books on all aspects of the publishing business, but for the novice writer, and I'm sure the experienced writer too, this book is a must read. The book sits on my desk at all times and it is referenced on a regular basis.

From developing your ideas, to writing the perfect query letter, to submitting manuscripts, and finally signing the contract, The Idiot's Guide to Getting Published has all the answers. The only regret I had after I purchased this book was I realized I should have purchased it sooner!

By the time I bought Sheree's book, my manuscript was well underway. As I looked back, I realized how correct the Idiot's Guide was along my journey to getting published.

The Idiot's Guide to Getting Published saved the day when I signed my first contract. I didn't have an agent to guide me through the process and once again this book was "dead on" with all the information it provides.

I still may be an idiot, (don't tell anyone) but I guarantee you won't look like one after reading this book. Simply put, it is the best money you can spend on a book about the publishing business.

You better believe I will be referring to this book for marketing advice for my new book, as well as words of wisdom for future projects!

Thank you Sheree and Jennifer for writing "The Complete Idiot's Guide to Getting Published."

If you are a writer, and want to be published, this is a book you need in your library. One of the main reasons I bought it, was that it was a new title. The industry changes year after year, and the newer books generally have the current information. This can sometimes save you from looking like an idiot, and therefore keep you from selling your book if, for example, you send your manuscript to an editor who left the publishing company.

This book explains concepts like when to get an agent, and when to sign, and not sign, a contract. The book, like all the Idiot's and Dummies books, explains the concepts very well and in an easy to understand way. The book even gives guides on how to format query letters, etc.

Like I said, if you want to sell the documents you've worked so hard on, you should have several books about publishers/agents, and this should be one of them.