The Dog Walked Down the Street: An Outspoken Guide for Writers Who Want to Publish (Paperback)

~ (Author)
Key Phrases: dog walked down the street, book midwife, Penguin Books, Aunt Hilda, Uncle Ted (more...)

Editorial Reviews

Review

"An excellent guide for any writer who would understand how to work effectively with a publisher or editor. It not only covers the basics of good writing and good marketing, but also provides some `terrible truths' about publishing and marketing, and educates writers on the publishing business as a whole." -- The Midwest Book Review

"Glynn is like the RCA Victor dog listening for his master's voice. Trust his ear." -- BRIAN PETERSON, compiler of The Great Duck Misunderstanding and Other Stories

"In clear, candid fashion, Glynn presents an amusing overview of the publishing world and answers the questions many writers are embarrassed to ask in public. The book's greatest strength is in telling the writer to focus on the blank page and ignore all the distractions--and seek advice from qualified sources. Glynn also includes a very informed supplementary reading list." -- BarnesandNoble.com

"Sal is a genius at recognizing the potential author in a committed writer. He speaks with the authority of one who whose knowledge of publishing pertains to every type of book. With patience and dry humor, Sal encourages writers to express their ideas in their own voice, and guides the new writer through the terrifying world of publishing. I couldn't have written my first book without him. He's already promised to stick with me through the next." -- Cynthia L. Wall, LCSW, author of The Courage to Trust: a guide to deep and lasting relationships

Product Description

A great book for first time and experienced writers in search of answers and support while going through the process of writing, publishing, and selling a book.

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Product Details

• Paperback: 96 pages
• Publisher: Cypress House; 1st edition (September 30, 2006)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1879384663
• ISBN-13: 978-1879384668
• Product Dimensions: 9 x 5.2 x 0.3 inches
• Shipping Weight: 3.2 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (6 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #968,554 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

7 of 7 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A must-have for aspiring writers, October 2, 2006

By	P. J. Boor (Galveston) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

Here's a little gem of a book that anyone trying to be a writer must have. The title comes from a quote by the poet Charles Bukowski that "most writers can't write a simple sentence, like, `The dog walked down the street.'" Unfortunately, that holds true for most of the "how-to" books on writing out there, but this sleek little volume is different because Glynn does it with humor, a wry, I've-seen-it-and-it-ain't-pretty sort of humor that always rings true. He's obviously been around the publishing business for years, and he openly shares his savvy about the nuts and bolts of the business from contracts, re-writes and editors to galley proofs, typography and book design.

Mostly, though, this book is about inspiration, inspiring the writer to keep writing. Filled with terrific quotes, antecdotes, and just plain good advice, it's a book to be read straight through, but also to be picked up and opened to any page for a laugh. Glynn doesn't pretend to offer a treatise on plot arcs, characterization, etc., but he makes up for it with a suggested reading list that's eclectic, exhaustive, and knowledgable. "The Dog" is sure to become a cult book for serious, aspiring writers. It succeeds beautifully in supplying that one percent of inspiration that makes up for all the perspiration.

5 of 5 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A great guide through the publishing maze, September 26, 2006

By	Cynthia L. Wall, LCSW "The Courage to Trust" (Mendocino, California) - See all my reviews

As a new author (2005) I was very naive about the ways to work with a publisher. I expected more hand-holding, and didn't know how to help the pubishing house staff help me. I so wish I had access to the clarity in "The Dog Walked Down the Street." Sal Glynn knows the book business from the ground up, and loves to help people turn an idea into a book. His viewpoint is pro-author, but always sympathetic to what the editors and publishers need from the writer for a co-creative process. Most writers are so grateful to be published they will take crumbs of praise in place of a solid partnership in making the book as terrific as it can be. After reading this book, any writer can navigate the business behind taking a book from draft to galleys to book signing events.

3 of 3 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars An Inspiration, November 7, 2006

By	R. Woolf "Girl's Gone Child" (Los Angeles) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

Sal Glynn gives it to us straight and with (FINALLY!) a sense of humor. "Dog Walks.." is a must have for writers trying to publish. It's smart without being pretentious, thorough without being overwhelming and all in all, the perfect handbook for writers of all shapes/sizes/levels. Sal knows what he's talking about, and thankfully, he also knows how to make us laugh when LOOOOORD knows, as writers, we need to. Like, a lot.