Customer Reviews

How I Got Published: Famous Authors Tell You in Their Own Words

5 star:		(4)
4 star:		(2)
3 star:		(1)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

My main problem with this book is its lack of diversity. Nearly every author is a mystery or thriller writer, most of whom got their first book published in the last couple years. Not only would I have liked to see some non-fiction writers tell their story (surely non-fiction writers struggle with finding a publisher), but I would've liked to have seen authors from other English-speaking countries (is the process the same as in the US?) and from other fields of fiction; as well as stories from authors who have been published for more than a year or two. But since I'm not a heavy fiction reader, maybe the field of fiction is dominated by mystery/thriller newcomers and I'm just not aware of it.

Because of the sameness of the stories, finishing the book was a real struggle for me. I really could've done without the last 200 pages. It was just more of the same with different names attached.

On the plus side, the message of "don't give up" is very clear and I enjoyed the 10-point submission discussion provided by the two editors, sprinkled throughout the book and summarized. It wasn't really new information, but concise and worth recommending to aspiring writers.

I LOVED Clive Cussler's story. It was the only stand-out in the whole book. I was hoping for more interesting stories like his, but it was not to be.

The disdain these authors have for self-publishing is laughable (except for MJ Rose, of course). The humiliating lengths some of these people went through just to able to say "A publishing house paid for my work" would be reason enough for any sane person to self-publish. Their unexamined prejudices are probably due in part to the explosion of POD subsidy companies. But, everyone has to look down on someone.

One author questions anyone who wants a "too-controversial" book published. I would've liked to have read the story of someone who DID publish a controversial work. There was such a boring uniformity to the stories in this book.

Overall, it was not as inspiring as I hoped it would be. Not that I was hoping for stories of luck, but I was craving a variety of experiences.

How I Got Published: Famous Authors Tell You in Their Own Words is an anthology of true anecdotes from a wide variety of successful authors telling how they managed to break into the business and launch a successful writing career, all in their own words. Editors Ray White and Duane Lindsay have also peppered How I Got Published with general tips, tricks, and techniques for would-be authors, including ten "absolute" rules to follow for publishing success. From the importance of sheer bloody-minded stubbornness, to making connections with literary agents and editors, to the value of joining a critique group, how to not take rejections personally, and much more, How I Got Published is both an inspirational text and a handy guidebook to how breaking into the publishing world really works.

I bought this book awhile back, and just a few weeks ago bought another copy as a gift for a friend who's been writing her book while raising two kids under five and needed a little encouragement. This collection of essays filled with stories of how writers saw their work published is a fun and inspirational read - you can pick it up and put it down as needed. I enjoyed it.

My favorite contributor? Clive Cussler.

I didn't give it five stars for two reasons. First, it does ignore nonfiction work -- in fact, this is truly a collection of tales on how mystery and thriller writers were published. If you're a whistleblower writing an expose, then you might be disappointed. Another thing: the discussion revolves around traditional print publishing, making the book seem somewhat dated since we're seeing successful authors making significant profits with electronic publishing (James Patterson and Steig Lawson each breaking $1 million in ebooks sales thus far in 2010).

- Reba Kennedy

I read through this book in less than two days (and as a mom with four kids, that's like reading it in one hour before having children). It was fun, moving, well-organized, delightfully written, and a huge encouragement for the struggling author. If you're interested in this at all but not sure whether or not to get it, please do--I honestly believe you won't regret the purchase.

This book should be required reading for anyone and everyone breaking into the entertainment industry. Awesome and inspiring.

I am in the very early pages of my reading "How I Got Published", but thus far I'm favorably impressed with the book. Numerous writers express (sometimes in eloquent language) how they got their writings published.

What I would like to have is a book that juxtaposes the articles by successful writers -- who DID get published -- with others who FAILED to be published. This might help an aspiring writer figure out what qualities led the successful ones toward success, versus the unsuccessful ones who did not manage to find a publisher for their writings.

I'm giving the book 4 stars, because I regard it as well worth buying for those among us who aspire to become successful writers.

I was so curious as to how other authors got published. This book is a great compilation of authors in their own words. Some take the question seriously and provide a step by step guide. Others might it a creative writing assignment. Clive Cusser's story is the best. It gave me encouragement and entertained me.