Customer Reviews

How to Get Happily Published

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How to Get Happily Published is the best-selling book on book publishing. Judy tells you what is selling, how to find an agent and/or a publisher and what to submit to them. Then she gets into book promotion and sales. [It does not matter whether you sell out to a large (NY) publisher or publish yourself, the author must do the promoting]. She describes where to find help, where to find money (grants, writers' colonies, tax angles, angels and more) and what to do once your book hits the charts. Judy is an author, past executive editor of Publishers Weekly and a book publicist. She knows book publishing and shares the knowledge generously. Whether you plan to look for a publisher or self-publish, this book is a recommended investment.

I almost put this book away after just starting it, because I didn't like the first section on how to write well. Her suggestions on writing seemed almost fatalistic--either you have it or you don't. Where the book excels is when Judith gives her advice on dealing with editors, publicists, and others in the publishing industry. As a publisher, her words rang true. The author definitely knows how to coach authors to win the attention and respect of those in the publishing industry and then to make their books successful.
When I got to the final section of the book I was amazed. She has 120 pages listing every conceivable resource for writers organized into the five main sections of her book: where to find material for writing and advice on how to write well and connect with writers' support groups; connecting with people of influence and negotiating the best deal with the publisher; the follow-through needed to make your book successful; help with self-publishing when you choose to go it alone; and how to earn more money as a writer. She lists the books, web sites, other publications and contacts for each of these topics, and comments on each resource. This is truly an incredible aid to the aspiring author, and must come from a deep well of experience that Ms. Appelbaum possesses.
The book addresses the needs of both fiction and non-fiction writers.

This book gives the reader options in simple to understand terms. Afterall, a first time adventurer into the field of writing and publishing has to learn a whole new business. After reading many books on the market, I was about to give up. If you are as committed to seeing your book published as you are to writing it- then this book is for you. It has resources galore, insider knowledge, practical facts and enthusiastic encouragement without the questionable "pie in the sky." If I had only one book it would be this guide.

This book is loaded with practical information, such as names, addresses, and contact information so you can actually find out the nuts-and-bolts of how to get published. I found the comprehensive resource section in the back of the book to be the most helpful portion of the book over the long term - the resource section alone is almost 80 pages long and includes relevant books, periodicals,organizations, conferences, schools, advisers, and experts. I've had this book for over three years and have referred to it many times. It was interesting to read the first time around, as well as serving as a needed reference since then. The author's advice is readily usable at any stage of the writing/seeking publication process.

No more rejection letters? Maybe not, if you follow the sensible advice in Appelbaum's masterful bestseller. She explains that publishing must be treated as a "rational, manageable activity ... in which knowledge coupled with skill and application can ensure success." Also shows how to get the best deal from the publisher, legally retaining as many rights as possible and how to promote the book once it's published. If you are a beginning author, my advice is to simply write one page per day, but first read How to Get Happily Published. It's also a great resource for experienced, published writers and publishing firms.

After my book, "The Dog Trainer's Guide to Parenting" was published, I relied on my publisher's publicity department to promote my book. They are excellent folks to work with. The reality of life is that new titles come along that move to the front burner.

I wish that I had Judith's book before mine came out. It would have helped me realize how important self-promotion is. If you have been published and are sitting in your rocking chair waiting for your publisher to do all the work, Judith's book is the dynamite that will blast you into action. What is even more important is that she gives you practical ideas to follow.

As an aspiring author, I enjoyed reading Judith Appelbaum's How to Get Happily Published. Appelbaum offers some good insights for those who want to understand the publishing process. Her book, though, has some weaknesses.

The best thing about HTGHP is that it provides an overview of the publication process from idea to paycheck. Appelbaum also includes strong sections on how to submit to publishers, how to promote your own book, and how authors can generate money through spinoffs oftheir work (books on audiotape, TV scripts, lecturing, etc.). She also provides an interesting (but sobering) discussion of why most books fail to sell. (The publishing industry, like the movie industry, relies on a small number of blockbusters to generate its profits). After reading HTGHP, I am much better informed about the challenges facing authors.

Unfortunately, there are many drawbacks to this book as well. In attempting to craft a book that covers all aspects of the publishing process, Appelbaum has sacrificed too much depth. The lack of focus hurts HTGHP; while most of the pages turn with ease, there are several "dead spots" in the book. For instance, Appelbaum's advice on how to write is brief and unoriginal. She also lost my interest in her discussion of the printing process.

Potential readers, moreover, should be aware that Appelbaum devotes many pages to self-publishing options. Those who want to find a traditional publisher obviously won't have much interest in these sections.

In the end, I recommend HTGHP as a good place for aspiring authors to start. Writers who want detailed advice, however, will need to consult other sources.

This book has many virtues, but I want to speak to one in particular: how writers can best engage in marketing their own books (whether they publish themselves or have a contract with a publishing house). I don't think anybody else covers this topic with the experience, insight, common sense, practical advice, and cheerful realism that Judith Appelbaum brings to the task. Most writers get modest support (if any) from the publisher--you need to roll up your sleeves and do it yourself if you're going to get the readers you deserve. You can spend more time on marketing, over a longer period of time, than the publisher can, you know your audience better than the publisher does, and you are better connected to your audience than the publisher is. Believe me. They've got hundreds of books to worry about--and you've only got ONE. Make the most of it. This book is your best friend and coach for the long distance run. Writers who ignore its advice will regret the consequences of that decision for the rest of their lives. Judith Appelbaum lays out the options and leaves the decisions of how much to do for you to figure--did I mention that she is also a delight to read?--honestly I think every publishing contract should come with a copy of this book.

I recommend this book because I followed the advice therein and did in the end get happily published. You won't be happy at every step of the process. And you may find that you need more help in some areas than Ms. Applebaum provides. I had to look elsewhere for additional help with my query letter and my book proposal. But this book is a great place to start your publishing adventure.

I read this book years ago when I was a freelancer. One of the most helpful things to me then was Appelbaum saying that acquisitions editors WANT to find work to publish. I had always thought of editors as fussy people who want to find any excuse to turn you down. Appelbaum gave me hope.

Now that I actually am an editor, I know that what she says is true. Editors and publishers really do want to find good materials for their company to publish. They are not the enemy.

Really, this is a very helpful and encouraging book for writers.