Customer Reviews

Publishing Gems: Insider Information for the Self-Publishing Writer

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

 

 

Publishing Gems: Insider Information For The Self-Publishing Writer by Brent Sampson (Founder and CEO of Outskirts Press) is an ideal read for writers who have finished their manuscript, and have the desire to pursue publication. Readers will be enlightened as Sampson presents five justified reasons that Publishing Gems will assist in writers becoming published, The information is presented in list format for easy reference, ranging from plotting, to production. Publishing Gems offers practical advice at every stage of the publishing process, Insider information from a seasoned publishing professional will help novice authors avoid common mistakes. Publishing Gems merits high praise and is justifiably recommended to dedicated authors aspiring to be published. Also strongly recommended for writing/publishing reference collections from Outskirts Press is Self-Publishing: Simplified(1598000810, $5.95), an ultimate guide to every aspect of self-publication.

I'm a member of CIPA, too, and I notice that the author is, also. That's ultimately why I bought this book because I already feel like I know a fair amount about publishing and promotion from my affiliation with CIPA. The CIPA president recommended it, and so did Mr. Poynter, and there is some helpful info here, particularly for the beginning writer or self-publisher. There is a little bit of a slant toward POD and I suppose I wanted more information about alternative publishing choices other than that, like how to acquire bids from printers, for example. But when it gets into the gritty of press releases, hooks, and book signings, the value certainly rises. Good info, fellow CIPA'er.

This is a weak sales letter for the author to sell his printing press with the hopes that you'll self-publish through him.

The book lacks substance in a major way. Each "topic" is nothing more than a few sentences. At best this would have been a solid outline for the Brent Sampson's real book. He never embellishes on any specific topic and makes a bunch of "micro" recommendations without much of a structured order and then the book is over. You can literally (without exaggeration) read this book inside of 15 minutes. If you are a fast reader, you can read the whole thing in 7 1/2 minutes!

I wouldn't recommend this book to anyone considering self-publishing. In fact, use a search engine for "self-publishing houses" and you'll come up with several self-publishing companies that will send you free information that has much more substance than this weak, poorly constructed "book."

Publising Gems, is an outstanding resource for the novice writer who must make career decisions. Information is clear and concise. Before you publish memorize every page. My copy has notes in the margins, is underline, dog-eared, and cross-referenced to other publications.
Nash Black, author of "Qualifying Laps" and "Taxes, Stumbling Blocks & Pitfalls for Authors 2007."

This book is filled with things every writer probably already instinctively knows, but its nice to have it all in one place. Then again, there's other stuff that demonstrates true experience with some of the new-fangled promotion opportunities, like tips that will save you time and money when using pay-per-click ads on Google and Yahoo.

Some other good "gems" are here, too (haha) like hints on creating a "hook" and becoming an expert. These are writing clues 101, but the easy and appealing way all the information is listed makes it a handy reminder, kind of like a to-do checklist. I only wish it was longer. And that's why I'm giving it a 4. But the price is certainly right, considering other self-publishing books, especially by self-publishing companies, are so expensive.

The author calls this book a fun, fast read but doesn't say for who.
The intended audience for such a tiny book is a big question. Certainly not for anyone who has read any self-publishing book, perhaps a grandmother that wants to publish the story of her life for her grandchildren.
The book would better be called a promotional giveaway pamplet, it is small enough to fit in your back pocket and there are some pages that contain less than half a dozen sentences, so yes it is a very fast read indeed.
Not much here, don't expect much and you won't be disappointed.
The author's other books would be a much better choice. They are more complete and better written.

I am very new to publishing so I found this book very insightful. The price was very cheap but contained priceless information. Each Brent Sampson book I read brings me closer and closer to my publishing dreams coming true. Anybody who has ever hoped to publish a book needs to purchase this book. What are you waiting for? Random House, at best, is sending you another reject letter. Sampson is sending you a personal invitation to getting your book in readers' hands.

Lots of white space, lots of generalities, and little practical information. Tom Antion, in his latest book, gives more "insider" information on any single page, than does this lightweight author in his whole "book."

The tips in this little guide are excellent. I especially like the grid for developing story structure. The concise writing makes this a handy reference guide.

Publishing Gems is a wonderful guide to a 1st time author
such as myself.
1. It gives tips and helps for writing your book.
2. It provides you with facts and figures about choosing a publisher.
3. Once your book is published, Brent Sampson gives you practical ways to publicize your book.
4. He finishes the book with suggestions for enhancing your book to improve its sales.
I heartily recommend this book for new writers.