4 of 4 people found the following review helpful:
4.0 out of 5 stars
Valuable resource--especially for those considering self-publication, July 15, 2006
This review is from: The Right Way to Write, Publish and Sell Your Book (Paperback)
Sitting down and writing is exactly the wrong way to start your book project. According to Patricia L. Fry, the author is far better off starting with a book proposal. The book proposal serves as a roadmap to writing the book and a marketing tool. Equally importantly, Fry points out, the proposal can be an invaluable tool in creating focus for a book. Rather than vaguely hope that a book will reach "everyone," Fry reminds the author that a minority of Americans are readers at all, and that most of the readers specialize. Authors are far better off identifying target markets (e.g., 12-13 year-old girls rather than children), and also knowing how large those markets might be.
Fry's book proposal is the first step in a two-step offering. The second is a marketing plan. Fry dismisses the comfortable idea that the publisher will do the work of marketing, arguing that most books will be sold by the author. Therefore, it's essential for both author and publisher that the author have a marketing plan for ensuring that those sales take place. Fry gives specific examples of things to avoid in the marketing plan (e.g., vague promises to hold conferences, book tours, etc.) and suggestions on how to be more specific.
In the second third of the book, Fry turns to advice on writing and publication. With her own background in selfpublication, Fry provides plenty of information on the nuts and bolts of creating a publishing company, soliciting printer services, purchasing ISBN blocks, and pricing the final product. Nonfiction writers, in particular, are likely to find her suggestions helpful as she discusses ways of stepping outside of the bookstore to find additional venues for the self-published book.
In the final third of the book, Fry turns to promotion. As she correctly points out, many authors are introverts by nature. Unfortunately, writing a good book is only the first (although worthwhile) step toward success. Without effective promotion, books will languish unsold in the author's spare bedroom or in the warehouse of the publisher.
I found Fry's discussion of the book proposal and marketing plan to be invaluable. Although most of Fry's examples come from the non-fiction world of her own background, the basic concepts and requirements of a good proposal are identical in fiction. Similarly, every publishing company, including even the largest, would welcome a focused, specific, and achievable marketing plan as described by Fry. The publicity sections also provided plenty of useful information, but were a bit more general (and thus less helpful to the writer) than were the sections on the proposal and marketing plan.
Any writer who's contemplating self-publishing for a nonfiction book would do well to get their hands on a copy of Patricia L. Fry's THE RIGHT WAY TO WRITE, PUBLISH AND SELL YOUR BOOK. Even readers who intend to go with traditional, royalty-paying publishers will find plenty of value in Fry's guide.
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3 of 3 people found the following review helpful:
1.0 out of 5 stars
The Right Way to Write, Publish and Sell Your Book, July 1, 2006
This review is from: The Right Way to Write, Publish and Sell Your Book (Paperback)
Genre: Nonfiction
Stars: 5 Stars
Title: The Right Way to Write, Publish and Sell Your Book
Author: Patricia Fry
Line/Publisher: Matilija Press
Release Date: 2006
ISBN: 0-9773576-0-0
The Right Way to Write, Publish and Sell Your Book is like having an honest,
straight-talking friend guiding you through the sometimes murky and highly
competitive world of publishing. Fry is quick to point out that she is not
trying to discourage potential authors, but rather provide the resources and
tools necessary to achieve success.
With all of the various options available for publishing a book, it is no
wonder that some authors are left feeling confused and even disappointed by
the end product - their book. Fry defines and covers the pros and cons of
each of the various publishing options. Entire chapters are devoted to
Print-on-Demand (POD) publishing and self-publishing. Drawing from her own
personal knowledge and experience, Fry provides many helpful tips on
selecting, approaching and communicating with publishers and editors. She
also shares other authors' anecdotes affording you an insider's perspective
of the industry.
Since Fry recommends writing a book proposal before writing the manuscript,
especially in the case of a nonfiction book, she devotes four chapters to
this topic. She show you how to focus your writing project to make it more
marketable to your target audience. It also enables you to pitch your
project to publishers before investing time and money into writing the book.
Plus, it serves as an outline when you do begin the writing process. The
development of the book proposal is thoroughly covered with samples provided
of each of its elements, including the synopsis, marketing plan, promotional
ideas, market analysis, about the author, and chapter outline.
With an overwhelming percentage of published books failing to make a profit,
self-promotion is the cornerstone of success. The misconception that you can
just write a book, publish it and then sit back and roll in the royalties is
quickly dismissed by Fry. (That is, unless you are Stephen King or Hillary
Clinton.) Marketing is a huge responsibility that authors must take on after
their book is in print. Three chapters are devoted to promotion, covering
the basics along with more creative approaches.
There is a chapter devoted to Bookkeeping. Fry does everything the old
fashioned way, handwritten in ledgers. If Fry ever decides to do a
revision, I would applaud a section devoted to electronic record keeping.
I highly recommend this book to anyone tinkering with the idea of writing a
book and to published authors needing assistance in the marketing
department. Take Frye's advice to "Follow your dreams with your eyes wide
open and your expectations reasonable," and be sure to read her book.
Reviewed by:
Brooke Spicher, Scribes World
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4.0 out of 5 stars
Best Overview of Authorship Basics!, November 28, 2010
This review is from: The Right Way to Write, Publish and Sell Your Book (Paperback)
This revised edition of the popular informative book, The RIGHT WAY TO WRITE , PUBLISH AND SELL YOUR BOOK - Your Complete Guide to Successful Authorship (Matilija Press, 2006) along with its companion guide, "The Author's Workbook", combine the essence of authorship along with the practicalities of penmanship. The concept of being true to yourself as well as being true to your trade is spelled out clearly in Ms. Fry's brass tacks approach for passionate but hesitant new authors or the mid-career professional first-time author who already has contacts and a "platform" in place for a marketing windfall.
If you are able to get through the first 75 pages, you will be able to author and market your completed work. It is a daunting task, but with Ms. Fry's tips and recommendations she provides both reassurance and backup references for guidance. Her marketing suggestions are enlightening, her creative platform- and audience -generating ideas are not only manageable but also applicable to both fiction and nonfiction writers. The book is not for a lackadaisical writer.
Ms. Fry first discourages you from starting a book until you sure you have a complete understanding that the publishing business is just that - a business. Ms. Fry points out that a writer must be able to hook an agent with a rehearsed, professional 30 second verbal synopsis of the planned book. Alternatively, she discusses a written approach via submission guidelines, with a well-formatted book proposal, query letter, table of contents, or manuscript. She details how to organize parts of your book, hiring professionals along the way, and the pros and cons of self-publishing.
The Right Way to Write, Publish and Sell Your Book
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