Customer Reviews

This Business of Books: A Complete Overview of the Industry from Concept Through Sales

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I just had the opportunity to preview Claudia Suzanne's soon to be released Fourth Edition of "This Business of Books" and am so excited! Having worked with a lot of experts and self-publishers, I know that the 20,000 foot view is an essential part of success. This book delivers! Not only does it cover all the steps a writer/author needs, but helps you decide what your role as an author will be -- whether you self-publish or align yourself with a traditional publisher. "This Business of Books" is written from an experienced editor's viewpoint. Claudia Suzanne helps authors write for today's market and get ready to handle the job of "published author". Excellent overview book!

The Business of Books in an exceptional resource. Author Claudia Suzanne covers the entire process of getting a book to market: developing the concept, research, pitching, writing, editing, book design, production, distribution, fulfillment, and marketing and promotion. Suzanne also provides an insightful explanation of the three publishing options (traditional publishing, self-publishing, and vanity presses/subsidy publishers) and an extensive and useful list of links and resources. A great book I can recommend to both clients and students to gain an understanding of the book industry.

If you want to learn how to write, how to get your book published, or how to find a publishing job, this book is not for you. There's a big jumble of information that doesn't fit into a coherent picture of the publishing industry. For example, although the book is around 200 pages, 10 pages are devoted to a questionnaire of fictional character traits ("I go to religious services," always/sometimes/never). Yet the book isn't really geared to fiction writers, either. Often there's information that's either completely oversimplified or just ridiculous, like defining in the glossary what a "CD" is. (A "compact disc," she sagely informs us.) Finally, considering this is a 4th-edition book about publishing, there's a distracting number of typos.

For better introductions to publishing, try Albert Greco's "The Book Publishing Industry," Thomas Woll's "Publishing for Profit," or the simple but wise "Spark Your Career in Book Publishing" form the SparkNotes series.

A wonderful and comprehensive look at exactly what the title says: this business of books! Lots of info on the industry, publishing options, book concepts, editing, the submission process and much much more. As a nonfiction writer with little fiction experience, I was delighted with the section on building characters. The multi-page questionnaire opened doors to characterization I'd never thought of before. An incredible and helpful overview of the industry I couldn't do without.

If you've ever considered a career in the "Business of Books," you're a fool not to start with this perfect overview of the industry. In one handy volume, you learn the ins and outs of the publishing process, the language spoken by those "in the know," and how to write what publishers want to read. "This Business of Books" saved me unending headaches and corrections; it told me how to say what I mean and avoid common beginner pitfalls. Highly recommended!

I bought this book two months ago and it's already gotten dog-earred, that's how much I use it. I like how it's quick-paced and gets to the point, tells me what I need to know and I don't have to slog through tons of verbiage. I saw another reviewer didn't care for the fiction list. Goodness - that's my favorite part. It breaks down what you need to build a character in the most brilliant and clear way. I love it and use it constantly.

Disappointing. The author created a grab-bag of topics, giving the impression of seeking to fill enough pages to make a book.