Customer Reviews

Writer Tells All: Insider Secrets to Getting Your Book Published

5 star:		(10)
4 star:		(3)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(1)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

It's an old cliche but I wish I'd had this book a few months ago when I was negotiating my first book contract. There is a lot of good info in "Writer Tells All," covering the high and low points of writing a first book.

Some reviewers have railed against this title, saying that it's yet another 'you can do it' book, but I didn't find that to be the case. I already write for a living, so I tend to find those 'go for it' books to be boring and pointless for me--of course I know I can finish what I write; I do that every day. Instead, I found that this book did a great job of exploring the minute details and experiences that I've come across, and answering a number of questions that I had.

While this book is relatively lighthearted, it's not a lightweight book--there's a lot of useful and legitimate info, from how to come up with a decent title, to how to deal with all the people who want free copies of your book (I haven't even handed in my manuscript to my publisher yet and I've already had more than 70 people as for free copies; as you might expect, I found his advice very useful).

Due to the format of using many small chapters, I was able to quickly dig through it and find a section on what how to approach whatever was bugging me at the moment. Of particular importance to me, was that it evenly divided its attention between fiction and nonfiction--books of this sort seem to always focus on fiction, which is useless to me with my current project.

Some web reviews I read of this book were pretty harsh, noting that it doesn't provide massive factual examples--say, a 15-page example of a book proposal, for instance. Frankly, that would stop the flow of "Writer Tells All" dead, plus there's entire books out there about how to write a book proposal. On the other hand, I did find that the book sometimes promises more than it can deliver (the aforementioned chapter on titles could have used some more name-generating ideas, for instance). Also, the writing style meandered quite a bit, often merely to throw in a few gags. While I make as many stupid jokes as the next guy, it sometimes felt as if the points were there to illustrate the humor, as opposed to the other way around.

Nonetheless, I dug "Writer Tells All." Unfortunately for the author (but excellent for me), I found my copy for $2 while browsing a street seller's table in New York City. As a result, I can honestly say, "Writer Tells All" was worth every penny and then some.

Many of the writing books out there are touchy-feely sprouty books that are meant only for personal encouragement. They spare people the truth about writing: it pays little, makes little difference, and changes your life for the better far less than it complicates matters. Robert Masello tell the truth. Way under the best-seller list radar is where most writers live and work, whether they write one book or one hundred.

If you are planning to be a writer, this is book you MUST read, as Robert Masello bursts all the bubbles, and shows you a realistic view of the world of publishing. All too true is story of two writers fighting over whose book will face out on a shelf.

Writer Tells All is probably the most accurate portrayal of the writing and publishing business in America today. Read it and weep. Then sit down an write a novel about it.

Writer Tells All is an incredibly charming and helpful book! I kept reading parts of it aloud to my husband and friends. The author's retelling of his appearance on the Today Show (page 210) is so funny that it alone is worth the price of admission. Basically Masello's genius is to take us into his confidance--hey, we're all in this together--and then spill all, from advice to anecdotes. The guy is great company and is both encouraging and realistic about writing. I just wish I could write as well as he can!

This is the second of Mr. Masello's books that I have read & and enjoyed, the first being A FRIEND IN THE BUSINESS, about breaking into writing for Hollywood. I work in a college career center, and so I purchase these books for our students. But...the better ones I also skim or read.

I very much enjoy the lively, casual, down to earth tone of this book. Mr. M. definitely has a "voice" and it is slightly Dave Barrry-ish (though toned down a fair bit). But that is the best comparison I can think of. But don't get me wrong, despite its humorous tone, the book has good solid information to offer.

Thinking as if I were a student however, I would say that perhaps it could be a little shorter, or maybe with a few more graphics. I think students tend to like the sidebars & quotes that some books incorporate these days. But I realize that this book was not, however, intended primarily for the college audience.

If you are interested in the behind the scenes world of book publishing, from the author's point of view, or if you are struggling with a manuscript & seek a pick-me-up, try this book.

Covers some salient points for the midlevel unpublished writer:

(1) What to look for when selecting an agent;

(2) Understanding how publishers make their money;

(3) Breakdown of your contract with a publisher;

(4) Why you shouldn't write in a cafe;

(5) Average money for a first time novel; and

(6) Marketing yourself in many ways.

I would dare say that this is a book that anyone would enjoy, whether you aspire to be the next JK Rowling or not. Very witty and entertaining!

This was a wonderful, funny book. It reminded me a little of "What to Expect When You're Expecting," because, although it has great advice and worst-case-scenarios, it may be too much information for the fledgling writer. Kind of like too much information for the first-time pregnant woman. I don't recomment first-time pregnant women read "What to Expect..." past the fifth month.

Similarly, Masello's book may be too discouraging to read before you've actually written a book.

Don't read this book until you are almost completed, or completed with your project and are ready to find an agent. Don't let this book, or any book or reference about publishing discourage or stifle you. Write the book! Then, read this book.

It's hilarious and very helpful.

I've read many books about getting published, and this is the best. It provides candid, practical advice from an author who's obviously seen it all. And it's tremendously entertaining--you don't have to be a writer to enjoy it.

I'm one of the horde of wannabee writers who never had the self discipline to knuckle down and seriously write, and so I found this highly instructive as well as, thanks to Masello's humor and informal conversational style, entertaining. For those like me, it gives an inside look at what a writer's life is along with the frustrations as well as the rewards. This is especially meant for those bitten with the writing bug, but is equally rewarding for those considering writing, those who have always meant and wanted to and didn't, and those who actually are producing writers. It even has a quick word of advice for those who write reviews. Most highly recommended.

A valuable source for help on getting published.