A Book is Born: 24 Authors Tell All (Hardcover)

by Nancy C. Cleary (Creator)

Editorial Reviews

Review
"...a phenomenal tool! The 'science of getting published' section alone is a MUST READ." -- Sheri McConnell, President of the National Association of Women Writers

"A fantastic book for moms wanting to peek inside the real-life experiences of mom authors and how they did it." -- Lesley Spencer Pyle, MSc; Founder & President, HBWM HomeBasedWorkingMoms.com

"...an inspirational book, with some great practical advice and many wonderful stories. I loved reading it, I bet you will too." -- John Kremer, author of "1001 Ways to Market Your Books" and webmaster at BookMarket.com

"...entertaining, insightful and informative-what it takes to write, publish, and promote a book...and live to tell about it!" -- Priscilla Y. Huff, 101 Best Home-Based Businesses for Women

"...heartfelt and inspirational, also jam-packed with resources and ideas to support all women writers. Highly recommended!" -- Jan B. King, Founder, eWomenPublishingNetwork

"It is about the intricacies of publishing and how to keep the joy in that process." -- Carolyn Howard-Johnson, creator "How To Do It Frugally" series of books for writers

"It's like having the best Lamaze coaches in the world looking over your shoulder as you tap away on your computer." -- Pat Cobe and Ellen Parlapiano co-authors of Mompreneurs(R)

"Packed with tips and helpful advice, not just a "how-to" for publishing, it's a must for any author." -- Penny C. Sansevieri, author of "From Book To Bestseller", "Get Published Today", and 'Red Hot Internet Publicity"

Product Description
From conception of the book idea to talking about it on national TV, 24 authors from indie press Wyatt-MacKenzie share the nitty-gritty of each step of the publishing journey.

Publishing terms and concepts are defined throughout with examples of author branding, press kits, media pitches, private-label proposals, and tips on Amazon.com. Plus the little-known truth about publication dates, distribution options, returns, bestseller lists, sales, and PR.

See all Editorial Reviews

Product Details

• Hardcover: 264 pages
• Publisher: Wyatt-MacKenzie Publishing (November 1, 2007)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1932279504
• ISBN-13: 978-1932279504
• Product Dimensions: 9.1 x 6.2 x 1 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1 pounds
• Average Customer Review: 4.8 out of 5 stars See all reviews (23 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #1,237,836 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

3 of 3 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars 'User friendly' reading and an invaluable addition, February 5, 2008

By	Midwest Book Review (Oregon, WI USA) - See all my reviews

The collaborative effort of Nancy C. Cleary and twenty-four published authors, "A Book Is Born" reveals what it is really like to earn a living as a writer. A after a brief foreword and introduction, "A Book Is Born" is divided into two main sections: Part One - '24 Mom Authors Tell All' in which the contributing authors provided informative examples of going through pre-publication work, author platform-building, pitching manuscripts and story ideas to prospective publishers, post-publication publicity and marketing demands upon the author, and even the 'post-partum'-like depression that afflicts many authors after their book is finished, in print, and available to the reading public. Part Two - 'The Secret to Publishing' is actually a writing/publishing curriculum of instruction complete with visual examples for every step of the publishing (and getting published) process. Of special note in this do-it-yourself curriculum for aspiring authors are the Four Principles every writer should understand and apply; the Universal Laws which are essential to a book being written; and Insider Secrets on the four publishing options available to writers -- and determining which particular one is best suited for them. "A Book Is Born" is especially 'user friendly' reading and an invaluable addition to every aspiring writer's reference collection and professional reading list.

1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Practical Advice to New Authors, May 4, 2008

By	TG - See all my reviews

As a first time author, I have been struggling with the complexities of how to get from point A (writing) to point B (published). This book provided really practical information: details about terminology, chronological checklists, and actual experiences related by authors. I enjoyed the tales of the authors even as I was being instructed by them. The book is like a user's manual supplemented with "dream potion recipes", and will undoubtedly launch the careers of a new generation of writers who have been waiting in the wings for stage directions.

Whatever else they do in life, Nancy Cleary and co-authors have left a legacy of impactful guidance that will further the goals of storytellers yet unrecognized.

5.0 out of 5 stars A Book is Born, April 23, 2009

By	Martha Ramirez - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

Nancy Clearly has spent more than 20 years as a product packager and a graphic designer. Her indie press Wyatt-MacKenzie has printed over a quarter of a million books in the last eleven years. She traditionally publishes authors with a special focus on mom writers. It is her goal to guide authors through the publishing process. Nancy was a Stevie ® Award Finalist in Women Helping Women. She also has been quoted in many well-known magazines such as USA Today, Family Circle, and The Wall Street Journal, just to name a few.



A Book is Born is a wonderful book that is both inspirational and educational. Nancy's strong passion to help authors, clearly shows as you learn all she has to share. Ever wonder what it feels like to be a published author? Twenty-four moms tell all, and nothing holds them back from sharing. They thoroughly describe their journeys through the publishing process and share tips on success. They also share what it's like to raise books and babies.



The book is divided into two parts. The first part of the book, 24 Authors Tell All, peeks inside the mind of mom authors. It covers pitching manuscripts, pre-publication, technical terms, industry lingo, author branding, and much more. They discuss how publishing a book is like having a baby. Learn how these ladies' book ideas come to life.



The second part of the book, The Secret and Science to Getting Published, includes secrets to getting your book published, examples of the publishing process, how to write well, the four publishing options, and guidance to the Universal Laws. A Principle Chart helps aide authors to success. Writing, presence, pitching, and publishing all play a part in getting published. Nancy shows you how to direct energy in the right direction using these four principles. She provides the knowledge and tools to help guide you through a journey of becoming a published author.



An excellent source for authors. Whether you're an aspiring author or an author with several titles under your name, there is a little bit for everyone. Even avid readers, who are not authors, would find this book intriguing. Not only does it include helpful insight and encouragement, but it covers many important topics such as how to seek reviews, book tours, endorsements, pitching to the media, and overall practical advice straight from the heart.



A motivating, encouraging, and informative book all in one.



Nancy Cleary takes you on an unforgettable journey along with twenty-four beautiful and passionate women who share their experiences on what it is like to have a book be born.



A must-read treasure waiting to be read!

Reviewed by Martha Ramirez
Bookpleasures