How to Get Happily Published (Paperback)

~ (Author) "To begin with, an announcement for professional writers, would-be writers and people who have important things to say from time to time and want to..." (more)
Key Phrases: periodical pieces, publishing people, smaller publishers, New York, Gale Research, Getting the Words Right Resources (more...)

Editorial Reviews

Amazon.com Review

According to Judith Appelbaum, author of How to Get Happily Published, "it is largely within your power to determine whether your work will get published and whether the public will buy it once it's released." Anyone who has had a manuscript boomerang back from every publisher who sees it (or a book remaindered mere months after publication) may view this assertion with some amount of skepticism. But, as Appelbaum says, "hardly anybody treats getting published as if it were a rational, manageable activity," and it's hard to argue with that.

In addition to providing a mini-course on editors and agents and submissions and funding--peppered with revealing anecdotes from the front lines--Appelbaum offers information less frequently found in books of this sort. For one, she emphasizes the importance of taking publicity for your book or article into your own hands (and she has savvy advice on how to do so without alienating your publisher's publicity department). She also makes a very strong case for self- publishing--not to be confused with using a vanity press--and then tells you how to go about it. And finally, her annotated resource guide to books, Web sites, periodicals, courses, organizations, and more--stretching to over 120 pages--is astounding. That's right. Astounding. --Jane Steinberg

Review

"Among the many books of advice, the best is How to Get Happily Published." -- -- Money

"Everything every writer needs to know." -- Elizabeth Forsythe Hailey, author of A Woman of Independent Means

"Helped me write 20 books for publishers large and small and start my own publishing company!" -- Lisa Rogak Shaw, Williams Hill Publishing

"I fell in love with How to Get Happily Published. I keep it near me as my bible/companion/positive reinforcement. By following its suggestions, believing in myself and never giving up, I am getting my stories published." -- Richard C. Nacy, bookstore chain community relations coordinator

"I recommend this industry classic to writers all the time for its practical, common-sense guidance." -- William Shinker, President and Publisher, Broadway Books/Bantam Doubleday Dell

"Invaluable . . . Explains in detail the steps authors can take to drum up excitement, interest, and an audience for their books." -- -- Terry McMillan, author of Waiting to Exhale

"Invaluable ... explains in detail the steps authors can take to drum up excitement, interest and an audience for their books without feeling the least embarrassed." -- Terry McMillan, author of Waiting to Exhale

"Judith Appelbaum helps demystify the publishing process and book industry in this latest edition of her popular how-to book. The book addresses subjects of interest to all writers including writing courses and other writing aids, agents, where to submit a manuscript, how to submit a manuscript, comparing different contract offers, how books are marketed, book promotion and self-publishing. The book also includes an impressive collection of publishing and writing resources including books, periodicals, organizations and websites.

A practical guide, How to Get Happily Published provides writers with the information they need. The book eliminates some of the trial and error process writers would normally go through in their publishing journey by telling them what to expect and how to do it right from the get go. In addition, the book provides insight into the quirks of the publishing world. This information-packed book is an invaluable tool ..." How to Get Happily Published tells writers "what to expect and how to do it right from the get go." -- Writers Write: The Internet Writing Journal

"Most helpful to me when I needed to understand the publishing process." -- M. Scott Peck, author of The Road Less Traveled

"Most helpful to me when I needed to understand the publishing business." -- -- M. Scott Peck, author of The Road Less Traveled

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Product Details

• Paperback: 400 pages
• Publisher: Collins Reference; 5 Sub edition (April 8, 1998)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0062735098
• ISBN-13: 978-0062735096
• Product Dimensions: 7.8 x 5.2 x 0.9 inches
• Shipping Weight: 9.6 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.7 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (23 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #110,717 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

42 of 44 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars The Best Selling Book on Book Publishing, March 20, 2000

By	Dan Poynter "Author-Publisher-Speaker" (Santa Barbara, CA United States) - See all my reviews

How to Get Happily Published is the best-selling book on book publishing. Judy tells you what is selling, how to find an agent and/or a publisher and what to submit to them. Then she gets into book promotion and sales. [It does not matter whether you sell out to a large (NY) publisher or publish yourself, the author must do the promoting]. She describes where to find help, where to find money (grants, writers' colonies, tax angles, angels and more) and what to do once your book hits the charts. Judy is an author, past executive editor of Publishers Weekly and a book publicist. She knows book publishing and shares the knowledge generously. Whether you plan to look for a publisher or self-publish, this book is a recommended investment.

18 of 18 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Great insights into the writer-publisher relationship., February 11, 2003

By	David A. Hall "David Hall" (Infinity Dental Web, Mesa, Arizona) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

I almost put this book away after just starting it, because I didn't like the first section on how to write well. Her suggestions on writing seemed almost fatalistic--either you have it or you don't. Where the book excels is when Judith gives her advice on dealing with editors, publicists, and others in the publishing industry. As a publisher, her words rang true. The author definitely knows how to coach authors to win the attention and respect of those in the publishing industry and then to make their books successful.
When I got to the final section of the book I was amazed. She has 120 pages listing every conceivable resource for writers organized into the five main sections of her book: where to find material for writing and advice on how to write well and connect with writers' support groups; connecting with people of influence and negotiating the best deal with the publisher; the follow-through needed to make your book successful; help with self-publishing when you choose to go it alone; and how to earn more money as a writer. She lists the books, web sites, other publications and contacts for each of these topics, and comments on each resource. This is truly an incredible aid to the aspiring author, and must come from a deep well of experience that Ms. Appelbaum possesses.
The book addresses the needs of both fiction and non-fiction writers.

16 of 17 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Finally someone tells the truth!, February 8, 2001

By	"anneston" (Tuscaloosa, AL United States) - See all my reviews

This book gives the reader options in simple to understand terms. Afterall, a first time adventurer into the field of writing and publishing has to learn a whole new business. After reading many books on the market, I was about to give up. If you are as committed to seeing your book published as you are to writing it- then this book is for you. It has resources galore, insider knowledge, practical facts and enthusiastic encouragement without the questionable "pie in the sky." If I had only one book it would be this guide.