Spiritual Writing: From Inspiration to Publication (Paperback)

by Deborah Levine Herman (Author), Cynthia Black (Author) "The calling to write can be a blessing or the bane of your existence..." (more)
Key Phrases: New Age, New York, United States (more...)

Editorial Reviews

From Publishers Weekly
Although the first half of Spiritual Writing: From Inspiration to Publication is a well-written guide to nursing one's spiritual muse, it is the book's forthright and sensible second half that makes it a must-read. Here, Deborah Levine Herman and Cynthia Black give readers the skinny on finding "spirit-friendly" literary agents and publishers, crafting a strong book proposal and navigating the publication process. They paint a realistic picture of the publishing world, which is increasingly open to spiritual books but also, as ever, concerned about the bottom line. PW feels that the authors deserve an award simply for warning, "Never say, in your proposal, `God told me to write this' or `My psychic told me it would be a best-seller.' " (PW has seen this and worse.) The book is quite comprehensive, addressing the evangelical Christian market almost as well as it deals with the New Age. It should be on the desk of every spiritual writer.
Copyright 2002 Cahners Business Information, Inc.

Product Description
The special task of spiritual writers is to learn to accommodate the commercial needs of publishers while remaining true to their mission. Focusing on such practical aspects of getting published as query letters, proposals, and editing, as well as finding agents and publishers interested in spiritual material, Deborah Herman guides the spiritual writer in a continuous process of self-discovery.

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Product Details

• Paperback: 230 pages
• Publisher: Atria Books/Beyond Words (February 2002)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1582700664
• ISBN-13: 978-1582700663
• Product Dimensions: 8.8 x 5.8 x 1.5 inches
• Shipping Weight: 14.2 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars See all reviews (7 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #348,370 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

10 of 10 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Great for anyone trying to publish a nonfiction book!, March 11, 2002

By A Customer

Spiritual Writing is the clearest, most helpful book I've ever read about getting nonfiction books published. Despite the title, I think it's perfect for anyone who is trying to publish an unusual, personal book.

The authors talk about the special challenges we face when we tackle subjects close to our hearts -- how to self-edit and make our ideas marketable. They take readers all the way through the process: crafting the book, writing query letters, proposals, agents, publishers. They also include a helpful guide to the differences between major publishers and independent publishers -- from the author's perspective. The resource list in the back (spirit-friendly agents and publishers, online resources for writers, etc.) is great, too. I found the book straight-forward and encouraging.

9 of 9 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars An absolute must for 1st time authors..., May 21, 2002

By A Customer

As an author that is half-way through theprocess of having their 1st time book published I can say without qualification that THIS
is the book I'd wish I'd read before beginning the process. Not
only is it packed with invaluable information and guidance but also manages to help keep the new author in emotional and psychological balance with brilliant and insightful humor at the
crucial junctures. The resources cited within the book are also
essential material for anyone considering wandering down the rocky road that is getting your book published. After reading several other helpful books about getting one's book published
I am quite certain that I could have skipped all the rest and
read Spiritual Writing which would have saved considerable eye strain and, kept my spirits light at the same time. Highest kudos to Herman and Black on a super writing the tool for 1st time authors.

6 of 6 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars An Invaluable Resource For All Aspiring Writers, April 12, 2002

By	Judith Corvin-blackburn "www.empoweringthespi... (Springfield, IL USA) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

Deborah Levine Herman, with the help of Publisher Cynthia Black,
has created a book brimming with invaluable information for all writers. The first part of the book firmly guides us through the inner process of writing a spiritual book replete with inspiring examples and exercises to help us clarify our intention and progress along our path. Then we are inundated with clear, concise ways to maximize our chances of getting our work published. This includes how to organize one's vision, create marketable angles, query letters & proposals without sacrificing our message, and finally providing us with spirit friendly resources including agents and publishers. A must read!