Give 'Em What They Want (Paperback)

by Blythe Camenson (Author), Marshalll J. Cook (Author)

Editorial Reviews

Product Description
With a wealth of useful examples, Give 'Em What They Want gives fiction writers what they need: all the ins and outs of crafting a killer pitch for their novel. This revised edition of the successful Your Novel Proposal:

-Features dozens of sample queries, synopses, and chapter outlines -- all the elements critical for a successful pitch

-Provides valuable advice from agents, editors, and best-selling authors, giving readers an "insider" edge

-Shares additional and rarely covered advice on how to pitch in person and how to revise and resubmit after rejection

An overview of the entire publishing process, this book is a must-have for any fiction writer.

About the Author
Blythe Camenson is a full-time writer with 50 books and numerous articles to her credit. Marshal J. Cook teaches writing and is a successful author.

Product Details

• Paperback: 256 pages
• Publisher: Writers Digest Books (October 28, 2005)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 158297330X
• ISBN-13: 978-1582973302
• Product Dimensions: 8.9 x 6 x 0.8 inches
• Shipping Weight: 14.4 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.4 out of 5 stars See all reviews (7 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #440,130 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

19 of 20 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Plenty of examples make it easy to understand why one novel would be chosen over another solely on the pitch, February 8, 2006

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

Novels are one of the most difficult genres to market, aside from poetry: it requires extra attention to a query letter to create an irresistible pique for an agent or editor's attention - and that's where Blythe Camenson & Marshall Cook 's Give 'em What They Want; The Right Way To Pitch Your Novel To Editors And Agents comes in. Query letters, synopses and outlines are all revealed in chapters which discuss the anatomy of a pitch, a submission package's impact, and tips for handling the pitch to maximum advantage. Plenty of examples make it easy to understand why one novel would be chosen over another solely on the pitch.

7 of 7 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars The perfect book for a first-time fiction novelist., January 11, 2008

By	Crystyl (Las Vegas, NV) - See all my reviews

I wrote my first novel and I was clueless how to write a gripping query letter to agents and how to write a synopsis without sounding boring. This book gives practical advice in a no-frills sort of way and really guides the first-time novelist in how to write the all-important letters to agents and publishers. I haven't found a book as clear and concise as this one. It had all the information I wanted to know about without feeling like the authors were talking down on me for being a first time novelist, and in fact their words were encouraging to newbies like me. I would recommend this book to EVERYONE who wants to learn how to write query letters, synopses, and outlines. A thoroughly informative guide--from the writing process to interacting with agents. This book lives up to its title!

7 of 7 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars The best among its kind, October 10, 2007

By	somebody here - See all my reviews

I can't believe there is only one review for this great, great book. Absolutely the best I've read among its kind. I borrowed a copy from a friend, but after I finished reading chapter 4 and was able to pull off a good query letter, I bought my own copy. Much better than "The Sell You Novel Tool Kit", which didn't help at all.

A must-buy for any writers seeking publication!