The Complete Idiot's Guide to Getting Published, 4th Edition 4th Edition

by Sheree Bykofsky (Author), Jennifer Basye Sander (Author)

99 customer reviews

ISBN-13: 978-1592575183

ISBN-10: 1592575188

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The Complete Idiot's Guide to Getting Published, 5E
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Publishing companies have consolidated, there are fewer editors, and literary agents are more selective. The result is that it’s tougher than ever to get published. Now, a successful literary agent and author and a best-selling nonfiction author and literary consultant provide even more of the practical advice every writer needs to get published. In this new edition, readers will find:
• An updated overview of changes in the publishing industry
• Practical tips about pitch letters, negotiations, contracts, and industry trends
• Includes CD-ROM with sample pitch letters, proposal templates, a comprehensive list of literary agents, links to fantastic author websites, and more

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Editorial Reviews

About the Author

Sheree Bykofsky, the founder and owner of the Sheree Bykofsky Literary Agency, has written and represented hundreds of successful titles over her long publishing career. She regularly teaches university courses on publishing and speaks at writers’ conferences across the country.

Jennifer Basye Sander has been an author and book packager for nearly 20 years. Her career has spanned all aspects of the business, from retail sales and book acquisition to editorial and publicity. She and her husband founded the Big City Books Group, which develops book projects and has over 40 successful books in print.

Series: The Complete Idiot's Guide
Paperback: 368 pages
Publisher: Alpha; 4th edition (August 1, 2006)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 1592575188
ISBN-13: 978-1592575183
Product Dimensions: 7.3 x 0.8 x 9.1 inches
Shipping Weight: 1.2 pounds
Average Customer Review: 99 customer reviews
Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #2,234,678 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)
- #1722 in Books > Textbooks > Reference > Writing Skills
- #2586 in Books > Reference > Writing, Research & Publishing Guides > Publishing & Books > Authorship
- #6650 in Books > Reference > Writing, Research & Publishing Guides > Writing > Writing Skills

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If You Buy Only ONE Book, THIS BOOK Is The One

September 3, 1999

Format: Mass Market Paperback

In October 1998, with very little money to spend and a kernel of an idea for a book, I spent an afternoon in a book superstore and emerged with only two books--the "Idiot's Guide to Getting Published" and based on a suggestion from that book, "Jeff Herman's Writer's Guide." I couldn't afford any others and as it turns out, I didn't need them anyway.
Having read "Getting Published" cover to cover with a highlighter in hand, a notepad nearby, using no previous contacts, and using the principles, suggestions and tips found in this simple, straighforward guide, I sent out my first batch of query letters to agents on November 12.
Requests for my proposal began to come in within DAYS and (the honest truth) I found a wonderful agent and sold my proposal to a MAJOR publisher *before* Christmas.
I share this information because I believe in equal access. It is my sincere hope tha people will use this informative book to gain the type of access thought to belong to only a relative few. It changed my mind 100%.
Reading "Getting Published" does not guarantee that you will get published, but it WILL make sure you have the all the information you need to take your best shot at it.
In hindsight, I am certain that I was incredibly blessed at that time and, thanks to "Getting Published", incredibly well-prepared. I cannot thank the authors enough for demystifying this process and making it available to *anyone* that has their heart set on Getting Published.
angel Kyodo williams,
Book Publication: Spring 2000

Comment 81 people found this helpful. Was this review helpful to you?

Yes

If you want to get published, THIS is the book to buy!

November 13, 2012

Format: PaperbackVerified Purchase

I have bought and read several books on publishing in the last year, and this is the one I liked the best, by far.

The authors have a mountain of writing and publishing experience between them. They write in a fun, easy to read style. The book is entertaining while still managing to be packed full of useful information. They give detailed descriptions of every step involved in publishing. The instructions are easy to follow and extremely helpful. This book breaks everything down and makes it seem very managable. This was helpful, in my opinion, because the process of seeking publication was far more intimidating to me than actually writing the book itself.

The fifth edition of this book came out a few weeks after I bought the fourth edition - I liked it so well that I went ahead and bought the fifth edition too. The fifth edition is great - it adds more information about email and online submssions, ebooks, and all of the most recent changes in technology and publishing. It was well worth the purchase price of the duplicate copy.

This book is outstanding in every way.

Comment 6 people found this helpful. Was this review helpful to you?

Yes

Are you writing non-fiction or fiction?

June 9, 2008

Format: PaperbackVerified Purchase

If you're writing non-fiction, this book will probably be very helpful. But if you're interested in publishing a novel, you'll probably be left wanting. This is not to say the authors don't cover publishing fiction, just that it's neither their expertise nor their focus. It's like a restaurant meal where the mashed potatoes were great, but the meat just wasn't very flavorful - it's just not satisfying.

The authors, both who've worked as editors, one who seems to have published a number of books on miscellaneous and sundry topics and the other who has worked as an agent, give lots of good advice on how the publishing business works and who the various people are that you might deal with. They tell you what it's like to be an editor and how you should treat them, and ways to improve your chances of being published. They suggest methods for doing market research and coming up with topics that might fill a book. Also covered are the benefits of using an agent and ways to publicize your book. They even include a CD in the latest edition with sample proposals and query letters which follow the generally accepted formats in the business.

And yes, they try to work fiction and its nuances into the text, but it almost always feels like an afterthought and often seems a bit confusing. Most of the examples given apply mainly to non-fiction, such as establishing yourself as an expert in your field beforehand by giving interviews or writing for your local paper. At first it wasn't that big of a deal, but by the end of the book I felt pretty disappointed. There is some really helpful information here, but it's just not targeted at publishing fiction.

Comment 17 people found this helpful. Was this review helpful to you?

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Dale Sadler

A Good Place to Begin & End in the Publishing World

September 4, 2009

Format: PaperbackVerified Purchase

For some time I have had an insatiable desire to write, but did not know how to get into the market. Turns out, there are some definite protocol for contacting agents. Just calling them up doesn't work no matter how nice you are. Every time I buy a book I worry that it's not the best. Well, this is the first one I've read on publishing and a few things confirmed to me that I made a wise purchase. First, it was easily written so anyone could understand. I'm not an idiot but I knew absolutely nothing about the publishing process and I believe that now I could discuss it with just about anyone on an intelligent level. Second, it's an easy and very enjoyable read. I couldn't put it down as it is loaded with encouragement but also reality checks to get you going. Third, as I read independent articles on the publishing world the facts from the book were confirmed. If you're just getting started, this is a wonderfully comprehensive guide as it will get you published and it will even help you learn how to handle the business long thereafter.

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MIKE C.

It's okay. Would be better without so much chit-chat.

March 31, 2017

Format: PaperbackVerified Purchase

It's okay. A little too much casual communications/chatting style of writing for me. The valuable and important info could be condensed to about 10% of the pages. Still, it's a helpful book.

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Bonnie H.

Non fiction writers only

February 18, 2018

Format: PaperbackVerified Purchase

Maybe this would work better for a nonfiction writer, but for a fiction writer most of it comes off as unhelpful.

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K. Rogers

Honest and encouraging overview of the publishing process

November 14, 2017

Format: Kindle EditionVerified Purchase

The Guide doesn’t make any promises — this is not a “get rich quick” scam — but its tone is consistently encouraging. If you’re thinking of writing a book reading this will let you know what you’re about to get in to.

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