Reviews of Writing Books
Page Two of TwoYou Can Make It Big Writing Books by Jeff Herman
Prima Publishing, September 1999.Trade Paperback, 325 pages.
ISBN: 0761513620
Ordering information:
Amazon.com.
Writers need to know a great deal about the
publishing business before they have
any chance of becoming published, let
alone produce a major bestseller. As the
book's author, New York literary agent Jeff Herman
explains, "Some people are born into writing
success by being so gifted that no matter
what they do, the path will find them. Although
they still have to produce, they are not so bothered
by the trivialities of breaking down the publishers'
doors. The publishers find them. The other 99 percent
of writers have to have more going for them than
just talent." Herman explains the
complex world of publishing in laymen's
terms, covering what writers need to know about
agents, publishers, book promotion,
manuscript submission and queries. The book includes
anecdotes and advice from 58 authors who have become
bestsellers. Herman organizes the advice and stories from
the successful writers into categories, including the
marathoners, the heavyweights, the producers, the
promoters and the niche authors. For example,
marathoners are authors such as Jennifer Blake,
Loren D. Estleman and Margaret Chittenden,
whose books and talent having staying power;
heavyweights are household names like
Nelson Demille and John Gray. Producers publish so
many books they astonish everyone, promoters know
a secret to making their books sell and niche
authors have made a name for themselves in one
particular arena. A final section includes
advice from Herman himself about how to
create a salable product, how to determine your
market, how to find an agent and
advice on promoting your book.
Jeff Herman is a highly respected literary agent, who represents numerous well-known authors including John Gray and Mark Victor Hansen (Chicken Soup for the Soul). He is also the author of the Writer's Guide to Book Editors, Publishers, and Literary Agents, a comprehensive reference which provides a detailed description for each editor, publisher and agent listed in the book. Herman has combined his expert advice with advice and tips from writers who have made it big, to create a top-notch reference for writers hoping to write a bestseller. Whether you are a novice or a writer with a completed manuscript who is struggling to get it published, you must have this book. Highly Recommended.
Facts in a Flash: A Research Guide for Writers by Ellen Metter
Writer's Digest Books, September 1999.Hardcover, 423 pages.
ISBN: 0898799090
Ordering information:
Amazon.com.
Facts in a Flash acts a research assistant
for writers.
The book begins with an overview
of research techniques and strategies,
including library research and Internet
searching.
The rest of the book lists research
resources such as books, libraries,
databases, periodicals, websites and
organizations for numerous topics.
The major research topics covered
in this resource include
government and politics, current
information, statistics, experts, quotations,
biographical information,
history, culture, geography, law,
business and companies.
For each reference listed, the book
provides a detailed description
and suggestions on how to best
use the resource.
The reference also includes advice
on consulting experts, using search
engines, verifying accuracy and
using hard-to-find resources.
An appendix includes valuable
listings of commercial
databases and periodical indexes.
Facts in a Flash is a very thorough and informative reference tool compiled by Ellen Metter, a research librarian and bibliographer. Writers looking for a quick reference aide will find Facts in a Flash a valuable companion.
Writing Book Reviews
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