Customer Reviews:
Good for Examples.......2007-06-12
I rated this book a 3 for two reasons. First many of the essays are from people with extraordinary circumstances or experiences that inspired them to apply to grad school. Secondly I thought many of the examples were longer than the 1 page max allowed by some graduate schools.
Like Having Your Own Personal Advisor.......2007-02-17
When I was thinking about writing my personal statement, I didn't even know where to begin so I picked up this book and I'm glad that I did. It guided me through the essay writing process from brainstorming to final draft. This book also discusses what to look for in a graduate program, financial aid options, how to follow up on an application and more. Using the advice in this book, along with having a good academic record, I was able to get into my first choice school. Reading this book is like having your own personal advisor to guide you through the application process. It's also easy to read and very engaging. I'd recommend this book to anyone who is thinking about applying to graduate school.
Closest thing to "secrets" of Grad/Professional school admissions.......2007-01-23
I read this book many times in preparation for my own grad school (social science Ph.D.) applications. I've got my degree, and I'm an Assistant Professor at a large research university. I've now read many graduate admissions essays. From my experience, it seems most essays are not as effective as they could be. Most are just poorly conceived, and the authors seem to misunderstand the point of a personal statement. This book will help you not only to write and revise your essay, but to do so with a clear understanding of the essay's purpose and its intended audience. This book really is a must read for anyone applying to grad school. I recommend it to all my undergraduate students who ask me for a grad school letter of recommendation.
GREAT!.......2007-01-10
This book got me started when I was having trouble writing my statement of puprose for Grad School. I recommend it highly!
A good choice for anyone applying to graduate school.......2007-01-04
This book helped me get started and to organize my thoughts. I used it as a jumping off point and it really helped. I would recommend it to anyone who is trying to get thier essay written and needs some help getting thoughts organized. There are lots of essays from other students that help give you an idea on how to write your own.
Book Description
Want to publish your book?
Learn how—it's easier than you think!
Charismatic authors and literary agents Jeff Herman and Deborah Levine Herman have successfully sold hundreds of titles and learned—through trial and error—how to write a flawless book proposal that publishers can't resist. Now you can benefit from their hard work and publishing savvy. In this new edition, they offer guidance and advice that will inspire, educate, and, most importantly, give you the necessary edge to get your book published. They explain:
•How to shape your idea and create a title
•Ways to get to know the market and competition
•Tips on writing an effective outline, query letter, and sample chapter
•The art and science of fiction and nonfiction book proposals
•How ten actual proposals (included here) were successfully sold to publishers—and why
"A submission from Jeff Herman always gets moved to the top . . . his new book will show you how to move to the top."—Frederic W. Hills Vice President, Simon & Schuster
"This book will take writers to the highest level of proposal writing and success."—Roger Cooper Quality Paperback Book Club
"If you want your proposal to ignite a busy editor's interest, read this book."—Adrienne Hickey Senior Acquisitions Editor, AMACOM Books
Customer Reviews:
Great for samples.......2007-10-18
I used this book along with Michael Larson's How to Write a Book Proposal and Elizabeth Lyon's book on Non-Fiction Book Proposals. Larson's and Lyon's books were better at explaining each section and how to create interest, but I liked this book for the actual examples. When I was ready to write a section, I'd read about it in the other books, and then read the samples in this book.
I was successful in getting an agent who asked what books I used in creating my proposal as she said it was very good. I have since sold the book to a publisher as well.
I Was Very Disappointed.......2007-04-12
Unless you are writing a book along the lines of "How To Succeed In The Business World," or a book on genealogy, or self help, I recommend that you do not buy this book. The agents who wrote the book appear to be mainly focused on books for the business world. The book that I've written is an explosive exposé on the CIA and bipartisan corruption in the government, but absolutely none of the ten "sample book proposals" in "Write the Perfect Book Proposal" were of any use. But to be fair, this book might be for you if you are writing about business, or self help, or genealogy. (One of the sample proposals deals with genealogy.)
outdated.......2007-03-20
outdated, pick something on the same subject by someone else that was published this year; this one has extremely stale info. The world of publishing has changed dramatically since it was written 8 years ago or more, with much new info about cybermarketing and other strong ways of reaching audiences and potential publishers. Also, make sure the book you read is about the kind of book you have written /are writing. There are different approaches needed to reach publishers, depending.
Writing a book proposal.......2007-01-15
This is a very good primer on writing a book proposal. It addresses all the key areas that need be included. It's point of differentiation is that it provides 10 examples of proposals that worked. Hence, you really get some good directly usable ideas for headlines and for content within. I was a bit surprised to find as much as 75% devoted to examples...but that ultimately is good. Too often the frontend text is vague, as it must be, but the proposal examples give you much more meat.
Great Book - buy it!.......2007-01-12
Folks,
This is a great book because it lays everything out for you in a simple and easy to understand manner. If you are looking for something that is quick and easy to understand, this is the book for you.
The examples are great because you actually get to see what a real book proposal looks like. The author also tells you what is both good and bad about the examples.
It's a great book that is a quick read...
Enjoy,
Ken Konet
Book Description
From persuasive memos to complaint letters, sales letters to executive summaries -- this exceedingly useful guide helps the business worker write clearly and in an appropriate format, style and tone. Numerous examples show how to overcome writer's block, organize messages for maximum impact, achieve an easy-to-read style, find an efficient writing system and much more.
Customer Reviews:
Go to book.......2006-11-03
I bought several similar reference books at the time of this purchase. Effective Business Writing is my go-to book, my first choice, and usually all I need.
Great reference book - - timely, too!.......1999-04-22
This is a well-written, carefully organized book that belongs on desks across America! Topics covered include organizing before writing, overcoming writer's block, suiting letters to complex situations, and using grammar and punctuation properly. If I had to provide one criticism, it would only be that the book is too short! As a reader, I didn't tire of the useful sample letters and would have happily read more and more. A great reference for the tentative writer and a good refresher for seasoned writers, as well.
Book Description
It's not all in the delivery. Here's expert guidance on how to write a dynamic speech. Splashy slides, confident body language, and a lot of eye contact are fine and well. But if a speech is rambling, illogical, or just plain boring, the impact will be lost.
Now everyone can learn to give powerful, on-target speeches that capture an audience's attention and drive home a message. The key is not just in the delivery techniques, but in tapping into the power of language.
Prepared by an award-winning writer, this authoritative speech-writing guide covers every essential element of a great speech, including outlining and organizing, beginning with a bang, making use of action verbs and vivid nouns, and handling questions from the audience. Plus, the book includes excerpts from some of history's most memorable speeches--eloquent words to contemplate and emulate.
Customer Reviews:
Fantastic- a great resource.......2006-01-27
Ultimately, what stays with an audience, is the content of your speech. Richard Dowis, a former journalist and retired senior vice president of Manning, Selvage, and Lee Public Relations provides information to help you effectively collect, organize and shape content into powerful speeches. He urges you to consider first the purpose of your speech, what you really want the audience to walk away with. Then, to fit your purpose into the format and time allotted. You must begin by researching your topic, clarifying your purpose, creating an outline and identifying a strong thesis, or unifying idea. When organizing your speech the most important consideration is that it must be logically organized. He identifies several organizational strategies you can use. For example, Chronological order, the "Big Bang" where a shocking thesis is presented up front, and Cause-and-effect which outlines the causes of a problem, describes its effect and suggests a solution. He also provides the following guidance on writing your speech:
1. Begin Well: Your opening should establish rapport with the audience, set the tone, reinforce your credibility and arouse interest in your subject. 5 categories of opening are: novelty, dramatic, question, humorous and reference/quote.
2. Watch Your Language: Avoid Jargon and overly complex language. Try instead for a simple elegance. Be yourself.
3. Use Proven Techniques: The Rule of Three: Organize related thoughts into groups of three to make them more memorable and dramatic. Anaphora: repeat words or phrases at the beginning of several sentences.
4. When using statistics: make them interesting and meaningful, express statistics in terms your audience can understand, and avoid using too many raw figures in a row.
5. Closing the Speech: use your closing to reinforce your point, or to reinforce the goal of the speech. Most closings fall into seven categories: Summary, Wrap-up, Direct appeal, Thesis, Reference, Inspirational, and Humorous/Anecdotal.
6. Editing: When editing consider content, organization, style, language and grammar.
The Lost Art of the Great Speech: How to Write One--How to Deliver It.......2005-09-09
I originally checked this out at the library and realized I needed it in my reference collection. It's well writen, informative and fun to read. The author walks you step by step through the process of writing a speech to giving it, along with useful tricks of the speech writers trade. I highly recommend it.
An Excellent Resource for Speakers.......2002-10-03
Richard Dowis spends no time lamenting this lost art. Instead he focuses his energy on its resurrection.
Dowis's background in journalism and public relations provided the foundation for his writing a remarkably readable book. His conversational style serves as a model for the language you would want to hear -- and use -- in a speech. Frequent headings and an especially legible font also contribute to the book's readability.
In _The Lost Art of the Great Speech_, Dowis addresses every conceivable aspect of this topic -- from deciding whether to accept a speaking engagement to "leveraging" a speech by converting it to one or more publishable articles. The book takes a holistic approach to speech writing. Chapters follow the process of speech preparation, including delivery as well as crafting. In addition, Dowis discusses topics such as how to write a speech to be delivered by someone else and how to introduce a speaker.
Each chapter includes pertinent excerpts from actual speeches, many taken from the business world, and also includes a full speech or a substantial excerpt of a speech by a well-known person. Many of these speeches have historical significance. Having asserted that "reading and listening to speeches is one of the keys to learning how to write and deliver them," Dowis supplies us with many examples to study.
Dowis devotes several chapters to rhetorical devices that can lift a speech from the respectable to the eloquent. To illustrate how rhetoric can immortalize a concept, he compares several versions of an idea that appeared in speeches by famous Americans.
In addition to a detailed index, _The Lost Art of the Great Speech_ includes two helpful appendices: An Editing Checklist for Speech Writers and Resources for Speakers and Speech Writers.
_The Lost Art of the Great Speech_ is a valuable resource for anyone who might have the opportunity to address a group of people. Although it does not include study questions or practice exercises, it would be an excellent book for a class of high school or college students as well as for adults who are studying independently.
This is a terrific book!.......2001-08-09
Although this book was written for business folk, it serves as a tremendous text for high school students. The suggestions are clear, the models exemplary, and the writing concise. Also, the texts of speeches that end nearly every chapter are well-chosen. AND there's a handy appendix listing resources for speakers and writers.
A Must Read.......2001-05-05
For those of you who don't like text book reads but need the information, this is the book for you. This book gives useful information and useful hints on speech writing and speech giving. It is the best of Speech Communication classes and everyday ideas for the beginner in public speaking and the expert speech writer.
Amazon.com
Whether you seek protocol on accepting a formal invitation, turning down a job offer, challenging your credit record, writing a condolence letter, or penning a collection letter, How to Write It can help. With precision and humor, Sandra E. Lamb provides reliable guidance on all forms of written correspondence; for each type of communication, she considers such issues as content, wrong messages (how to eliminate them), format, effective writing, and editing. What in other hands might have been a dry reference manual takes on its own personality in the hands of this competent stylist. Lamb's advice for writing a memo, for instance, includes "Don't use an autocratic tone," "Don't assign blame," "Don't whine," "Don't pad," "Don't hedge," and "Don't use officious, stuffy, or formal words." Lamb is part etiquette adviser and part good-business guru. Perhaps her guide's most important message is that the general decline of written communication both socially and in business actually benefits those who still rely on it, as its impact is even greater than it once was. --Jane Steinberg
Book Description
Even the simplest notes can trigger procrastination, deliberation, and frustration in all of us. Thankfully, writing expert Sandra Lamb is here to provide tips for writing virtually all communications: emails, resumes, thank-you notes, collection letters, grant proposals, letters of complaint, press releases, and much more.
Customer Reviews:
How to Write It.......2007-09-17
I wish I had this book a long, long time ago. It really does cover all my writing needs.
How to Write It: A Complete Guide to Everything You'll Ever Write.......2007-03-27
For an underlying idea of how to approach the different kinds of everyday writing, this book has it all. I would not suggest copying letters word for word; however, there are focused phrases which apply to all situations and act as an inspiration for one's very own personalized letter. At the very least, this book demonstrates how to write with the appropriate tone, how to approach a topic and express succinct thoughts with grace and manners. This book makes a writer out of everyone.
Could have been better.......2005-04-05
This book is not bad but could have been better. There is a distinct tendency for the author to be repetitive and each example letter is shown in full, which results in a lot of (wasted) white space on the pages. Also, in my opinion, the book itself has been put together relatively cheaply; it's reminiscent of a large mass-market paperback. I prefer 'How to say it' by Rosalie Maggio which covers most of the same ground.
Useful.......2004-10-08
A lot of this stuff is already known to me, but this book is still beneficial to the average person who may forget the title format, etc. It's almost like a huge cheat sheet! The cover letter chapter and the magazine proposal chapter were the best and most useful for me. The organization and layout of this book are dynamite. Great job!
Errors.......2003-11-15
While a great reference, this book has many typographical and gramerical errors. It also is not categorized properly and reiterates the same facts over and over. It does however have great pointers on what to say in a letter. However its view is too simplistic for business writing. I would not suggest this book for a professional opinion. I would suggest it however for a day to day reference on personal letters.
Customer Reviews:
Still a good introduction to writing for Greeting Cards.......2007-03-28
While written in 1992, this is still a solid introduction to freelance writing for the "social expression" market. With first hand experience, the author gives very useful information and examples for writing and selling greeting cards and related items. It's well worth the read.
Good information.......2003-08-08
Pretty good book that isn't too hard to read & understand.
Look for me at Hallmark.......2002-11-15
Just kidding. You won't find my cards at Hallmark.
This is a great book for people who love greeting cards. I feel so stupid when I'm at the store by myself and other people are around and I start laughing at a card. They just stare at me and wish their card was so funny. But I am easily humored. If you are creative, this is a great book. She gives you ideas and tips, but doesn't do it all for you. She leaves room for your creativity.
A book worth a look.......2001-02-19
I am a greeting card designer and writer. Molly's book sometimes states the obvious in her suggestions for creating greeting cards, but when are looking for the millioneth way of wishing someone a happy birthday, that can be helpful. She walks you through brainstorming and I have to say has enabled me a very fresh thought process for coming up with card copy. It's as though she is happy to share the "secrets" of the trade for creating cards. This is one funky business to learn about. It's not like there are college courses on how to succeed in the card business. It's all about observing what's out there and really searching for professinals who are willing to share insights, tips and suggestions and hard facts for succeeding and I think this book does all of that!
Not what I thought it would be.......2000-03-11
I was quite disappointed with this book in that it was extremely limited in its topics. It was very thorough in its explanation of different writing styles and formats, but it barely discussed the marketing side of it...payment standards, format for submissions. I would have liked this section to be more than just a few pages(out of almost 200), and also for them to have included a little bit on basic overall card design (many of us do both the writing and illustrating).
This book is not an end-all resource on breaking into the greeting card industry, but it is a good place to go if having trouble coming up with ideas.
Average customer rating:
- How to Write and Give a Speech
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How to Write and Give a Speech, Second Revised Edition: A Practical Guide For Executives, PR People, the Military, Fund-Raisers, Politicians, Educators, and Anyone Who Has to Make Every Word Count
Joan Detz
Manufacturer: St. Martin's Griffin
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Binding: Paperback
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Can You Say a Few Words?: How to Prepare and Deliver Award Presentations, Dedications, Eulogies and Prayers, Introductions, Retirements and Farewells, ... Birthday, Anniversary Toasts, and More.
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ASIN: 0312302738 |
Book Description
With more than 65,000 copies sold in two editions, this newly Apdated guide offers sound advice on every aspect of researching,writing, and delivering an effective speech. Filled with anecdotes, examples, and practical advice, this accessible guide makes one of the most daunting tasks manageableand even fun. Topics include:Assessing the audienceResearching the subjectand deciding what to leave outUsing imagery, quotations, repetition, and humorSpecial-occasion speechesSpeaking to international audiencesUsing Power Point and other visual aidsand more.Updated to include new examples and the latest technology, this is a must-have for both novices and experienced veterans at the podium.
Customer Reviews:
How to Write and Give a Speech.......2001-03-29
The Washington Post praised this as a "how-to classic" and I would agree with them. It's well-organized and filled with top-quality professional advice. It's also very 'readable' - which sets it apart from so many public speaking texts.
I found this book saved me a lot of time and worry, both in preparing formal speeches and informal presentations. Most important, it will make you a much better, and more confident, speaker.
Book Description
The Quick Resume & Cover Letter Book, Fourth Edition, gives job seekers allthe expert advice they need to stay aead of competitors and land a great job. This book offers proven, proactive advice on how to create outstanding job search documents and use them efficiently. Readers learn to create a basic resume in an hour and an improved resume in about half a day.
The fourth edition of this helpful guide includes more than 90 all-new sample resumes written by professional resume writers for all types of jobs and people, including a new chapter with electronic resume samples. The book also provides excellent career counseling sections to help anyone from high school graduates to high-level professionals define their ideal job and go out and get it.
Customer Reviews:
Wonderful job advice.......2005-06-10
This book helped me where my parents' advice had proved stale. Prior to reading this book, I was bouncing from temp job to temp job with only a vague idea of 'winning resume'.
I knew how to write a CV, but apparently did not know what made other types shine. When I had to leave my current job because of money issues, I knew that I could not afford to remain in the dark any longer. I had to get a resume writing guide and study it closely.
This book readily stood out from other titles which I flipped through. It showed me that a resume only needs to have stuff which is directly related to the position which I am applying to.
Because I am a visual learner, I appreciated the endless parade of sample resumes in this book; resumes should be both personal and professional. I finally learned that being creative with my resume was okay if I felt comfortable that my end result would be conducive to a job offer. A resume is only a 'calling card' and does not guarantee your job.
The first book you should read on resumes.......2004-12-02
If you're only going to read one book on resumes, J. Michael Farr's "The Quick Resume & Cover Letter Book" should be the one you choose. Farr's no-nonsense, well-organized approach to writing resumes is refreshing as well as enlightening. He advocates taking an active role in job searching (and starting as soon as possible), as reflected in this quick tips on how to use his book and the first chapter, which focuses on creating a same-day resume. Farr clearly distinguishes chronological resumes from skills (functional) resumes, giving reasons to use either one and giving many examples of effective sample resumes. He includes several useful worksheets and lists of skills which help you identify what skills you have (and which ones you want to use) and list experiences that reflect your skills. These worksheets are not only helpful in writing resumes but also in interviews - Farr claims that most employers say that interviewees do not clearly explain what their skills are.
While the first section of the book aims to get you started on a good basic resume, the second section focuses on how you can make the resume even better. Those who are crunched for time should definitely read the first section. Farr also includes information on JIST cards, job search letters (including cover letters), a varied collection of resumes, and his list of seven steps to getting a job as soon as possible. At the end, there is a list of resume contributors who also offer resume-writing services.
While I found some of Farr's suggestions a little intimidating (e.g. cold-calling a potential employer to talk about how you can contribute to their organization - even if they aren't hiring), I realize that actively searching for job opportunities you will likely lead to finding the job I'm looking for (while creating networking contacts). This book is a well-written gem, and I would recommend it to anyone who's looking for a new job or a career change.
Just Getting Started.......2004-10-07
I just started reading this book but so far so good. One thing it taught me in the first few pages is that I don't want a great resume, I want a great job. I've been so hung up on my resume that I forgot I was looking for a job. This book tells you how to get interviews and jobs also. Great tool.
'Quick' - and meant it ..........2002-05-25
Although I tend to think of myself as a 'charasmatic' writer, I think that the resume examples used in this book were a little mundane for my taste. Of course, I am a bit on the 'animated' side of the spectrum. So, as usual, I sought to find a page where a person like myself could write a resume that would be dynamic, but not label myself a 'nutcase' to the prospective employer.
I skimmed through the front of the book a couple of times. Information I already knew. But, this book (whether they have a chapter titled "For those of you with Bipolar disorders) will be a very handy refence book. It was the first recommendation given to me by many 'a' source! Tons of different resume examples - as well as cover letter's, 'Thank you' letters, and all the goodies we will most likely forget.
GREAT book!.......2001-03-13
Best resume and job search book I have ever read. Direct and to the point, without alot of fluff and flutter. Told me exactly what I needed to do and how to get it done to not only put together a quality resume quickly, but also how to get a better job very quickly. This is a very good book for those who do not have alot of time to do a job search, perfect for those already working and for students preparing to graduate.
Amazon.com
Rarely does a day go by when most of us do not have to deal with surly salespeople, cheaply made products, or vast and indifferent bureaucracies. Most of us endure this with a stoicism worthy of Seneca himself. After all, what's the use of complaining? It all seems to fall on deaf ears, anyway.
But the world needn't be like this, according to Ellen Phillips, consumer consultant and founder of Ellen's Poison Pen, Inc. Since 1988, Phillips has been helping frustrated consumers to get refunds and apologies from everyone from the corner druggist to massive insurance agencies. In her book, Shocked, Appalled, and Dismayed!, Phillips shares the secrets of writing letters of complaint that get results. The first few chapters cover the general dos and don'ts of writing effective letters of complaint (remain calm, use polite language), along with useful advice from legal experts (don't embellish, stick to the facts).
The chapters that follow target specific problems we all face at some time in our lives, ranging from getting bumped from a flight to the secrets of successfully dealing with your HMO. Each chapter contains bullet points, illustrative anecdotes, and a number of example letters, most of which were based on actual letters sent on behalf of Phillips's clients. On top of all this, Phillips also provides an appendix listing the names and addresses of over 600 major companies, government agencies, and consumer organizations. Phillips believes that we should get what we pay for, and after reading her book, you'll be able to stand up for your rights with confidence.
Book Description
How to get the best of shoddy shops, crooked car-dealerships, and heartless HMOs--without having to hire an attorney.
The Miss Manners of the consumer kvetch shows readers how to go postal, with complaint letters designed to melt the heart and sting the conscience of the most obdurate, negligent, or customer-hostile corporations.
Drawing on her experience as a pen-for-hire for irate consumers--and on the advice of clients, attorneys, and CEOs--Ellen Phillips shows readers:
- Who to write to, what to say, what to ask for
- The names and addresses of over 600 major companies
- How to draft personal petitions covering everything from tenant-landlord disputes to workman's compensation
- Suggestions on what steps to take to avoid litigation
- Consumer Smarts for automobile buyers
- How to protect yourself from fraudulent business solicitations
- Navigating the courts to ensure the well-being of your family and children
- Help in getting proper coverage from your HMO
- And--because sometimes the world is on your side--how to write the perfect thank- you note.
Delightfully readable, easy to use, and filled with the addresses of hundreds of corporate customer relations offices and state and federal agencies,
Shocked, Appalled, and Dismayed! is an essential resource for anyone who wants to reach out and scold somebody.
Customer Reviews:
Need in Elctronic Form.......2006-11-13
I wish this book was available in downloadable electronic form which will make it more useful in practice by cutting and pasting.
Every person in USA should have this book!.......2006-07-10
I have the book for several years and its contents have saved me time and money over and over again. It is rich in samples of real letters and complaints, with real cases.
I recommend to anyone that ever needs to write a complaint letter and/or need to reach government agencies.
Every Amazon.com customer needs to get this book!.......2004-03-18
Anyone who has made enough transactions with Amazon.com can tell you, Amazon.com has its share of foul-ups. And when mistakes (that are bound to happen from time-to-time) do happen, the biggest errors occur in their customer service department. For me, I know that I have written e-mail after e-mail complaining about RUDE, ERRONEOUS and downright FRAUDULENT communication emanating from the unskilled and unsupervised excuse for a customer service department only to have other unskilled, unsupervised hacks respond. I kept explaining that I was not seeking compensation, I was trying to complain about Amazon.com's customer service, but Amazon.com either doesn't care or doesn't have a mechanism to care. My e-mails which always started, please forward this to so-and-so's supervisor never were. I can't wait for the follow-up to this book. "How To Write Letters Of Complaint to OUTSOURCED INDIANS WHO DON'T UNDERSTAND HOW THE AMERICAN CONSUMER WANTS TO BE TREATED!!"
Xcellent.......2002-12-15
You may only need this book on occassion, but when you do you will be very glad you have it. It proved indespensible for me recently!
Common sense information.......2002-12-10
This book is great if you have no idea how to write a complaint letter. However, most of us have common sense, and know how to express that we are "shocked, appalled, and dismayed"! Also, this book discourages the use of certain words and phrases for no other reason than that the author doesn't like them, or thinks they are overused. This book does provide some useful information on how to contact people you may want to send a complaint letter to, but this information can easily be found on the web (for free).
Book Description
According to Bowker, there are over 150,000 books published in the U.S. every year. Less than 1 percent of the books published make the bestseller list.
People are fascinated by bestselling authors who have become every bit as much celebrities as rock musicians or film stars. Through some mysterious process, these individuals take blank pages and turn them into gold. And many authors do this over and over again. For authors, earning a spot on the bestseller list is the grand, often elusive prize at the end of many years of work. But what makes a bestseller happen?
Brian Hill and Dee Power interviewed over 50 successful authors, publishers, editors, agents, book reviewers, and other experts to find the answer. The Making of a Bestseller: Success Stories from Authors and the Editors, Agents, and Booksellers Behind Them presents a comprehensive look at the publishing process from start to finish.
Authors and would-be authors, individuals in the publishing industry, and passionate readers will learn:
* How bestselling authors approach the craft of writing and marketing their books.
* The many different paths authors take to the top of the list.
* The impact a first bestseller makes on an author's life.
* The workings of the selection process, from the query letter to the decision to publish.
* How publishers know a book has bestseller potential.
* The agent's role in helping create a bestseller.
* Factors and events that influence whether a book makes the bestseller list, including TV ""reading book clubs,"" the review process, publicity, marketing programs, and timing.
* How Hollywood impacts the reading public.
To provide a broad spectrum of experience, interviews are included with authors of nonfiction and fiction, as well as first-time novelists to serial bestsellers. In addition, avid readers will find fascinating stories behind some of their favorite authors' works.
Customer Reviews:
Realistic Insight for Any Would-Be Book Author.......2006-09-19
Dee Power and Brian Hill have put together a fascinating look at bestselling authors and what it takes. They interview a number of bestselling authors, booksellers and editors about what made the difference for a book to become a bestseller. Here's a few quotes from the book:
"Now we know: The "secret bestseller sauce" is made up of this key ingredient--a great book." p. 88 Then on the next page: "in our survey, agents on average said they accept 2 out of 1,000 submissions. A senior editor with a top publishing house told us she accepts 1 out of 100 submissions that she receives from agents. If we combine the two, it means that there is a 1 out of 50,000 chance of a new book by an unknown author making it from the author's word processor to successfully attracting an agent, and then on to the contract stage with a publisher."
See what I mean about realism into the pages of this book?
Yet the tone is not discouraging but informative and helpful to stimulate would-be authors to excellence in their writing, in their pitches to editors and in their promotion efforts. I learned a great deal from this book and recommend it.
Backstage Pass.......2006-05-24
Brian and Dee's book is like having a one-on-one conversation with today's top fiction and non-fiction writers.
What questions would you want to ask them?
...How do you stay focused?
...What quality is present in all "good writing"?
...What is the life of an author truly like?
...How did you get into writing?
...Where do you get your ideas?
Chances are good that whatever your question Brian and Dee asked it.
The Making of a Bestseller is a book that you can pick-up, read for a few minutes, and get something out of it. If you want a book that delivers a step-by-step marketing strategy this is not the book for you. However if you want to get a glimpse into the mindset of today's top authors buy this book.
This is a book you'll want to read again and again. .......2005-10-21
You'll feel like you just had a scintillating dinner conversation with some of the top players in the publishing industry. This book is firmly grounded in reality and offers so much more than a pseudo-"sure-fire formula" for hitting bestseller lists-- it offers real insight into the ways success flourishes. This is a book you'll want to read again and again to glean new pieces of wisdom each time.
[...]
Title is Bestseller, Little Else.......2005-10-02
This book may sell because of it's title, and little else. Writing style is so-so, no real nuts and bolts info. Of course, being on a major bestseller list is fantastic and the authors within the book say so. But, and it's a big but, if you want to know how to become a bestselling author, this isn't your guide. As the book buyer for a publishing association, I won't recommend it--better books to help create marketing plans/strategies to move books would be John Kremer's 1001 Ways to Market Your Books and Brian Jud's Beyond the Bookstore.
Aspiring Authors, Get the Inside Scoop About the Publishing Business.......2005-08-20
Brian Hill and Dee Power have written this inside look into the business of writing with a natural and approachable style. The light handed touches of humor and the down to earth language made this a very enjoyable read. I have never written an Amazon Review until now but was compelled to add my voice to the others. Count me as a very satisfied consumer.
Books:
- History: Fiction or Science? (Chronology, No. 1)
- History: Fiction or Science? (Chronology, No. 1)
- History: Fiction or Science? (Chronology, No. 1)
- How to Develop and Promote Successful Seminars and Workshops: The Definitive Guide to Creating and Marketing Seminars, Workshops, Classes, and Conferences
- How to Say It: Choice Words, Phrases, Sentences, and Paragraphs for Every Situation, Revised Edition
- How to Say It For Women: Communicating with Confidence and Power Using the Language of Success
- How to Win Friends & Influence People
- How to Write a Love Letter That Works: The Whens, Whys, and Hows of Expressing Terms of Endearment
- Information Dashboard Design: The Effective Visual Communication of Data
- Interviewing: Principles and Practices
Books Index
Books Home
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How to Write a Winning Personal Statement 3rd ed (How to Write a Winning Personal Statement for Graduate and Professional School)
Getting What You Came For: The Smart Student's Guide to Earning an M.A. or a Ph.D.
Graduate School: Winning Strategies for Getting in With or Without Excellent Grades
Get Into Graduate School: A Strategic Approach (Get Into Graduate School)
Getting In: A Step-By-Step Plan for Gaining Admission to Graduate School in Psychology
