Barely a week goes by when we don’t get an e-mail enquiring as to where or how an aspiring author can get an agent or somehow hook into the publishing business. It turns out, the old saw that ‘everyone has a book in them’ is not too far from the truth, at least according to these authors. Well, problem solved.
In what began as a quest to publish and sell copies of their own books (book doctor David’s on baseball legend, Satchel Paige, and literary agent Arielle’s niche book on Jane Austin), this publishing focused couple stumbled upon nearly every pitfall of the small time author world. Proposals, rejection, marketing and lack of enthusiasm, all reared their head in an attempt to thwart their mission. In fact, they had so much experience, as well as the experience of colleagues and clients, that five years ago they successfully published the first version of this book, “Putting Your Passion into Print.”
But now, half a decade later, book publishing has transmogrified into a digital new world order. Some opportunities have faded (newspaper reviews) while others are on the rise (the blogosphere), books are available in a multitude of new formats and self-publishing is available to all, yet through it all, the mystery remains.
So just how does one successfully get a book published (and to sell through, of course)? Well, if you can’t find it in these 480 pages, it’s not to be found. The two authors have assembled a compendium of everything you need to think about to have the best shot at winning this game. From figuring out the right idea, to focusing your pitch, landing an agent, negotiating contracts, getting paid, meeting deadlines and then, of course, the relentless job of how to promote, promote, promote! (Check out their Facebook page for pix of their recent book tour from PA to CA.) The book reveals a myriad of examples, lessons and advice, from both the authors and other experts (Neil Gaiman, Seth Godin, Dan Ariely, etc.) on what to do, what not to do and how to balance your expectations with the realities you will face. This updated (and retitled for optimal SEO) version also features the latest tips for reaching the connected universe through social marketing and SEO (again) as well.
The book has been described as a ‘must-have’ for every aspiring writer and with the down-to-earth writing style Eckstut and Sterry bring to their work, (not to mention those FB photos) “The Essential Guide to Getting Your Book Published” turns out to be a fun read as well.
No more e-mails pleas