What do you think?
Rate this book
Secrets Most Writers and Publishers Will Never Tell You
They say everyone has a book inside them—and that may be true. But too many would-be writers get lost somewhere between inspiration and publication. Packed with hard truths and insider tips, Secrets Most Writers and Publishers Will Never Tell You is exactly the advice you need to take your idea for a book straight to the finish line.
Unlike most books about writing, this one doesn’t sugarcoat anything. In fact, some of what you read may feel like a (gentle) slap in the face. We’ll tell you the harsh truths about what the world of publishing is like today and what to expect as you embark on the journey to becoming a published author.
At the same time, we’ll inspire you and magically transport you to a world where people actually care about books and writing—just like you do. But better than that, we’ll let you in on ten secrets that most writers and publishers don’t want the uninitiated to know.
Unlike most books about writing, this one doesn’t sugarcoat anything. In fact, some of what you read may feel like a (gentle) slap in the face. We’ll tell you the harsh truths about what the world of publishing is like today and what to expect as you embark on the journey to becoming a published author.
At the same time, we’ll inspire you and magically transport you to a world where people actually care about books and writing—just like you do. But better than that, we’ll let you in on ten secrets that most writers and publishers don’t want the uninitiated to know.
206 pages, Paperback
Published March 1, 2021
791 people want to read
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 3 of 3 reviews
April 26, 2021
*I received a free copy, and a bottle opener in exchange for an honest review.
A publisher's rant. Ironically, this currently seems to have at least one nepotistic review that the book rails against. I wonder if this book used an editor, it seems to be one of the books that should not have been published that this book talks about. The author also boasts about their honesty in the middle of writing about wanting to pick up money from the street (no, not for donating it to charity). My takeaway is to avoid this publishing house, this was a waste of good quality paper and a decent cover design.
A publisher's rant. Ironically, this currently seems to have at least one nepotistic review that the book rails against. I wonder if this book used an editor, it seems to be one of the books that should not have been published that this book talks about. The author also boasts about their honesty in the middle of writing about wanting to pick up money from the street (no, not for donating it to charity). My takeaway is to avoid this publishing house, this was a waste of good quality paper and a decent cover design.
April 24, 2021
I have been writing for almost thirty years and for the last eight years, I have known and worked closely with Tara Tomczyk.
Tara spent a few decades working as an editor for several brick-and-mortar publishers before she followed her dream of forming her own publishing house, Blydyn Square Books. And I was one of the first three books she accepted for publication.
The novel that Tara published went on to win a few national awards, made a book-of-the-year list, and is currently being developed into a major motion picture by Sunset River Productions. Then Tara published a non-fiction of mine that went on to be the subject of a documentary. And of course, Tara was there for the filming and the premiere, something you never see in editors or publishers.
Now I’m writing this because I honestly believe --- no, I know --- that any success these two books had are largely due to her involvement. No doubt. As an editor, she is the best I’ve ever seen, coaxing out what you are trying to say, but keeping your voice. And as a publisher, she is dedicated to finding and putting out books that she finds important, unusual and being missed by the mainstream industry.
Tara breaks all the rules of a publisher. First, she looks for books not on how many they can sell, but of how they make you think. And she is absolutely passionate about books, about publishing and about the written word.
All of this, along with insights that I’ve never seen in any other book, are in SECRETS MOST WRITERS AND PUBLISHERS WILL NEVER TELL YOU.
And this book is just like she is. Honest, passionate and driven.
Tara spent a few decades working as an editor for several brick-and-mortar publishers before she followed her dream of forming her own publishing house, Blydyn Square Books. And I was one of the first three books she accepted for publication.
The novel that Tara published went on to win a few national awards, made a book-of-the-year list, and is currently being developed into a major motion picture by Sunset River Productions. Then Tara published a non-fiction of mine that went on to be the subject of a documentary. And of course, Tara was there for the filming and the premiere, something you never see in editors or publishers.
Now I’m writing this because I honestly believe --- no, I know --- that any success these two books had are largely due to her involvement. No doubt. As an editor, she is the best I’ve ever seen, coaxing out what you are trying to say, but keeping your voice. And as a publisher, she is dedicated to finding and putting out books that she finds important, unusual and being missed by the mainstream industry.
Tara breaks all the rules of a publisher. First, she looks for books not on how many they can sell, but of how they make you think. And she is absolutely passionate about books, about publishing and about the written word.
All of this, along with insights that I’ve never seen in any other book, are in SECRETS MOST WRITERS AND PUBLISHERS WILL NEVER TELL YOU.
And this book is just like she is. Honest, passionate and driven.
May 19, 2023
I am always interested in the straight scoop from insiders in the publishing industry, like long-time editor and publisher Tara Tomczyk. This book is a wonderful resource if you’re just beginning your publishing journey, and offers helpful reminders if you’re well into that journey.
The tips in this book are presented as 10 “secrets” on topics like the basic of publishing, how to find time to write, why it’s important to read if you’re going to write, why not every book is worthy of publication, and how to survive your foray into the fearless act of trying to get your book published.
Chances are, not all 10 secrets will be news to you, but I bet some of them will be. And even the ones you’ve heard before have never been presented as honestly and unvarnished as they are here. For me, one of the most helpful was the chapter explaining why it takes roughly 18 months for a book to be released—something that was always a mystery to me.
Like your own personal advisor, Tomczyk calls you out on your weaknesses and insists that you do better. That tough love is what makes this book so special. It’s in-your-face, blunt, and real. You can tell she truly loves publishing and books and wants authors to succeed. But she doesn’t suffer fools, nor should she.
This book won’t be for everyone. If you are thin-skinned, e.g. don’t like feedback on your writing, you might not be able to absorb her messages. But if you can put your ego aside, accept the advice with an open mind, and act on it, you’ll be better off in the long run.
The tips in this book are presented as 10 “secrets” on topics like the basic of publishing, how to find time to write, why it’s important to read if you’re going to write, why not every book is worthy of publication, and how to survive your foray into the fearless act of trying to get your book published.
Chances are, not all 10 secrets will be news to you, but I bet some of them will be. And even the ones you’ve heard before have never been presented as honestly and unvarnished as they are here. For me, one of the most helpful was the chapter explaining why it takes roughly 18 months for a book to be released—something that was always a mystery to me.
Like your own personal advisor, Tomczyk calls you out on your weaknesses and insists that you do better. That tough love is what makes this book so special. It’s in-your-face, blunt, and real. You can tell she truly loves publishing and books and wants authors to succeed. But she doesn’t suffer fools, nor should she.
This book won’t be for everyone. If you are thin-skinned, e.g. don’t like feedback on your writing, you might not be able to absorb her messages. But if you can put your ego aside, accept the advice with an open mind, and act on it, you’ll be better off in the long run.
Displaying 1 - 3 of 3 reviews