So, You Want to Write a Book - Simple Guidelines to Creating Your Publishable Book

by Othniel J. Seiden

Review
This author of dozens of books makes it sound easy to get that book written, published and sold. And you know what... if you do it his way - it is! --John Craig, best-selling author, Microsoft press and O'Reilly Media
Product Description
This book will be especially helpful to anyone in an industry that is in a "Publish or Perish" situation.

"If I can write a publishable book., anyone can!" Othniel Seiden (Otti) starts out each class he teaches with this statement. So, it is appropriate to begin his book with this very true statement as well!

Otti has published over 20 fiction and non-fiction books in his career and will publish 6 more of both in 2008 alone.

Using commercial & partner publishers and going down the self-publishing path as well, gives his unique and contemporary insights amazing value to anyone who wants to write a book or who faces a "publish or parish" situation in their career.

Each book is different, each author is different, each path to publishing is different.

Find the one that is right for you!

Advice To Jumpstart Your Publishing Success
Why should you read this book?

You picked up this book because of the title. You must want to write a book. Maybe you already have a book started or even finished and are wondering what to do next.

This book is for you and for anyone else who wants to write a book, articles, short stories, a family history.


“They” Were Wrong!

When I first started writing over twenty-five years ago, I took several writing courses from various authors, English teachers, poets, literary agents and people in the publishing industry.

The one thing I remember is that they told me that getting published was extremely difficult. They also said that only one in a hundred thousand would succeed. Well, since then

I’ve had well over twenty books published, and that was while I was practicing medicine full time and writing as an avocation.

Either I’m really beating the odds - or "they" were wrong!



Table of Contents
#“They” Were Wrong
# My Qualifications as a Writer
# Who Should Read This Book
# Book Ideas Are Everywhere
# Researching Your Idea
# Market Research The Idea <
# Target Your Market
# Choose the Best Genre
# Define Your Niche
# Your Qualifications
# Time to Write
# Five Elements
# Writer’s Block
# Set Up Your Document’s Template
# The First Draft
# Draft Two
# All Subsequent Drafts
# Getting a Publisher <
# Self-Publishing has Changed
# Getting an Agent
# Publishing Contracts
# Marketing
# Book Signings
# Internet Book Sales
# Radio & TV
# Speaking Engagements
# Resources & Recommended Reading

Genres: Writing

88 pages, Kindle Edition

First published November 1, 2007

Reviews

[Christine Rice · Rating 4 out of 5]

So, You Want to Write a Book - Simple Guidelines to Creating Your Publishable Book by Othniel Seiden is a refreshing read with a positive outlook on writing and publishing a book.

The book starts with a few chapters about how and why it’s not that difficult to traditionally publish, the author’s qualifications, and “who should read this book.” There are a few chapters on book ideas, which tell the reader how to come up with a book idea and how to determine if it’s marketable. The author goes over querying, speaking with editors, and press releases. He also discusses time management, writer’s block, and the writing process - from 1st draft to publication.

Next, Seiden reviews the different methods of publishing. He personally prefers traditional publishing and what he calls “partner publishing,” which is what ebook and print-on-demand publishing is like today. He also goes over vanity publishing and self-publishing from the stance of using a printing press. He also discusses agents, contracts, marketing, promotion, and the media.

So, You Want to Write a Book is a fun, quick read. The author has a unique perspective on writing and publishing - some insightful ideas I hadn’t considered. The text is broken up with quotes, references, and bold subtitles, and the chapters are refreshingly short. There is a lot of helpful information in this book.

I recommend So, You Want to Write a Book to all writers who are nervous to begin writing their first book because they don’t know what to expect. This book will ease their fears and give them helpful advice and ideas. It’s also a book for writers at any stage, like myself, who has self-published three books but still found the book enlightening and informational.

[Diana · Rating 4 out of 5]

I read the first half and got a needed thinking adjustment: I don't have to write a novel to be a writer. I can write whatever I write well. I'll read the rest of this book when I have a product to market. Thanks!

[Lauren · Rating 3 out of 5]

writing guidelines

This book has a very energetic approach to writing but other than that it was not as inspiring or motivational as some other writing books