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perilous1's review against another edition
3.0
3 1/2 stars or so -- pretty good, as far as instructional books go.
I think the very first recommendation nailed it when they called this book a 'Publishing Primer.' Filled with easy-to-understand perspective and practical advice, it's definitely worth a read by anyone who's finished a manuscript and is wondering what the next steps are and should be if they hope to succeed on the lengthy path to publication. Appendix 2 contains a comprehensive overview of the entire process.
While the first five chapters or so were pretty elementary, it's worth skimming through until you get to something you might still be in need of familiarizing yourself with. There are a number of worthwhile suggestions that will save you time and aid in marketing your book once you've reached that stage. And though the humor applied is sometimes more snide than funny, it holds your attention and gets it's point across without being convoluted. They don't try to kill your dreams, but they also don't attempt to make any false promises.
Standout thought to ponder:
"If you are not ready to promote yourself and your writing, maybe you're not ready to become an author."
I think the very first recommendation nailed it when they called this book a 'Publishing Primer.' Filled with easy-to-understand perspective and practical advice, it's definitely worth a read by anyone who's finished a manuscript and is wondering what the next steps are and should be if they hope to succeed on the lengthy path to publication. Appendix 2 contains a comprehensive overview of the entire process.
While the first five chapters or so were pretty elementary, it's worth skimming through until you get to something you might still be in need of familiarizing yourself with. There are a number of worthwhile suggestions that will save you time and aid in marketing your book once you've reached that stage. And though the humor applied is sometimes more snide than funny, it holds your attention and gets it's point across without being convoluted. They don't try to kill your dreams, but they also don't attempt to make any false promises.
Standout thought to ponder:
"If you are not ready to promote yourself and your writing, maybe you're not ready to become an author."
zhelana's review against another edition
3.0
I mean, the big takeaway from this book is that I'm not ever even going to try to get published. While I honestly believe that my writing is good enough, I don't have the mental capacity to deal with all the stress of publishing, the consequences of publishing, and writing and editing quickly enough to keep a writing contract. Honestly, it sounds exhausting and stressful and not at all worth it. That said, if you do want to publish, and you're sure about that, then this is a good book for teaching you about the industry and the parts of books that go on behind the scenes between writing and a publication date. You should know what you're getting into, and this book provides that. This may not be the outcome the authors were hoping for, deciding not to publish. But I thank them for an honest look at the publishing industry and the ability to make an informed decision about this for myself.
lkmreads's review against another edition
Given the title and subtitle, I thought this woul be a book about both writing AND publishing. Apparently I was wrong and it is mostly solely about publishing. Traditional publishing only, at that.
This book is NOT for you if you want actual writing advice or encouragement, nor if you want to self-publish.
I guess it has some decent, though probably dated, information about traditional publishing. I had a very hard time getting through it as the writing style was distracting, I had no idea who these "author enablers" were or why they called themselves that, the structure was off, and it was trying too hard to be funny. It was quite wordy as well and had a hard time getting the point across easily.
Would not recommend even if you want to go the trad publishing route.
This book is NOT for you if you want actual writing advice or encouragement, nor if you want to self-publish.
I guess it has some decent, though probably dated, information about traditional publishing. I had a very hard time getting through it as the writing style was distracting, I had no idea who these "author enablers" were or why they called themselves that, the structure was off, and it was trying too hard to be funny. It was quite wordy as well and had a hard time getting the point across easily.
Would not recommend even if you want to go the trad publishing route.
ulzeta's review against another edition
5.0
Fun and well-written. It provides many insight and sticks to the point, "Write!"
jljaina's review against another edition
I won this as a free copy through the Goodreads Firstreads giveaways
program, from the author himself. However, over 2 months later I have not received the book so I am unable to review further until (or if) I receive the book. Unfortunately, part of the request for these giveaways is a review of said book so here is all I get to say.
That being said, I have heard that it is not considered a proper review unless its at least two paragraphs so my rambling...3 weeks ago (just shy of the giveaway being 2 months past) I attempted to contact Mr Barry but have not received a reply which is why I do not have much faith to ever get the book.If I receive it, I will change and properly review the book and rate it based on what it is, instead of reviewing how Mr Barry has not sent it and has not responded to messages (hence the current 1 star). So, hope I get the book so I can review the book itself.
program, from the author himself. However, over 2 months later I have not received the book so I am unable to review further until (or if) I receive the book. Unfortunately, part of the request for these giveaways is a review of said book so here is all I get to say.
That being said, I have heard that it is not considered a proper review unless its at least two paragraphs so my rambling...3 weeks ago (just shy of the giveaway being 2 months past) I attempted to contact Mr Barry but have not received a reply which is why I do not have much faith to ever get the book.If I receive it, I will change and properly review the book and rate it based on what it is, instead of reviewing how Mr Barry has not sent it and has not responded to messages (hence the current 1 star). So, hope I get the book so I can review the book itself.
nikkigee81's review against another edition
3.0
I've read a few "books about writing," and this one was pretty good. A bit of humor, and I learned some new publishing terms. Now, if I could actually get my gumption back TO write something other than blog entries . . . but that's not their fault. I also enjoyed the suggestions from authors of books to read, about writing and otherwise.
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