If you write your own book, can you make it big?
To answer that question, Jeff Herman profiles over 60 top selling authors and asks them not just how to write a book but, more importantly, how to market it.
Some of the best--and funniest--tips come from Ralph Roberts (Walk Like a Giant, Sell Like a Madman). Roberts recommends autographing books at every bookstore you can (it makes it more difficult for the store to return them to the publisher) and giving the pilot a copy of your book every time you fly. "It's awesome," says Roberts, "to hear the pilot announce: 'We have Ralph Roberts, the world's greatest salesperson, on board.'"
The final third of the book is devoted to promotional tips from Herman and other specialists. They advise that when you write your own book you also write a query letter so good that an agent will feel compelled to call you immediately; make your radio appearances so engrossing that even ice cream in the trunk wouldn't make a listener turn off the car and go inside; and take advantage of America Online's 30-day free trial to promote your book to its members. Of course, divine intervention and that booking on Oprah wouldn't hurt, either. --Jane Steinberg
Things you'll learn include, how to:
Turn a good idea into a best selling book
Write your own book proposals that will reel in the big advances
Find and keeping the right agent
Discover the best promotional possibilities for you and your book
Reader Comments:
"People always ask me for advice on how to get their books published successfully. Now I can refer them to "You Can Make It Big Writing Books," one of the best reference books on this subject. Nelson Demille, author of The General's Daughter
"Don't even think about writing a book until you read this. Jeff Herman tells it like it is in today's publishing world." Arielle Ford, publicist and author
"Conveys what it takes to become a bestselling author: the discipline, the perseverance, the knowledge, and the passion." John Gray, author of Men Are from Mars, Women Are from Venus
How to Make It Big 30 Years Ago
This book is a series of questionnaires filled out by successful authors. Many, if not most, have published 10, 20, or 30 bestsellers in the past 10, 20, or 30 years. Over and over the writers say that 30 years ago they did this or they had this bit of luck, which started their career.
The Internet, self-publishing, print-on-demand, e-books, etc. are mentioned maybe once in passing, or not at all. What's repeatedly discussed is enduring reams of rejection letters from agents and publishers. I don't know any aspiring writers who worry about that.
We're too busy finding ways to sell directly to readers to worry about agents and publishers. This book will give you great insights into what it took to "make it big" in publishing 30 years ago. Don't expect to learn much of use in the 21st century.
Review by Thomas David Kehoe, author of "Hearts and Minds: How Our Brains Are Hardwired for Relationships"
For more info go to You Can Make It Big Writing Books: A Top Agent Shows How to Develop a Million-Dollar Bestseller
