Rating: 
Summary: Great insights into the writer-publisher relationship.
Review: I almost put this book away after just starting it, because I didn't like the first section on how to write well. Her suggestions on writing seemed almost fatalistic--either you have it or you don't. Where the book excels is when Judith gives her advice on dealing with editors, publicists, and others in the publishing industry. As a publisher, her words rang true. The author definitely knows how to coach authors to win the attention and respect of those in the publishing industry and then to make their books successful.
When I got to the final section of the book I was amazed. She has 120 pages listing every conceivable resource for writers organized into the five main sections of her book: where to find material for writing and advice on how to write well and connect with writers' support groups; connecting with people of influence and negotiating the best deal with the publisher; the follow-through needed to make your book successful; help with self-publishing when you choose to go it alone; and how to earn more money as a writer. She lists the books, web sites, other publications and contacts for each of these topics, and comments on each resource. This is truly an incredible aid to the aspiring author, and must come from a deep well of experience that Ms. Appelbaum possesses.
The book addresses the needs of both fiction and non-fiction writers.
Rating:
Summary: Want to get published? This is the place to start
Review: I recommend this book because I followed the advice therein and did in the end get happily published. You won't be happy at every step of the process. And you may find that you need more help in some areas than Ms. Applebaum provides. I had to look elsewhere for additional help with my query letter and my book proposal. But this book is a great place to start your publishing adventure.
Rating:
Summary: Ask Yourself What The Readers Want - Then Do That
Review: My favorite message from this book, which I first read in the late 90's, is, "Figure out how to reach them physically, intellectually and emotionally."This is a wonderful and easy book to follow that should be part of all aspiring and seasoned author's library, along with "How to Write a Book Proposal," because Ms. Appelbaum started from the bottom, if you will, in the publishing industry. And throughout this book she shows that she is anticipating the questions that future authors have both about the business of becoming published and the art of writing that book. I especially like her level of optimism, where although she talks about some challenges of the publishing process, she focuses more on how to turn those challenges into getting what you want. When I first read this book, years ago, I was preparing myself to be published in magazines and newspapers. And now that I have that down to a fine science, I am ready to write books. I am grateful to Judith Appelbaum's contribution to my realizing my dreams.
Rating:
Summary: Ask Yourself What The Readers Want - Then Do That
Review: My favorite message from this book, which I first read in the late 90's, is, "Figure out how to reach them physically, intellectually and emotionally." This is a wonderful and easy book to follow that should be part of all aspiring and seasoned author's library, along with "How to Write a Book Proposal," because Ms. Appelbaum started from the bottom, if you will, in the publishing industry. And throughout this book she shows that she is anticipating the questions that future authors have both about the business of becoming published and the art of writing that book. I especially like her level of optimism, where although she talks about some challenges of the publishing process, she focuses more on how to turn those challenges into getting what you want. When I first read this book, years ago, I was preparing myself to be published in magazines and newspapers. And now that I have that down to a fine science, I am ready to write books. I am grateful to Judith Appelbaum's contribution to my realizing my dreams.
Rating:
Summary: Tells exactly how to get books and articles published
Review: No more rejection letters? Maybe not, if you follow the sensible advice in Appelbaum's masterful bestseller. She explains that publishing must be treated as a "rational, manageable activity ... in which knowledge coupled with skill and application can ensure success." Also shows how to get the best deal from the publisher, legally retaining as many rights as possible and how to promote the book once it's published. If you are a beginning author, my advice is to simply write one page per day, but first read How to Get Happily Published. It's also a great resource for experienced, published writers and publishing firms.
Rating:
Summary: Every author needs this book!
Review: The resource guide is worth the price of the book alone. Judith is the Queen- she knows more about publishing than just about anyone. This book is a bible- don't even think of writing and promoting a book without first buying this one...
Rating:
Summary: If you have written a manuscript...
Review: Then you MUST buy this book. Judith really knows her stuff. This is an excellent place to start brainstorming, even if you think that you have "seen it all". Kudos to Judith for sharing her knowledge. As a published author of several books I KNOW the challenge of marketing to the public - and publishers - that each book brings. Keep a copy of this close by and reread it often. You won't be disappointed. Dusty White
Author of How to Get ANY MAN to do ANYTHING You Want!
Rating:
Summary: If you have written a manuscript...
Review: Then you MUST buy this book. Judith really knows her stuff. This is an excellent place to start brainstorming, even if you think that you have "seen it all". Kudos to Judith for sharing her knowledge. As a published author of several books I KNOW the challenge of marketing to the public - and publishers - that each book brings. Keep a copy of this close by and reread it often. You won't be disappointed. Dusty White
Author of How to Get ANY MAN to do ANYTHING You Want!
Rating: 
Summary: Great book--if you want to self-publish...
Review: This book gives the reader options in simple to understand terms. Afterall, a first time adventurer into the field of writing and publishing has to learn a whole new business. After reading many books on the market, I was about to give up. If you are as committed to seeing your book published as you are to writing it- then this book is for you. It has resources galore, insider knowledge, practical facts and enthusiastic encouragement without the questionable "pie in the sky." If I had only one book it would be this guide.
Rating:
Summary: A long-overdue review for a book I've recommended often
Review: This book has many virtues, but I want to speak to one in particular: how writers can best engage in marketing their own books (whether they publish themselves or have a contract with a publishing house). I don't think anybody else covers this topic with the experience, insight, common sense, practical advice, and cheerful realism that Judith Appelbaum brings to the task. Most writers get modest support (if any) from the publisher--you need to roll up your sleeves and do it yourself if you're going to get the readers you deserve. You can spend more time on marketing, over a longer period of time, than the publisher can, you know your audience better than the publisher does, and you are better connected to your audience than the publisher is. Believe me. They've got hundreds of books to worry about--and you've only got ONE. Make the most of it. This book is your best friend and coach for the long distance run. Writers who ignore its advice will regret the consequences of that decision for the rest of their lives. Judith Appelbaum lays out the options and leaves the decisions of how much to do for you to figure--did I mention that she is also a delight to read?--honestly I think every publishing contract should come with a copy of this book.
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