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Rating: 
Summary: A Guid for SELLING Your Writing
Review: ... I am here to tell you that this book by literary agent Peter Miller doesn't do everything but it does some things very well.I've noticed on the writers' groups I frequent that beginning writers panic when it comes to selling their material. They want to know how to write queries, synopses, and proposals, a different art altogether from whatever writing they do.
I also notice that some of the advice they get is either less than sound, unimaginative or both. "GP! GP!" gives out actual samples for selling your writing that feel right. There isn't one that isn't an excellent guide for a budding writer with her sights on commercial success. That includes literary types who believe they aren't in writing for big money but still want to have their book READ! I think my queries, media releases, etc are pretty good. I still wish I'd had this book as a guide when I was shopping [my book]
Carolyn Howard-Johnson, author of "This is the Place"
Rating: 
Summary: No real substance.
Review: This book has no real substance. For example, the chapter on nonfiction books is ten pages long. The level of the "inside advice" consists of tidbits such as "be professional" and "agents are busy people." If you are looking for useful information on how to prepare book proposals, approach agents and publishers, negotiate a contract, etc., there are other books that are much better (e.g., Jeff Herman, Martin Levin, Elizabeth Lyon, Michael Larsen, and Richard Curtis).
Rating:
Summary: me, Me, ME...
Review: This is above all a book about how wonderful the author is. How clever & experienced he is. How well respected he is. Next in his priority is a recounting of his triumphs and interesting personal experiences. Along the way there are countless admonitions about the need for agents in the corporate jungle that is publishing, and the need for authors to respect agents' time and efforts. Also useful, but probably not necessary, are many reminders that agents & publishers are looking for work they can sell (not necessarily work of literary merit). The hidden message is "don't even try to get your work published- grovel until an agent will represent you." This seems to counteract the title somewhat. The writing style is meandering. The table of contents is vague and there is no index. It's as though he is telling his tale over drinks at a party. He explains that the primary part of his job consists of socializing: meeting with movers & shakers around the world trying to make deals for his clients. He seems well suited for that. OTOH, a web search will highlight some scandals that seem to result from his eagerness to make big deals. Though they are distasteful, they may actually be an indication that he is the guy to get you that big deal you are dreaming about. He seems to be willing to do anything it takes. There is good advice for text writers who are, or should be, considering screen versions of their work. There are several sample proposals in the appendices for those who have never seen them or who would like another perspective. There is good stuff in this book but its hard to find and harder to return to without an index. Peter Miller is above all a salesman, and probably a good one.
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