cabledsweater's review
3.0
A series of short essays by professional authors on topics from inspiration to agents. Lots of good stuff, and easy to skip the chapters that are not personally relevant.
aminowrimo's review
2.0
In advice given, this book is helpful But, because I'm not interested in publishing at this moment, and because it's outdated (written in late 2009, any articles about ebooks are probably no longer valid).
Beyond that, it didn't engage me, which means something. I think this book would be better off being read as a reference book ("What was that thing about query letters? Let me look it up!") rather than as a book ("Chapter 1, Chapter 2, etc"), which is how I usually read.
All in all, this may appeal to self-publishing writers who are interested in knowing some pointers.
Beyond that, it didn't engage me, which means something. I think this book would be better off being read as a reference book ("What was that thing about query letters? Let me look it up!") rather than as a book ("Chapter 1, Chapter 2, etc"), which is how I usually read.
All in all, this may appeal to self-publishing writers who are interested in knowing some pointers.
birdkeeperklink's review
2.0
A few helpful bits in here, but not much. It was free, so no big deal. I think I've read too many other writing help books to make this one worthwhile.
socr8sjohnson's review
3.0
This was a good collection of essays and blog posts about the craft and business of writing from some pretty good writers. As with any collection of disparate essays and blogs, there was some contradictory advice, but the main thing I took away from this is whether you choose to go the traditional route through agents, publishers and the like or try self-publishing, make sure you've written the very best thing you can, and that was consistent advice throughout.
marlajanereads's review
2.0
I was slightly disappointed to find that this book is merely a compilation of different blog articles from several authors. In retrospect, I realize the book acts more like an anthology of advice than anything else. It was aggravating at first, but once I became familiar with the point of view changing with each differing writer, it wasn't so bad.
As for the advice, I say take it all with a grain of sand. Some of them were full of great points, then others were rather moot. The last two or three articles or "chapters" were nothing but speculation as to what will happen with e-books, authors, and publishers as the technology world changes before us. All in all, it was an "okay" book. It could have been better. My advice? Do some research of your own. Find a book or two written by stand-alone authors and read what they have to say on the writing and publishing process. Chances are you'll glean more from one author sharing his or her complete thoughts on the matter, than skimming through the scattered thoughts of multiple authors.
As for the advice, I say take it all with a grain of sand. Some of them were full of great points, then others were rather moot. The last two or three articles or "chapters" were nothing but speculation as to what will happen with e-books, authors, and publishers as the technology world changes before us. All in all, it was an "okay" book. It could have been better. My advice? Do some research of your own. Find a book or two written by stand-alone authors and read what they have to say on the writing and publishing process. Chances are you'll glean more from one author sharing his or her complete thoughts on the matter, than skimming through the scattered thoughts of multiple authors.
abhrasach's review
3.0
This compilation of blog posts was free, and not bad at the price. It contains lots of solid practical information, some of which conflicts in an informative way because of the variety of author experiences collected. Sometimes repetitive, a bit starry-eyed about self-publishing, and slightly dated (something the editor is open about), it's a good crash course for writers but not a polished whole.
jlennidorner's review
5.0
Scott Nicholson has created an excellent compilation of the blogged advice of himself and other several published authors. Cut down your research "how-to-write-better" time by reading this book.
It starts with a hilarious and visionary comparison of the craft of writing to the effort of Olympians. Then there's the comfort that writing gets better with practice.
There's the A to Z of the industry. The book hits on the harsh realities that come after finding an agent or publishing, and tells you how to get there.
By chapter 31, it's clear that this book is aimed at indie authors who are ready to succeed with pride.
Chapter 33 does have a link to a site that doesn't exist. Searching leads to a blog post from Feb 2012 that says it's "coming soon," a Goodreads group that hasn't posted since 2012, and a rarely used Twitter hashtag.
Overall, this is a very good book, and I recommend that new writers take the time to read it.
It starts with a hilarious and visionary comparison of the craft of writing to the effort of Olympians. Then there's the comfort that writing gets better with practice.
There's the A to Z of the industry. The book hits on the harsh realities that come after finding an agent or publishing, and tells you how to get there.
By chapter 31, it's clear that this book is aimed at indie authors who are ready to succeed with pride.
Chapter 33 does have a link to a site that doesn't exist. Searching leads to a blog post from Feb 2012 that says it's "coming soon," a Goodreads group that hasn't posted since 2012, and a rarely used Twitter hashtag.
Overall, this is a very good book, and I recommend that new writers take the time to read it.
readwithmima's review
3.0
I so need the half star in Goodreads. Can anyone start a petition already? Please?
juppiegirl_79's review
4.0
I found this to be a great collection of tips from successful authors. As I am currently writing my first novel and don't have any experience in the author world, I found several tips that I felt I learned from. Some I have implemented already and others I plan to use soon.
tammyp20156's review
5.0
Good book
I read books that will teach me something. This book had an eye catching title. I would recommend this book if you are interested in writing and publishing books.
I read books that will teach me something. This book had an eye catching title. I would recommend this book if you are interested in writing and publishing books.