Book Editors Talk to Writers

By Judy Mandell

Working editors share inside information on how book publishing really works Based on penetrating interviews with 44 experienced editors, this essential guide gives you the lowdown on everything you need to know to get published faster and easier. No matter what publishing category you want to break into--fiction, cookbooks, self-help, computer books, science fiction, mysteries, reference, or children's books--you'll find the information you need from an editor who specializes in that area. Here's the inside scoop on: Book proposals: Create the kind of query letter or book proposal that editors prefer Agents: Figure out if you need one and how to find the best agent for your work Bestsellers: Is it luck or are they "made"? Publishing decisions: Who really has the final say Book packagers: What they do for authors and editors Publishing lingo: understand terms like "slush pile,""backlist," "remainders," etc.

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0471003913
• ISBN13: 9780471003915
• Release Date: May 1995
• Publisher: Wiley
• Length: 240 Pages
• Weight: 0.95 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.7" x 6.0" x 9.0"

Customer Reviews

Good Read

Writers often send in a manuscript without reading the publisher's writing guidelines, properly formatting their work, extensive proofreading, etc. Book editors talk about these topics and more in order to enlighten writer's about what is expected of them before they put their manuscript in the mail. It is frustrating for an editor to read manuscripts that are not well-written or unsuited for their publishing house. I enjoyed reading this book and, in fact, finished it in two days.

It;s like having your own personal publishing mentor

This is one of my two favorite books on the publishing business. Read it cover to cover and you will come away with ammunition most writers don't have when they try to sell their books. No matter what kind of book you are writing, Judy has an editor who addresses the topic. These interviews are extremely candid. It's like having a friend in the publishing business.Buy this and the only other book you will need is "Write a Book Without a Finger", by Mahesh Grossman, which shows several actual proposals by first time authors, two of whom sold their first books for over $100,000 dollars.

Informative and enjoyable; the straight scoop from editors.

Not only is this an informative book for new and experienced writers, it's also quite fun to read. Through Judy Mandell's question/answer format I felt as though I were in a restaurant eavesdropping on a conversation in the next booth. A variety of editors speak openly and candidly about the publishing world -- what makes a best seller, what makes a winning nonfiction proposal, what they want (and don't want) from authors. From small university presses to powerful New York publishing houses, Judy Mandell conducts over 40 interviews and asks editors the questions I've always wanted to ask. How are advances determined? Which books get "the big push" in promotions? When I finished the book I understood a little better how editors think and what they need from writers. That's invaluable information.