Comments on: How to Get a Book Deal: Lessons From My Adventures in the World of Non-Fiction Publishing http://calnewport.com/blog/2008/03/28/how-to-get-a-book-deal-lessons-from-my-adventures-in-the-world-of-non-fiction-publishing/ Demystifying Sustainable Success Mon, 15 Mar 2010 04:28:59 +0000 http://wordpress.org/?v=2.2 By: Celes | CelestineChua.com http://calnewport.com/blog/2008/03/28/how-to-get-a-book-deal-lessons-from-my-adventures-in-the-world-of-non-fiction-publishing/#comment-9350 Celes | CelestineChua.com Sun, 26 Jul 2009 19:40:57 +0000 http://calnewport.com/blog/2008/03/28/how-to-get-a-book-deal-lessons-from-my-adventures-in-the-world-of-non-fiction-publishing/#comment-9350 This is my first time here (through googling on how to get book deals) and I'm glad I found this blog. I'm currently in the process of writing a book (intending to have this as a free ebook), with idea brewing for a 2nd book which I intend to get published (and hence the googling). You clearly know what you're doing and it's amazing given your age. I'm subscribing to this blog! This is my first time here (through googling on how to get book deals) and I’m glad I found this blog. I’m currently in the process of writing a book (intending to have this as a free ebook), with idea brewing for a 2nd book which I intend to get published (and hence the googling). You clearly know what you’re doing and it’s amazing given your age. I’m subscribing to this blog!

]]> By: Study Hacks http://calnewport.com/blog/2008/03/28/how-to-get-a-book-deal-lessons-from-my-adventures-in-the-world-of-non-fiction-publishing/#comment-9227 Study Hacks Tue, 14 Jul 2009 13:08:18 +0000 http://calnewport.com/blog/2008/03/28/how-to-get-a-book-deal-lessons-from-my-adventures-in-the-world-of-non-fiction-publishing/#comment-9227 <blockquote>This is probably an elementary question, but when contacting potential agents, is email preferable, or snail mail?</blockquote> Agents usually specify their preference on their website.

This is probably an elementary question, but when contacting potential agents, is email preferable, or snail mail?

Agents usually specify their preference on their website.

]]> By: Diane http://calnewport.com/blog/2008/03/28/how-to-get-a-book-deal-lessons-from-my-adventures-in-the-world-of-non-fiction-publishing/#comment-9225 Diane Tue, 14 Jul 2009 02:45:09 +0000 http://calnewport.com/blog/2008/03/28/how-to-get-a-book-deal-lessons-from-my-adventures-in-the-world-of-non-fiction-publishing/#comment-9225 This is probably an elementary question, but when contacting potential agents, is email preferable, or snail mail? I've lost 150 pounds and maintained it for 12 years - taught classes, written for newspapers, have the book done and would like to explore getting it published. I didn't know I wasn't supposed to write the book! (I needed it for my class though) Thanks. This is probably an elementary question, but when contacting potential agents, is email preferable, or snail mail? I’ve lost 150 pounds and maintained it for 12 years - taught classes, written for newspapers, have the book done and would like to explore getting it published. I didn’t know I wasn’t supposed to write the book! (I needed it for my class though) Thanks.

]]> By: Study Hacks http://calnewport.com/blog/2008/03/28/how-to-get-a-book-deal-lessons-from-my-adventures-in-the-world-of-non-fiction-publishing/#comment-9198 Study Hacks Fri, 10 Jul 2009 20:19:23 +0000 http://calnewport.com/blog/2008/03/28/how-to-get-a-book-deal-lessons-from-my-adventures-in-the-world-of-non-fiction-publishing/#comment-9198 <blockquote>Everyone I’ve ever spoken to says “finish the book, then contact agents because they will want to read your manuscript” but you say “contact before you finish.” What’s the deal here?</blockquote> I'm talking about <em>non-fiction</em> publishing. In fiction publishing, which I know very little about, you do have to write the manuscript first.

Everyone I’ve ever spoken to says “finish the book, then contact agents because they will want to read your manuscript” but you say “contact before you finish.” What’s the deal here?

I’m talking about non-fiction publishing. In fiction publishing, which I know very little about, you do have to write the manuscript first.

]]> By: Alex http://calnewport.com/blog/2008/03/28/how-to-get-a-book-deal-lessons-from-my-adventures-in-the-world-of-non-fiction-publishing/#comment-9197 Alex Fri, 10 Jul 2009 20:14:28 +0000 http://calnewport.com/blog/2008/03/28/how-to-get-a-book-deal-lessons-from-my-adventures-in-the-world-of-non-fiction-publishing/#comment-9197 I'm finishing up what a historical fiction novel. As I near completion, I've prepared my query letter and was about to begin sending it out to agents until I saw your site. Everyone I've ever spoken to says "finish the book, then contact agents because they will want to read your manuscript" but you say "contact before you finish." What's the deal here? Also, just out of curiosity, do you know what kind of word length tends to be acceptable for my genre. Again I'm seeing a VAST array of ranges and I don't know where I should be. I think I'm a bit long at the moment, but I can always edit down. I’m finishing up what a historical fiction novel. As I near completion, I’ve prepared my query letter and was about to begin sending it out to agents until I saw your site. Everyone I’ve ever spoken to says “finish the book, then contact agents because they will want to read your manuscript” but you say “contact before you finish.” What’s the deal here?

Also, just out of curiosity, do you know what kind of word length tends to be acceptable for my genre. Again I’m seeing a VAST array of ranges and I don’t know where I should be. I think I’m a bit long at the moment, but I can always edit down.

]]> By: Study Hacks http://calnewport.com/blog/2008/03/28/how-to-get-a-book-deal-lessons-from-my-adventures-in-the-world-of-non-fiction-publishing/#comment-9001 Study Hacks Mon, 08 Jun 2009 15:00:01 +0000 http://calnewport.com/blog/2008/03/28/how-to-get-a-book-deal-lessons-from-my-adventures-in-the-world-of-non-fiction-publishing/#comment-9001 <blockquote>If I’m trying to get my start by writing first for periodicals, would it make sense to start out by writing an article for my college’s alumni magazine? </blockquote> That would be great if you're able to sell an article there. (Depending on the school, this might be difficult.) Another good place to start are small magazines or online magazines that pay very little or not at all. My first publications, for example, were for the now defunct CollegeBound Magazine. The key is to find some place to generate bylines and writing samples, then start laddering up to better and better publications.

If I’m trying to get my start by writing first for periodicals, would it make sense to start out by writing an article for my college’s alumni magazine?

That would be great if you’re able to sell an article there. (Depending on the school, this might be difficult.)

Another good place to start are small magazines or online magazines that pay very little or not at all. My first publications, for example, were for the now defunct CollegeBound Magazine. The key is to find some place to generate bylines and writing samples, then start laddering up to better and better publications.

]]> By: Andrew http://calnewport.com/blog/2008/03/28/how-to-get-a-book-deal-lessons-from-my-adventures-in-the-world-of-non-fiction-publishing/#comment-8991 Andrew Sat, 06 Jun 2009 18:13:57 +0000 http://calnewport.com/blog/2008/03/28/how-to-get-a-book-deal-lessons-from-my-adventures-in-the-world-of-non-fiction-publishing/#comment-8991 If I'm trying to get my start by writing first for periodicals, would it make sense to start out by writing an article for my college's alumni magazine? And then working my way up from there? What kind of periodical do I need to publish in to give me the credibility I need to pitch a book? Any other advice on how to get published by a periodical? Thanks again! If I’m trying to get my start by writing first for periodicals, would it make sense to start out by writing an article for my college’s alumni magazine? And then working my way up from there? What kind of periodical do I need to publish in to give me the credibility I need to pitch a book? Any other advice on how to get published by a periodical? Thanks again!

]]> By: Study Hacks http://calnewport.com/blog/2008/03/28/how-to-get-a-book-deal-lessons-from-my-adventures-in-the-world-of-non-fiction-publishing/#comment-8959 Study Hacks Tue, 02 Jun 2009 13:10:11 +0000 http://calnewport.com/blog/2008/03/28/how-to-get-a-book-deal-lessons-from-my-adventures-in-the-world-of-non-fiction-publishing/#comment-8959 <blockquote>Great advice. I’m hoping you can tell me whether the following idea is something a large audience will feel like they have to buy: “Teaching Evolution, Finding God.”</blockquote> That doesn't match my conception of an idea that an audience feels like they have to buy. In general, titles that meet that description offer new advice on toward a solution people really, really desire. Experience and memoir books are different. To sell such an idea it helps to have an interesting life (which it sounds like you have). But it also requires that you're a good writer. (These books are very hard to make readable.) My advice would be to start working on ways of proving to the publishing world that you're a professional-caliber writer. This usually means publication in competitive venues, such periodicals.

Great advice. I’m hoping you can tell me whether the following idea is something a large audience will feel like they have to buy: “Teaching Evolution, Finding God.”

That doesn’t match my conception of an idea that an audience feels like they have to buy. In general, titles that meet that description offer new advice on toward a solution people really, really desire.

Experience and memoir books are different. To sell such an idea it helps to have an interesting life (which it sounds like you have). But it also requires that you’re a good writer. (These books are very hard to make readable.) My advice would be to start working on ways of proving to the publishing world that you’re a professional-caliber writer. This usually means publication in competitive venues, such periodicals.

]]> By: Andrew http://calnewport.com/blog/2008/03/28/how-to-get-a-book-deal-lessons-from-my-adventures-in-the-world-of-non-fiction-publishing/#comment-8955 Andrew Mon, 01 Jun 2009 10:53:33 +0000 http://calnewport.com/blog/2008/03/28/how-to-get-a-book-deal-lessons-from-my-adventures-in-the-world-of-non-fiction-publishing/#comment-8955 <p>Great advice. I'm hoping you can tell me whether the following idea is something a large audience will feel like they have to buy: "Teaching Evolution, Finding God." The story line: In 2006, I joined Teach For America after working for two years as a business consultant to the military industrial complex. My life was devoid of purpose and I was searching for meaning. Teach For America assigned me to teach biology to a very poor and very religious population of Filipino students on the island of Oahu in Hawaii. Having majored in Political Science at Stanford University, I had to relearn the subject of biology - including evolutionary biology. I immersed myself in the material. What I learned took my breath away. I felt compelled to share my new insights with my students, whatever their religious convictions. While every other biology teacher in my school was reluctant to teach even the most basic outline of evolution, I jumped head first into such controversial topics as human evolution, evidence for evolution, and science's explanation for the origin of life. In teaching the subject, I not only challenged the traditional views held by many of my students. I changed their minds and I found faith in a god that is not supernatural but entirely natural - Mother Nature. What do you think?</p> Great advice. I’m hoping you can tell me whether the following idea is something a large audience will feel like they have to buy: “Teaching Evolution, Finding God.” The story line: In 2006, I joined Teach For America after working for two years as a business consultant to the military industrial complex. My life was devoid of purpose and I was searching for meaning. Teach For America assigned me to teach biology to a very poor and very religious population of Filipino students on the island of Oahu in Hawaii. Having majored in Political Science at Stanford University, I had to relearn the subject of biology - including evolutionary biology. I immersed myself in the material. What I learned took my breath away. I felt compelled to share my new insights with my students, whatever their religious convictions. While every other biology teacher in my school was reluctant to teach even the most basic outline of evolution, I jumped head first into such controversial topics as human evolution, evidence for evolution, and science’s explanation for the origin of life. In teaching the subject, I not only challenged the traditional views held by many of my students. I changed their minds and I found faith in a god that is not supernatural but entirely natural - Mother Nature. What do you think?

]]> By: Study Hacks http://calnewport.com/blog/2008/03/28/how-to-get-a-book-deal-lessons-from-my-adventures-in-the-world-of-non-fiction-publishing/#comment-8755 Study Hacks Fri, 08 May 2009 14:40:22 +0000 http://calnewport.com/blog/2008/03/28/how-to-get-a-book-deal-lessons-from-my-adventures-in-the-world-of-non-fiction-publishing/#comment-8755 <blockquote>I have a question: How many literary agents should you initially pitch yourself to? </blockquote> Write to 2 - 3 that are very well matched to your project. If you get no responses (or just form letter rejections), then you need to reconsider your pitch before trying more. On the other hand, if there is real interest, but they decide, in the end to pass, then you might need to just keep pitching until you hit the right match.

I have a question: How many literary agents should you initially pitch yourself to?

Write to 2 - 3 that are very well matched to your project. If you get no responses (or just form letter rejections), then you need to reconsider your pitch before trying more. On the other hand, if there is real interest, but they decide, in the end to pass, then you might need to just keep pitching until you hit the right match.

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