78 Reasons Why Your Book May Never Be Published and 14 Reasons Why It Just Might

This is a jaded, sarcastic and very pessimistic viewpoint on submitting your work for publication. Over the first few pages I thought it was going to be just some guy spewing hatred for hacks, but it turned out to be much more than that, and something I couldn't put down. Much of the advice is based on nothing more than the author's opinion, and while it will not apply to everyone in every situation, it is nonetheless sound. In reading cases where I did not agree with Walsh, I often considered trying to prove him wrong, which made it somewhat of an inspirational book in my opinion. I do agree with most of his advice however, and it is commendable in going beyond the things that may be just plain common sense. As an editor at a relatively small publishing house, Walsh gives a a realistic picture of what editors do (it's so much more than just marking out text and saying "no" all day), what they look for, and why. Although the author warns that this book will only be helpful if you have a completed manuscript in hand (and outright advises not to buy it if you don't), I recommend this book to all writers and anyone interested in publishing.

I find that I usually learn a lesson better after making a mistake than if things had gone smoothly. In the same vein, a straight-up rebuke often changes a bad course while a dozen nice "words to the wise" fail to get my attention. "78 Reasons..." takes this corrective path, and does so admirably. An editor who has experienced the bad and the good, Pat Walsh is eminently qualified to tell it like it is. And he does so without mincing words (although there's some humor to leaven things a bit). Many the 78 and 14 reasons average about a page, while some are bit longer. But all are worth reading by an aspiring author who seeks the holy grail of publication. Bottom line, many of the obstacles to getting published are due to character flaws, lack of talent, or industry ignorance on the part of the would-be author. For example, the person who won't revise a manuscript, cannot tell a story, or doesn't understand the publishing game. These folks often refuse to believe that the problem is between the chair and the keyboard. That's sad, because a little self-correction can go a long way. Thin-skinned writers that refuse to work on their weaknesses, or who are simply annoying jerks, won't get published. Indeed, their biggest creation will be a bad reputation among editors and publishers. As for the 14 good reasons, they are mostly virtues that will serve anyone well regardless of occupation. Taking calculated risks, being flexible, and learning from rejection are all qualities that can lead to publication for a humble, solid writer with something to say. In addition to the correction and encouragement, Mr. Walsh provides a look into the nuts and bolts of the publishing world. He serves up interesting information about writing conferences, self-publishing, agents, and much more. Even those merely curious about how books get from manuscript to shelf (virtual or otherwise) will find these insights fascinating. This is a necessary manual for a writer. And as Mr. Walsh warns, don't skip the 78 in favor of the 14. If you do that, you may miss out on the boot to the head you need to get on the right track towards publication.

There are a number of books about getting books published, and sometimes I think I won them all and have read them all. As a matter of fact, I sometimes wonder if I spent as much time writing as I do reading about writing, I'd be published by now. What I usually find is that I get one or two good tips from the writing books. I also find a good deal of contradictory advice. For example, one may say join a writing group and another will sing the praises of small groups. Some espouse keeping journals, others do not. Most will say that getting published is hard, but not impossible, especially for the person reading the book. Of course there are no stats available that say how many people who actually read these books are ever published. One newer book that I have found informative and hopefully helpful is Pat Walsh's SEVENTY EIGHT REASONS WHY YOUR BOOK MAY NOT BE PUBLISHED AND FOURTEEN REASONS WHY IT JUST MIGHT. The author is the founder of an independent press and has come across very manuscript possible. He also tried his hand at fiction before beginning his career in publishing. While Walsh believes that writers have to have a story to tell and have to be true to the vision they have for their work, he knows that desire and talent are not enough. He mentions the importance of persevering, listening to good critical advice, not being blind as to the work's greatness or perceived greatness, and knowing the subject matter well. Much of what he says about writing can be found in other sources, but he says it in a serious but humorous manner that sounds intimidating but after thinking about it is just plain and practical truth. He is frank, but eh does have the best interest of writers at heart. I found his information about publishing most helpful. Writing may be an art, but getting a book published and getting the published book sold is a business and writers need to understand the business aspect of publishing. On the back cover of they book, Betsy Larner, author of another great book about writing and publishing THE FOREST FOR THE TREES suggests buying copy of this book for every struggling writer. I think her advice is on target. SEVENTY EIGHT REASONS is an honest book about writing, but ultimately affirming. I don't know if it will discourage people who are not that serious about writing, but it will remind those who are serious how difficult writing a book that is publishable can be, and how much more difficult it will be to see the finished product on a bookstore shelf, but for me books that are honest about the challenges of writing make me more determined to complete my book and hopefully will help me complete a better finished product.

Walsh won't teach you how to write. He won't give you examples of "the perfect query letter." But he does lay it out honestly and brutally. It's easy to get pissed at him -- hell, if you HAVE written a cross between The Hunt for Red October and Beowulf, he can be downright insulting. But if you've ever had true, honest critique of your work, it gives you a feeling this book gave me. And for those of you who don't like it, I read it in the bookstore for free. I AM a starving writer after all!

This book gets closer to the realities of the enormously difficult book market and the aspiring writer's mind than any other I know of. It will tell you how to avoid some of the pitfalls, but it will also tell you that the most important thing is hard work on your manuscript. Yes, it is provocative and challenging and to some it will be a shock! I wish I could have read it a few years ago, it might have saved me from a number of disappointments. I am a published German writer of non-fiction books, one of which came out in the U.S. this year.