Shortest Distance Between You and a Published Book

At the last Book Expo, I talked with numerous people in the book world (sellers, agents, authors, media), all of whom said this was THE book to get to write a proposal. So, I got it. Off of what the book tells you to do (in very helpful details, with steps in order you do them), my proposal and query letter have now garnered interest from two major agents.I'd say the book is more for nonfiction than fiction. Page herself states that for fiction, you have to write the whole book, there's no substitute for that. And only nonfiction books are sold off the proposal alone.One weakness: her advice for writing the opening didn't work for me, though I followed it to the letter. The agent I'm probably going with wants me to rewrite the first 4 pages of my proposal. I would read more than just her book in doing a proposal. Try another biggie in the field: How to Write a Book Proposal by Michael Larsen.BUT!! Considering that this is the one all the players in the industry recommend and that it is just SO good, you can't afford to pass this one up if you have hopes of getting published. This woman knows her stuff and gives you a guide that is the most thorough I've seen.Happy publishing!

I told a friend of mine that I'd started writing a novel and she recommended "Shortest Distance" to me. I'd done quite a bit of research on the subject of book publishing over the years, but after reading this book, all of my questions about book publishing were answered. Ms. Page completely demystifies all aspects of the book publishing process as well as the industry as a whole. Now, instead of seeing writing and publishing a book as an arduous and possibly even terrifying struggle, I now see it as rewarding and totally within my grasp as a starting writer.After reading the book, I thought of even more questions. I emailed them to Ms. Page and she graciously replied with answers. I recommend this book to any writer that wants a no-nonsense guide to publishing.

This book is absolutely invaluable! Susan Page takes you step by step thru the maze of writing, setting goals, deciding on titles, finding an agent, query letters, book proposals, contracts, what to expect after you sell, plus great infomation about promotion, marketing and working with the media. Sound advice resonates from each page. The resource section alone was worth the price of the book. Written in a easy to read style that lets you breeze through the material. It was a true gift to those of us in the throes of publishing and trying to find our way through. Her book is an treasure trove of information & the perfect primer for the first time writer or sauvy professional. Thank you Susan for your skill and you openness in sharing the secrets to success that you have learned along the way. Now there is no reason that success is beyond anyone's reach with this as our bible.

This book was truly helpful. I already had an literary agent when I read this book but the tips given regarding agents let me know that I had signed with the right one! The information about advances and royalties was very valuable. There's nothing wrong with expecting to be paid well for something you enjoy doing and are good at!!!

Susan Page has artfully and skillfully condensed and organized the publishing wisdom she has gained from her own frustrating years of trying to break into print into a golden tour-guide for the newcomer to the writing-for-publication world. She has sequentially described every step in the process of getting a book published. She also has shared from her personal storehouse of publishing horror stories -- industry faux pas to avoid. Thanks to her excellent advice, I have located the perfect literary agent to represent my own book. Thank you, Susan, from the bottom of my ink-well!