By Christopher M. Wright
Here’s what you missed at ASBPE-DC’s special event "Get Your Book Idea Published" on Jan. 30:
Rob Freedman's most recent book is "How to Make Real Money in Second Life" (McGraw-Hill, 2007). Senior editor at Realtor magazine and a past president of ASBPE National, Rob said the first thing business book publishers want to know is why your book will sell. Consequently, they don't care how well you write as much as they want to see a business plan identifying the core strength of the book, which audiences will care, and how the book will find its way into their hands. Publishers gave him long lists of questions and it was from these that he crafted his book proposal.
Those in attendance also heard from Rob how best to leverage their personal ties to increase sales.
Roy Harris, senior editor at CFO magazine and immediate past president of ASBPE National, described three things that are important when trying to publish a scholarly work. For "Pulitzer's Gold" (University of Missouri Press 2008), Roy: 1) rejected advice that he needed to prepare a 100-page proposal and instead gave prospects a previously published chapter-length presentation; 2) learned that university presses are not interested in selling a lot of copies up front but are focused on whether a proposed book will have a long shelf life; and 3) showed commitment bordering on obsession, which impressed his editor.
If you had been with us, you also would have learned how Roy got his book into bookstores and promoted it on radio talk shows.
Sarah Davies, children's and young adult literary agent for The Greenhouse Literary Agency, puts together writers and publishers of similar bent and passion. Among her Top Ten Tips for children's writers: No. 2—Don't be derivative. No. 6—Work to develop a unique voice (she wants her hair to stand up). No. 9—Tap into emotions; it's what keeps readers reading.
Audience members also learned how to handle auctions and agents who charge reading fees.
For a few more insights, check out Magnificent Publications' coverage of the event.
Better still, don't miss out next time! The DC chapter will be hosting its next event, "Implementing Video on B2B Web Sites" on Wednesday, Feb. 20, at noon near DuPont Circle. Stay tuned for further details or email asbpedckaty@gmail.com. See you next time!
Mr. Wright is a freelance writer, ASBPE DC Board Member, and winner of ASBPE Regional Bronze. He specializes in investment and technology topics for national and international clients. (www.sinewaveinvestor.com)
Here’s what you missed at ASBPE-DC’s special event "Get Your Book Idea Published" on Jan. 30:
Rob Freedman's most recent book is "How to Make Real Money in Second Life" (McGraw-Hill, 2007). Senior editor at Realtor magazine and a past president of ASBPE National, Rob said the first thing business book publishers want to know is why your book will sell. Consequently, they don't care how well you write as much as they want to see a business plan identifying the core strength of the book, which audiences will care, and how the book will find its way into their hands. Publishers gave him long lists of questions and it was from these that he crafted his book proposal.
Those in attendance also heard from Rob how best to leverage their personal ties to increase sales.
Roy Harris, senior editor at CFO magazine and immediate past president of ASBPE National, described three things that are important when trying to publish a scholarly work. For "Pulitzer's Gold" (University of Missouri Press 2008), Roy: 1) rejected advice that he needed to prepare a 100-page proposal and instead gave prospects a previously published chapter-length presentation; 2) learned that university presses are not interested in selling a lot of copies up front but are focused on whether a proposed book will have a long shelf life; and 3) showed commitment bordering on obsession, which impressed his editor.
If you had been with us, you also would have learned how Roy got his book into bookstores and promoted it on radio talk shows.
Sarah Davies, children's and young adult literary agent for The Greenhouse Literary Agency, puts together writers and publishers of similar bent and passion. Among her Top Ten Tips for children's writers: No. 2—Don't be derivative. No. 6—Work to develop a unique voice (she wants her hair to stand up). No. 9—Tap into emotions; it's what keeps readers reading.
Audience members also learned how to handle auctions and agents who charge reading fees.
For a few more insights, check out Magnificent Publications' coverage of the event.
Better still, don't miss out next time! The DC chapter will be hosting its next event, "Implementing Video on B2B Web Sites" on Wednesday, Feb. 20, at noon near DuPont Circle. Stay tuned for further details or email asbpedckaty@gmail.com. See you next time!
Mr. Wright is a freelance writer, ASBPE DC Board Member, and winner of ASBPE Regional Bronze. He specializes in investment and technology topics for national and international clients. (www.sinewaveinvestor.com)
