Book Review: Your Novel Proposal – Creation to Contract
For those of you who are not yet my friends on Goodreads, and are budding or established authors, this brief review is for you. I just posted a 4/5 star review of “Your Novel Proposal – From Creation to Contract” that you might find of some interest. I’ll post it here for those who aren’t on Goodreads yet. If not, why not? It’s free and is a wonderful resource for both readers and writers.
I read this book as time permitted (I’ve been writing more than reading), and I’m glad I did. There was a great deal to absorb. As I did so, I was making decisions about my own writing career with this book as important input.
Bottom line: this book convinced me that the traditional publishing path (versus independently publishing my own books), along with much-appreciated advice from author friends, forces me to relinquish more control than I am willing. Having said that, this is a wonderful how-to book, but also a how-not-to book with useful examples should I choose to pursue representation from an agent, services of a professional editor, and distribution by either a small press or large publishing house.
Be prepared to invest years before you see your book on the market, and there are ancillary financial penalties if your book doesn’t sell well (discounted sales, returns…) even if you get that coveted contract, maybe even an advance. And then… the pressure is on to deliver. If that’s your thing… It’s not mine.
Remember, agents and editors and publishers are far less interested in one-book-wonders. They want to engage in a long-term relationship with authors who seriously pursue their writing as a career. That’s okay. Just be aware. If being an author isn’t your fulltime job, you’re dust in the wind.
If you’re even only slightly fascinated by learning of the traditional book publishing career path, this is a wonderful book full of useful examples of good (and bad) synopses, query letters, how to treat (and not treat) agents, editors, and publishers, and specifically what to look for if you’re offered a contract.
I recommend all serious authors absorb this book, even “Indies” if, for no other reason, it is important to understand all elements of our craft.
With pen in hand… Gene
