And Market It . . . Successfully - How to Write It

The essential business guide for writers, this book offers a step by step account of anything and everything you need to know about getting published that you never thought of. David and Arielle put together an incredibly easy to read and useful guide for all things in the world of publishing. From how to find and woo an agent to what to do after you've sold your book, this is the essential how-to to getting published. The writing is succinct and to the point and they don't pull punches. I love the overall look I was able to get about how my journey from an aspiring writer to successful author will become a reality and I look forward to using this book every step of the way.

Being a debut novelist, I found this book extremely helpful. It made the quagmire of the publishing business less intimidating, helped me understand the contracts I was about to sign, and gave me a lot of ideas about marketing and self-promotion. I recommend it highly.

Essential, def. absolutely necessary; indispensable. This is definitively the essential guide to publishing. Eckstut and Sterry are very generous with their inside information. In my mind, publishing was akin to the Hollywood casting couch and reading a guide about it as appealing as lima beans. This book dispels that myth and guides you through the mystery of book publishing. The chapters are filled with real life success stories and anecdotes that make it a pleasure to read. Many thanks for your work in supporting others to promote the written word.

This book is a must-have for any aspiring author, covering every imaginable dimension of the world of publishing. And unlike many other how-to-write books, this one is a fun read! Eckstut & Sperry deliver the information with humor & candor, backed up by their own real-life experiences. You won't regret buying this one!

The Essential Guide to Getting Your Book Published is critical, an absolute necessity for any author. They walk you through every nook and cranny from writing to well after your book is published. They're witty companions in helping print your passion!

the original book, Putting Your Passion into Print was published in 2005, but it was not up to date with the newest info. now comes the new book, The Essential Guide To Getting Your Book Published was published in 2010. it was revised and updated to address ongoing changes in publishing. This is a good book for people new, fairly new, or even been around for awhile, to writing and publishing, who wants to learn the new things happening in publishing. this book is really helpful to me, because it told me how to use the internet to set up a social online presents to help promote your works. they say you can't teach an old dog new tricks. well this book taught this old dog several new tricks! this book has become a valuable source of information to me. a book that proved very helpful to me as i was not up on the social aspect of publishing on the internet. now you know old dogs can learn new tricks! thanks to this book, i have a new avenue to take advantage of and explore.

There is a great deal of information here from authors who know the business, but some of the advice is useless on a practical level. The authors hold up as models networking and marketing activities out of reach by anyone who has to make a living or wants to write again, and are in fact more suitable for entire marketing departments. I commend this book to publishers.

This book was horrible. When I read the review on the book I thought the book was about how to get your book published and to find an agent. But the more that I read the more that I read stories of different writers books and what is going on with their stories. Like they are trying to promote their books. The chapters were not clear and to the point and I guess I was very disappointed that for $9.99 I wasn't getting a better deal. I will not be getting the next book.

I would recommend this book to all and sundry ..... Writers, of course,but also to anyone who might possibly, perhaps, someday, in the future, tomorrow, want to write a book.

Extremely helpful.

I was disappointed to read that almost all of the information in this book pertains to a publishing a NON-fiction book - that would have been nice to know up front. There wasn't much, if any, useful information for those who might be writing fiction. Also, not a lot of nuts and bolts - it felt like this was mostly a long-winded marketing tool for the two authors used to improve their professional lives.

There was a small section in the beginning, which was somewhat helpful, regarding networking and social media, etc.
Overall, I found this book to be very disappointing, and somewhat misleading. Unfortunate.

I bought the earlier version of this book, "Putting Your Passion into Print," five years ago after attending a workshop by this husband-and-wife/agent-and-author team. The workshop convinced me that these two knew their stuff and their book would be an enjoyable read. At the time, all I had was an idea for a book and a few pages of notes. Eckstut and Sterry's advice guided me through the process of crafting a proposal, finding the perfect agent for my book, and working productively with the editors and publicity people at my publishing house. My book, "See Me After Class: Advice for Teachers by Teachers," came out last June and it was one of the happiest days of my life.

I cannot emphasize enough how well this book prepared me for the path to getting published. It prepared me for the inevitable ups and downs (even with the best advice in the world, bringing a book into the world is difficult) but it kept me from having to learn about the publishing world through frustrating trial and error. It also provided much-needed encouragement through some initial rejections.

Now that my book is published (did I mention my book got published?) I've run into many people wanting to know how the whole thing works, and I always refer them to this book.

I am now working on a new project and bought "The Essential Guide" to to help me adjust to recent changes in the publishing industry. From what I've read so far, there is enough updated and new material to make the purchase worth it even though I read "Putting Your Passion Into Print."

They've done it again. Talk about taking the mystery out of getting your book in front of a publisher. This is the bible every author should read while thinking of writing, writing, and every aspect of post-writing that involves your book.
This is the step-by-step whodunit of how to write, sell, and successfully market your book. In a fun upbeat fashion this husband and wife team, literature agent and writer, explain everything you have ever wanted to know about what to do next. Turning over every stone along the way, they leave no clue uncovered to help you get what you have written in the hands of the publisher.
Interspersing humorous and realistic examples and lessons on what to do, or not do, and supplying sample proposals and query letters, there is nothing left to chance. This is an updated version of a prior self-help tome, "How to Turn Your Passion Into Print," their last joint venture that has been updated for the 21st Century with details on social networking and e-publishing.
Need to find an agent, use an editor, understand your contract, or write an elevator pitch? The answer to everything you could possibly need to know is here - and a lot more besides. This is the book that demystifies every step of the publishing process and should be in your reference library.

So informative and actually FUN to read! The first of its kind. This book has everything you'll need to know about the publishing industry and somehow still finds a way to make you laugh out loud and want to read more! If you're considering publishing your work--this would be the first and likely only book you will need!

Before I decided to dive into the world of publishing, I had no idea what I was getting myself into. That is...before I had the privilege of reading The Essential Guide to Getting Your Book Published. I can't emphasize enough on the importance of reading this book before an author even decides to write his/her own book, and then continue onto the traditional or self-publishing route.

I must also add that the book doctors (Arielle Eckstut and David Henry Sterry) are extremely kind and helpful authors. They have provided their readers with impeccable information and guidance every step of the way. They also managed to remove the "fluff" within the publishing world, and have constructed it into an informative and well-written guide. I literally felt as though they were both their, giving me advice through all of the steps and topics, by using their own passions and experiences.

All in all, whether you are thinking about publishing a book, or even have books already published, I highly recommend reading this guide. My biggest fault was thinking that once a publisher accepted my work, the red carpets would role out, and my audience would embrace me with open arms. This couldn't have been farther from the truth. But with research, networking, writing and perseverance, your passion and dedication can take you to places that you've only dreamed about. All thanks to The Essential Guide to Getting Your Book Published. Well done Arielle and David!!

I've bought and read several books on the process of writing and being published in the months since I decided to enter the fray, and the Sterry/Eckstut book is the first one I'd buy if I had to go at it again. There are many choices out there, most on one portion of the topic, but this book presents a broad portrait of the various paths to success.

The authors possess a great deal of credibility on the topic, to begin with. Sterry packs a lot of previous publication experience, across multiple genres, in his baggage, and Eckstut brings to the table a wealth of business and agenting knowledge. I ran into them at a writers conference and found both to be energetic, sincere, and sincerely funny people who are a joy to be around. They manage to convey their personality in the book as well; it's fun to read.

The book does a good job balancing between the specific and the general, too. For them to get too specific would mean the book would be outdated next month. They do a great job avoiding that level of specificity while doling out informational meat in every chapter, and there's one of those on every topic from how to write to what to expect when working with publishers to how to self-publish. They even discuss the tremendous success of Joe Konrath, a name you'll rarely hear mentioned by a literary agent.

Bottom line: no matter what path you're taking toward getting your dream book published, or how far along you are in the process, you need to read the material in the book.

Buy the physical (dead tree) version of the book. The vignettes and other information in the sidebars are incredibly helpful, and on my Kindle they never come out in the right spots.

At last and finally, a comprehensive how-to that is useful for those who dream of writing a book as well as those of us who are seasoned journalists who are finally ready to sit down and do it. If only they had more guidance than the sadly outdated paperback titles on every writer's shelf. The Essential Guide is the book I have been waiting for, contemporary, packed with practical information, encouraging while not being unrealistic. Indeed, I particularly liked the page calculating how a writer can work for many hours, even weeks, or months, or years, and earn, exactly, nothing. I showed it to my husband, to prepare him for the months to come when I would be working full time and may never see a dime for my trouble. Well, this isn't done for money, it's done because one is compelled. Compelled to tell a story. Compelled to tell the truth.

I found the lists of where to look and where to find in the back of the book also useful, and I was pleased that they included an actual book proposal. If there was more I would ask for, it would be more such samples. Perhaps the authors will write another book--collecting successful book proposals with comments from the agents and publishers.

jennifer lee

The title of this book speaks for itself. For unpublished authors, this book provides a step-by-step guide from the germ of an idea for your book to what to do after it is published. You learn early on that there is so much more to achieving publishing nirvana than "writing a book." The Essential Guide to Getting Your Book Published covers everything: the importance of social media, writing your book, writing the book proposal, finding an agent, contract negotiation, working with your agent and publisher, and selling your book. This book states in detail what is involved and makes clear that if you are unwilling to put in the work, the likelihood of publishing a successful book is low.

The book is written in an easy-to-understand and often humorous manner. I found the anecdotes of writers who have successfully published their work enjoyable to read and motivating. Given all the information that is included in this book, the main point of the book may sometimes be overshadowed; you must write a good book. In the long run, everything else does not matter.

I read this book so that I would have a better understanding of the publishing process and what was in store for me. Still writing my book, I expect to return to The Essential Guide to Getting Your Book Published again and again as a reference.

I will let you know how it turns out.

The Book Doctors know their stuff AND they are very nice. This book is a thorough guide through the publishing process with updated suggestions such as Twitter pitch sites (I got a lot of traction from these).

The book's clear and concise instructions were a godsend to me, helping me navigate the muddy waters of publishing.

If you are stuck on your query letter, I highly recommend a consultation with Arielle. She smart and no-nonsense, resulting in a professional, polished query letter.
Thank you for your wise counsel!

I've been writing for years, and was fortunate enough to be chosen to make my pitch at our local Pitchapalooza in front of the authors of this terrific book. They have refined the process of getting one's book published to platinum level; any question you may have is answered. For example, I was still in the chisel-and-stone-tablet era when it came to submitting manuscripts to publishers before I read this book. Now I fully understand what MY job is before I even consider a list of publishers; in order to get noticed, I now understand what my own 'homework' is.

Reading this book is like taking a really interesting college course. It's fun, very readable and it will completely change your thinking about getting your book published. This is a hands-on, don't-start-unless-you-really-are-serious how-to manual. These folks know their stuff. They have not only 'been there and done that,' but they've come up with a total soup-to-nuts approach that, if followed (and if your material is good), will get you to where you want to go. The process alone will tell you just how serious you are, and you will have all the tools necessary to succeed. READ IT!!!

To many people, book publishing seems easy. Have a great idea then sit down and write your manuscript, send it to a publisher and have a bestseller. Poof!

The real story is quite different and full of small decisions which can make a big difference whether you achieve the dream or turn it into a nightmare, never-to-be-done-again experience. Every writer needs experienced guidance through the process. THE ESSENTIAL GUIDE TO GETTING YOUR BOOK PUBLISHED is packed with insight and wisdom from two experienced voices in publishing.

Avoid the many pitfalls of book publishing where the smallest decision can make a huge difference. For this comprehensive title, agent-at-large for the Levine Greenberg Agency Arielle Eckstut mixes her experiences with her husband, David Sterry. Their personal stories about publishing are combined with experiences from others in the publishing community.

The book is divided into three sections: Setting Up Shop, Taking Care of Business, and Getting the Word Out. The first section examines areas like finding the right idea, social networking and platform building, whether you need a literary agent or not, the submission process and taking action from rejection. The second portion examines how to make a publishing deal, practical concerns for writing the book, working with a publisher and finally whether to go the self-publishing route. The final section is an area where many writers are lacking: marketing and publicity and the fine art of selling to places like libraries, bookstores and unexpected places.

I read this book from cover to cover. While I've been in publishing over 20 years, I often found myself nodding in agreement and learning new insights in this book. I highly recommend it for the new and inexperienced author but also for the much-published author because they can find valuable insights in these pages.

An excellent, comprehensive guide to the publishing world from two insiders who share the good, the bad, the ugly of getting your book published. Unlike so many of the other guides out there, this one takes you through ALL of the steps of getting your idea for a book to a final product and into readers' hands with detailed information and frank guidance on getting it done right. Perspectives of writers, publishers, booksellers, and so many others are provided throughout, including things that were surprisingly successful or horrifically bad. What I found most valuable was the positive yet realistic tone; with gusto, humor, and stories about their own experiences, Arielle and David motivate the rest of us to write and publish our own books.

The Book Doctors practice what they preach. While there is no more comprehensive book on the market for serious writers who intend to publish, the book is not sitting on a shelf awaiting customer notice. Rather, as they advise in The Essential Guide to Getting Your Book Published, Arielle Eckstut and David Henry Sterry are keeping their book alive by taking it on the road.
I met the authors when I partook in "Pitchapalooza" at Northshire Book Store in Manchester, Vermont. Pitching my book in ONE MINUTE was among the most frightening things I've ever done, but what a boost it gave me. I took the feedback I got and re-committed to my book project. During the follow-up phone conversation with David (a perk for those willing, humble souls who pitch their book in front of hundreds of viewers), I was further encouraged -- and not just a rah-rah, you-go-girl kind of empty, platitudinous, canned speech alluded to by another reviewer. Rather, David asked important questions, requiring me to dig deep. He challenged me to do the things every writer fears doing -- going public, reaching out, risking rejection -- but the challenge was personal to my project, and I left that brief phone call fortified with real-world tasks to complete.
The book sits right by my computer. I refer to it all the time. The world of publishing is demanding, and writers need coaches. This book and these Book Doctors are my coaches, a hat trick for this writer.

I purchased this book at one of the authors' "Pitchapalooza" events. So far, it has been an extremely useful tool in many ways. I have sticky notes all over it! The advice for writing a pitch letter has been especially helpful as I am in the process of doing so right now. This book is great for writers of all genres and age levels! Highly recommend!

Platform. Social media. Building buzz. Blogging. E-books. Today's author is expected to not only write books, but help sell and market books in a marketplace that is rapidly changing and evolving. "The Essential Guide to Getting Your Book Published" is packed with expert advice and hundreds of specific ideas to help writers navigate the myriad challenges and expectations in today's book publishing world.

The book is split into three sections. The first, "Setting Up Shop," covers topics like the art of perfecting a pitch, writing a good book proposal, finding the right agent and submitting your book. "Taking Care of Business" is all about making a deal and the mechanics of actually getting your book into print, including a chapter on self publishing. "Getting the Word Out" helps authors create strong publicity and marketing plans and ultimately get their books into the hands of buyers. Each chapter is full of fascinating real-life examples and stories about other authors, along with sidebar topics ranging from "Making the store an Amazing Sales Outlet" to "10 Essential Rules for Being a Good Interviewee."

I've read dozens of writing books, but none as chock-full of practical, usable information as this guide. I also appreciate the authors' friendly, encouraging and often humorous tone, especially when they cover difficult topics like the chapter on rejection. ("Let no nabob shake your faith in your writing ability," they counsel.) Whether you're dreaming of writing a book or a published author many times over, you'll find countless new strategies and ideas in this comprehensive book.

I love this book. The Book Doctors have the latest information and they present it in a style that is not only easy to understand, but it also funny and engaging. That includes the information writers may not want to hear, such as the importance of building a platform and becoming tech savvy. Most writers I know, myself included, only want to write and it was a wake up call to learn all the extras that would be needed in developing a market for my book. But Eckstut and Sterry used this book to break the news in a fun and gentle way! I highly recommend this work to any new writer. In fact, I am not sure that a new writer can survive without it!

An absolute must-have for writers! I first borrowed this book from a colleague and shamefully kept it way too long, so I bought my own copy. It is my go-to reference for every step of the publishing process. Arielle Eckstut and David Henry Sterry know their stuff - and they are good people. I attended a 2015 Pitchapalooza, along with a workshop they presented on publishing. They are an enthusiastic wealth of knowledge and so willing to help new writers. To supplement the book, they have an on-line newsletter that keeps me up-to-date on publishing resources and new developments, so their information is never outdated. I consider their resources to be an important investment in my writing career.

Both practical and inspirational, "The Essential Guide to Getting Your Book Published" is as close to a GPS route to success as you'll find in the writing world. If you've written a book or have always wanted to, this is for you. It's not only a step-by-step guide to achieving the Holy Grail of publishing your book, but it also mentors you on what to do once you've gotten there.

I have not gotten there, although I've been trying for many years. I've done a lot of research on the web and in the past have bought several how-to guides, but honestly Ms. Eckstut and Mr. Sterry's book is the most comprehensive and astute look into what it really takes to become a successful writer that I've seen. I am definitely going to follow their advice and once again try to get my manuscript accepted by a publisher.

My favorite stuff in the book (right now) is how to package what you've written to make it appealing to agents and publishers. What was most educational to me was the authors' advice on how to create a pitch for your book. Previously I only saw pitching as something screenwriters did. Images of The Player always popped in my head, such as Buck Henry saying "funny with a stroke" while pitching "The Graduate Part 2". But it makes sense that novelists or non-fiction writers should be adept at selling their book in under one minute to a potential agent or publisher.

One minute isn't a lot of time, but as Ms. Eckstut and Mr. Sterry demonstrate it's easy to understand why you need to be that concise. Agents and publishers are very busy people, and to get them to even consider reading your book you have to wow them with your pitch. Maybe you'll be lucky to actually deliver it in person to a decision maker, or maybe you'll use it as the basis of your query letter, but your pitch has to make the people who hear it quickly fall in love with your book.

I was fortunate enough to attend one of the authors' Pitchapalooza events in San Francisco, and it was so cool to actually listen to fellow writers pitch their material and hear the valuable feedback of the panel (which included the authors, one of which is an agent, and another agent). I unfortunately did not get a chance to pitch (they can only select 25 people at random due to time constraints), but I bought this book at the event and with it received a free 20 minute phone consultation.

To think that the authors would even offer such a service at no cost is amazing, but after having just received my consultation I'm even more impressed. I pitched my novel (keeping it to one minute), and then afterwards Mr. Sterry gave me honest and insightful feedback on how to improve it and even helped me flesh out the book's themes. It was all very personal and genuine, and after just twenty minutes I had so many great, specific ideas on how to make my pitch irresistible to agents.

I know I will continually refer back to "The Essential Guide to Getting Your Book Published". I truly hope that soon I will be using it as a resource on interacting with my new agent, evaluating multiple book deals, and successfully marketing my novel once I've been published.

For would-be authors, the world of publishing can seem like a minefield, an impenetrable fortress, an exclusive club designed expressly to keep you out. Thanks to The Book Doctors, Arielle Eckstut and David Henry Sterry, your journey to publication need not feel like you're getting sucked into a black hole. Their industry handbook--THE ESSENTIAL GUIDE TO GETTING YOUR BOOK PUBLISHED--is a roadmap, a set of body armor, and state-of-the-art "weapons" and reconnaissance culled from decades of publishing industry experience, to help you get your book into print. Each page is jam-packed with insider information, inspiration, and examples. No matter where you are in your publishing journey--project conception, querying, working with an agent or an editor--the advice in this book can help you get your book in the hands of an agent, an editor, and ultimately readers. For those with books in print, there are even chapters on how to conduct a successful author event. I'll grant you that information on the publishing world abounds in cyberspace. But you can't and shouldn't trust everything you read online. And you won't find all your Internet intell bound in one handsome, lightweight volume that you can take everywhere and read in spurts. (Also available in an ebook version if you're a card-carrying member of the Kindle Nation.) In the age of information sharing, this book outshares, out-performs, outdoes other similar kinds of guides. I know, because I've purchased and read (TOO) many of them. So, if your journey to publication has you muttering and puttering around in circles or feeling defeated, you can spend $200 an hour in psychotherapy and wait a few years for significant results. Or simply book The Book Doctors for a one-time investment of $15.95 and feel genuine relief--and get back on track to publication--in a matter of hours.

I had the pleasure of meeting with David & Arielle and I must say they are quite the "dynamic duo." Not only do they generously share their expertise and experience with new authors, but they are very encouraging and supportive. In an industry that will try the patience of Job, where "rejection" is frequent and disappointing, they are a breath of fresh air.

I think their guidance in this book is sound.

Thanks, David & Arielle!
BD Tharp
Women's Fiction Author of "Feisty Family Values" and more to come...

This book delivers on its title: it is essential for anyone who needs to know how the publishing industry works, and how to work it. It's also funny, compassionate, inspirational, intelligent, and entertaining, even when the subject is one you probably wish didn't exist but do need to know about, like "The Rancor of Returns."

I would recommend reading and rereading The Essential Guide to Getting Your Book Published as early in the writing process as possible. The authors state in their introduction that the book is "...not about how to be or become a writer. It is a step-by-step, blow-by-blow explanation of how to take an idea you're passionate about, develop a book out of it, get it published and deliver it...all over the world." But I found the sections on writing--choosing an idea; vividly defining your audience; resisting the temptation to write perfect sentences in a first draft ("The way to perfect your writing is not through sitting on a paragraph for an eternity, but by doing multiple drafts of your book")--as helpful as anything I've heard in the writing workshops I've attended.

Speaking of workshops: I participated in one of the authors' Pitchapaloozas, which included an incredibly generous offer of a free, 20-minute phone consultation. I spoke with David, and have spent the last 10 months profitably mining his ideas. Thank you, David!!

When I opened Arielle Eckstut and David Henry Sterry's book The Essential Guide to Getting Your Book Published, I was struck by the H.G. Wells quote, "Nothing leads so straight to futility as literary ambitions without systematic knowledge." "How true and what a great use of language," I thought. I wanted to be privy to this knowledge, but my fear was that this was going to be a bumpy and banal road. To my surprise, Eckstut and Sterry pulled me into the publishing world with humor, a ton of useful information, and a relatable style of writing. The tone is anything but dry. Instead, it is written in a conversational style that immediately put me as ease. For example, just the inclusion of "oh so" in the following sentence changes the mood of the reading experience: "While we were oh so attached to the poetry of Putting Your Passion into Print, we had to face the fact that the title wasn't search-friendly, which meant that our book wasn't finding its readers (or vice versa)." I can imagine the two authors saying this, it's as if they are speaking to me directly. But, even more important, the sentence conveys vital information. First, as an author, you have to be open to change. This might mean changing a title or sentence that you cherish. Second, the publishing business is now dependent upon electronic media. If your title isn't search-friendly, then it probably won't do well. Third, the readers make the book. If you are interested in publishing your book, then you must want an audience. Therefore, you need to find a way to reach that audience and the search engine is one significant means of achieving this goal. The authors go on to explain the electronic shift in the publishing world. They provide information and tips about how to utilize new media and social networking. But, what makes this book a must-have is the depth of knowledge they bring to the entire process of writing and publishing.

When I was putting the finishing touches on my punk-wrestling memoir, the previous edition of this book ("Putting Your Passion Into Print") helped me every step of the way. Eckstut and Sterry not only showed me how to craft that winning proposal, they also walked me through the process of pitching my book to publishers and agents. The results: I not only landed a deal for that book but it hit the San Francisco Chronicle bestseller list. Now that my copy of "Putting Your Passion into Print" is dog eared, loaded down with post-its and cluttered with hand scrawled notes in the margins of most of its pages, "The Essential Guide to Getting Your Book Published" is hitting the shelves just as I'm ready to shop around my latest book. Publishing has changed a lot in the last five years and the tag team of Eckstut and Sterry are already helping me navigate the new terrain. I know it's a cliché to say it, but if you're ready to land an agent or publisher for that great book idea of yours, then this really is the only book you need.

Pitchapalooza and the Book Doctors are the best thing that's happening to my writing career since I bought my first laptop in 1996!

This June I participated in Pitchapalooza-- featuring Arielle Eckstut and David Henry Sterry, hosted at Chester County Book and Music Company,West Chester PA -- my favorite bookstore. For two weeks before hand I practiced my one minute pitch for my novel, Bright Star Over Memphis, while walking my dog. At the book signing, I put my name in the hat to get a chance to pitch my novel to the Book Doctors, knowing the winner would get an introduction to an agent -- a truly priceless motivation for any writer.

The great thing about Pitchapalooza is that even if you don't get picked randomly to pitch (I didn't) you still learn so much from listening to David and Arielle give honest, helpful and funny feedback to the dozen or so writers that are able to go in the hour long event. And, at this particular location, the authors offered anyone who bought their book a FREE twenty minute phone consultation, what luck! Twenty minutes on the phone with David was absolutely golden. It's clear that both of these Book Doctors know what they're doing. The absolute zest with which they promote their own book is living proof of what they can do for your book. I hope to do a longer consultation with them in the near future.

In the past I have avoided marketing and publishing books because I had lofty ideas of "just" focusing on the creative aspects of writing my novel. Pitchapalooza is an excellent example of how marketing and promotion can be creative and actually fun! David and Arielle's book inspires me to improve my novel and most importantly, to believe that I really can get it out there.

Eckstut and Sterry provide an astounding amount of valuable and specific information in a most entertaining and encouraging way.

Their gift is helping writers identify audiences, markets, platforms, outlets, vehicles, publishers and representation (or not) for their books.

And at Pitchapalooza, their "American Idol" for writers, they illustrate and illuminate the art of the pitch. No aspiring writer should miss a chance to attend one of their
get-togethers. They're great people and tremendously knowledgeable as well. Just a glance through the book proves that -- and if you actually READ it, you'll be even better off!

This is a phenomenal resource. As a writer just trying to break into the world of publishing, I could not be more grateful for both the information in this book and the way it is presented. I highly recommend the book, and, if you have a chance, attending one of Arielle and David's workshops as well. I am much, much better equipped to venture out in search of an agent or independent publisher now! What a relief!

I was feeling lost before I read "The Essential Guide to Getting Your Book Published." Having recently completed my first middle grade fantasy adventure novel, I thought a literary agency or publishing house would scoop my book up right away. Several months of rejections later, I saw an advertisement for "Pitchapalooza" at my local bookstore -- a chance to pitch my book to experts! The store was packed on the day of the event, and, while I didn't get chosen to pitch my book, I purchased "The Essential Guide to Getting Your Book Published." I have scarcely put it down since. I find myself on a much clearer path now to getting my book published, with multiple avenues to explore from developing the perfect pitch to exploiting social media outlets. Filled with practical advice and inspirational anecdotes, "The Essential Guide to Getting Your Book Published" is indeed essential to any aspiring writer.

Wow. This book is an amazing, comprehensive - yet truly simplified and readable - guide to publishing. Getting a book published is a long process of developing a good idea, writing the book, building a platform, composing a book proposal and finding an agent or publisher (and more!), but the authors break these daunting tasks down into steps. Their writing style is friendly and practical, and you feel as if they're with you the whole time - and on your side. Just cannot recommend this book enough to potential authors.

This book has been an amazing resource to me. What I Iike most about it is that is answers questions I've had and, impressively, answers questions I didn't even know I had! Over the years I've purchased other books about publishing, but many are focused on only one aspect of getting a book published (i.e. writing a book proposal). This book covers it all and gives excellent examples for both fiction and non-fiction writers. It is written in a very accessible style and uses humor, at times, to emphasize important points. In addition, it generously provides good templates and lifts the mysterious cloud off the the publishing world. If you have the opportunity to meet the authors at one of their book events, you will see how they "walk the talk" by showing exactly how they are putting each of their principles into action. Finally, instead of discouraging writers, it encourages by explaining the importance of research and social networks and how they work together to help create a forum for making your book idea shine. It is up-to-date in it's content and a must for any writer seeking to get their book published.

The authors of this book mean what they say. They want to help you get your book published. Having met them at one of their "Pitchapalooza" sessions (don't miss it if there's one near you) I can assure you that they mean it. In person and in their writing, they are supportive, friendly and offer valuable, detailed information and real author scenarios designed to help the writer assess the marketability of his or her idea, find and land an agent, submit the manuscript and deal with the inevitable rejections. The second part of the book contains suggestions on negotiating a contract and other "business" aspects of writing that any writer must know. The issue of traditional vs. self-publishing is also addressed in detail. The last part of the book is invaluable-- how to get the word out once your book published. Chapters include "Prepub Publicity and Marketing," "Launching Your Book and Keeping it Alive," and "The Fine Art of Selling." You can't afford to miss this information. Brew your own coffee for a few days, save the money you'd otherwise drop at the coffee shop and spend the money on this book. You won't be sorry you did.

With The Essential Guide to Getting Your Book Published on your nightstand it feels like having someone in your corner after all of those solitary days, weeks, months, (or in my case years) of working on your book.
This is clearly first-hand, hard-won information that is saving me a lot of heartache and the need to reinvent the wheel!
I highly recommend this book for those of you who are not weekend warriors but in this thing for the long haul.

The authors do a wonderful job of counseling writers in a supportive and humorous style. I was lucky enough to watch the book Drs. in action and learned so much from their comments about how to structure a pitch, what to include, what to leave out, how to keep it concise but interesting and so much more. I would recommend their book and their services to any authors, first time or those who've already published. They have a ton of experience and give kindly and compassionate advice like any good Dr. concerned about his patient's welfare.

I just finished reading The Essential Guide to Getting Your Book Published. Arielle and David's book was extremely helpful for me, as a writer, to understand the process of getting my book published and marketed successfully. While I have long hesitated to use social media, Arielle and David wrote the chapter in such a non-threatening, entertaining way that I now see the value in using social media to find a community of readers who might be interested in my writing and who can then help me to be a more successful writer. The quotes at the beginning of each chapter and the many anecdotes motivated me to read on. The one about Fred Astaire is my favorite. Even in parts of the book that might seem dry (contract agreements, for example), David and Arielle included real stories from their own experience or from the lives of people they knew, making the reading easier to comprehend. As I continue to write, I am going to keep this Guide by my computer to refer back to and for inspiration. I have already recommended it to members of my writers' group, as well as friends I know are interested in getting their work published.

As a novice writer, and eager-to-be-published author, I found this book to answer all of the questions I have had in these beginning stages of publishing (who do I call? what do I say? who ELSE do I get in touch with?). Most importantly, I believe that this book is a fantastic blueprint to the path I SHOULD be taking in the near future in my publishing career, answering questions that, when I first read them, I realized "I am going to want to know this very answer some time down the line." Get your bookmarks ready! You're going to want to quickly refer back to these passages, like a Bible, as you go on your spiritual, book-writing journey.

Zack Stovall
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If there's a better guide for aspiring authors to the realities of today's marketplace, I don't know what it is. There are books that can help you write, but this one gives you nuts and bolts advice about creating a platform, writing and refining your pitch, and even self-publishing, should you choose that avenue. But it doesn't stop there. You'll get the skinny on dealing with editors and publishers, including knowing when to stand your ground and when to bow to the marketplace. Husband and wife team Eckstut and Sterry score with an entertaining and indispensable book. Best of all, it's eminently readable -- no mean feat. If you ever get a chance to attend one of their Pitchapalooza meetings, do so. I can vouch for the fact that they're even more delightful in person. Now, why are you still reading this? Go buy the book.

In case you haven't had the experience, getting a book published is not unlike trying to find a needle in a haystack. But take heart, Arielle Eckstut and David Sterry, in The Essential Guide to Getting Your Book Published, have spelled out the process in detail, from coming up with the right idea, to networking, to the perfect sales pitch to finding an agent and negotiating a contract, to publicizing and selling your book. It's advice that's easy to follow and, unlike many "how to" books, easy to read. Rather than waste years with a trial and error approach, pick up this book and move your idea from your desktop to the book shelves.

Sterry and Eckstut demystify the publishing process in a fun, reader-friendly way. I saw them at a Pitchapalooza event and was impressed by their own marketing savvy and their sharp but kindly criticism of the aspirants pitching to them. The book itself is thorough and up-to-date, including lots of information on the brave new frontier of self-publishing and e-books, and using social media such as Facebook and Twitter to attract readers. Well worth reading.

I recently had the opportunity to see and hear David and Arielle. They are wonderful instructors and their Pitchapalooza is an amazing event which every writer should attend. I am using their book to help me prepare and search for agents and markets for my novel. This is a great reference book with real, practical tangible advice and helpful ideas on getting your book published. I would recommend it for all new authors.