There is a second advantage to writing book proposal. It forces the author to ask certain key questions about their work, e.g., what is the driving force in their plot, and which audience are they writing for? Useful guides to this tedious, yet crucial task include:
Herman, Jeff. Writer's Guide to Book Editors, Publishers, and Literary Agents, 2003-2004: Who They Are! What They Want! And How to Win Them Over: CD-ROM Deluxe Edition. Prima Publ. 2002 [We are frequently asked about how to get published. And we just as frequently point to this book as the place to start. This is the complete, all-in-one reference for the aspiring author by a noted New York literary agent. Weighing in at about 1,000 pages, it lists countless editors at over 500 publisher houses. Extensive coverage is given to the world of literary agents. Additionally there are numerous chapters on various angles of the publishing racket, including how to write book proposals, and discussion of collaboration agreements, author-agency agreements, and publishing contracts. The title link above is to the Deluxe Edition which has a CD-ROM loaded with goodies for new and experienced writers, e.g., the Writers Desktop Database containing the complete edition of the book, expense and communication logs, and an organizer for your writings. Also included on the disc is the Writer's Guide Writer's Web Sites with Internet links to valuable writing sites and resources, and the Writer's Guide Shareware with useful utilities and and tools such as electronic thesauri, rhyming dictionaries, address books, business cards, and more. This CD-ROM works on both PCs and Macs. If for some reason you want the book without this CD-ROM, click here.]
The above book has a sample book proposal, but because I put so much emphasis on having a great proposal you may also want to try:
Larsen, Michael, How To Write a Book Proposal, Revised Edition. Writer's Digest Books 1997 [orig. 1990]
and/or
Herman, Jeff & Deborah M. Adams. Write the Perfect Book Proposal: 10 Proposals that Sold and Why. Wiley 1993. This latter book has gone out of print. However, you can usually find copies via Albris (see its banner at the top of the page) or by following the title link into Amazon.com (where they can often hook you up with a used book source).
Brogan, Katie Struckel & Robert Brewer, eds. 2003 Writer's Market Online: 8,000+ Book and Magazine Editors Who Buy What You Write. Writers Digest Books 2002 [This massive book is an excellent guide to the world of publishing that writers will frequently find themselves using. The 2003 version's 1,112 pages has loads of features. How much, I can't exactly say as I have not seen the 2003 edition, but here is what the 2001 edition featured: 1,100 book publishers, 1,400 consumer magazines, 450 trade magazines, 200 script buyers, and interviews with six freelance writers. Coverage extends to book producers, syndicates, and greeting-card publishers, and some of the literary agents. Improved graphics show new listings, plus this book contains a chart presenting the owners and the imprints of the major book publishers. Query letters, book proposals, freelance rates, and author profiles are also included. Now as regards the online features in the 2003 edition, let me quote the publisher. Publisher supplied info: "Now writers can access the most current market information available, every day, at any time. Writer's Market Online provides all the benefits of Writer's Market plus a year long subscription to our extraordinary Internet site--an amazing resource that includes an online entry for every listing in Writer's Market; hundreds of bonus markets, including newspapers and online publications; continual updates of all entries--never again will submissions or correspondence be returned due to old, out-of-date contact information; customized search capabilities by keyword, market type, pay scale and more; full text of publishers' writers' guidelines; The Writer's Encyclopedia, 3rd Edition; manuscript submission tracker; query letter templates; message boards, job opportunity listings and more!" To get the 2003 Writer's Market without the online features, click here.]
Feiertag, Joe & Mary Carmen Cupito. The Writer's Market Companion. Writers Digest Books 2000
Literary Market Place 2003: The Directory of the American Book Publishing Industry. Information Today Inc. 2002 [LMP 2003 is the key book for those most serious about American publishing, its two volumes every aspect of the industry. And it comes with a hefty price tag, that's why I recommend it to only those with a keen interest in the book business. Here are some of the contents in its 2,200 pages: 50 sections organizing everyone and everything in the business--from publishers, agents, and ad agencies to associations, distributors, and events. Over 14,500 listings in all--featuring names, addresses, and numbers, key personnel, activities, specialties, and other relevant data, e-mail addresses and Web sites, and more. Some 24,000 decision-makers throughout the industry, listed in a separate ÒPersonnel Yellow PagesÓ section in each volume. Thousands of services and suppliers equipped to meet every publishing need or requirement. More than 300 new entries to this edition, plus thousands of updated listings throughout. "No well-stocked library can afford to be without this annually updated reference to the publishing industry." -- Bookwatch. "LMP is a reference without competition. Those needing current data on publishers, their rapidly circulating staff, and support systems must have LMP." -- Reference and Research Book News. "[Among] the 10 most frequently thumbed [reference books] by Boston Public Library's humanities reference librarians are . . . Literary Market Place, Ulrich's International Periodicals Directory, [and] Books In Print." -- Boston Globe.]
International Literary Market Place 2003: The Directory of the International Book Publishing Industry: Over 180 Countries Covered. Information Today Inc 2002 [ILMP, like its companion above (the Literary Market Place) is an excellent resource for those most serious about international publishing. It comes with a hefty price tag, that's why I recommend it to only those with a keen interest in the book business.]
Herman, Jeff, Deborah Levine Herman & Julia Devillers. You Can Make It Big Writing Books: A Top Agent Shows How to Develop a Million-Dollar Bestseller. [Susan Silva, ed.] Prima Publ. 1999 [This useful book has gone out of print. However, you can usually find copies via Albris (see its banner at the top of the page) or by following the title link into Amazon.com (where they can often hook you up with a used book source).]
Bykofsky, Sheree & Jennifer Basye Sander. The Complete Idiot's Guide to Getting Published. [Complete Idiot's Guides Series] Alpha Books 1998 [A smaller, yet popular, guide to getting published. Unfortunately, it too has gone out of print. However, you can usually find copies via Albris (see its banner at the top of the page) or by following the title link into Amazon.com (where they can often hook you up with a used book source).]
Lukeman, Noah T. The First Five Pages: A Writer's Guide to Staying Out of the Rejection Pile. Fireside 2000
Stuart, Sally E. Sally Stuart's Guide to Getting Published. Harold Shaw Pub. 1999 [I have yet to see a copy of this book, so I can't make a recommendation on it. Also out of print. However, you can usually find copies via Albris (see its banner at the top of the page) or by following the title link into Amazon.com (where they can often hook you up with a used book source).]
Larsen, Michael. Literary Agents: What They Do, How They Do It, and How to Find and Work With the Right One for You. [Wiley Books for Writers Series] John Wiley & Sons 1996 [The book agent is increasingly necessary if your manuscript is to gain access to the editors of a publishing house. This is the revised and expanded edition of a book useful for understanding what an agent is, and is not, and how to work with one.]
Vater, Rachel. 2003 Guide to Literary Agents. Writers Digest Books 2002
Curtis, Richard. How to Be Your Own Literary Agent: The Business of Getting a Book Published. Houghton Mifflin Co. 1996 [Curtis is a top agent and knows of what he speaks.]
Perkins, Lori. The Insider's Guide to Getting an Agent. Writers Digest Books 1999
Dickerson, Donya, ed. Guide to Literary Agents, 2000: 500 Agents Who Sell What You Write. Writer's Digest Books 2000 [". . . the majority of the 550 agencies (representing books and scripts) included here are at least somewhat open to taking on new writers. This year's listings, in addition to the basics, include symbols denoting an agency's interest level in new clients; also, a "reading list" section has been added in which individual agents may disclose the periodicals they scout for new talent. With listings such as these, no author should feel as if she is blindly submitting her work." -- Jane Steinberg, Amazon.com. This work is now out of print. However, you can usually find copies via Albris (see its banner at the top of the page) or by following the title link into Amazon.com (where they can often hook you up with a used book source).]
Mandell, Judy. Book Editors Talk to Writers. [Wiley Books for Writers Series] John Wiley & Sons 1995
Snell, Michael, Kim Baker & Sunny Baker. From Book Idea to Bestseller: What You Absolutely, Positively Must Know to Make Your Book a Success. [Prima Writing Guides] Prima Publ. 1997 [This popular work has gone out of print. However, you can usually find copies via Albris (see its banner at the top of the page) or by following the title link into Amazon.com (where they can often hook you up with a used book source).]
Mandell, Judy. Magazine Editors Talk to Writers. John Wiley & Sons 1996 [And yet another useful resource that is out of print. However, you can usually find copies via Albris (see its banner at the top of the page) or by following the title link into Amazon.com (where they can often hook you up with a used book source).]
Bowling, Anne. 2003 Novel & Short Story Writers Market. Writers Digest Books 2002
Shapiro, Ellen R. Writer's & Illustrator's Guide to Children's Book Publishers and Agents, 2002-2003: Who They Are! What They Want! And How to Win Them Over! Prima Publishing 2001 [Although I don't work much with children's books, this is the book I turn to. Its 500+ pages has loads of great info. It starts with sixteen short essays examining various aspects of the craft writing, how to get published, and different issues if you are piublished, e.g., legal and contract issues. It also discusses the new media such as electronic publishing. The second part of the book is a directory of both children's book publishers and magazine publishers. The third section is a directory of literary agents and artist representatives. Finally, the book concludes with seven useful appendices and an index. The directories have all the necessary information, i.e., the names, addresses, phone numbers, and e-mail and Web addresses of hundreds of the key publishers, editors, and agents. "For anyone hoping to break into children's publishing, here's a great place to start." -- David A. Adler. "At last! The book I needed when I first started writing. The time and effort this book saves will give you the time to write another book." -- Marvin Terban.]
Pope, Alice. 2003 Childrens Writers & Illustrators Market. Writers Digest Books 2002
University Of Chicago Press.The Chicago Manual of Style, 14th Edition. University Of Chicago Pr. 1993 [This is the classic reference work for writers, editors, proofreaders, indexers, copywriters, designers, and publishers. I find myself regularly making use of this manual. The 14th edition is 921 pages long, almost 200 pages longer than its predecessor from 1982, and it is thoroughly revised and updated to reflect nearly every significant change in style, usage, procedure, and technology. This work has been around for over 90 years, clearly it has been a favorite reference for all those in the writing profession.]
Fine, Edith H. & Judith P. Josephson. Nitty-Gritty Grammar: A Not-So-Serious Guide to Clear Communication. Ten Speed Pr. 1998 [A good, useful, and clever guide to the basic rules of grammer. The authors claim they were "nutty enough to have 'liked' diagramming in school." The book has a number of popular cartoons that relate to grammer, e.g., "Beetle Bailey" and "The Far Side" selections.]
Stumbo, Anita. Type It Right!: The Little Black Book For Your Computer, 2nd Edition. Addax Publ. Group 1997 [Originally published in 1994, Stumbo's book is a small reference work that easily fits in a shirt pocket. She makes points with brevity and clarity, using examples when necessary. I have found this book helpful, especially as she has geared it to typing on computers, not typewriters. This does make a difference, e.g., on a computer hit the space bar once after a period, not twice. The book is divided into five parts - punctuation marks, signs and symbols, paragraphs and spaces, type styles, and names and numbers. It is also indexed. This is another reference work I keep handy by my computer. If you have trouble with em dashes and en dashes, the proper use of ellipses, bullets, ampersands, and such, this book is for you. Unfortunately, this useful resource that is out of print. However, you can usually find copies via Albris (see its banner at the top of the page) or by following the title link into Amazon.com (where they can often hook you up with a used book source).]
The Random House Webster's Spell Checker. Random House 1992 [This is a small, convenient book which easily fits on my desk. It lists 50,000 easily misspelled words, names, and places, and terms. It also shows the hyphenation for these words. Short definitions are provided for words that sound alike or look alike. This book also has a brief writer's guide at the end which features punctuation, italics, capitalization, manuscript preparation, footnotes, in-text citations, reference lists, and proofreader's marks. This book has gone out of print. Please click on the Alibris banner near the top of this page.]
Woodruff, Jay, ed. A Piece of Work: Five Writers Discuss Their Revisions. Univ. of Iowa Pr. 1993 [Woodruff interviews five writers about the processes they use to revise their works. The five authors are: Robert Coles, Tess Gallagher, Donald Hall, Joyce Carol Oates, and Tobias Wolff.]
Lyons, Bonnie & Bill Oliver, eds. Passion and Craft: Conversations With Notable Writers. Univ of Illinois Pr. 1998 [This book is still available in a hardcover edition.]
Rees, Nigel. Brewer's Quotations: A Phrase and Fable Dictionary. Casell (UK) 1997/Sterling (US) 1998 [Originally published in 1994, this book is a wonderful reference for determining who said, or did not say what. Rees, an authority on the popular use of language in slogans, clichés, idioms, and quotations, has great fun elaborating on where famous sayings really come from. Whether politicians, philosophers, generals, and writers of ancient times or Hollywood actors of the present, Rees separates fact from fiction, myth, legend, and fable. Before you quote someone you are sure uttered some statement or other, check it out first in this delightful work. The origins of the quote may just surprise you. As Rees himself quotes: "With just enough of learning to misquote." -- Lord Byron, "English Bards and Scotch Reviewers" (1809). "Next to the originator of a good sentence is the first misquoter of it." -- R.W. Emerson, "Letters and Social Aims" (1876), 'Quotations and Originality' (misquoted). "Misquotation is. . . the pride and privelage of the learned. A widely-read man never quotes accurately." -- Hesketh Pearson, "Common Misquotations" (1937). "Misquotations are the only quotations that are never misquoted." -- ibid. This book has gone out of print. Please click on the Alibris banner near the top of this page to search for a copy.]
Andrews, Robert. Cassell Dictionary of Contemporary Quotations. Cassell (UK)/Sterling (US) 1998 [Over 7,500 quotes are assembled on almost 1,200 topics as diverse as Aliens, Atheism, Democracy, Bob Dylan, Richard Nixon, Snobbery, Values, and Yuppies. Some quotes are witty and others foolish, while some are profound other quotes reflect the shallowness of the commentatorThe quotes come from books, magazines, letters, poetry, movies & TV, newspapers, and even graffitti. Full citational material (indicating source, time, place, and often the circumstances in which the comment originated) is provided.]
Miner, Margaret & Hugh Rawson, eds. American Heritage Dictionary of American Quotations. Penguin Reference 1997
Rubin, Jr., Louis D., ed., in assoc. w/ Jerry Leath Mills. A Writer's Companion. Louisiana State Univ. Pr. 1995 [At over 1,000 pages, this is a compendium from many categories of knowledge compiled so as to be a useful reference for writers. Here is how the book describes itself, "Designed to enable authors, editors & readers of all varieties & kinds to look up information about numerous things, whether animal, human, or mechanical, contemporary or timeless, vital or recondite, &etc." This book may not be available in the near future. In that case, please click on the Alibris banner near the top of this page.]
Burnett, Hallie & Whit. Fiction Writer's Handbook. HarperPerennial 1993 [Originally published in 1975, this is a popular book for those trying their hand at fiction. The Burnetts, formerly co-editors of Story magazine, gave many noted authors their first opportunity in print. Here they offer practical advice on the various aspects of writing novels and short stories. They illustrate their concepts with examples from fiction writers of the past and present.]
Perret, Gene w/ Terry Perret Martin. Roasts & Toasts: Snappy One-Liners for Every Occasion. [Myron Miller, illus.] Sterling Pub. 1997 [Geared for speaking engagements, it does have some pithy lines that are of use to writers. Topics cover roasts, fellow workers, guests of honor, special occasions, retirement, weddings and anniversaries, birthdays, and new babies. Lots of lines from "Anonymous," but also included are remarks by comedians Bob Hope, Milton Berle, Henny Youngman, Rodney Dangerfield, and writers such as Mark Twain, Erma Bombeck, Ambrose Bierce, H.L. Mencken, Oscar Wilde, and Will Rogers.]
Perret, Gene. Business Humor: Jokes & How to Tell Them. [Og Mandino, foreword] Sterling Pub. 1998 [Perret left his job at General Electric in 1969 to write for Bob Hope, Phyllis Diller, Carol Burnett, and others. He has received three Emmys for his writing plus a Writers Guild Award. This book was originally published in 1989 with the title, Using Humor for Effective Business Speaking.]
Press, Skip. Writer's Guide to Hollywood Producers, Directors, and Screenwriter's Agents, 2002-2003: Who They Are! What They Want! And How to Win Them Over! Prima Publishing 2001 [Although my contact with Hollywood is limited, I have found this book to be a great help! The first part of the book covers all manner of topics for thse writing a script for television or the big screen. The second section of the book provides full contact info and a short discussion of the key agents, lawyers, and managers in the business. The third part of this book offers full contact info and discussions of the industry's producers, directors, and their film companies. "Thoughtfully written, clearly laid out, and of great value to beginners and old-timers alike. This book combines fearless opinions and invaluable hard facts--both of which are hard to find in Hollywood." -- Gareth Wigan, co-vice chairman, Columbia TriStar Motion Picture Group. "An entertaining and valuable tool for anyone interested in show business." -- Paul Mason Sr., vice president of production, Viacom. "An invaluable resource for breaking into the movie and television business." -- Barbara Anne Hiser, Emmy-winning cable and network television producer. "An insightful guide to the intricate Hollywood network." -- Oliver Eberle, founder and CEO, ShowBIZData.com. "The bonus for readers of this book is that Skip Press is a good writer--accessible, clear, persuasive, motivating, and easy to understand." -- Jerry B. Jenkins, coauthor, the Left Behind series.]Stuart, Linda. Getting Your Script Through the Hollywood Maze: An Insider's Guide. Acrobat Books 1993.
Sautter, Carl. How to Sell Your Screenplay: The Real Rules of Film and Television. New Chapter Pr. 1992
Keane, Christopher. How to Write a Selling Screenplay: A Step-By-Step Approach to Developing Your Story and Writing Your Screenplay by One of Today's Most Successful Screenwiters and Teachers. Bantam Doubleday Dell Pub. 1998 [This work includes a complete, annotated screenplay. The foreword is by Julius Epstein, screenwriter for Casablanca.]
Cole, Hilis R. & Judith H. Haag, contributor. The Complete Guide to Standard Script Formats: The Screenplay, Seventhe Edition. CMC Publishing 1989
Trottier, David. The Screenwriter's Bible: A Complete Guide to Writing, Formatting, and Selling Your Script, Third Edition. Silman-James Pr. 1998 [One of the most popular screenwriting guoides is now in its third edition.]
Due to the large number of inquiries we receive about copyrights, we offer the following links. These sites should answer 99% of the questions people have about copyrights.
17 USC TITLE 17 - COPYRIGHTS (01/16/96) [The copyright laws.]
U.S. Copyright Office Home Page
10 Big Myths about copyright explained [A simple and straightforward site, a great introduction to the world of copyright law.]
Terry Carroll - Copyright FAQ and Copyright Resource Page [A wide-ranging set of resources and links on all matters relating to copyrights.]
Copyright Laws [A look at copyright issues especially with regard to electronic publishing.]
Digital Reserves and the Copyright Laws [Discusses proposed changes in copyright legislation, with numerous references for further reading.]
Copyright Website [This site has some great examples of copyright infringements and cases.]
Wood, Lamont. Your 24/7 Online Job Search Guide. Wiley 2002 [This book provides a very simple, and well-organized, approach to finding a job via the Internet. As such, it can be of use to writers seeking employment.]
Back to the Main Page.
++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
At over 1,300 periodicals, Magazania offers a good number of publications for the history reader, e.g., AMERICAN HERITAGE, AMERICAN HISTORY, ARCHAEOLOGY, AVIATION HISTORY, BRITISH HERITAGE, CIVILIZATION, DIG MAGAZINE, MERCATOR'S WORLD, MILITARY HERITAGE, OLD WEST, SMITHSONIAN, AMERICA'S CIVIL WAR, and much more.
For the best assortment of history simulations, board games, card games, etc., from the US, Canada, and Europe at a discount, please visit: Funagain Games. And I do mean the best assortment, whether one is talking online stores or a bricks and mortar game shop.
For software and hardware at good prices we also recommend PC Mall and Mac Mall.