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How Do You Get ANonfiction Book Published?Possibly you have grown passionate about a particular topic and you've started writing the book. It's a secret dream and desire of many people. They have no training or idea how to publish a book--but they begin the discipline of writing. It's admirable that these individuals have taken the effort to complete the manuscript. Then these people want to get it published so they go to the library and get a writer's market guide. They bundle their manuscript and send it into a publisher. After weeks of waiting, they receive a form rejection letter. Wanting to persist, they try again--and get rejected repeatedly. Does it sound familiar? Here's a statistic that startles many people: 90% of nonfiction books are sold from a book proposal. The majority of these books have not been written--but a proposal has been carefully crafted to catch the attention of a publisher. This proposal will contain a number of elements which are not in the manuscript but important elements for the publisher to catch the vision and issue a book contract. You can learn more about book proposals through Terry's book, Book Proposals That Sell, 21 Secrets To Speed Your Success. Or you can instantly purchase the electronic version. After more than 20 years in the publishing business, Terry Whalin has written more than 60 nonfiction books for a variety of age groups. He has written books on his own and also he has co-authored many books for others. Besides his writing, Terry has worked on the inside of publishing houses as an acquisitions editor. This page will be a jumping point for you to learn more about nonfiction from his perspective. This page pulls together a variety suggestions for any nonfiction writer. You can trust his suggestions to be backed with years of experience. It doesn't matter if you are published or unpublished. Terry invites you to read the articles, use the resources on this page. Please mark this page on your list of favorites so you can return to it often as it will change, have additions and be updated. Use this search tool to easily locate articles.
ArticlesAre you surrounded by non-writer want-to-be-writers? How do you: What's your feeling about self-promotion? It's part of the writing life and here's some valuable insight: Do you need to organize your writing life? Check out the sound wisdom in this article: Are you stuck in a rut? Then follow this seasoned advice: The journey of a thousand manuscripts pages (or even 150) begins with a single idea. Here's how to find one. Practical tips for keeping your book available, even after the publisher takes it out of print, even if the publisher goes bankrupt: Book Proposals contain multiple elements and different aspects. In this article, Dr. Dennis Hensley teaches: Learn how to use an advertising sales technique to position your book idea at: It's a common publisher question: What's your platform? Here's some great information about: If you are looking for work, here's a great article to give you insight into this important area for writers: Don't bore your readers with your writing but learn to: Are you a confident writer? If not, are you showing that lack of confidence in your articles? Take a step toward fixing it with this article: Floundering around with many different ideas? Get focused and learn from this professional writer: Writing a biography? Learn from this much published biographer: Here's some insight into nonfiction writing and how to follow the rules: Tired of trying to get your nonfiction published alone? If you are going to work with someone else, it's critical that you select the right person: Additional articles will be coming soon. ConferencesRelationships with editors are built at conferences and here's: Here's a skill every writer should learn: ContractsIf you have a contract, here's a thorough document of wise advice and valuable information from a professional writer/ lawyer: Don't sign on the dotted line just because a publisher has offered you a contract. First, put it to this five-step test to make sure you're signing a smart contract: Every writer with a contract is involved in negotiation. Creativity & ProductivityMany writers are easily sidetracked. Seasoned writer Kristi Holl gives some valuable lessons for: How can you turn those anxious thoughts into writing?: Are you stuck in a marketing rut? Then use the valuable counsel in this article: Want to be more productive? Then this article is loaded with great advice: Editors & AgentsThe Editor and the Author have a special relationship. You will gain some insight from: Have you learned how to handle the editor words "no"? Take a difference stance with your writing: Here's a question you may have asked yourself: If you want to alienate literary agents or editors, follow this tongue-in-cheek advice. It teaches what not to do: This published writer and editor answers a common question from writers about rejection: Looking for an agent for your book? Watch out because you can get ripped off. Learn how to protect yourself and find a legimate agent: This article provides additional insight into agents: InterviewNonfiction often involves interviews. If you need to interview, here's some valuable insight: Scared to interview? You need these insights: Marketing & PromotionFor any author, marketing is a part of the process. This section will provide articles to help you learn more about this aspect of the business. What's your feeling about self-promotion? It's part of the writing life and here's some valuable insight: Today's book market is highly competitive. If your book isn't getting enough attention from the various media outlets, then read this article from publicity expert Lissa Warren: Writing books is more than writing. Learn from this seasoned author, Robin Lee Hatcher, about how to handle the interview process with the media: ResourcesIn this section, Terry provides insight to some common writer questions. When you follow this link, it will take you to a series of additional pages of insight and teaching for every writer. Long Dash Publishing. Here's a great resource for quick turnaround books from a manuscript. Additional resources will be coming soon.  If you have a question about nonfiction, feel free to email Terry Whalin using the form below. Because of time constraints, Terry is not always able to provide a personal answer but look for the answer to possibly appear on this page. |