Successful Nonfiction: Tips and Inspiration for Getting Published

Successful Nonfiction is a collection of pointers and affirmations for those nonfiction writers who view their books as "products" and their readers as "customers." Self-publishing guru Dan Poynter weaves together real-life publishing anecdotes, quotations from writers, and information from his own research and vast experience to comment on everything from combating procrastination to knowing when to call in a ghostwriter. He can tell you where to place your photograph (not on the cover, please), how much to invest in illustration, and when it makes sense to collaborate ("do not collaborate," he warns, "with someone you would not go camping with"). He explains why autograph parties are bad and bad reviews are good. Poynter's pagelong tidbits are short but pithy. If you want to write nonfiction but are unfamiliar with the publishing business, this is a good place to start. You'll learn to recognize when it's time to turn to a book doctor, why proofreading is not to be skimped on, and that, sometimes, self-publishing is the preferred path ("since it takes most publishers 18 months to turn a manuscript into a book, chances are high you will be first if you publish yourself"). And, just in case you were debating whether to write a novel or a how-to, remember: "Fiction writers tend to be creative, interesting people who are fun at parties. But nonfiction writers drive better cars." --Jane Steinberg