Success - Agents - Book Proposal 1
This excerpt is from "Success, Your Path to a Successful Book, by Maralyn D. Hill and Brenda C. Hill.
Points to be covered in a good proposal include:
The subject hook, the most exciting, compelling thing you can say that justifies the existence of your book, a quote, event, anecdote, statistic, idea or joke.
Hook includes:
The title, it must tell and sell.
Book’s selling handle, a sentence that ideally begins, "The (title) will be the first book to..."
Length of book.
Highlight special features: Tone, humor, structure, anecdotes, checklists, exercises, sidebars, and anything to make the text pop.
Maralyn D. Hill & Brenda C. Hill
International Food Wine & Travel Writers Association
Books By Hills Success Log Global Log
Labels: agents, Authors, book proposals, brenda c hill, maralyn d hill, success, writing books
posted by Maralyn Tuesday, June 30, 2009
|
 |
|
0 Comments
Links to this post
Success - Agents 5
This excerpt is from "Success, Your Path to a Successful Book," by Maralyn D. Hill & Brenda C. Hill.
You will need a good book proposal if you use an agent or approach a publisher directly. How to Write A Book Proposal, by Michael Larsen, AAR, is written by a literary agent who has placed many manuscripts successfully with over 100 publishers.
Maralyn D. Hill & Brenda C. Hill
International Food Wine & Travel Writers Association
Books By Hills Success Log Global Log
Labels: agents, Authors, brenda c hill, maralyn d hill, publishers, publishing, success, writing books
posted by Maralyn Saturday, June 27, 2009
|
|
|
0 Comments
Links to this post
Success - Agents 4
This excerpt is from "Success, Your Path to a Successful Book," by Maralyn D. Hill and Brenda C. Hill.
The best advice that we can give regarding agents is to research and read articles about them and by them on the internet. Then make the decision if an agent will benefit your specialty.
You may want to read The Renegade Writer’s Query Letters that Rock, The Freelance Writer’s Guide to Selling More Work Faster, by Linda Formichelli and Diana Burrell. It provides query letters that have worked, along with comments from the writer and editor.
If you want a traditional publisher, you will most likely need an agent. Very few large publishers will accept work unless it comes from an agent.
Labels: agents, Authors, brenda c hill, maralyn d hill, publishers, publishing, success, writing books
posted by Maralyn Wednesday, June 24, 2009
|
|
|
0 Comments
Links to this post
Success - Agents 3
This excerpt is from "Success, Your Path to a Successful Book," by Maralyn D. Hill & Brenda C. Hill.
Some authors may need or want an agent. We have pursued that avenue. If you read our chapter on marketing, you may be able to act as your own agent if you are self-publishing or using POD. This will save time, money… and another middle person. Unless your book is extremely hot, a good agent will be difficult to obtain. But, when you do land a good agent, they receive their percentage fee and are generally worth it. You can go online to
http://www.litmatch.com/ to find agents interested in your genre.
You are better off with agencies that have expressed an interest in new clients. Some agents are busy and they do not have time for you. Go after agents who are taking new clients. You can meet agents at writers’ conferences. Some conferences will set up pitch sessions.
Maralyn D. Hill & Brenda C. Hill
International Food Wine & Travel Writers Association
Books By Hills Success Log Global Log
Labels: agents, Authors, brenda c hill, maralyn d hill, publishers, publishing, success, writing books
posted by Maralyn Sunday, June 21, 2009
|
|
|
0 Comments
Links to this post
Success - Agents 2
This excerpt is from, "Success, Your Path to a Successful Book," by Maralyn D. Hill and Brenda C. Hill.
Aileen Martinex, Television Producer/Media Consultant,
http://www.mediainsider.tv/ said in The Book Marketing Expert Newsletter:
Less is more.
The best media pitches are short, sweet, and to the point.
Always make sure to start with the most interesting points.
Carefully draft your pitch to include the essentials, i.e., who, what, why.
Be willing to break format.
Replace the long block paragraphs with short sentences and a few strong, creative bullet points.
Labels: agents, Authors, brenda c hill, maralyn d hill, success, writers, writing books
posted by Maralyn Thursday, June 18, 2009
|
|
|
0 Comments
Links to this post
Book Review-Libation, A Bitter Alchemy
I know Brenda reviewed this, but I'm giving you my take. I'm a slower reader but I enjoyed Brenda's review so much, I decided I better get with it.
Passion & History Shine Through in Libation.
For me, Libation, A Bitter Alchemy, by Deirdre Heekin was an intriguing read.
Her story started as a quest with her husband to discover the origins and history of Italian cuisine in its truest form. Simultaneously, Deirdre uncovered her own passion for understanding the development of the craft and art of wine making as well as of other liqueurs, liquor and cocktails.
Through Deirdre’s colorful memories, experiences, tales and experiments, this book represents a wonderful history lesson for those interested in the evolution of spirits. Her love of its origins, stories, culture and perseverance transforms you to the time and place as each evolves.
Deirdre's obvious love of and passion for the soil and various environmental factors, along with individuals and cultures is transferred when possible to her home in Vermont. What is not practical for Vermont soil and conditions is brought home in memories.
She and her husband, Caleb Barber, always exhibit a passion for discovering the history, traditions and customs behind various food and libations. This combination results in a rewarding story filled with love.
As someone who appreciates and enjoys the history of food, Libation is intoxicating as a journey into wine and spirits. I personally always go by my own palate, which is less developed as much with liquor or liqueur than with food or wine. However, I'm always willing to taste. Since reading Libation, I'll taste and appreciate more the story behind the drink.
Labels: book reviews, liquer, maralyn d hill, spirits, vodka, wine
posted by Maralyn Tuesday, June 16, 2009
|
|
|
0 Comments
Links to this post
Success - Agents
This excerpt is from "Success, Your Path to a Successful Book," by Maralyn D. Hill and Brenda C. Hill.
We have met many agents… some of them well known in New York and L.A. circles. We liked most of them, and some helped us when writing our first book.
Linda Formichelli writes about the poor American publishing companies in a 2007 issue of Writer’s Digest, The old rules don’t apply anymore.
Linda suggests how to be recognized with a query letter to agents or editors: “Include their full contact information, the proper salutation (not Hey or Ho), use spell check and read over the email before sending it to eliminate those snafus that spell check doesn’t catch.”
You can look up everything you want to know about agents in the 2008 Guide to Literary Agents, by Chuck Sambuchino (updated annually). Another good one released in 2008 is Secret Agents by Chuck Sambuchino. In this one, Chuck lists 23 North American new and established agencies that will take new writers. They cover most genres and are hunting for the next breakout book.
http://www.writersdigest.com/ has an ongoing blog about agents.
Maralyn D. Hill & Brenda C. Hill
International Food Wine & Travel Writers AssociationBooks By Hills Success Log Global LogLabels: agents, Authors, brenda c hill, maralyn d hill, publishers, publishing, success
posted by Maralyn Monday, June 15, 2009
|
|
|
0 Comments
Links to this post
Success is INDIE Finalist
There is one or more ways to describe Brenda and I now and they all relate to being happy.
"Success, Your Path to a Successful Book," was named a Finalist in the Writing and Publishing category of the 2009 Next Generation Indie Book Awards.
We knew our book was good, but it sure feels great to have it confirmed.
Thanks to all of you who asked for us to write this book and those great writers and people who inspired us along the way.
If you're using "Success," we wish you much success in your writing and we always welcome your comments and questions.
Maralyn D. Hill & Brenda C. Hill
International Food Wine & Travel Writers Association
Books By Hills Success Log Global Log
Labels: book marketing, brenda c hill, maralyn d hill, success, writing books
posted by Maralyn Saturday, June 13, 2009
|
|
|
0 Comments
Links to this post
Success - Publishing 2
This excerpt is from "Success, Your Path to a Successful Book," by Maralyn D. Hill & Brenda C. Hill.
Are you on a budget? The difference between POD, self publishing and a more prestigious, and costly literary press was more than double if we accepted the publisher’s proposal.
How much editorial license are you willing to give up? For us, the traditional publisher, who would have taken twelve to fifteen months to publish, had the final say on the title, editing and cover. Instead, we self-edited, then used our own editor, and chose our own cover.
Traditional publishing is what we may all dream about, but not realistic to expect, unless you are well-known. You can be just as successful using POD or self publishing if you are willing to market your book.
Labels: Authors, brenda c hill, maralyn d hill, publishers, publishing, success, writing books
posted by Maralyn Friday, June 12, 2009
|
|
|
0 Comments
Links to this post
Summer Camp for Cool Women - Phoenix Area
I'm taking part in this Summer Camp for Cool Women in the Phoenix area. All of the various programs look interesting. If you're in the area, you may find it fun.
Labels: maralyn d hill, success, summer camp for cool women
posted by Maralyn Wednesday, June 10, 2009
|
|
|
0 Comments
Links to this post
Success - Publishing
This excerpt is from "Success, Your Path to a Successful Book," by Maralyn D. Hill and Brenda C. Hill
It seems that the changes in the publishing industry are happening as quickly as your new computer is outdated. We will attempt to cover some of the basics, but like anything else, we suggest that you research your particular area of interest.
What are your goals in publishing your book?
In our case, with our first joint effort, Our Love Affairs with Food & Travel, chefs were anxiously awaiting the publication of their recipes. It was a big factor in our decision to use Print-On-Demand Publishing (POD) and be able to turn it around within four months.
What is the best timing for your subject?
For example, if you are writing your memoirs for a family holiday gift in the summer, POD or self publishing your book will have it ready before the winter holidays.
Maralyn D. Hill & Brenda C. Hill
International Food Wine & Travel Writers Association
Books By Hills Success Log Global Log
Labels: Authors, brenda c hill, maralyn d hill, publishing, success, writing books
posted by Maralyn Tuesday, June 09, 2009
|
|
|
0 Comments
Links to this post
Promotional Campaign & Publicity 12
This excerpt is from Success, Your Path to a Successful Book, by Maralyn D. Hill and Brenda C. Hill.
Practice writing a press release for your book. Be sure to use key words in the opening paragraph.
Write a press release for speaking at a function about the topic of your book. Or, organize a reading.
Labels: Authors, book marketing, book promotions, brenda c hill, maralyn d hill, success, writing books, Writing tips
posted by Maralyn Saturday, June 06, 2009
|
|
|
0 Comments
Links to this post
Book Review: Libation by Deirdre Heeken
"Libation"
Deirdre Heeken wrote the book I wish I had written. I love her book, named "Libation." It means to pour, as in an offering. When Deirdre pours me a glass of wine, it feels like a celebration before the fruit reaches my lips.
I was hooked from the first line. Deirdre's book is a voyage into the heart of an artist, reader, writer, world traveler, perfumer, gardener, cook and wine maker.
I have the good fortune to have met her. She is beautiful, from the inside out. Then, I tasted her wine. It is as sublime as she is.
Later, I watched her chef husband, Caleb, prepare the vibrant, bright green, organic wild leeks and dandelion greens. Dining at the big wooden table in their Woodstock, Vermont cafe was like eating at home, only better.
Within minutes, their fresh home grown produce is transported from their Barnard, Vermont garden to their Italian-New England, trattoria - osteria pane e salute.
Deirdre and Caleb's cafe is the true meaning of farm to fork, grape to table. I hope to return for one more taste of Caleb's cooking and another sip of wine--the perfect marriage. I long to pluck grapes from their farm, taste wine and greens in their cafe and fly to Tuscany, all at the same time.
I did not want to leave Woodstock, Vermont. As I boarded my flight from Burlington to Sarasota, Florida, I opened Deirdre's newest book and started to read. Later, I did not even notice that we had landed. I had read it, word for word, and began again.
I want to tell Deirdre that this is one of the best books about travel, wine and LOVE that I have ever read.
As a former book reviewer for a national magazine and a literary magazine, I have found it easy to discuss the content of books. I cannot describe "Libation" and do it justice. I only urge you to read it and then buy it for everyone you know who shares a passion for bread and wine, beauty, nature and life.
You can purchase "Libation" on Amazon or the publisher, Chelsea Green's website.
Brenda C. Hill
International Food Wine & Travel Writers Association
Books By Hills Success Log Global Log
Finalist in the Writing and Publishing category of the 2009 Next Generation Indie Book Awards, "$uccess, Your Path to a Successful Book."
Labels: book reviews, books, brenda c hill, Deirdre Heeken, success
posted by Brenda Thursday, June 04, 2009
|
|
|
0 Comments
Links to this post
Promotional Campaign & Publicity 11
This excerpt is from Success, Your Path to a Successful Book, by Maralyn D. Hill & Brenda C. Hill.
Book reviewers—These reviewers are always looking for good new material. Call and ask if you can send them a copy of your book to be reviewed. Send or hand deliver a press copy of your book to a reviewer for publicity that money cannot buy (if it is a favorable review!). Do not send a book without permission. They get more books to review than they can read. If they have not agreed to read your book, it may just go in the slush pile.
Maralyn D. Hill & Brenda C. Hill
International Food Wine & Travel Writers Association
Books By Hills Success Log Global Log
Labels: book marketing, book promotions, brenda c hill, maralyn d hill, publicity, success, writers
posted by Maralyn Wednesday, June 03, 2009
|
|
|
0 Comments
Links to this post
