This Business of Books

The most complete single-volume overview of the book business, this quick and easy read covers the entire scope of a book's life from concept through sales. Topics include:

- Concepts, including where they come from, who owns them, and what the term encompasses
- Writing tips about nonfiction research, structure, the writing process, and common mistakes first-time authors make
- Writing tips about fiction research, plotting, building characters, the writing process, and common mistakes first-time novelists make
- Editing tips on passive voice, grammar, syntax, and other line/copy edit concerns
- Guidelines for developing nonfiction book proposals,fiction submission synopses, and query letters, plus tips about the submission process
- What to expect from each of the three publishing routes--traditional royalty, self, and "subsidy"--as far as scope of responsibilities, rights, contracts, and costs
- A look at overall publishing definitions, registrations, and processes
- The seven ways to get a book from the publisher into the hands of the buying consumer and who all those middlemen are along each route
- Tips on distribution and marketing campaigns including necessary materials, scope of plans, and realistic author contributions
- A review of the financial realities and physical requirements of printing, warehousing, and sales
- Glossary of industry buzz words and jargon
- Links and resources