Reading is the best way to succeed at writing, including reading about the process of preparing a proposal and of finding an agent and a publisher.
The Hartnett Agency routinely recommends the following books to authors.
Jeff Herman's Guide to Book Publishers, Editors and Literary Agents, by Jeff Herman
From among the many guides that exist, Herman's annual guide offers more than most, including helpful information for navigating the first steps of publishing, comprehensive overviews of the book publishing industry, and short essays packed with basics for any author seeking an agent, a publisher or just insights into the commercial publishing arena.
Getting Your Book Published for Dummies, by Sarah Parsons Zackheim with Adrian Zackheim
From among all how-to get-published references, this Dummies guide organizes content so that the aspiring author can, simply by reading, experience the process - and find solid instructions for the long haul. Chapters about agents' roles and about writing book proposals promise to be concise guideposts.
How to Get Happily Published: A Complete and Candid Guide, by Judith Appelbaum
In addition to basics presented in the Dummies guide, this book has served authors for decades with plain-talking, straight-shooting sense. It is written by a revered industry leader who is devoted to authors' rights.
One fine snapshot of what paves the way to bestsellerdom, this short review helps any author imagine ways to craft and position a book idea to become the bestseller it can be.
Write the Perfect Book Proposal: 10 That Sold and Why, by Jeff and Deborah Levine Herman
Authors often seek samples of book proposals. This work provides not only very excellent samples to use as models but also an easy, clear analysis for authors with enough business smarts to commit themselves to writing competitive proposals.
For beleaguered writers who are stumped and wondering how short query letters could ever possibly present their book ideas effectively - or who are about to embark on crafting sample chapters for their proposals - this book is a refreshing refresher on the power of the well-chosen word.
The Big Red Fez: How to Make Any Website Better, by Seth Godin
Every author needs a website. Every website gets stronger with some super clear thinking about its real purpose and goals. Before working with The Hartnett Agency or its creative support team -- or with any web designer at all -- this little book is a gem that must be read.
Business and Legal Forms for Authors and Self-Publishers, by Tad Crawford
Whether they publish on their own or seek an agent and publishing firm, authors commonly raise concerns about being vulnerable to legal and business terms as they cope with the happy problem of having an agent, an editor, a developmental editor, a production editor, marketing and publicity staff, as well as sources, freelancers, indexers, copyeditors, and artists. This work includes sample forms for almost any situation and a paragraph-by-paragraph discussion of terms commonly involved in most book-publishing deals.
Getting Permission: How to License & Clear Copyrighted Materials Online & Off, by Richard Stim
Every author must take ownership over the ever-more increasingly complicated process of getting permissions and copyright clearances. Every author needs this book.
