Coming from Writer's Digest Books - November, 2009

Dear Fellow Writers --

         I felt hesitant and anxious before beginning the process of gathering industry quotes with my co-author Sharlene Martin for "Publish Your Nonfiction Book." Still, the November release date from Writer's Digest books was around the corner.  It isn't often in such a competitive business that events require us to compile a list of friends according to the old school definition of the word, but it happens.  In this case, that meant finding highly placed publishers, editors, and industry experts who know us from prior work with them and who might be willing to take the time to read an advance copy and write  a blurb.  This nail-biter of a test bristles with possibilities for icy doses of reality.

       We all know how difficult it is to get another person to read an entire book against the backdrop of electronic media screaming for their attention -- yet we must ask important people with serious obligations to include us in their burdened schedules and to even offer us favorable comments, if they like our work.

        And so it is with a full heart that I offer our gratitude to the following publishers, editors, and experts who have been so kind as to comply with our audacious requests and who wrote back reasons why they believe that "Publish Your Nonfiction Book" is a vital new entry to the world of instructional books on professional writing.

        As you see below, Jason Prince, my publisher at Sterling for "The Road Out Of Hell," was even kind enough to read and evaluate"Publish Your Nonfiction Book" although it was done by another publishing house.

 "PUBLISH YOUR NONFICTION BOOK is a useful, accessible, and timely resource that provides excellent guidance  and insider advice for prospective authors. Perhaps most importantly, it demystifies the often mazelike publishing process, making it possible for writers with talent and ambition to get their work into print." -- Jason Prince, VP, Publisher, Sterling Publishing

"Sharlene Martin and Anthony Flacco have used their considerable experience as a successful literary agent and widely published writer, respectively, to demystify the publishing process for nonfiction books in a way that any writer will find to be informative and enlightening.  PUBLISH YOUR NONFICTION BOOK clearly explains the process unlike any other book that I know about.  I'll be recommending it to writers that I work with."-- William Shinker,  President  & Publisher, Gotham and Avery Books

"PUBLISH YOUR NONFICTION BOOK is practical, straight-forward, helpful, and tells the truth about publishing!  This is the perfect guide to go from dream to reality on your publishing journey.  Highly recommended." -- Joel Fotinos, Publisher, Tarcher/Penguin

"Having been in book publishing for almost forty years, I've always been surprised at the dearth of thoughtful, insightful, and informative books on the integral  things a writer needs to know about publishing a nonfiction book.  Well, now I've found what I think is the best book of its kind, and one that can make a tremendous difference in the lives of writers and writers-to-be.  In PUBLISH YOUR NONFICTION BOOK, Martin and Flacco have used their years of experience and their insiders' understanding to provide an easy-to-follow path to building a successful career in a volatile and competitive marketplace.  It will become an invaluable classic on any writer's bookshelf." -- Roger Cooper, Vice-President, Publisher, Vanguard Press

"If getting published is your plan, take note of a few things: Mere talent isn't enough. Neither is tenacity. You need tools. In this insiders' guide, Martin and Flacco open up their specialty kit of wrenches, calipers, and pneumatic nail guns. You'll find all you need here to get started with building your literary career." -- Joel Miller, Vice President of Editorial & Acquisitions, Thomas Nelson

"Martin and Flacco's book is your insider's guide to getting published in the turbulent world of a book business in transition. It's filled with good tips and techniques, but best of all, it never minimizes the hard work, discipline, and perseverance that it takes to be a good writer." -- Alan Rinzler, Executive Editor, Jossey-Bass/John Wiley & Sons

"When I see a submission from Sharlene Martin and Martin Literary Management, I sit at attention. From pitch to proposal to finished project, Sharlene always hits the mark. She and Anthony, both at the top of their game, consistently deliver commercial, well-positioned, riveting work. So whether you are just getting started or facing your hundredth rejection, this book will help you experience the inside track and professional wisdom that can take you one step closer to publishing success."-- Michele Matrisciani, Editorial Director, HCI Books

"PUBLISH YOUR NONFICTION BOOK is sure to become essential reading for aspiring writers. Clear, concise, and well written, the book's enjoyable step-by-step approach is as accessible as it is appealing. Martin and Flacco have written a useful reference for newcomers to the world of publishing." -- Airie Stuart, Senior Vice President and Publisher, Palgrave MacMillan

"For every aspiring writer-even for authors with a book under their belt-Publish Your Nonfiction Book will prove an essential guide through  the entire publishing process. Sharlene Martin and Anthony Flacco cover all the bases-sizing up today's media landscape; how to write and submit the best queries; and dissecting book proposals that publishers have acquired. I have published many books on books, and this is one of the most useful handbooks I've ever seen. I will recommend it to all my authors." -- Philip Turner,  Philip Turner Book Productions

"Anyone who has ever dreamed of writing a book must read this one first. A rare blend of publishing wisdom and psychotherapeutic sensitivity, it leads you through today's realities without bursting your bubble. It's as essential as a dictionary for everyone, from the wanna-be writer to the best-selling author!" --  Carole Lieberman, M.D., Media Psychiatrist and Bestselling Author 

Our heartfelt thanks go out to them all!

-- Sharlene Martin and Anthony Flacco