Before and After the Book Deal: A Writer's Guide to Finishing, Publishing, Promoting, and Surviving Your First Book

I bought this because like so many fellow writers, I am in the process of writing a book. The best way to gain knowledge on the current state of publishing is to go through the process, but a lot of authors don't share the tips and tricks and many roadblocks writers discover on the way to becoming a successful author. Much like "Writer's Market" revolutionized how non-fiction magazine authors query and land writing gigs, Maum's book is a witty, honest and clear representation of the "end" of the process. If you have been struggling over those last few chapters and have started considering getting published, this book will provide you with a huge amount of information and help you realize that you are, really, just at the beginning of your journey as an author.Maum shares all of her struggles openly, which not only makes for an entertaining read, but she shows you firsthand what not to do while providing a LOT of information on what you should do. For example, she talks clearly about the challenge of wrangling a good agent while understanding that a good agent is a coach who wants to help focus your talent and manuscript rather than one who simply believes there's one product that sells and your writing should conform to that one style or genre.Maum's book is near-perfect. The "finishing" in "A Writer's Guide to Finishing, Publishing, Promoting and Surviving Your First Book" is a bit lackluster and probably should be. Writers have composed thousands of volumes on the writing process alone, so it should be a standalone book. I felt those "finishing" entries were cursory at best, and then we move directly into getting involved in the writing world, which is key for book promotion. So perhaps what I am longing for here is another book on just the process of getting to and through those last chapters that really goes in-depth..

An inside look at the vast details of publishing your first book, with sage advice from all corners. Needed quotes from Conservative writers, not just Liberals.

This book is a great read even though I am only a recreational writer. Very carefully researched and gives many antidotes and advice from other writers. Also got good list from this book of authors to follow and read. I enjoyed & appreciated it. Finishing Ms Maum’s other book The Year of the Horses on audio book and it's good too.

Anyone who’s trying to get a book published or is in the process of being published should consider this guide required reading. The publishing industry is unnecessarily opaque, and Maum is here to tell it like it is. By getting people in publishing to speak both on and off the record, this is an unusually candid guide to nearly every question you might have about the process. It’s also filled with tons of practical writing advice, and is very funny. I’ve returned to it again and again.

I started reading this book as I was finishing the first draft of my own first novel, and preparing to step out into the trembling, terrifying great unknown of What Comes Next. So many questions! So many industry buzz words that I didn't actually understand! So many people and steps to the process that I wasn't even aware I needed in my life! Fear not - Courtney came to my rescue, and she can come to yours, aspiring author. I learned SO MUCH - at a holistic, full-circle, macro AND micro level - about the publishing world and all its players, and what it *really* takes to get your book into the hands of readers. Thank you, thank you, thank you, Courtney, for this invaluable, wise, accessible and refreshingly humorous guide. It has absolutely changed and fortified my life going forward as a writer.

Very few good books on writing cover anything past landing an agent. There countless books on who to draft or query, and even a few on book launches, but they're limited to that. Then there's THIS book. Before and After the Book Deal is all encompassing, from the beginning of the process to the publicity. It covers a massive amount of topics including book tours, teaching, and more. And it's written with a fun, personal voice that is simply a delight to read. I devoured this book and know I'll be going back to it many times. I cannot recommend this book highly enough. If you're serious about the business of writing/publishing this is an absolute must-read.

I cried after I read this book -- trying to create something can be a lonely process, and may even look insane to outsiders. And, even though I cried, I should also say it is extremely funny. To know your thoughts, fears and obstacles are normal is comforting. Then, Courtney goes on to give you all the tools you need to overcome those roadblocks. It is *the* book any writer needs to succeed. I'm reading it for the second time, and it's even more useful the second time through. I am going to keep reading it over and over, until I complete my first novel. Buy it, gift it -- it is deeply researched with more than 200 sources, and a great use of time.

Helpful info presented in an organized way. I recommend it for fellow querying writers!

An outstanding resource for debut authors - get it early in your debut career. Before querying if possible, but at whatever stage it's excellent.

I pre-ordered this book and it didn't disappoint. I'll be referring to it for years to come.I had many questions that this book covers like, "Is this the standard rejection email or a nice version of it?" or "How can I infiltrate myself into a literary community without a writer's degree?" Courtney's humour and to-the-point advice make this read enjoyable and useful. I laughed out loud and found myself in every chapter.