I want the best resources to help me write a nonfiction book proposal. [more inside]
posted by Ouisch on Dec 22, 2009 - 3 answers

Innovative Books: I am looking to compile a list of the most innovative uses of the book format. Books that break the mould in their layout and design, perhaps books that use online systems to extend their content value or push their form into new places. I am most interested in narrative and theory, but any book that is interesting (artist books etc.) would be really appreciated. [more inside]
posted by 0bvious on Nov 1, 2009 - 29 answers

I've recently begun work on a children's book. It is inspired by my granddaughter. I was wondering if anyone had any information on how to get a children's book published? Suggested Publishers? Also, any other information pertaining to this process, would be appreciated. ***I realize that children's books are a dime a dozen...but mine just might be spectacular ;)***
posted by gypseefire on Oct 17, 2009 - 4 answers

I want to write and publish a book on the industrial music scene from a feminist perspective. I’m a decent writer, but I have no photography, graphic design, marketing, or publishing experience, and no industry connections. Where do I start? [more inside]
posted by velvet winter on Oct 3, 2009 - 8 answers

I have this amazing idea for a book that has never been done before and will sell like hotcakes. (No, seriously!) But I have absolutely no idea where to start. What do I do? [more inside]
posted by Madamina on Sep 25, 2009 - 11 answers

I have savings and, soon, no work. I want to do something interesting, write about it, and publish - ideally to kick-start a writing career. How should I go about these 3 things? [more inside]
posted by jeatsy on Sep 8, 2009 - 14 answers

I've fallen in love with a certain older British character actor and want to write his biography...where do I begin? [more inside]
posted by frosty_hut on Sep 4, 2009 - 5 answers

There is a literary journal currently asking for a $1 "handling fee" to fast-track submitted stories. Is this okay? What really, is the point of asking for a dollar?
posted by uans on Aug 22, 2009 - 20 answers

In writing a research book, how far along should I be before approaching publishers, agents, etc? Help needed to get my nonfiction pop culture centric book into bookstores [more inside]
posted by anonymous on Aug 3, 2009 - 7 answers

What do you love about popular books on society, history, and human sciences? What do you hate about them? [more inside]
posted by carmen on Jul 23, 2009 - 19 answers

My dream is to write nonfiction books, but I have more book ideas than I know what to do with. Does anybody have any advice on how to find an agent or even just somebody knowledgeable about the publishing business who could give some good advice about which book ideas would work and which ideas would fall flat? How does one get past the query letter stage, when you have multiple outlines and chapters and book ideas, but you don't have a finished book?
posted by jonp72 on Jul 14, 2009 - 13 answers

Published writers, how did you deal with post-sale paralysis? [more inside]
posted by mynameisluka on Jul 11, 2009 - 15 answers

How can I make my Word documents look less....boring? Seeking tips & tricks from people with an eye for design. [more inside]
posted by Miko on Jul 8, 2009 - 26 answers

I often have a whole bunch of 500-3000 word articles to read - all reasonably plain English with headings and sub-headings (and occasionally images). Is there any software out there which will take an article (or articles) and write a reasonable one or two paragraph summary of the article, or produce a list of key points?
posted by zaebiz on Jun 16, 2009 - 13 answers

Creating my book's own index, crazy or sensible? [more inside]
posted by jessamyn on Jun 10, 2009 - 19 answers

OK, I've posted on this subject before. Each time, I'm a little further along. Here is where I am right now. I've been working on a book since March. The idea upon which the book is based has been getting a lot of attention recently and has consistently been in the news for about four years. [more inside]
posted by CollectiveMind on Dec 8, 2008 - 5 answers

Something I've been involved in for several years has been getting a lot of publicity lately. And I've just been told that it is about to get some national publicity within the week. [more inside]
posted by CollectiveMind on Nov 16, 2008 - 8 answers

I know how you write an article, I know how you write a short story, I know how you write a book. But how do you write a marketing plan? [more inside]
posted by EmpressCallipygos on Oct 9, 2008 - 7 answers

Up for serious discussion: What are the ethics of writing under a pseudonym? [more inside]
posted by Toto_tot on Aug 28, 2008 - 16 answers

I need a new name!!! I've written a book for friends and non-primary caregiver family (NOT for primary caregivers) regarding illness and death. [more inside]
posted by Sophie1 on Aug 8, 2008 - 16 answers

What is your relationship like with your literary agent? [more inside]
posted by Bookhouse on Apr 25, 2008 - 5 answers

What right do I have to republish software screenshots and promotional material within a critical/academic context? Do I need to get formal permission from the corporations that own & distribute this material? [more inside]
posted by serial_consign on Mar 21, 2008 - 6 answers

I've been offered a ghostwriting gig. Help me with my expectations, please. [more inside]
posted by Ambrosia Voyeur on Feb 28, 2008 - 4 answers

I have a web site. I want to write a book based on the topic. I have publishers/agents asking to talk to me, but I don't know if I'm ready. For one thing, I'm not convinced traditional publication is best — I'm intrigued by self-publishing and e-books. I'm looking for general advice: What are the pros and cons of each method? It seems that unless I'm lucky, traditional publishing offers the lowest dollar return. But are there other, intangible benefits I'm missing? Exposure? Having somebody who knows what they're doing guide me along? And how do I approach a discussion with agents/publishers so as to get the best deal? [more inside]
posted by jdroth on Jan 7, 2008 - 13 answers

I'd like to get published. What are some good business motivational magazines to submit my work to? [more inside]
posted by The Deej on Oct 14, 2007 - 4 answers

I've decided to publish a poem and a short story under a pen name. I'm wondering if there are any negative consequences involved in this that I may not be aware of. [more inside]
posted by ndicecco on Sep 17, 2007 - 6 answers

Unsolicited query from a German publisher who wants to publish my (kinda crappy) Master's thesis? What the...? [more inside]
posted by generichuman on Jul 17, 2007 - 12 answers

I'm trying to draw up a list of publishers in Western Washington State. Google and the Yellowpages have done all they can. [more inside]
posted by EatTheWeak on Jul 7, 2007 - 4 answers

What magazines have the best slush turnaround times? This is a question for submitters and editorial assistants alike about average response times for unsolicited works. [more inside]
posted by shownomercy on Mar 12, 2007 - 12 answers

Can helping aspiring authors succeed somehow help me, or does it hurt my own chances of being published? [more inside]
posted by anonymous on Dec 22, 2006 - 19 answers

I'm writing a book. What's the difference between a prologue, a foreword, an introduction, and a preface?
posted by soulbarn on Nov 29, 2006 - 12 answers

PublishingBizFilter: I want to know a little about the slushpile. Who looks at it? When? Why? [more inside]
posted by Mister_A on Oct 10, 2006 - 14 answers

I have an awesome idea for a non-fiction adventure-type book that would require a small, but not insignificant amount of capital. Is it even worth my time to pitch this to a company, what sort should I approach and how would I go about doing it?
posted by borkingchikapa on Sep 25, 2006 - 7 answers

A book I wrote was going to get published but then the publisher went out of business. Before they went under the publisher assigned my book an ISBN, so the never-published book still appears in various databases. How do I de-register the ISBN and remove it from the web?
posted by Fuzzy Monster on Jul 31, 2006 - 9 answers

How to (tactfully and successfully) get some major names to look at some of my writing? Of course there is [more inside]
posted by exlotuseater on Jul 18, 2006 - 18 answers

PublishingAuctionFilter: I'm looking for online, eBay-like auction companies/sites that allow: a) writers to auction articles/books to publishers (of books, magazines, newspapers, websites, whatever); b) publishers to auction licensed articles/books to other publishers (ditto); c) publishers to auction ad space to advertisers (“media buyers,” as they say). I've got one so far: eBay is setting up a system to do C. Anyone have A or B? Thanx.
posted by MarshallPoe on May 30, 2006 - 3 answers

My two true talents are writing and spending entirely too much time on videogames. Help this flakey fanboy combine his pointless pursuits for profit. [more inside]
posted by EatTheWeak on May 23, 2006 - 16 answers

Career change advice sought! Help me make the switch to editing/publishing. [more inside]
posted by Miko on Apr 14, 2006 - 5 answers

This is for the authors and/or editors of mefi. I submitted a story to a publication that claims a 5 week turn around. That was just over 9 weeks ago. They also ask that authors not inquire about submissions. Am I obligated to wait any longer before submitting to another magazine or can I assume the rejection was lost in the mail and submit elsewhere?
posted by Grod on Apr 1, 2006 - 9 answers

How many golden tickets does the publishing world hand out annually? [more inside]
posted by IndigoJones on Nov 7, 2005 - 5 answers

Suppose I were able to write a publishable novel. How much money would I get, as a first-time author as soon as it was picked up? How much would I make over all? Assume This an action sci-fi/cyberpunk type book (think William Gibson). [more inside]
posted by delmoi on Oct 19, 2005 - 25 answers

Authorfilter: A friend is seeking an agent and a new publisher. He can't seem to attract either. [MI} [more inside]
posted by Goofyy on Aug 17, 2005 - 2 answers

What is the process for getting a book published? [more inside]
posted by Rothko on Apr 24, 2005 - 7 answers

So I've written a short story*, and I'd like to try to get it published. Alas, I have no idea what publication would be a good place to submit to. It's inspired by equal parts Piers Plowman, Saikaku, and 14th century Buddhist devotional tales. [more inside]
posted by kavasa on Apr 9, 2005 - 7 answers

Recently, on the "Mary Celeste" Metafilter thread, Languagehat, Davehat, and I spontaneously coauthored (with no prior discussion) a bizarre, surrealist triptych I've dubbed "Food-Based Psychic Spying defense technology in the Cold War - A retrospective". I think we may polish it up a bit, add some bits here and there, and try to have it published - in hardcopy - somewhere. But where? Any suggestions for venues or submission protocol? Thanks. [more inside]
posted by troutfishing on Dec 24, 2003 - 3 answers