Author: Patricia L. Fry

ISBN: 978-0-9773576-2-8

When it comes to writing for publications, Patricia Fry’s credentials are impeccable. For over twenty years, Fry has contributed hundreds of articles to over 260 different magazines on a wide variety of topics and approximately 800 of these have been devoted to writing and publishing- no doubt making her a guru on the topic.

In addition, Fry has published 25 books, and in 1983 she was far ahead of her time in establishing her own publishing company-something that was unheard of at the time.

In her second edition of The Right Way To Write, Publish And Sell Your Book: Your Complete Guide to Successful Authorship, Fry has included an additional 32 pages. These added extras comprise more information, tips and resources related to publishing fiction, how to choose an appropriate title for your book, working with book stores, promoting your book through trailers and the use of a blog to promote and establish a platform.

Much of the second edition focuses on the importance of becoming business savvy and an entrepreneur, if you hope to sell your book. As Fry points out, once you decide to be published, you must don your businessperson’s hat in the same way you would approach any new business venture you are contemplating in setting up. 

In other words, before you even put pen to paper, it is essential to consider the following: the importance of your book, can you afford to take a financial risk, time frame for its publication, level of quality of the finished product, how much control do you want and how much are you willing to give up, where do you want your product to reach, will it be local, regional, national or of an international interest, the size and scope of your audience, can you consider yourself a business person, will you be able to promote your book and what is your platform-the way you hope to attract a readership.

From this starting point, Fry takes her readers through a comprehensive journey into the world of publishing where she examines how to find the very best publisher, the pros and cons of self-publishing, writing an effective book proposal, making sure you are writing the right book for the right audience, improving your market savvy, organizing the book, approaching and working with an agent or publisher, actual writing of your book, book promotion, bookkeeping tips and finally the writer’s life. The book’s final chapter contains an extensive list of writers’ resources and a glossary, all connected to the rest of the text.

Fry has an excellent sense of what makes the world of publishing tick and her material is mixed with extensive research, priceless advice, and anecdotes.

If we read the chapter devoted to writing a book proposal, readers are introduced to the significance of the proposal as well as how to go about writing one as it pertains to non-fiction and fiction. There is even included a sample of a cover letter as well as a synopsis of a book and author. In another chapter, Fry discusses the right book for the right audience where she explores choosing a marketable topic, your target audience, and your competition. In the chapter dealing with book promotion, Fry advises to reach out beyond the bookstore. It is here where we learn about creating a web site, book trailers, blogs, handouts, press releases, media kits and sales sheets press release, newsletter, networking, getting on radio and TV, honing your speaking skills, and locating speaking opportunities. This chapter is followed with an exploration of book promotion where we learn about selling books through articles and excerpts and book festivals.    

This thoughtfully constructed book will hold much appeal for anyone contemplating becoming an author or for those who have published but don’t understand why their book is not selling.

And as Fry states in her Preface, “while the book provides thousands of information bites, resources, lessons and examples, it is not designed to take the place of hard work.”  It will have very little value if the advice tendered is not implemented or as Fry states: “there is no magic potion for hopeful authors.”

The above review was contributed by: The Publisher & Editor of Bookpleasures.com, Norm Goldman, B.A. LL.L, Retired Title Attorney: Norm is also a travel writer and together with his artist wife, Lily, the couple meld Norm's words with Lily's art. To check out their travel site click on Sketchandtravel.com   Click here to view Norm’s Reviews & Interviews.