ISBN: 978-1-60264-060-3

Publisher: virtualbookworm.com  

This handy book gives you all the knowledge you could ever need in order to  publish your book. It tells you absolutely everything.

I have tried unsuccessfully myself to acquire an agent or a publisher to get my novel into print. I did eventually self-publish a few copies but had I read this book first then I would have probably gone about it in a totally different way. So I do know what I am talking about here.

The first example is about manuscript editing if you yourself publish. Allowing a friend or relative to do it for you is not the answer. You do need a professional editor, you also need a large cash out-lay and you also realize how important it is to have a distributor.

Helen writes about the advantages of E-books which seems to be the future although I am sure it will be a sad world without beautiful books to handle, read and keep on your bookshelf. As Helen says, images of being a writer are never as romantic as they are often portrayed. It is jolly hard work although obviously if you enjoy writing it will give you a great deal of pleasure too. She tells us the time to write is always now. She gives you many ideas how to get started with your book and how to get it to take shape right until that final push to publication. And how to stop!

Her chapters on getting Organized on Your Computer are invaluable. Don’t forget the back-up. Clear out your email and control it and don’t be sloppy with grammar and punctuation just because its quick.

There is a good chapter on cutting down on spam too. The chapters on the Mechanics of Writing for Publication and the use of short-cuts are excellent but I think some people will  need to do a computer course to follow some of the information. However she does have some pretty amazing tips in this well written book.

Helen also gives you websites to go on if you’re getting confused or just interested and want to know more. Book marketing and promotion is dealt with too and finding your target market too. The importance of a good title for your book and the cover design is also discussed.

There are chapters on publicity, search engines, website strategies and blogs, book launches and many, many more tips to help you on the pathway to getting your book into print. Helen says “get your reviewers lined up” well here is mine for this snappy entertaining book Helen has created. It gives the incentive and hope you need and makes you want to get writing after you have read this book and have picked up all the skills you need. There is nothing to stop you now after reading this brilliant guide.

The above review was contributed by: Jessica Roberts:  Jessica is a book reviewer for a local newspaper and has reviewed for a national women's magazine too. She has had various articles published in magazines and has now completed her novel. Jessica currently lives in West Yorkshire and enjoys walking in the dales and woodlands as part of her hobby as well as, of course, reviewing books. To read more of Jessica's reviews  CLICK HERE