“Platform” is a perennially buzzy term within the publishing industry. Particularly if you’re writing nonfiction and hope to be published by a traditional publisher: chances are you’re going to need a platform. It’s helpful (but not mandatory) for fiction too. In this post I’m going to cover: What is an author platform? Which types of […]
Nonfiction
How to write a nonfiction book proposal
If you’re seeking traditional publication for a nonfiction book, you’re most likely going to need to write a nonfiction book proposal. The art of writing a nonfiction book proposal is sort of like cooking lasagna. There are a thousand ways of making it, everyone has their own recipe, but most every lasagna will have a […]
Bestselling Nonfiction Books by Year
Last Wednesday I listed the Bestselling Novels by Year. Here are the bestselling nonfiction books by year (source source source source source source source), along with the Modern Library’s list of the 100 best nonfiction books of all time. What’s interesting to me about this list is the extent to which celebrity books and self-help were prevalent even in the […]
Should you pay someone to edit your work?
Only if you need to. It’s essential for authors get some sort of editorial feedback on their manuscript and/or query letter from someone they trust before trying to find an agent. That could be a significant other, a critique partner, a friend, a mortal enemy… someone. The advice should be positive, useful, strike you with […]
