BEGINNER
INFORMATION GUIDELIST
for "The Pathfinder" Service
There are
two stages where I can help you the most with book preparation. The first is
when you know what you want to write about, have it organized in your mind or
on paper, perhaps have a rough book design in mind, and are yet to write the text―or have just begun. I call that the
"beginning" stage and this guidelist is for
you if that more or less describes your situation.
(If you
are farther along, you may wish to read the INTERMEDIATE
INFORMATION GUIDELIST.)
Put
yourself in my position. All I know about you is what you tell me. So I need to
know what you know or think about your book―plus
the questions you have at this point, so I can answer them.
On the
other band, we have two hours together so if you send me a tank car full of
things to read there is no time for commentary. And if you send me nothing, what
can I say but "good luck!"
So I've
compiled a list of the kinds of things that help me put you on a firm, fast,
and profitable path to book fame, whether you publish it or some fat-cat house
does. Don't worry if you haven't thought of some of these things. Just answer
them as best you can anyway. And feel free to send me anything else you think I
should know. If it's not clear why it's being sent, attach a note to it and
tell me. The wind is too strong in
It's best
to answer the following items on other paper, sticking to the same numbering
system please! Typed or computer-printed takes less
time for me to read. If you must write by hand and that's illegible,
please print. (You can also respond in Spanish or Portuguese, if that's more
comfortable for you.)
1. I assume the book is nonfiction―not
a novel. If it isn't, stop. Don't go to GO. You just saved $350. I don't
(can't) provide this service for novels. If it is nonfiction,
start answering at #2
2. What is the book about? Summarize it in a
paragraph or two; maximum, one page.
3. Why are you writing it? Does it require
special preparation, experience, or status to write it? Do you have it? If it
does but you don't, how will you get it?
4. Who will buy this book? Specifically.
What benefit(s) will it give them?
5. Do you plan to self-publish this book or have
it published by another firm? If the latter, do you have a publisher in mind?
6. What other books are on the market now that are
identical or very close to what you propose? Others that are
similar? Why would they buy your book rather than those? In other words, how
will yours be different?
7. Provide a rough outline or table of contents of
your book.
8. Books are composed of facts, quotes, anecdotes,
and illustrations (or artwork of some fashion). Not every book has all four,
but most do. Tell me where you plan to get most of the facts, quotes, and
anecdotes; the kinds of sources: articles, reports, books, interviews, etc. And
what kinds of illustrations will the book need? Where or how do you plan to get
them?
9. How much of the book have you written―in book form, as articles, etc.? If actual
chapters for the book have been written, please include one or two of the best.
10. Are you proposing to sell the core idea of the
book in other formats? As articles, a speech, seminars, a newsletter, tapes,
and so on? If so, please explain. Do any of these already exist? (This helps me
help you integrate your book into a larger empire-building structure at the
outset, to save time and increase your profits.)
11. What else should I know about your book to get
you on the best possible path at the outset? (Again, I can't read minds!)
Do the
best you can. I don't need every fact but I do need enough to get a clear
picture of the structure and purpose of the book.
Let's
take a pause here. The questions may have overwhelmed you. You may even be
thinking of chucking this "pathfinder" idea out the window and
kicking back to do the damn thing at your own pace. Fine.
But whether
you're thinking of selling this book to a publisher or even self-publishing it,
these questions are what you must know before you put words to the page.
Even more
important, if you want another publisher to accept your book,
now is the right time to approach them. You needn't write a word before you put
it out for sale. In fact, you shouldn't. But if you haven't answered the
questions above, they won't pay attention to you―because
professionals have and they will get the go-ahead instead of you.
Which is another way of saying, at some point you must answer these
questions. Now is the best time. From that spot I can help you pick the best path,
to bring inconsistencies into line, throw out the dross, and point out angles
and resources that will make the difference between acceptance/sale and a quick
rejection.
So that's
what I need from beginners. Bundle it up, send me what I must see, tell me what
you want to know back (or assume I will give you a full response about what is
still needed for it to be the best book possible), include the letter of
agreement and moolah, and we're in business.
A last
point: newcomers are rife with paranoia. I'm over my head in my own writing
work so I'm not going to steal anything of yours. Nor will I show it to anybody
else. Faith. I want you to be successful. Why else
would I do this?
If I can help
you, send the bundle to me either at the office (
----------
What I've
suggested above is precisely what self-publishers should do. But I might
make another suggestion here for those who want a major publisher to produce
and promote their book.
For the
past decade I've been offering a seminar called "Before You Write Your
Book...." at colleges and universities throughout
You can
get the same or similar material either as a three-hour audio cassette series
or an audio CD series, both with workbooks for the same price as the seminar
(or cheaper). For specifics, please check the order form or contact us.
Then you
could produce the four needed elements, send the "package" to me, and
let us improve them―or refine them―together through "The Pathfinder"
service.
It's not
my intent to sell you products, even my own. But here your interests and that
seminar/tape series directly overlap and it might be the best double investment
possible.
Having
said that, send me what you wish. I'm eager to help you produce a winning book.
Everybody wins when you do in this league.
|
Gordon Burgett |
(800) 563-1454 |