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 (P.O. Box 845, Novato, CA
94948) or by UPS to 185 Shevelin Rd, Novato, CA 94947 (tell UPS to leave it at
the door, where a friend will guard it until I get back from work!)--or where I
indicated when we spoke if I'm on the road. If you choose not to send it, I
nonetheless wish you good fortune. We need more good books. And more good
writers like you.
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Incidentally, I have a free monthly newsletter for writers,
speakers, publishers, and product developers.
You even get three free reports!
Why not sign up (you can un sign up
just as easily later!) at www.gordonburgett.com/free-reports?
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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 |