Publishing a book is a big deal. I’ve never done it, but I’ve read enough to appreciate each author’s contribution. Getting to that point is tough, getting through that point is tough, and after that point is tough. Then getting on to the next one is tough. Nonetheless, ways exist to expedite the process. Chris Mackenzie Jones has himself published this book to guide authors how to navigate successfully through this process. He uses the stories of eleven published authors, garnered through interviews, to inspire, educate, and drive aspiring authors to success.
Stories from each of the recent authors function as case studies for the reader to learn from. They aren’t presented one by one. Rather, Jones guides us progressively through various points along these authors’ common journey. The paths voyage through both traditional publishing houses and self-publishing avenues.
He starts from the “spark” of a story’s inspiration. What that looks like certainly varies from author to author, but all stories had to start in some way. He continues through the writing process, including the often painful step of revision. Then he chronicles the submission process and the heavily trod path of rejection. Finally, he explores publication and release – a process that often forces introverted literary geeks into an extroverted world.
To assess, there’s not a whole lot “new” in this book. It simply captures the essence of 11 authors’ journeys, but it does an extremely thorough, careful job of it. It provides a comprehensive, detailed picture of a writing career that few other books can rival. It’s not the only book in this genre, but it provides unique advice to aspiring authors while suggesting outside resources to look for more. Finally, it highlights interesting work by current authors for readers to dive into more.
Those involved in honing the craft of writing – that is, aspiring authors – comprise the main audience for this book. Writing is a lonely task, and sharing one’s writing is a path laden with much rejection. This book can provide comfort and camaraderie along that path. Established guides, like literary agents or writing teachers, involved in mentoring these writers can also benefit through better empathizing with their students. Overall, this book’s wide-ranging approach enlightens, charms, and instructs so that authors can more successfully produce and disseminate their work.
Behind the Book: Eleven Authors on Their Path to Publication
By Chris Mackenzie Jones
Copyright (c) 2018
The University of Chicago Press
ISBN13 9780226405803
Page Count: 225
Genre: Writing, Career Development
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