Hungry Authors: The Indispensable Guide to Planning, Writing, and Publishing a Nonfiction Book

“Any author with a great idea... and a plan can write and publish a kick-ass nonfiction book,” according to this diligent manual. Ghostwriters Morrow and Curry (coauthor of Calm in the Chaos) encourage readers to consider what expertise they have, suggesting that “something as simple as noticing that people always ask you for fashion tips... might point you to what it is that you have to offer.” They recommend that readers treat their project like a job and build a routine around meeting a daily word count. Providing guidance on getting publishers’ attention, the authors detail how to write a winning book proposal (they suggest readers find comparison titles by searching for books similar to their own with at least 50 reviews on Amazon) and how to find an agent (pitch those mentioned in the acknowledgments sections of comp titles). Morrow and Curry offer practical suggestions on every step of the writing and publication process. Of particular use is their insight into the pros and cons of various publishing models; self-publishing, they note, provides complete creative control, but places manufacturing costs on the author, while hybrid publishing promises higher royalties, but requires writers to pay for marketing. Aspiring authors will want to study this. (Aug.)