Agent Books

While I'm by no means into the industry yet, this book was an easy read and it contains invaluable information for the hollywood neophyte

Trouble is, Tony Martinez is no devil. He comes across, in fact, as the ultimate boy scout in a shark-infested business. Part instructional, part ever-so-careful not to offend anyone, Martinez writes in a conversational, run-of-the-milll average-guy style that allows you to skim to the sections that may mean more to you. On the one hand, it's banal and boring and on the other, there are nut n' bolts insights that should be helpful for a rank beginner.
As someone involved in the business for many years, looking for some hidden insights or juicy info, I was disappointed. But I DID learn a little more about the way pilot season works and for that reason alone, I found this very brief tome to have some worth.

This book is a must-read for any aspiring actor or aspiring agent and an entertaining book for anyone working in the entertainment industry. It's humorous, well-informed and succinct. It's not a surprise that this quick-witted and to-the-point agent provided the entertainment community with such a well-written book. His personal stories and antedotes complete this book. Do yourself a favor, and buy it.

An Agent Tells All by Tony Martinez is an excellent book that is very easy to read and hard to put down as it flows on very well.
Specific Contents that go straight to the point and excellent for the novice to clearly gain an understanding of the industry from agents point of view. Also Highly rate the Pilot Season Chapter!
Great Read.

I did a monologue in front of Tony Martinez at TVI Actors Studio, and he was generous enough to tell me what did and didn't work. His book just as helpful, only laced with his terrific sense of humor. I would say this is a must have for any actor and would probably be helpful for managers and workers in corporate America.

I bought this book based upon all the great reviews, and wasted both my time and money. How disappointing!
There is too much bragging on how great and smart the author is (sorry, but outside of the US nobody knows that company anyway) and even tough I appreciated the genuine willingness to share his experience, this is only common sense.
No new insights. Get the Harvard Business Review and you will learn more than in this book.
I guess that it might be useful for new entrepreneur or maybe small companies, just for them to double check that they are on the right tracks.
Sorry, I tried but just did not learn anything new.

I wish I would have read this prior to starting to work for his new company and also I could've used this about 5 years ago to encourage me to change careers. This is an excellent book and I'm using some of the examples in it for my MBA application this fall.

As an Executive Coach and a close observer of many corporate cultures it did my poor old tired heart a world of good to read this book. If what Hal Rosenbluth says about his company is even half true, it puts his organization at the forefront of employee value and relationship management. Beyond all that, it makes perfect common sense. Why we would think in our wildest imagination that an employee who does not feel valued by his employer would not transmit that lack of appreciation to his customers, is a mistery to me. The first 100 pages of this book are not be missed by any company who truly wants to improve their workplace culture, increase the productivity of their workforce and cut their turnover rate down dramatically. Read it and implement any one of the outstanding programs explained within and watch s shift in morale and productivity start right away. This book is a keeper and an excellent reference source. I could not recommend it more highly.

I am an avid reader of business books, and if I gain just one or two usable ideas from a book, I consider it worth my time. This book is a stand-out among management books, because I got not one or two, but at least a dozen solid ideas I can implement right away. I have shared it with all my top level managers, and have wathced it being shared throughout my multi-national organization. It is a gem, to be kept within reach in one's office -- not with the countless other books that sit, read once, on most managers' bookshelves. I highly recommend it for anyone who cares about the success of their business.

As an Executive Coach and a close observer of many corporate cultures it did my poor old tired heart a world of good to read this book. If what Hal Rosenbluth says about his company is even half true, it puts his organization at the forefront of employee value and relationship management. Beyond all that, it makes perfect common sense. Why we would think in our wildest imagination that an employee who does not feel valued by his employer would not transmit that lack of appreciation to his customers, is a mistery to me. The first 100 pages of this book are not be missed by any company who truly wants to improve their workplace culture, increase the productivity of their workforce and cut their turnover rate down dramatically. Read it and implement any one of the outstanding programs explained within and watch s shift in morale and productivity start right away. This book is a keeper and an excellent reference source. I could not recommend it more highly.

THIS BOOK IS GREAT, REALLY GOOD AND FUN TO READ IF YOU ARE AN X-FILES OR GILLIAN ANDERSON FAN. I HIGHLY RECOMAND THIS BOOK

Straight from the cutesy title that X-Philes know and love as one of Scully's trademark phrases, Mulder, it's Me really hits the spot. Gil Adamson and Dawn Connolly's biography about the amazing Gillian Anderson is extremely informative without being invasive of Ms. Anderson's privacy. The well-written fourteen-chapter biography is only the beginning of this stunning masterpiece - the book also includes candid interviews, a comprehensive episode guide of the first four seasons of The X-Files, a section on the 1996 Burbank convention by the renowned Autumn Tysko, a listing of internet resources, and 16 pages of color photos. Whether you are a newbie or a veteran fan, Mulder, it's Me: The Gillian Anderson Files is the must-have biography.

This is the best Gillian Anderson biography on shelves today. But this isn't just a biography, this book also includes television and radio interviews with answers to some of the most frequently asked questions. You get to find out what people did when Gillian Anderson appeared at the X-Files convention and what questions her fans asked. It also includes the speech she made in Washington D.C. for public awareness about Neurofibromatosis, the disease her younger brother has been diagnosed with. This book also includes great Gillian Anderson Internet sources and an X-File episode guide with all the shows from season one to the end of season four. But best of all, this book includes a great section of full page color photographs of Gillian. If you are a Gillian Anderson fan, you have to get this book!

This book is great for people who want t get all the facts and want awesome color Photos .I think Gillian is agreat person and Actress and this book helps you realize that.AS well as info there is a great X-files episode guide section.Many thanks to the athur and gillian for being the great actress she is.

This book has, well, everything you wanted to know about Gillian Anderson (Agent Dana Scully on the X-Files) and more! The colour photo's are excellent, as well as the black and white ones. Each chapter has a unique title, and very good detail into herself, her daughter, and her work. A must have for any Gillian Anderson fan.

Only a small section of this book - a "FAQ" - is devoted to "how to agent your agent. Most of this book is a very well written insider's look at what an agent does, with lots of anecdotes from Rainford's work as an agent. Great if you don't know what agents do, but if you're a professional looking for that edge - I'm working, how to I get more out of my agent - there isn't that much you won't have figured out already.

This book is wonderful. Humorous and informative; my favorite combination. I am not an aspiring actress, and have only delt with Two Literary Agents in the sale of my first 4 books; however, I found Ms. Rainfords book an excellent resource. I would recomend this book to anyone who has an Agent; is thinking of getting an Agent; wants to become an Agent; or is thinking of leaving her Agent. Or anyone who is going to HOLLYWOOD to PITCH anything.

It's hard to believe Nancy Rainford hasn't written more books. Perhaps a humorous novel about her business? The book flows with the ease of a best selling novel!

5 stars to this one!

Marsha Marks

As an agent, I have a love/hate relationship with this book. On the one hand, I hate it for exposing so many of my secrets. But on the other hand, I love that it's so direct and honest. Nancy ran her own successful talent agency for many years and she obviously knows what she's talking about. So if you're my client, please don't buy this book. But if you're not, I suggest you pick this one up right away.

Could also be the name of Nancy Rainford's insightful and energetic book. How to Agent Your Agent is at once a fun breezy read and the advice every actor needs to set up for themselves a realistic philosophy and strategy creating their success in the wild business of show. To all but brandname actors the interior life of the creature called agent is a mystery. Ms. Rainford dismantles so many myths there's little choice but to draw clean slate on what you think you know about agents. Comparable to "The Art of War," the hunter must understand the nature, habits, and motivations of game sought. If you believe in the value of your craft and take your business seriously read this book not once but over and over. Take a walk in the agents shoes so the agent can walk with you.

This is a great book, I couldn't put it down. My husband and I are both actors, and we actually fought over who got to read it first (we alternated). I have already recommended this book to all of my friends who are actors. It is that valuable and should be required reading for every actor in Hollywood.

The book is not just a primer on the Hollywood protocol and pecking order, but "How to Agent Your Agent" goes into such wonderful detail so as to demystify how an actor should handle his/her agent. So many actors are constantly in a quandry of how to handle a situation with their agents, or they are downright dissatisfied with their agents. This book helps an actor to define what you have control over and what you can change. Years of experience are in this book to help keep actors from making mistakes when it comes representation.

Thank you, Ms. Rainford, for telling it like it is (and being such a great storyteller).

This is an excellent book to get you on the right path to reach your goals in the music business.For years I have been trying to find a way to get my career moving to no avail. And with this book I found out what mistakes I was making that was keeping me from growing if you are serious about making it then take control of your career and get this book it is easy to follow and remember the music business is a business and with this book you can learn how to move with the business.

This is an excellent book. All the tools necessary for success are included here. Stiernberg even gives you the format and ideas for a business plan, which is essential for any serious entrepreneur. Everyone in the music biz should get this book.

I've read too many music business books that try to be all things to all musician readers and end up being shallow overviews of the industry. Succeeding In Music focuses on one thing and does it thoroughly. At its core, SIM could be called a musicians textbook for writing a business plan. Each chapter takes you through the steps necessary to make a legitimate small business out of whatever your music venture may be. If you're looking for cute anecdotes or secrets to getting a record deal, this book is not for you. In fact, it's a rather dry read. But if you want to make a serious business out of your band/record company/studio etc., then this book is the first step that must not be skipped. It IS a workbook, so it will take some work. I found the sample plan at the end of the book to be particularly helpful, and the enclosed CD-ROM contains all the forms and worksheets found in the text. This book is a necessary edition for those of us who want a music career and are willing to do the dull stuff it takes to get there.

A great title detailing the ropes for all the people involved in producing a hit record. Given that so many people are involved in the producing cycle, starting from the songwriter to the promoter to the performer, it is hard to collect all the information into one title. Fortunately John Stiernberg succeeded in putting all that is needed for producing hit records into one title, explaining the parts of all the people involved and detailing each role with real life examples.

I highly recommend this book to gain greater insights in the Music business or any business. It was a great buy along with a couple of manuals I purchased from Musicbrains.net entitled the Indie label Kit.

i Love thes books and look forword to reading this one.Robin jones gunn is a VERY Blessed and talented auther and i ALWAYS look forword to her books.
i would recomend anyone to read this sires, although i will give a disclamer. This is not the tipe of siries that you can start midstream. You MUST start with the first book and go on becouse they all tie in in a certant way... :) you will see when you read them!
Happy reading,
Betsy

Want a book that holds your interest? I recommend this entire series. I discovered Gunn on accident; really it was a blessing! I liked this entire series. Good wholesome values and interesting plots that intertwine with the other books.

This is a great book, and I defenitly recommend it, along with all of her other books. Karen Kingsbury is another great choice, her books make you feel very close to God.

I think I liked this book more because of the secondary characters than the main ones. It was fun to catch up with all your old friends from previous books. Also, this is the book we meet Shelly from Clouds and Jake from Waterfalls. The two main characters, Brad and Alissa, were interesting but I cared about them less than some of the other people this series has introduced us to in the past. The story of Rosie and her groom was a good addition. In some ways, I cared more about Rosie's story than Alissa's. It's a good book, but not up to this author's usual standards, in my opinion.

I really enjoyed this book. I love the way that all the characters in the books connect. not only do they just connect in the Glenbrooke Series, but some of the characters in this series connect with characters in the Christy Miller Series. This book is about Alissa. In the Christy Miller Series, Christy was the one who prayed with Alissa when she became a Christian. She also knew Todd, Doug and Tracey. Throughout this book Christy's name is mentioned. Brad, the guy in the story, is the brother of Lauren Phillips in book 3. This was a really good book. Another thing i like about these books is that they are Christian. This book was really good.

This is my first ever James Bond novel, I can't remember if I saw the movie. This is a thinking person's spy story with few gimmicks but great finesse and ingenuity. Fleming fascinated millions with his suave 007 personality and his missions against villains who were larger than life and twice as nasty.
The pace is slow, a good armchair read with a briar pipe in hand. An entire new generation will find the foreshadowing deep and miss the absence of the now classic action adventure. But Fleming's astute writing style will continue to attack new fans who enjoy a good story well told.
Nash Black, author of TRAVELERS and SINS OF THE FATHERS.

James Bond is still hunting for Blofeld. After a year Bond thinks he is useless, and wants to quit. In Italy he saves a girl who was trying to kill herself. This leads to a relationship, and Bond learns that she is the daughter of a high ranking Italian gangster.

He has info on Blofeld. He is in Switzerland running a finishing school type or organisation, after having undergone plastic surgery. It is really a brainwashing organisation to get women to basically be terrorist weapon carriers.

Bond infiltrates Blofeld's organisation, gets out of there, and here Tracy helps him out.

He asks her to marry him, and she agrees.

Bond, with some of Tracy's dads' men, assaults Blofeld's organisation, but the supervillain gets away again, and has a nasty surprise waiting at Bond's wedding.

This is definitely one of the better Bonds since, like CASINO ROYALE and FROM RUSSIA WITH LOVE, the more formulaic elements are so well integrated in the story.

What I loved about FROM RUSSIA WITH LOVE was that the obligatory romance was the actual scheme of SMERSH to ensnare and kill 007. The characters were well-drawn and Bond doesn't come off as such an indestructible superman. His heart is broken in CASINO ROYALE, confused in FROM RUSSIA WITH LOVE and then shattered in ON HER MAJESTY'S SECRET SERVICE. (It's also very cool that we learn that Bond annually visits the grave of Vesper Lynd as well as still checks into Casino Royale as well).

We meet Ernst Stavro Blofeld again, not because of some grandiose world-conquering plot, but because he wants the respect and nobility of a title. The College of Arms angle of the story should be the dullest part of the story but Fleming actually makes it interesting by revealing the desire of everyone--except James Bond--to be "somebody."

The biological warfare passages may seem dated but I like revisiting the 007 books while keeping them in context: they must have been fantastic reads in the 1950s and 1960s. These books really anticipated the very modern threat of what Fleming referred to as "the man with the suitcase"...which contains an atomic device. Blofeld's plot in this book to attack England through its livestock with a virus is certainly something to think about in this day of Mad Cow and Bird Flu epidemics.

Although I'm only quibbling, I wished there had been more development between Bond and Tracy, the only woman to ever become Mrs. James Bond. After reading the novel, I felt as if I saw more of her in the movie! (The movie version of OHMSS is also one of the best).

I recently started reading all of the Bond novels and overall have enjoyed them a lot. While Flemings writing style is consistently solid the plots and characters differ greatly. On Her Majesty's Secret Service (number 11 in the series) shares with Casino Royale the title of My Favorite Bond Novel.

The plot is interesting and not *too* far-fetched (for a bond book - some are very cheesy), the characters are very likable and Fleming really nails the mood of "European decadence". This book, like Casino Royale and a few others metes out a healthy serving of bond's classic vices laced with action.

If you like less-than-serious action novels, then I would highly recommend this. Perfect for a long flight or drive

Among the titles of Ian Fleming's James Bond novels, I'd have to say that On Her Majesty's Secret Service is my least favorite, with neither the brevity of a Dr. No or Goldfinger nor the plot descriptive nature of The Man with the Golden Gun or From Russia with Love. Even if I dislike the title, however, this is one of Fleming's best Bond books.

The story opens around a year after the events of Thunderball (the intervening book, The Spy Who Loved Me, is not even mentioned). The villain in that book, Ernst Stavro Blofeld, the mastermind behind SPECTRE, has been in hiding and James Bond is trying to seek him out. It is a more-or-less futile assignment and Bond is disillusioned enough to consider quitting. Before submitting his resignation letter, however, he takes a break at a casino. During this mini-vacation, he performs a chivalrous act to save a beautiful countess from embarrassment; she in turns, rewards him in her own special way.

This countess, familiarly named Tracy, is also the daughter of a genial but ruthless mob boss who Bond winds up (pardon the pun) bonding with. The boss, Marc-Ange, realizes that his daughter is troubled (in fact, suicidal), but that Bond may be able to help her by marrying her. Bond is not willing to do that, but is willing to see her again after she gets treatment. In the meanwhile, Marc-Ange gives Bond a lead on Blofeld.

Blofeld has holed himself up in the Swiss Alps, where extradition is nearly impossible. Bond goes undercover, hoping to lure Blofeld into Germany where he can be arrested. While there, he stumbles upon a strange plot that seems to involve young women seeking treatment for allergies. What Blofeld's scheme is goes beyond Bond's expertise, but the superspy will have more immediate problems as his cover is threatened.

Eventually, Tracy gets back into the mix, which adds another level to the story. Bond versus Blofeld is good, but at long last, Bond meets a woman who he can truly love. Since the first Bond book, Casino Royale, when Bond found himself betrayed by a lover, he has never been willing to truly risk emotional attachment. This time he does, and this adds an extra depth to this particular novel.

On Her Majesty's Secret Service is the middle part of what I think of as the Blofeld Trilogy, which started with Thunderball and concludes with You Only Live Twice, so it may not be the best Bond book to start with. For Bond fans, however, this book is a treat and one of the very best that Fleming wrote.

A MUST FOR ALL REALTORS!!!
by Jacqui Pirl, an author and avid reader, 02/03/2008

My copy of this book arrived and I devoured it, cover to cover, in three days! The main character, Laura McDaniel is a divorced real estate agent who is trying to make ends meet while living on Maui. This book is a great read for anyone involved in real estate!

This book is an entertaining and interesting look at single parenting, motherhood, divorce, life on Maui, and the ups and downs of the real estate business. The author takes us from Maui to Oahu and explores some of the subtle undertones of religion and societal expectations...some of which seem to be counterproductive to really `living right' in today's world, in what the Hawaiian's call pono.

Walls even explores the unusual social climate of Hawaii's public and private school systems, something any parent new to Hawaii should read up on.

Walls does a great job of creating conflict, characters, and thrills in this emotional roller coaster-ride of a story. You'll cheer, boo, and gasp at this wonderful cast of characters and the tribulations they face.
This was a fun, adventurous read.
Karen L. Reddick, author of Grammar Done Right!

I must admit it took me a lil' longer than normal to read "Paying The Price" by Madge Walls. The book was good. It bought new light to the actual residents of Hawaii and people that are in the real estate business. Her characters sparked an interest in you from the very begining. They were people that you may have known and/or seen in some of your own neighborhoods. She also bought to life the real and not so distant fear that many of us try not to think about. Yes the fear of our own child being sexually used. She told a story with suspense, horror and love all mixed in with hope for a better future!

Thanks for sharing Madge!!

I just finished reading Madge Walls' novel Paying the Price. More of an experience--a vacation--than just a book, this wonderful tale had me neglecting my own activities so I could keep turning the pages.

The protagonist, Maui Realtor Laura McDaniel, deals daily with loads
of trouble: her demanding, often unreasonable clients; her well-meaning but overbearing mother; her traumatized, pregnant, teenaged, prodigal daughter; her attractive ex-husband who has troubles of his own; and genuinely dangerous, local loons.

Laura's struggles: feast or famine finances, mother/daughter/grandmother guilt, and the loneliness of facing huge, life-changing decisions alone, are so real and so universal that they make the shocking twists and turns of the book believable and all the more jolting.

Peppered with island words and phrases, food, scenery, and cultural oddities, the setting surrounds and complements the story. Each time I opened the book, I rode the waves of heartbreak, horror and hope in beautiful Hawaii. If I put it to my ear, I can almost hear the ocean now.

I couldn't put this book down. From the very beginning, you relate to and really care about the characters - no one-dimensional stereotypes here! As a fellow real estate agent, it was refreshing to see an agent portrayed as a real person, not some hyped-up caricature a la American Beauty. For anyone interested in a real estate career, the situations and people Laura encounters are dead-on - so to speak. Paying the Price describes perfectly what a real estate career is all about; sometimes exhilarating, sometimes devastating, but always interesting. Terrific job, Madge, can't wait for the sequel!

I really like this book. I have written short stories before, but I am actually writing my first novel. This book has been very helpful as far as style and writing. I was stuck on POV, and it really helped me through it. And then the fact that it is also written by a publisher is great for when I get to that stage. Most books for writing I don't like, but I recommend this one.

I am so glad I bought this book! I write as a hobby and my goal is to become an author. A few years ago I quickly wrote a story, randomly picked a publisher off the internet, and sent it off with dreams of success. I thought it didn't need to be absolutely perfect--that's what editors are for, right? Won't they help me develop my story into what they want? After reading this book, I now know why 6 months later I received a cold, generic rejection letter. (I was probably lucky to even get that!) I unwittingly sent in a rough draft and an awful query letter that publishers/agents despise and toss in the garbage minutes after it hits their desk. Left to my own devices, I'm sure I would have sent another quick rough draft to yet another publishing company or agent and wondered why no one seemed interested in my work.

The truth is, publishing companies and agents are swamped with desperate pleas from new writers and piles of awful manuscripts, and they aren't going to look at anything that isn't the best. This book shows you, step by step, how to develop YOUR skills to write a terrific novel and revise and polish it to perfection. Lots of reviewers said they skipped this section, but I encourage any writer to read it. What writer doesn't appreciate great advice from another writer who has achieved success? The second section of the book actually left me scared and ready to give up in despair! So few manuscripts are even looked at by publishers, let alone go on to become a best seller, that it seems hopeless. However, the agent gives you valuable (and sometimes harsh) information that every author mailing out large envelops stuffed full of sloppy, rushed chapters and dreaming of the day they are rolling in royalties needs to know.

I feel like I now have insider tips into the world of publishing, my blinders are stripped off, and my novel will stand out from the others laying on an agent's desk. This book is invaluable to me, and I expect it to be worn thin as I write and attempt to publish my work.

This book is a great way for those who are struggling to even get started writing their first novels to sit down and map out the process. It is a step-by-step guide that helps give you ideas and resources about how to go about writing a novel. Be prepared to want to buy some of the recommended books the authors discuss!

Finishing my first novel was a long, often painful, often exciting journey. But when it was done, what came next? I really had no idea.

Having accomplished one of my life's major goals, I was thrilled just to complete the darn thing. But would it ever get published? Would anyone ever read it?

I felt like Peggy Lee singing "is that all there is?"

I needed help. After taking a look at many of the resources out there, I settled on Ann Rittenberg's and Laura Whitcomb's excellent Your First Novel as my primary guide.

I'm so glad I did. Now, to be honest, since my book was already done, I didn't read Ms. Whitcomb's chapters, which focus on the writing process. Instead, I hungrily jumped to Ms. Rittenberg's sections on how to sell it.

And sell it I did. Following Ms. Rittenberg's very clear and logically organized advice, I was able to obtain an agent and a publisher. I knew what questions to expect, what objections I'd have to overcome, and how best to package and present my work.

I've looked at many books of this sort, and Your First Novel was the most helpful for me. In fact, now that I'm writing my second novel, I've started to read Ms. Whitcomb's writing advice. Hopefully, it will be as rewarding as Ms. Rittenberg's contributions were, and it will help me avoid the dreaded sophmore slump.

Good luck to you in your journey!

Scott Sherman, author, First You Fall: A Kevin Connor Mystery

This book was very helpful. I have just finished my first novel after a year and a half of work. I only wished I had read this book before typing out over 250 pages. Depending on your reason for writing, this book could either be a help or a major discouragement. When I read the second half of the book which was written by a literary agent I was shocked by how hard it is to even get a book considered, let alone published. She describes one agent who decides whether to read a manuscript by how much dialog is in the work. If there is too much empty page or not enough the manuscript gets tossed into the slush pile. One wonders how many great works of art have been passed over by such approaches. However, you can't hold the agents too accountable. Do you actually expect them to read each of the 20 manuscripts they get a day. So first and foremost, if writing is not a passion you would endulge in whether you became rich and famous, then proceed. If you think it is a quick and easy way out of your dead end job, you might find another hobby. According to these authors, the writing field is one litered with broken spirits and rejection. Nonetheless, there are a great many tips on both writing and manuscript submisssion that are very very important. You owe it to yourself to invest in this book. Good Luck!

I found the book to be clear, concise, and a pleasure to read. Laced with subtle humor, this book provided the answers to my questions regarding getting a literary agent.

Michael Larsen shares some interesting point of view on the process of finding an agent and an entertaining look inside a good day and a bad day in an agent's life. He attempts to solve the mystery of the agent - author - publisher triangle in How to Get a Literary Agent. It's an interesting book but I would caution, as with any advice, to apply common sense. If something doesn't feel right for you, don't do it just because you read it in an expert's book. Always remember an agent's stated guidelines trump anything you read in a book.

This book gives a step by step approach to selecting and approaching Agents. There is a template for writing the query letter, things to look for when searching for an agent and some advice on writing. More importantly it gives a list of the things that will put an Agent off almost immediately like comparing yourself to Tolstoy and repeated calls to check if they received your submission for example .

What is 'missing' from this book is a list of Publishers and Agents, and for that I recommend Jeff Herman's book because it gives what they want in their own words in the Agents section.

Like so many other books aimed at separating wanabe authors from a few of their dollars, this is more of the same. No better or worse. If you need a book, go for the cheapest. It will help you as much, and leave you with money for a dog and a beer.

I read this book in the same way I would read a fiction novel, it was that enjoyable to read. Michael Larsen's writing style is humorous and easy to read. He inspires in a truthful way, letting you know the downsides to publishing and finding an agent as well. I finished this book in one day, and i'll be going back to it often to re-read the majority of it. It's jam packed with tips and relevant information that help you understand the whole process of getting the agent, what the agent does for you, how the entire publishing process works, and details what they usually do to market your book.

Reading this book before you're done writing your novel, or while you're querying agents, will give you an edge. You'll want to start formulating plans on how to market yourself, and the earlier you do this, the better off you'll be when you finally obtain an agent.

While I wouldn't make this your only purchase on the subject, it is a necessity. This book along with Putting Your Passion Into Print, will help you understand just about everything you need to know about the publishing process. You will most likely need other ones for sample queries and proposals.