PJ Campbell

Author's Note on Booked to Death, An Author's Guide to Publishing and Murder

They say that writers need to find their ‘voice.’ You know the one that’s always present, but sometimes says nothing especially when you’re staring at your computer screen? Fortunately, this time it came to me loud and clear as I was walking my dogs nine years ago. It practically clobbered me over the head with the idea for this book. But it wasn’t until July 2012 that I actually put my fingers on the keyboard to write Booked to Death.

Why write Booked to Death, An Author’s Guide to Publishing and Murder? As a former global publishing executive responsible for generating several million dollars in annual book sales I had a front row seat in the publishing industry. I’m what you might call a publishing-insider who ‘knows where the bodies are buried.’

While most of this book is fiction, a percentage of the publishing facts are true. This is a humorous fictional ‘behind the scenes,’ look at how authors can be driven to unheard of tactics to get the attention of an agent or publisher. In reality, it’s not that far-fetched when you consider some of the antics of writers who have managed to contract a book deal.

There are also those ‘nobodies’ who have committed a crime and land a major book contract and movie deal. They never intended to be an author, but low and behold since they had already created ‘their story’ by their criminal actions they instantly garnered press attention. This often leads to publishers knocking on their doors for them to write a book.

As an author aiming to land a ‘big’ book contract I know first-hand how frustrating, disheartening and daunting it is to try and secure a publishing deal. Most literary agents and publishers will not accept unsolicited manuscripts. That leaves an author seeking agents and publishers who are open to reviewing direct submissions who, like their counterparts, are overwhelmed with proposals. Their response time can be from two weeks to twelve months.

I wrote Booked to Death, An Author’s Guide to Publishing and Murder in order to reach out to the hundreds of thousands of authors whose books will never be ‘known.’ I’m cheering them on as they tirelessly write and promote their books; without recognition and with little or no sales potential. You are all bestsellers to me!

I hope you laugh, learn and love this comical, publishing murder story.

www.bookedtodeath.com

101 AUTHOR TIPS has received the distinguished honor of "Award-Winnning Finalist" for the Business: Writing/Publishing category of the National Best Book Awards 2009!

I'm passionate about empowering authors to become "business" savvy about the profession of writing. As a publishing insider and former indpendent store manager and director of events, I have a 360 degree perspective about what it takes to win at the bookselling game. Check out my site at pjcampbellwriter.com

In my spare time, I love to read, hike, ride (horses and bikes)and enjoy my two Standard Poodles, Charlie and Tilly. I'm working on a story about their lives.