Making Nonfiction Pay
- Sep
- 20
- 2018
- Posted by Tammy Ditmore
- Posted in Editing
I work with many authors who are new to publishing, and they frequently ask my advice about self-publishing or book distribution or marketing. So I am excited to have a new resource to recommend: The Nonfiction Book Publishing Plan: The Professional Guide to Profitable Self-Publishing by Stephanie Chandler and Karl W. Palachuk.
Although a lot of books out there offer advice on writing, the majority of them seem to be aimed at fiction authors. So I was happy to get a chance to become a beta reader for The Nonfiction Book Publishing Plan, which allowed me to download a free early copy of the book. And I was even happier to discover a book that I can enthusiastically recommend as a resource to any nonfiction writer.
The 19 chapters of The Nonfiction Book Publishing Plan cover every stage of writing, producing, publishing, marketing, and selling your book, including detailed discussions weighing the advantages and disadvantages of self-publishing vs. traditional publishing. Although one chapter offers tips for getting a traditional book deal, most of The Nonfiction Book Publishing Plan is geared toward self-publishers. And it is packed with production advice about everything from formatting footnotes to finding editors to to understanding print and distribution options and navigating Amazon.
Chapters are easy to read and loaded with tips and practical advice and resources for every facet of writing and book production. Chandler and Palachuk have both published multiple books, and Chandler is the founder and CEO of the Nonfiction Authors Association, so they write with authority and intimate knowledge of the industry. In addition, the book includes interviews with a number of successful authors who describe their own writing and publishing stories and offer tips to help writers duplicate their success or avoid their mistakes.
Of course, my favorite chapter is Chapter 7, “Editing Essentials.” Chandler and Palachuk make a strong case for ALWAYS hiring a professional editor—or maybe several editors—for any book project: “Editing is a profession. We implore you to please, please, please hire a professional editor—someone who edits books for a living. This is extremely important and may make or break the success of your book” (pg. 88). Couldn’t agree more.
Success AFTER Publication
The Nonfiction Book Publishing Plan provides many pages of helpful writing and book production advice, but unlike many books about writing, this one also provides invaluable advice about how to actually make money from writing a book! In fact, on page 1, the authors write, “Publishing a book makes you an entrepreneur, and therefore you should treat your book like a business.”
A few paragraphs later, they explain this concept further: “Our perspective is that authors should think beyond the book and use it as a tool to grow a business. This is exactly what we’ve both done, and we want to show you how to do the same.” Over the next 290 pages, they do just that.
I tell authors that writing can be a hobby, but publishing must be a business. And I’m delighted to find a book that not only agrees with my philosophy but can actually teach authors how to move from hobbyist to profitable business.
The Nonfiction Book Publishing Plan officially launches on Sept. 26, but it is available for presale now. In addition, if you buy the book as a presale, you can download a number of free resources and register for valuable prizes. Details are here.
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I wanted to take a moment and thank you for your wonderful work. I marvel at your eye for detail and your ability to make a written text so much better.
This book has been a major effort for me over the past 15 years—both emotionally and in time commitment. Your feedback helped me give it structure. Your insightful questions encouraged me to go deeper in my understanding and intentions, which provided enhanced clarity. Your recommendations provided a professional perspective that I needed towards getting it published. Thank you so much! When entertaining any future writing projects, you will be the first person I contact.
I can’t believe my good fortune to have found Tammy to edit my nonfiction book. I had narrowed down my editor search to ten; then I took advantage of their free sample offers. Nine of the editors were okay. Tammy’s edit, however, really showed her strength for detail and content development. I was absolutely wowed. She suggested, for example, how to improve the Introduction’s hook, added sentences that clarified a paragraph’s thought better, and deleted unnecessary words. She also mentio… Read more
Tammy Ditmore is an excellent editor. My writing improved grammatically, in structure, and clarity under her skilled eye.
I had a book manuscript that had a thorough edit by a copy editor, but there were many changes made and I wanted another set of eyes to look at it carefully. So I hired Tammy Ditmore to do a “final” proofread and flag anything that she found awkward, confusing or ill-fitting. That is a difficult job—to look both for errors and to comment, but that is what I needed. Tammy took it on and did a great job. Tammy also understands a schedule and finished the work on time—even ahead of time. Thank … Read more
Tammy Ditmore was the consummate professional. She was very humble in dealing with me and tailored her editing style to fit my specific needs. She was prompt and punctual with deadlines and was very open to communicating with me. I would hire her again in a heartbeat.”
Tammy is just amazing. Before my book made it over to Tammy, I had used two editors — one a well-known author in NYC. I was unhappy with the editing, and basically Tammy was my last try before I just set my book to the side. Not only did she totally understand my “voice,” but she reconstructed, added, and melded in ways I would have never considered. Use her, trust her. She’s the best!
I appreciate Tammy’s willingness to ask questions when appropriate, flex on deadlines, offer sound advice, and rewrite sentences or sections as needed. Her command of substantive and copy editing make Tammy an asset to any project.
Tammy Ditmore edited my book, The Quest for Distinction: Pepperdine University in the 20th Century. It was a huge assignment, requiring skills that set her apart from most professional editors. She recognized the key themes of the manuscript immediately and proceeded to examine each paragraph, actually each word, in light of those themes. The result was a briefer, more coherent manuscript that will be read with greater interest and understanding.
Tammy’s approach to editing was like telling a story to someone who listens very well and offers suggestions only when something is confusing or grammatically incorrect (or embarrassing).
This is by far my favorite review so far! And it means even more coming from a fellow industry pro. Thank you!
Thank you for writing such a great book and putting so much useful information into one place!