A straight-shooting guide to a changing industry, Green-Light Your Book gives indie publishers and authors insight into the current state of publishing, as well as the tools they need to make their books a smashing success.
Green-Light Your Book!
By brookewarner
This book was fantastic! I have already published a book with She Writes Press, so I read it with some hesitation, thinking I would already know a lot of the information. Was I wrong! This book is full of great information for ANY writer, no matter what your publishing path has been or will be. It is clear and easy to digest. Brooke Warner’s honest, witty style comes through beautifully. Five stars.
Having been a self-published author for many years, putting out two well-received books that followed as many of the ‘best practices’ as I was aware of at the times I launched each book, I was surprised, frankly, by how much new perspective I gained from reading Warner’s book. In fact, I thought several times to myself that I wished I’d had it as a reference back in 2014 when I first entered the arena!
From my perspective, this is less a step-by-step instructional manual for those looking for a “how-to create and publish a book,” (although there’s much there on that end) and more an honest, unvarnished take on the industry from both sides of the divide, one that offers perspective rarely shared with authors looking to get in. Having done much of my own research and exploration of both the traditional and the indie publishing worlds over the years, I was impressed by how detailed, specific, and honest Warner was in “tellin’ it like it is,” rather than sugar-coating or softening the hard facts of this extraordinarily challenging industry. For those debating which route to take, where to turn, or how to assess what experience you want to have as an author, Green-Light offers surprising candor, with insights that, interestingly, have matched my own experiences as I’ve traveled both roads.
I was particularly taken by Warner’s “activist” spirit when it comes to book publishing, something I feel pretty strongly about myself. Given the harsh statistics regarding lack of diversity in representation, increasing exclusivity, unpredictable production and success rates within the traditional publishing world, it’s clear some rethinking needs to go into how it’s done, certainly for the majority outside the gates; I appreciated the innovative, creative structure Warner brings to her position as the president of She Writes Press, which she talks about in the book.
At a time when women remain underrepresented in the traditional book world (despite women being the lion’s share of readers), there’s something beautifully revolutionary about a hybrid press that actually invites women writers in, offers them a much higher royalty rate in exchange for investment partnership, comes with traditional distribution and a wealth of community support, and does it with a sense of “welcome… let’s change the world while we put out great books!” Personally, I found that exciting!
Given her clear bona fides in the field, and her passionate stance as a lover of books and writers, I was impressed by the frankness of her platform and the information shared to writers looking for authentic perspective on how to reach your writing goals, wherever they take you. A high recommend.
Aspiring or well-established, published or not; if you’re a writer, you need this book. In her straightforward, from-the-hip style, Brooke Warner—publisher at She Writes Press—generously shares her industry savvy. From publishing models, to publicity, and everything in-between, including author mindset, GREEN-LIGHT YOUR BOOK is the keep-at-hand guide for those of us who write.