Hello Robin,
I listen to Hay House radio often and I learned about your fabulous network on Cynthia Occelli’s show and I loved your style from the start of the show. I think you are authentic and truly want to help people like me write.
I would love the opportunity to win book #4 or #5, but beggars are not chooser, so any book is a gift, and even if I don’t win a book, I wanted to take the opportunity to tell you: keep doing the work you are doing, every free advice is very much appreciated!
Thanks.
Maria

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Thanks for scripting this excellent publish..Loved your articles. Please do continue to keep writing

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What amazing inspiration here! I own two of the books on your list, and they are fantastic: 7 Habits of Highly Effective People (family, teens, lots of others!) and Strunk & White’s Elements of Style. The others have surely gained my attention and I’m enjoying all of your ideas! Thanks

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I realy love what you are doing, its a platform so many have being looking for. Please how do we get started.

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getpublishedcoach Reply:
March 28th, 2013 at 5:47 pm

Can you be more specific? What are your goals?

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Hi Robin,
How to Get a Literary Agent seems really interesting! On the other hand, Joy Writing seems equally interesting. You tell me what’s better for me. It’s a great opportunity you’re giving to writers here! Thanks.

Rahul

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Hi Robin,
I’m an Indian which means that I’m a non-American. This is being a big barrier in my writing career. On the other hand, my story is set in America so Indian publishers think that it won’t run well in India. That’s why I’m taking a long time getting it done. I’m too desperate to get it done, and in India, this business doesn’t run well. What’s the solution to this?

Rahul

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Hi Robin

Thanks for inviting me to be part of your community. Your emails came at the right time as I’m in the midst of editing my memoir. I’m not an entrepreneur but it’s useful to learn all the right things in case I have my own business in future and I want to write my success story to help others and to promote my business based on you interview with Mark. I learned a lot about agents and the publishing industry from Mark and I hope to learn some new stuff from you as well. Perhaps you can answer my question about the format for a non-fiction book proposal below:

Is there a particular font type, font size and line spacing I have to use for my non-fiction book proposal? I want to get these details right in case the wrong font etc. get me rejected by an agent.

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getpublishedcoach Reply:
August 31st, 2012 at 6:30 pm

Hi Cheah,
The best resource for writing a non-fiction book proposal is Michael Larsen’s How to Write a Book Proposal. Get it. Read it. And follow it to the letter.
To answer the couple of questions you have here: times new roman, 12 point, double-spaced. Best of luck!

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The book that interests me most is “Reading like a writer…” which I haven’t come across before. It seems like one I would recommend to would-be writers, some of whom have never really thought about how excellent authors communicate their thoughts to their readers.

A book I’ve often recommended to writers is “The reader over your shoulder: a handbook for writers of English prose” by Robert Graves and Alan Hodge. I was lucky enough to find it quite early in life and suspect it is largely responsible for my editing career. (See http://www.amazon.ca/The-Reader-over-Your-Shoulder/dp/0394506154 for some clever reviews.)

It would be an excellent addition to your list, I think, since many who set out to write a non-fiction book as a business proposition don’t have the self-editing skills needed to do it well. One of the most valuable things one can teach a writer is how to look at the work dispassionately and notice where the prose is putting stumbling-blocks between the reader and the meaning.

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getpublishedcoach Reply:
August 28th, 2012 at 9:54 pm

I’ll check it out, Judyth, thanks. You are so right about self-editing. I have a chapter in my book (just finished writing) called “Edit Yourself First” that covers some strategies to help authors move into detachment when reviewing their own work. Still, I’m an advocate of the editor. No matter how dispassionate a writer may become, everyone needs an editor, but I gather you already know that.

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What a wonderful list of books. I’m sure we could learn something from all of them. Thanks Robin for your time and caring.

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getpublishedcoach Reply:
August 28th, 2012 at 9:50 pm

Thank you, Paulina.

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Hay Robin,
Boy blogs are just flying in, good job Robin your influence and experience rubs off on people. I can’t weight until I can share my strategy with you on an incredibly true story that doesn’t happen to just anyone. I have been working on the manuscript for the better part of a year and I’m at the point of needing guidance on what to do next. I have a published book that didn’t get much traction so with this book I’m taking a different approach. I feel I’ll be doing the best for my book by working with you and Mark Malatesta, perhaps you two can get me on the right track and guide me in the right direction. We’ll be talking soon…

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getpublishedcoach Reply:
August 28th, 2012 at 9:50 pm

Thanks for your note, Dave. I look forward to speaking with you soon.

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This is a nice, balanced list of books, from the practical to the inspirational, the the business to the nuts and bolts, and self-publishing versus publishing house.
Are there good questions to use to determine if you would be better off self-publishing or spending the effort to find a traditional publisher?

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getpublishedcoach Reply:
July 10th, 2012 at 2:03 am

Hi Pamela,
Yes, I have a blog post on this very issue. Check it out and let me know if it answers your question or not.

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This list evokes the childhood feeling of entering a candy store. Perhaps this is so, only for those that have a serious tug in the direction of authorship.

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getpublishedcoach Reply:
July 10th, 2012 at 2:02 am

I agree, Mattis. It’s a great selection for anyone serious about being an author.

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Hi Robin,

Thanks for such a generous offer! I already have Strunk and White and Seven Habits – both excellent books, one very helpful writing advice, the other, inspirational. You can put me in the mix for How to Write a Book Proposal – thanks much! Love your site!

All the Best,
Steve

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How To Write A Book Proposal is my choice!

I am interested in starting a website and blog!

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getpublishedcoach Reply:
June 2nd, 2012 at 7:50 pm

Great, you will need to email us your mailing address. Just reply to the email we sent you.

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By reading any of the books listed above, I will be very excited! This will be my first book to write. I looking forward to ‘Make This Happen.’ It will be a great journey for me! Thanks Robin for being who you are!

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getpublishedcoach Reply:
June 2nd, 2012 at 12:05 am

Thanks, Zandra! This was one of those days that your comment is most welcome, and needed.

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What is the best way to learn how to set up a blog and website? Where do you go for training?

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getpublishedcoach Reply:
June 1st, 2012 at 5:02 pm

I am not an expert in the technical side of blogging and websites. I recommend you go to http://bloggingwithbeth.com. I am sure she can help you.

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Here are the recent book winners. Be sure to post your own question or comment to win a book.

Steve O’Neill chose Joy Writing by Kenn Amdahl. Here’s a little bit
about Steve:

Steve O’Neill is an avid blogger, soon-to-be author, and traveling
adventurist. His writing focuses on everyday thoughts of a young
American man and the day-to-day adventures that are often overlooked.
He lives by one principle: Enjoy The Journey. You can learn more about
Steve at http://www.hobodrifter.com.

Sharon A. Lavy is this week’s second book winner and she chose World
Famous by David Tyreman. Here’s Sharon’s story:

Sharon A Lavy is a German Baptist who writes women’s fiction. She’s a
dress-pattern maker and a wife, mother, and grandmother. Her greatest
desire is to be a woman after God’s own heart. She posts book reviews
and author interviews on two blogs. Sharon lives with her husband on a
farm in southwest Ohio and enjoys traveling with her husband in a small
plane they named Charley. Find out more at http://www.sharonalavy.com.

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Yummy thanks Robin what an awesome selection of books. Michael Larsen’s book on How to Write a Book Proposal sounds absolutely fantabulous. Great to have an insight from a publisher in how to grab their attention and unleash the power of ones writing on them in a way they can’t resist.
Writing ones book is one thing – convincing a publisher to help you unleash the fruits of your labour on the world and how they’re going to benefit is a whole new ball game.

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getpublishedcoach Reply:
June 1st, 2012 at 5:03 pm

Hi Philippa! Yes, How to Write a Book Proposal would be perfect for you right now. Strongly recommend.

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Lynette Benton is the winner for the week of April 20 and she chose How to Read Like a Writer by Francine Prose. Here’s a little bit about Lynette:

Lynette Benton is an editor who teaches creative writing courses for teens and adults. Her articles and personal essays have appeared in numerous publications, including the Arlington Advocate and Lexington Minuteman newspapers, Skirt! Magazine, More Magazine online, and many other publications. She’s working on a memoir titled My Mother’s Money.

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Christen Zoccolante is this week’s book Winner and she chose The Millionaire Messenger by Brendan Burchard. Here’s a little bit about Christen:

Christen Zoccolante was born and raised on the island of Hawaii. She studied screenwriting, but found herself going back to her first love, which was writing. Her first book, I Invite You to Look Deeper, is a poetic coming of age love story published in 2004. Christen is currently working on editing her dark, raw witty memoir of anorexia and bulimia. The novel is just the beginning of my passion to help women recognize their strength and love themselves whole. She enjoys travel and finding magical lands even in her own backyard.

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I had my first consultation with Robin this morning and I am incredibly excited for the opportunity to work with her and make my novel the best it can be. She immediately gave positive and clear feedback and laid out a plan as to how we would proceed with my novel. I trust her expertise and I love that she knew the right questions to ask. I am so glad to have been directed in her direction for coaching. Thank you Robin. Z

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How appropriate to share a little love during the month of love itself!! Congrats to Jacob Elyachar who is our current winner from the “Ask Robin” campaign. Jacob is chosing to receive The Millionaire Messenger by Brendon Bruchard…one of my personal faves!!

A little about Jacob…

Jacob Elyachar is a Multimedia Journalist based out of Overland Park, Kansas. He runs his own site: jacobelyacharjournalist.com, where he focuses on entertainment issues including movies, television, comics and music. Since the blog’s inception in August 2011, he has received over 6,000 total views and his viewship continues to grow everyday. In addition to his blog, Jacob’s work has appeared on numerous news sties and television programs including Examiner.com, Metromix Denver, CU Independent, CU Sports Mag, Newsteam Boulder and The Kansas City Jewish Chronicle. Click here to view his Examiner.com page: http://www.examiner.com/user-jacobelyachar

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Dear Coach, thanks for giving us your top ten list. Stephen King’s book is fantastic and I’m speaking with Dan Larsen now. As someone who has lots of completed work but no agent to peddle it, I’m looking for all the help I can get. Thanks again.L/

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WOW…the response has been totally awesome and it makes me giddy as a school girl to announce another winner of the weekly book drawing. This week’s winner is Avalaura Beharry and she’s chosen World Famous by David Tyreman. Great Book!!

A little about Avalaura…

Avalaura is a holistic healer, Reiki Master/Teacher and Certified Life Coach and Spiritual Counselor who has assisted numerous individuals and families in the DC metropolitan area and beyond. She is the founder and owner of Avalaura’s Healing Center, a wellness center in College Park, MD. Using various healing modalities including Marabout spiritual healing, Spiritual counseling/Life Coaching, Reiki, Hypnotherapy, Yoga, and more, she empowers and inspires you to discover your true self and divine potential to live the life you desire to live. Avalaura specializes in helping people remove hidden obstacles and solve problems thought to be unsolvable. Avalaura is a Licensed Graduate Social Worker who holds both Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees from Howard University in Washington, DC. For more information about Avalaura visit her online at http://www.avalaura.com.

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We have another winner! It’s my pleasure to announce the winner of this week’s drawing, Diana Concoff Morgan. Diana has chosen to receive The Millionaire Messenger by Brendan Burchard. Great choice.

A little about Diana…

Diana Concoff Morgan, M.A., H.H.E., of Whole Heart Marketing, Coach and Consultant for new, overwhelmed and stuck online marketers, shares powerful techniques for attracting customers to your website or blog. Diana has helped countless other heart-based entrepreneurs with their online marketing success and positioning them on the first page of Google. She specializes in helping you get seen on the internet, by making the internet a user friendly place, offering simple, practical, effective techniques and tools to help you to bring your Whole Heart to your online presence. Diana will tutor you, teach you or do it for you! She offers a free newsletter, The Whole Heart Marketing Report , filled with the latest strategies and tools for reaching customers on the internet!

You could be our next winner. All you have to do is post a sincere comment ANYWHERE on my blog, on any article and you will automatically be entered for a chance to win one of my Top 10 Books to Write and Get Published in my weekly drawing. Your best value is to post a question in the comments section on my “Ask Robin” page, because you will be entered in the drawing, PLUS I’ll answer your question personally.

And there’s more good news, you can enter as often as you like and there’s NO LIMIT to how many times you can WIN. Just remember, it’s a clean slate every week, so if you want to be entered every week, leave at least one sincere comment or question a week.

Good Luck!! And I look forward to your questions and comments.

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And last week’s winner was…

If you haven’t visited the Ask Robin page in awhile, go browse. I’ve gotten over 50 questions since we started a few weeks ago, and I’ve answered them all. The questions are timely and relevant and chances are someone has asked a question and YOU need the answer. Remember, you don’t have to ask your own question to be eligible to win a book. You can comment on another person’s question and/or my answer or comment on any page on my blog and be entered in my weekly drawing, which brings me to…

CONGRATULATIONS!! To Tony Riches! Tony is the winner of this week’s drawing for one of my Top 10 Books to Help You Write and Get Published, and he’s selected How to Get A Literary Agent, by Michael Larsen.

A little about Tony…

Tony Riches is a UK writer based by the sea in west Wales. Having spent his entire writing career on magazine articles and non-fiction work, he was inspired by the 2011 National Novel Writing Month to start his first novel. As well ‘winning’ NaNoWriMo he has now completed ‘Queen Sacrifice’ set in 10th Century Wales, which will be self published on Amazon soon.

To learn more about Tony and what he’s up to, visit his blog at http://www.tonyriches.co.uk/. You can also follow him on Twitter at https://twitter.com/#!/tonyriches.

Want to be in the next drawing?? Be sure to post your question on my Ask Robin page, or leave a relevant, sincere comment on ANY page on my blog for your chance to win.

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Our Second Winner of my Free Book Campaign is…

We have another winner! It’s my pleasure to announce the winner of this week’s drawing, Adwiti Subba Haffner. Adwiti has chosen to receive World Famous by David Tyreman. Great choice. I’ve had the pleasure of sitting down with David for a one-on-one chat, and his personal charm and humor come through in his book which is also filled with valuable info to help you distinguish your unique brand.

I hope Adwiti will find it helpful as she grows her practice coaching mothers to help them find balance and fulfillment in their lives while tending to the on-going needs of their children. I bet all you moms out there can relate! I know I can. http://www.empowerthemother.com/

You could be our next winner. All you have to do is post a sincere comment ANYWHERE on my blog, on any article and you will automatically be entered for a chance to win one of my Top 10 Books to Write and Get Published in my weekly drawing. Your best value is to post a question in the comments section on my “Ask Robin” page, because you will be entered in the drawing, PLUS I’ll answer your question personally.

And there’s more good news, you can enter as often as you like and there’s NO LIMIT to how many times you can WIN. Just remember, it’s a clean slate every week, so if you want to be entered every week, leave at least one sincere comment or question a week.

Good Luck!! And I look forward to your questions and comments.

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This is the first winner of my Free Book Campaign who won in December…

I LOVE giving gifts…and I’m just thrilled that I am able to give to a very special and long-time reader, Margie Mulligan. Margie was the first winner of my “Ask Robin” campaign, and she chose to receive an autographed copy of, Guerrilla Publicity: Hundreds of Sure-Fire Tactics to Get Maximum Sales for Minimum Dollars by Jay Conrad Levinson, Rick Frishman and my friend, Jill Lublin.

And check out what she’s been up to…Six years ago, in 2005, Margie left behind an academic, teaching and Corporate career to live her passion, energy healing and psycho-spiritual coaching. Her website is http://www.heal-with-energy.com/

Margie’s upcoming book about the Egyptian Mysteries will be available in fall 2012 or spring 2013.

Congratulations Margie!!! Who’s our next winner?? It could be you…just simply submit your question at http://getpublishedcoach.com/ask-robin and you’ll be entered into the next drawing. Good Luck!!

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Thanks to a fellow tweeter, I just realized my book winner announcements are only going out to my subscriber list and some of you may be wondering if there even ARE winners. Well, there are real live, in-the-flesh winners. Stay tuned for past announcements as well as current winners. Sorry about the oversight.

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Hi Robin,

I’ve been following you on twitter and recently subscribed to your email list. Several of your tweets were right on time as I finished and published my second book.

I love the book suggestions and can see how World Famous, The Millionaire Messenger and the 7 Habits of Highly Effective People will add great value to me on my mission.

Thanks mucho!
Shawna Marie recently posted..Welcome to Healing Truth Center

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getpublishedcoach Reply:
January 9th, 2012 at 6:04 pm

Thank you, Shawna. I am delighted to have you in the Get Published Coach community. Remember I’m always here to answer any question on writing, publishing, or promoting your book. The books you mentioned all are terrific, and I’ll be sure you’re in the drawing this week! Best, Robin

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I have a message which I want to share with some people in the world who are interested in. The problem is that English is not my native language and I have not much confidence in writing with a good English. Anyway I have a dream of publishing a book written in English. Anyway I have been studying writing English.
Thank you Robin, your letter by e-mail always reminds me of my dream.

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Great list! I adored Stephen King’s book On Writing. My friend loaned it to me years ago and I was just thinking I need to reread it. I’m glad to see it on your list.
Beth Blair recently posted..12 Days of Parking at Mall of America

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getpublishedcoach Reply:
December 28th, 2011 at 7:27 pm

Yes, Beth, and it’s great for non-fiction authors as well as novelists! Thanks for your comment.

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Hi Robin
It has been a while since the first class. Still in the stuck mode… I have read a couple of the books…and know a couple of the authors personally and taken their courses. With all the stuff that has happened it has really shut me down.
How can I get back in the saddle after falling off so many times and still feel confident riding off into the sunset?
Jamie

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getpublishedcoach Reply:
December 12th, 2011 at 7:04 pm

Hi Jamie,
I think the key is to get a clear goal and start working toward it. To break through, you must stay in action and be consistent. I know it’s hard. I have to push through often, but breakthroughs always come just on the other side of a breakdown, IF YOU KEEP AT IT. Much love. <3

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The process of writing a book is one of transformation, for the road blocks to self discovery that erupt from the creative juices you tap into also manifest as the most joyously fulfilling experiences of growth and development for the writer. The reader gets the joy of being the observer to the writers exponential pathway to change.

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Wow, thank you Robin for this opportunity! I heard Stephen King’s book, “ON WRITING” is supposed to be fantastic. There are sooo many good choices. Thank you again!

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Great! So glad you included Jill Lublin’s book. I sat at dinner with Jill at one session of CEO Space in 2009. She’s brilliant. Would be great to get an autographed copy.

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That book #11, Guerilla Publicity, sounds like a perfect tool for my forthcoming book, Easy to Epic: Everyday Adventures for Everyone.
Mary recently posted..Morning Bike Ride Around Pusch Ridge

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Love the sound of David Tyreman’s book World Famous. It would be a fantabulous support to help my ‘About Me’ page on my website and write the platform for my book.
Thanks heaps for your generosity.
We’re all winners for following our dreams and having the tenacity and courage to write a book – your gift is a bonus.

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Hi Robin,

I appreciate that you are practical and common sense minded by nature. You are not interested in making a fluffy message you are interested in showing the actual steps and WORK needed. For writers that are ready to actually do more than dream about it, and are ready to get started you provide great detail!

Thanks for all you do!

Theresa

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What company is the best for self publishing?

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Thanks for the great list, Robin! There are some old friends and some new ones I’ve yet to meet.

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I am currently writing my first book and these books would be a great help to me at this time.

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Robin

So… I love the books you have here. I’ve read a few of them and the others appear to be very valuable, too.

My favorite of the three I’ve read is: Stephen King’s “On Writing”. What a humorous, practical, working-writer book this is! My mother gave me this one a few years ago and it has been a big inspiration.

Stephen Covey’s book is wonderful–very influential in my life–and good old Strunk and White…what would we do without this style guide?

Thanks for showing us the list of your Big Idea books.

Regards,

Jacob Nordby
Jacob Nordby recently posted..Farewell Summer…Farewell, Dad

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David Reply:
December 7th, 2011 at 8:52 pm

U Rock Robin! :O)

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getpublishedcoach Reply:
December 18th, 2011 at 12:47 am

Thanks, Jacob. I appreciate your comments. Let me know how you like the others when you get around to reading them.

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I love David Tyreman’s book on brand identity. I met him and acted as his assistant at the CEO Space conference in 2009. He’s a sweetheart. Great fun.

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I love this idea for getting a community interacting with you. As I filled out the Strategic Plan document for building my platform, I realized that is what I am missing. I’ve got almost 1000 people on my lists, but response rate is very low. I haven’t been giving them enough value or what they want, I guess. I’ll find out as I begin to implement the plan. Good example.

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All Great choices Robin!

I am going to look them up to read over the holidays!

I also found Write the Perfect Book Proposal by Jeff Herman
and Debrah Lewis Herman very helpful!

Xo
Allie

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Thanks for the insight. It’s always helpful to see what an expert considers other expert sources. I learned more from Stephen King’s book than from any writing class outside of the basics. It was reassuring to hear he had some of the same experiences and opinions I am some of my compatriots have and he has had stellar success.

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1- King’s book On Writing is incredibly helpful. One of the writing books I have worn out from reading. Most helpful section to me = he shows his original draft and then the revision. Second most helpful = he describes how ideas come to him.
2 -I have found your postings to be quite instructional as well as the CD I have of yours. All helpful and insightful information.

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I’ve gotta hand it to you Robin – if there is one thing you are teaching us, it’s never give up! You’re full of ideas how to get us to your website. And I KNOW you are going to end up getting me to write (and finish) my book.If I had as much persistence and energy as you, I would already be writing the second one!
Cheers

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Havng lectured all over the world as a scientist, I was sure of myself in talking to peers and even provoking questions (I loved to answer) in ensuing discussion. All this experience I did forget while writing my book on ventriloquism. It came straight from the heart, to say what I wanted others to know. I think this emotion-driven part is very important in any book-writing.

But what we “experts” do not realize is, the market demands something beyond all that. It is like the package and the appropriate words you use when handing over a present you labored to find or make….like the compliment you make or the occasion you choose for a kiss, despite all the passion and excitement you feel for your beloved. The reader deserves also this labor from the author, not just the work. The author should work hard like a suitor even after he/she has finished (published) the work…it is always a “work in progress”.

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Thanks. Do you also know about the Andrea Costantine and Lisa Shultz book: “How to Bring Your Book to Life This Year”?

I like your outreach! My book is in the production process: “Be Your best Self:Yoga for Families”

I need an outlet to the online stores that print in Landscape format–know any printers and distributors? Let me know! Thanks. Ruth

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what a wonderful list. i love the variety, range, span, and scope! i think this shows your breadth and depth of expertise. thank you.

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This book list ranging from inspiring (World Famous) to nuts & bolts (Elements of Style) will be useful to any writer. Thanks for the push today!
Mary recently posted..Morning Bike Ride Around Pusch Ridge

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I accidentally stumbled on your newsletter – I am going to sign up for it…I’d love to win one of these books I have most of them = ) Writers read you know. Thanks for the opportunity.
Billie

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Hey Robin, I was about to order a couple books on Amazon and pay $5 shipping because I wasn’t over the $25 total that allows you go get FREE shipping… so I thought I’d buy a couple more books. Now I’m paying $50 to save $5 in shipping. It makes absolutely no sense ($5 doesn’t change my life, but I fall for it every time). Anyway, I’m telling you this because it’s your fault. I was missing three of the books that you have here… Brendon’s book, it was on my list but I hadn’t gotten around to ordering it. Joy Writing, which I’d never heard of but I love that kind of book. And, How to Read Like a Writer which I also don’t have. So thanx for posting these titles… and helping me stimulate the Amazon economy! Only problem is, I just disqualified myself from winning any of the books on your list because I now own them all.

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What a treasure trove! These are books any writer would love to have available within arm’s reach.
Toni Rakestraw recently posted..How Do We Survive Book Snobs?

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