Author: Guy Kawasaki & Shawn Welch
ISBN: 978-0-9885231-1-1
Chapter 1, Page 1: Should You Write a Book? Followed by, “In this sea of choices, why should anyone give a shiitake about your book? That’s the question you need to answer. Not: How will I benefit from writing a book?”
Right from the start, Guy Kawasaki, with Shawn Welch as his partner, digs right in with straight-firing commentary. Theirs is a book filled with to-the-point thinking. I found it refreshing.
Here’s what you need to know.
Here’s why.
Here’s how to get it done.
If you are seriously contemplating writing a book or similar work to be published, you need to grab a copy of APE.
APE is just chock-full of rich content. Guy (Shawn’s a silent voice) provides page, after page, after page of external references. One thing I like, if he suggests you read another book, or wants you to see a video, the links are right there. If you’re reading APE on a eReader (I use an iPad) you will have plenty of opportunity to leverage it’s strengths. Print-bound readers will have to go type things in:).
An aside, it is books like this, full of links to other sources (some videos, books, websites…) that make ereaders shine.
Guy and Shawn take you right to the meat of things. For instance:
-) Should you even write a book? Is your reasoning correct?
-) Specific discussion of how the publishing industry (print & digital) works today.
-) How to write the book; what tools to use (e.g. learn to use MS Word)
-) Key areas you should spend money on and not skimp: editing, copy writing; book cover; conversion
-) Value, costs, and hazards of authors’ services companies.
-) How to sell your book via a number of distributors, as well as Amazon, Apple, Barnes & Noble, Google, and Kobo.
-) How to price your book; market your book; build a platform
In the interest of full disclosure, Guy did provide me a free copy to review (Thank you). Knowing the richness of the content, I would buy it myself if I hadn’t received it for free.
This is a high-value book targeting people considering writing their own book and in turn how to get it published. If this is you, you need to read: APE.
Highly recommended.