New and enlarged by over 40 pages, the second edition
of this bestselling book was released on August 18, 2008.

Also available for Amazon's Kindle, Sony e-readers, and Smartphones

BOOK MAGIC:
TURNING WRITERS INTO
PUBLISHED AUTHORS

by
Julie H. Ferguson

Book Magic is indispensable for every writer who dreams of publication. Easy to read and practical, it provides all the information and tools you need to understand the publishing industry and increase your chances of getting commercially published or ably manage your own self-publication.

Books are magic! They turn unknown writers into authors and, perhaps, even into household names. But publishing is a complex world, full of insider rules and financial constraints that, if not respected, cause good book ideas to vanish into thin air and writers to question their calling.

Aspiring authors will discover:

• how to weave some spells that boost your chances of getting published, in print or electronically

• the wizardry surrounding agents, query letters, and phone calls to editors

• the crystal ball that interprets trends in the North American market, as well as what's happening in electronic and self-publishing

• how to disappear from the dreaded slush pile

• the magic bullets called book proposals, synopses, etc.

• how Canadian and American publishing scenes differ, and how approachable medium and small publishers really are

• how to shape-shift into an author with credentials

• electronic sorcery

• the enchantment of holding your first published book in your hand.

Join Julie, the author of 17 books, as she waves her magic wand and takes you ...from inspiration to publication!!™  

ISBNs:    978-0-9739493-3-9 (Paperback; perfect bound; 134 pages; illustrated) 
                    978-0-9817464-9-4  (Mobipocket)
                    B001PGXNHU (Amazon's Kindle version)

PRICES: below        

TAKE A LOOK AT THE BOOK TRAILER :

If you can't see the video, click here: www.youtube.com/watch?v=noOgV-rNr7Q

CHOOSE YOUR VERSION AND ORDER NOW!!

Through PayPal:

  Paperback (USD$22.50 incl. S&H) 

    E-book in .pdf format (USD$9.50)  

Through OmniLit for Sony readers, HTML, pdf, and Mobipocket versions
USD$6.99 - click here

Through Mobipocket™ for your Smartphone
USD$6.99 - click here
 

Through Amazon.com and .ca

Reaction to the second edition of Book Magic

Julie H. Ferguson's Book Magic is the one how-to book on getting a manuscript into print that I recommend without reservation to all my writing classes. Ferguson's book brings together a wealth of practical, up to date information in one compact, well-organized, intensively researched and inexpensive package. In an easy to read, entertaining style Ferguson offers essential advice and insider tips on agents, grants, building your writing credentials, approaching publishers -- or publishing your book yourself; as well, she sheds light on the often bewildering world of the new e-publishing technologies. That, and a great deal more.
   This is the perfect introduction to a rapidly changing twenty-first century market. I wish it had been written when I first started my writing career.
Eileen Kernaghan, award-winning author and writing instructor, http://www.lonelycry.ca/ek/,  May 2010

Before you read this review, please note that author, Julie H. Ferguson, is a colleague who interviewed me for the book to gain insights into my publishing experience. If you think I'm too biased to provide an adequate review of Book Magic then read no further. But also note that I wouldn't have agreed to the interview if I didn't believe in the quality of Julie's work as a writer and publisher. If you still wish to continue, then . . .
   They say that everyone has a story to tell and, based on my experience, many folks would love to have their stories published. Those with the courage to write their stories, though, soon discover how difficult writing is. And writing well is absolutely formidable. But to see one's story in print is truly a magical experience, and if you want a legitimate shot at experiencing this magic, then Julie's practical guide can help you achieve your dream.
   She begins by demolishing prevailing myths about getting published, such as needing an agent or that publishers prefer fiction. From there, she delves into the different ways one can be published, thanks to technology. Topics include finding a publisher, avoiding the slush pile, pitching your book, writing query letters, and what you need to know about publishing electronically. This book is full of useful information including appendices that provide sample pitches and query letters. 
   Needless to say, Book Magic covers a lot of ground in a mere 122 pages, which might frustrate those readers looking for more details regarding editing, book production, or the publishing/marketing process. However, the author provides a great list of books that cover these issues.
   What I liked best about Book Magic is that Ferguson addresses nearly every type of writer from those who want to write a memoir for family and friends only, to those seeking bestseller status. Whether you've been writing for years or are just beginning, you'll find something in Book Magic to make the journey easier, and that too is magical.
Debra Purdy Kong, author of The Alex Bellamy mystery series here, May 2010

I, too, am a colleague and friend of Julie Ferguson's, and I helped with the editing and formatting of Book Magic. If you think I am therefore biased, then move on to the next review, but I think I am as qualified as anyone to tell the writing and reading world that this book is a gem. It will help any writer figure out what to do next to get published. Julie knows, really knows, the publishing world, because she has navigated it herself with her own books and has stayed on top of things so that she can coach others. The book is short and snappy and tells you what you need to know without overwhelming you with so much detail you just want to give up. As an editor who also helps writers publish and self-publish, I keep Book Magic as handy as my dictionaries and I refer to it on a regular basis. Highly recommended.
Joyce Gram, editor and writer, www.gramediting.com, July 2008 and June 2010

Book Magic hits the nail right on the head for anyone contemplating becoming a first-time author or even publishing a second or third book. Julie Ferguson covers all the latest techniques for getting your book published and includes some very useful insider tips on the publishing industry. I have used her advice with great success and highly recommend this book.
Doug Matthews, February 2009

...Even published authors will find valuable insight in these pages. Ferguson plainly lays out the pros and cons of each publishing method, as she herself has published in several genres and explored every avenue.... Book Magic would be an invaluable resource on the shelf of most Canadian writers*, especially those new to publishing. The important information offered is succinct, and its 121 pages (plus helpful appendix) cover a lot of ground. And when you're done, publishing won't feel like such a huge obstacle.
*Ferguson, a Canadian, focuses on Canadian publishing information, but doesn't neglect the more numerous publishing businesses in the US, either.
Jena Lohrbach, October 2008.  For Jena's full review, click here

A very good book – one every writer hoping to get published should read.
Jim Bisakowsi, Book Magic's cover designer, www.bookdesign.ca, October 2008

Book Magic has everything I need to know about the publishing process in a concise, complete, and easily understood format. In your usual manner of not wasting or mincing words, the book is sized so I was able to read it in an afternoon, and specific sections can quickly be revisited. Thank you for sharing your expertise.
Irene Butler, September 2008 

... you continue to be an inspiration to me. I will definitely be purchasing a copy of Book Magic. Thank you for the advance notice of your new release!
Lorna Hall, July 2008

 

Praise for the first edition of Book Magic

"Spectacular! You have saved me months, if not a year, of discovery."
"Packed with solid, practical  how-tos!"
"Your book gave me the tools and confidence."
"An information-packed book that provided guidance and inspiration."
 

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