Review: Blow Me Away! Publishers’ Secrets for Successful Manuscripts

E. Keith Howick, Jr., President of WindRiver Publishing, certainly blew me away with “Blow Me Away!” As an author, editor and reviewer, I’ve read a dozen plus books on publishing, including one I co-authored, as well as more articles than I count. I’ve also attended and presented at writing conferences. Most books on writing have been written by authors themselves. Reading a publisher’s explanation and insight brings you closer to the real publishing world. Howick has invested many hours in helping authors understand what is acceptable and necessary for agents and publishers. He has reviewed thousands of manuscripts and is more than willing to share his knowledge.

Because he continually sees the work of aspiring authors, he has put together a book of facts and guidelines that can be a tremendous tool. According to Howick, “Publishers and agents… are frustrated by the average new author’s lack of preparedness; 85% of manuscripts are rejected because the story, concept, or writing is bad…

“Thirteen percent are rejected because they aren’t presented well to publishers…” The publisher/author reinforces that the rules of yesteryear do not apply today. In addition to understanding how the book industry functions, publishing over 200,000 titles a year, he stresses the importance exceptional writing and editing of good material and marketing as well as how the economy affects submissions.

His book covers pre-submission marketing and promotion, agents, submissions, advances and royalties and contracts. In addition, he thoroughly discusses what authors can expect from publishers and what they expect from authors. I found the book development section especially informative. Howick provides the perspective of small, medium and large publishers with clarity and concise descriptions.

He says his book is only for the serious author. Here, I disagree. I feel the serious as well as the wannabe could gain insight into the real world of publishing so as to better prepare themselves for what path they should take.

The Hill Team does editing for authors who are generally independently published. When we feel someone should find an agent, we will recommend choices that are appropriate. Otherwise, we’ll recommend reputable independent publishers. In any case, there is not an author we’ve met, traditionally or non-traditionally published, that would not benefit from Howick’s straight forward, easy to understand explanation of the publishing industry and what it takes to be one of the 200,000 books a year that make the cut.

So, from my perspective, “Blow Me Away,” has a value greater than the investment and I highly recommend it.