References Books

"The Sell Your Novel Tool Kit" is the only other book you'll need to learn how to properly sell your novel. Why the only other book? Because I also bought "Manuscript Makeover" by the same author which I consider on par with "The Sell Your Novel..." book. Using both books has not only helped me to polish off my novel, but also how to market it properly. Learning how to write a novel is hard, but it's even tougher to sell it. Elizabeth Lyons is a master in helping you do both. I have many how-to-write books, but only these two sit next to my computer. No writer should be without them. They're gems. O. Earhart, author of published plays and short stories

After forty years in sales, I am now faced with attracting an agent for my novel without being able to use my mouth. This book has many helful suggestions on how to sell your ideas and get your work published. Highly recommend this to new authors.

Joe Smiga

As with her previous book, "A Writer's Guide to Fiction", I cannot recommend this title highly enough. Together, both books should be required reading for serious novelists. She presents practical ideas and guidance born of her years of editing fiction, and manages to be encouraging and inspiring while keeping a clear eye on the realities of the publishing world.

Though I have not yet reached the point where I can put her ideas to the test in the marketplace, I feel that I will be much better prepared once I do thanks to her systematic, professional approach. If you only buy two books on writing and selling fiction, they should be these two by Elizabeth Lyon.

Highly, enthusiastically recommended.

This volume is useful as you begin to market your work. It's a comprehensive guide to the steps an author should take, and its organization makes it a particularly clear and useful treatise that also is an easy "go-back-and-check" reference.

As an already published author, I was encountering difficulty finding a new editor and an agent. Elizabeth Lyon's book solved the problem. I can now write meaningful one page query letters. Thanks!

My teacher had us use this book for my class Murder in America. I really don't like to read, especially textbooks, but I had no problem reading this. It is a great book. I usually sell all my textbooks after class to get money for new textbooks but I kept this for my personal library (of what little there is). I is good reading. Eric Hickey has been on many documentaries about his work and is a professor at CSU Fresno. He also is the director of the largest forensics studies program in United States. He definitely knows his stuff and loves it. I actually wrote him an email to tell him how much I loved this book and he wrote me back in less than 24 hours. He is very nice too. He said that he loves what he does. I think he is a great author and I want to buy more of his books.

Of the many, many books I have read on this topic (which is one of my areas of interests) this is book is by far the best one I have read. This would be, in my opinion the most complete, informative and unbiased work on the subject.
The book covers just about everything most readers would like covered on Serial Murder. It covers fact, fiction, history, definitions, in fact everything you could imagine. I could not believe just how much is packed into the 380 odd pages.
Not only is the book a wealth of knowledge on the subject (and many related areas eg Stalking, Insanity Defences) but is also loaded with 'Profiles' of many individuals (and teams) to illustrate the area under discussion. Many tables also provide interesting reading.
The book also looks at the phenomina of Serial Murder in countries other than the USA.
Another thing I really like is the way Hickey presents various aspects and theories. Hickey discusses all the theories, views etc along with their apparent strenghts and weaknesses. For example, other authors I have read flatly dump the FBI Psychological Profiling Model. Hickly presents all the pros and cons on the topic in a very unbiased manner.
This book is not just a good book, it is a great book. It is a 'must have' in your collection, if this is your area of interest or you really want to learn about it. If someone asked me for just one book to read on Serial Murder, this would be the one. It covers so many topics within a topic, yet it is concise and very readable. The average person with no knowledge on this topic would walk away with a good 'working knowledge'.
I have read the book twice and have now been drawn back to a third read.
I will now be searching for other works by this author and congratulate him on a 'classic'.

This is an excellent reference book, but what really makes it stand out is the "Mind of a Killer" CD-ROM included with it.

The videos and searchable information on the CD-ROM really bring the subject vividly to life. There documentaries on about a dozen famous cases with footage I'd never seen before including confessions made to police, interviews and courtroom scenes.

I was also impressed with the mapping system that plots the locations of different cases or types of cases with all kinds of search options.

After reviewing and studying the material within this cover, you will see life in a different way. We all want to see the good in people; As any physical realm, there is the duality from good to evil. What exactly happens when what we see the destructive nature of man? What makes the destructive destructive? Who are they? What do they think? Where do they come from? and What will they do next?
This book helped me to breeze through my serial and mass murder class ... AND actually lock onto possible perpetrators in real world scenarios.
After reading this book and studying the nature of homocide, you'll be analyzing everything through rational choice. When you walk down the street, youll look at everyone as you notice their demeanor and watch their subtle actions. You'll look at the small and obscure nuacnes in nature as you enhance your deductive reasoning. Most of all, you will build a base in whch to combat becoming a victim.
I highly recommend the first piece you read in this book to be (pg 278) "An Interview with a Male Serial Murderer". This passage will restrain you to read and study this work to its end if not for learning, but to possibly stop a tragedy such as this from happening to someone you love.
You should supplement this book with TV: A&E, Biography, and History Channels will suffice.

I am a graduate student of Dr. Hickey's at California State University, Fresno. I came to this institution specifically as a matter of curricula, and I must say that after a review of the literature both broad and exhaustive Dr. Hickey's book is the closest thing we have to the reality of our special killers' doctrine. What is most compelling about this piece of literature is the open mentality that is greatly lacking in nearly every other book out there. We have relied to a great extent on the works of the FBI and, in a much more aniquated way, the works of Freud and the general positivists.

This text is certainly a sociological treatise, but even more so it underlines the issues inherent in both criminology and a general study of human nature. What should be garnered from this read is what we DON'T know as compared to what we do. One must applaud Dr. Hickey for his ability to admit that the evaporative quality of this field of study is prevalent and must be dealt with.

Of particular interest is the discussion of the mythology surrounding "serial killers" and the true affect with which they operate. Take these things for what they are worth and you are left with many questions. I have no doubt in my mind that this was the objective of Dr. Hickey, and is ideally the objective of any social scientist. Those who wish to comprehend the nature of serial killers will not find all their answers here, but they may find some questions that our humanity dearly needs to be addressed; the most important part.

This book really helped me to identify and deal with a terribly confusing ordeal. I am really happy someone told me about this book and it was available to help me.

It's hard to believe that sexual harassment is a reality in today's workplace. Unfortunately it is and this book is truly insightful and provides a needed safety net of information for those dealing with this difficult subject. Definitely the best I've seen on this subject.

Thank God this book was written! Unfortunately due to confidentiality clauses victims are made to sign, others dealing with similar problems on the job do not have the benefit of their experiences. Thanks to Ms. O'shea and Ms. LaLonde for having the courage to explore this difficult subject.

Having "been there and done that" this book validated all the emotions and choices I made as the victim of sexual harassment. It really tells it like it is. I highly recommend it to anyone who truly wants to understand the ramifications of sexual harassment.

Understanding the sensitivities surrounding the subject of the book, I realize it may seem rather obtuse to "enjoy" reading it.

However, this book is not just about condolence. Rather, it gives us the realization of the prevalent societal truth. Also, the book is not just a mere reference, but true stories based on authors' own experiences.

Authors sketched the very contours of real life in our society, but it's a finely tuned portrait, with deep perspective and understanding, rather than a mere description.

The book is well written and unapologetic in its frankness.....most readers, whether it'd be a man or a woman, should find some relatedness to this book.

Having been boxed up in Portugal for several years, only now are the British trying to get some real traction against the French, thrusting into Spain. And they're losing. Marshal Marmont, commander of just one of five huge armies Napoleon has put in Spain, is pushing Wellington back. The English take Salamanca, but only because Marmont pulls out tactically, seeking a better place for the battle he knows will destroy the English. Marmont threatens to retake the city, but the major battle never materializes. Wellington chases him east, but then his army must retreat to avoid being cut off from its Portuguese redoubt by the French.

Sharpe fights both the large war and a smaller, more private one. French assassin Colonel Leroux kills ruthlessly, hideously and often as he tries to break up an English spy ring and save his own hide. Caught by the British but escaping, he kills Sharpe's commanding and junior officers. Sharpe vows to catch him. Sharpe's pal, the intelligence chief Major Hogan, and Wellington both need him caught. Meanwhile they worry about intelligence leaks; the French have a spy too close to the high command.

Sharpe and every other British officer swoons when meeting the dazzling Marquesa who dominates Salamanca society, and we all know which officer the Marquesa will take a shine to, despite his poverty and lack of polish. And when Sharpe and Leroux cross swords, as they do, and do again, we know what kind of sparks will fly.

Bernard Cornwell's Richard Sharpe series is one of the most beloved collective works in the sub-genre of historical fiction. Spanning over twenty novels (and counting!), Cornwell has treated his readers with thrilling battlefield and bedroom exploits from Flanders to India to Spain and France. While the novels have a definitive formula, they never grow stale.

"Sharpe's Sword" is among the best of the Sharpe novels. Sharpe is a captain of the 95th Rifles, attached to the South Essex regiment as a light company. As fans of the series know, Sharpe has made himself indispensable to the British army (including his patron, Lord Wellington) by being the most lethal rogue in an army full of cut-throats and vagabonds. But in "Sharpe's Sword," Cornwell has created a foe worthy of Sharpe - the French spy-hunter Leroux, a lethal aristocrat whose charge from Napoleon is to topple the British spy network.

Leroux is captured by Sharpe early in the novel, but takes advantage of a foolish British officer's notion of "parole" (in which a captured officer may keep his weapons and freedom if he gives his sworn statement that he will not try to escape). Acting quickly, Leroux murders his way back to freedom, but in doing so he earns Sharpe's undying hatred . . . and envy. Sharpe hates him for being a backstabbing liar, but Sharpe envies him because Leroux has the most magnificent sword Sharpe has ever seen, and Sharpe wants it.

And so Sharpe and Leroux are caught in a duel to the death while the French and British armies slug it out in the gorgeous city of Salamanca and also on the plains of Spain. "Sharpe's Sword" has it all - humor, romance, intrigue, friendship, betrayal, and battles. And what battles! Nobody writes a better battle scene than Bernard Cornwell, and he tops himself when describing a suicidal, insane cavalry charge by Wellington's German heavy cavalry against formed French squares. The reader is flung into the wild madness that is Napoleonic warfare, and it is a glorious madness indeed.

Well-researched and lovingly written, "Sharpe's Sword" exemplifies all that is good in the Sharpe series.

A friend referred to the Sharpe series as literary opium...he may be right. They are guilty pleasures, for sure....and I worry what will happen when I have read them all.

The thing is, drug or not, Cornwell is a wonderful writer. I laughed out loud a couple of times, was riveted by a love scene, and ran to the computer to look up the actual battle and scenes described. Great stuff.

And then I had the misfortune to read the new McMurtry novel....

"Sharpe's Sword" is a decent entry into the Sharpe series, but I happen to tend to prefer the Sharpe adventures that are primarily military rather than the ones with espionage plots. And, for my taste, "Sharpe's Sword" is a bit heavy on the spy angle and a hair light on the battles. But the book's action scenes, while failing to rival those in, say, "Sharpe's Rifles," "Sharpe's Eagle" or "Sharpe's Company," are still pretty satisfying. "Sharpe's Sword" is far from the weakest of the generally very strong Sharpe series (of the ones that I've read so far, I'd say that "Sharpe's Prey" my least favorite), but it doesn't quite rank among the very best, either.

This is another entry on the Sharpe series. It is fun, entertaining and very readable. Cornwell's research is as excellent as usual. He takes some licenses for the shake of the story and continuity, but this is OK. Some people are outraged by the portrait of some of the real historical characters, but historical characters are rarely depicted accurately in historical fiction, so I think this can be forgiven. Besides, usually a more serious account of these characters is given at the end of the book on the Historical Note.

Many people insist in compare this series with Patrick O'Brian's Master and Commander. I don't think this is fair for any of the series, they are different entities. What they have in common is that once you start you may get hooked and devour one book after another...

And in the literary world today that is a rare and marvelous thing.

This book is amazing for learning basic vocabulary and grammar. You'll go through most beginners classes in 10 hours. This book is for those who want to know the language not for those needing to know some words for the weekend. Read it world for word to get best results.

This book has some flaws with it.
1) Some of the associations are not good.
2) It gives you the vocab words and on the next page ask you to translate spanish to english but WARNING answer is on next page with english to spanish exercise.

This book is working!
I have tried the rosetta stone to learn spanish and got more frustrated with every lesson. Spanish by association has taught me tons of nouns and proper spanish grammar in a fun way. For some reason, imagining crazy pictures with the words is working, and I finally feel like a second language is within my reach. I would recommend this book to anyone that wants to learn spanish and have some good laughs while doing it. (guarding a rope in a cloakroom?)

Wow! After teaching my own Spanish classes and in the public schools for as long as I have, I thought I'd seen all TYPES of books. When I got frustrated with the texts out there, I even wrote my own! But this is an approach I hadn't seen in a book.

I often use word pictures to help my students with memorization. Of course, it should work in a book format! I found myself giggling upon opening the text and reading about the camel in the cama (bed) and a car horn when we open a cajo'n (drawer).

I'll be recommending this book to any adult or child who wants a fun way to memorize new words. With practice, you won't need the book - it teaches you how to teach yourself Spanish! Marvelous!

Sra. Gose
Author of Flip Flop Spanish: Ages 3-5: Level 1 & Flip Flop Spanish: Ages 3-5: Level 2

Let's say there were a point system for learning Spanish: you get 0 points for knowing no Spanish at all, and 100 points for being completely fluent. Knowing this book will keep you at a solid 10 points. You will not forget any of the Spanish you've learned, thanks to the mnemonics in the book -- so you will maintain your score of 10 points -- but you will not earn any more than 10 points, because there is so little Spanish in this book.

I absolutely LOVE this book! I have not seen any other way to quickly (within a few hours) start using real spanish sentences! I haven't been able to read through this book continuously as it suggests, but even spending 15-30 minutes per day has really helped me!

I really like the method of associating a Spanish word with an English word to be able to remember it. And I like how it builds on previous chapters, so you are challenged to remember the vocabulary and then provided the answer, in case you'd forgotten.

I would definitely recommend this book!

I had the pleasure of going to high school with Eddie in Pittsburgh. He could always make everyone laugh. His book is the same classic Eddie humor. I took the book with me on a long flight and found myself laughing and smiling as I reading the book. The people sitting around me must have thought I was a little crazy-so I showed them the book. It is a great easy read. His honesty about his career and personal life struggles is what makes the book. Humor helps with healing. This book is great to share with anyone that is overcoming an addiction.
Thanks Eddie for once again making me laugh and may you keep making people laugh with your wonderful humor.

This book was addictive reading about how Ed got his start in comedy and how he dealt with his drinking and insecurity to come out on top. He pulls no punches as he details his relationship with the bottle and his troubles with the opposite sex.

He tells great stories about other comedians, most notably a day he spent with the great Henny Youngman.

It takes a lot to get me to laugh aloud but this book had me chuckling several times throughout. I especially enjoyed Ed's return visit to the jewelry store.

I hope you have another book in you Ed.

Reviewed by Lorraine Robins for Reader Views (5/06)

The author's purpose in writing this book was to inform and entertain readers. Ed Driscoll hit the mark on both counts. The book is about his life, including personal details of his feelings of failure in romantic relationships. This could not have been easy for him to be so open about. Yet, he is open about these feelings. Readers can relate to this, I'm sure, whether they are single, married or divorced. Driscoll touches on the complexity of romantic relationships. However, he does so in an interesting and humorous way.

Humorous may be putting it mildly. There were parts of this book that were so funny, I was laughing out loud. I literally had to put the book down and compose myself. This is a very funny man. He writes about his career and how he became a successful comedy writer. When reading this book, there is no doubt that this is a talented and funny man. Reading this book convinced me that he is a very talented writer.

Driscoll spends much of the book comparing how successful his career is, versus how unsuccessful his love life is. You find yourself rooting for him all the way. You feel the pain of his break-up with his fianc?. You can't help but laugh at his internet dating experience. In my case, laughing hysterically.

The author sees humor in everything. This makes the book light and enjoyable to read. Although there are a few sad realities in the book, they are coupled with humor. The book even has a happy ending. I would recommend this book to anyone who likes a good memoir, romance and some laughs.

I've been lucky enough to see Ed Driscoll perform stand-up comedy and he wasn't just funny -- he was incredibly hilarious and HONEST. When I found out that he wrote a book about his experiences with addiction and recovery, I bought a copy and was delighted to find out that he is as brilliant on the page as he is in person. The greatest thing about the book is that Ed is able to take an unflinching look at himself and his struggle with alcohol, and make you enjoy the ride to the very bottom and back. His sense of humor is both the way he sees the world and the source of his salvation. Brilliant.

Never has a descent into alcoholism, a tortured psyche and a shattered heart been so hilarious. Ed Driscoll has a genuinely twisted voice, as is evident on every page of this unflichingly honest memoir. Finally, a survivor who retained his sense of humor, and an unparalled one at that. I highly recommend this book as an inspriation to those who share a similar struggle with Ed, and to those who don't drink enough but are looking to laugh their heads off.

This is the definitive guide for anyone looking for a corporate sponsor. It was enjoyable to read and I find myself reaching for it time and again. The concepts were easy to grasp and the tools were especially useful. It is a great source of information for beginners as well as seasoned sponsorship seekers. It's a great read and well worth purchasing.

This book is very useful and practical thanks to its suggestions in a matter which is at the same time delicate and fundamental. Besides it is well-organized and clear in its contents

Being a realtive newcomer to sponsorship procurement, this book has been valuable and well used. The Sponsorship Seeker's Toolkit teaches every step necessary to make first contact, foster relationships, build a creative winning proposal, administer your proposal and prepare followup reports.
This and the two previous Sponsorship Seekers Toolkit can take a novice and teach them how to speak to sponsors confindently and knowledgably.
If you're a seasoned professional, Kim and Anne-Marie come up with such creative partnerships, you'll find yourself smiling over the common sense they inject into every chapter.
This book has taught my staff how to present proposals that will enhance multiple sponsors, thereby giving them more bang for their buck as well as making the event more memorable for the audience.
This book is a dog-eared must in my professional library.

Content was relevant and definitive. Great examples and templates and every aspect clearly explained and expounded where necessary. An essential piece of reading.

This book is an excellent resource for anyone attempting to obtain sponsorships. It is well written and easy to follow with many useful tools.

This is an excellent book to get you on the right path to reach your goals in the music business.For years I have been trying to find a way to get my career moving to no avail. And with this book I found out what mistakes I was making that was keeping me from growing if you are serious about making it then take control of your career and get this book it is easy to follow and remember the music business is a business and with this book you can learn how to move with the business.

This is an excellent book. All the tools necessary for success are included here. Stiernberg even gives you the format and ideas for a business plan, which is essential for any serious entrepreneur. Everyone in the music biz should get this book.

I've read too many music business books that try to be all things to all musician readers and end up being shallow overviews of the industry. Succeeding In Music focuses on one thing and does it thoroughly. At its core, SIM could be called a musicians textbook for writing a business plan. Each chapter takes you through the steps necessary to make a legitimate small business out of whatever your music venture may be. If you're looking for cute anecdotes or secrets to getting a record deal, this book is not for you. In fact, it's a rather dry read. But if you want to make a serious business out of your band/record company/studio etc., then this book is the first step that must not be skipped. It IS a workbook, so it will take some work. I found the sample plan at the end of the book to be particularly helpful, and the enclosed CD-ROM contains all the forms and worksheets found in the text. This book is a necessary edition for those of us who want a music career and are willing to do the dull stuff it takes to get there.

A great title detailing the ropes for all the people involved in producing a hit record. Given that so many people are involved in the producing cycle, starting from the songwriter to the promoter to the performer, it is hard to collect all the information into one title. Fortunately John Stiernberg succeeded in putting all that is needed for producing hit records into one title, explaining the parts of all the people involved and detailing each role with real life examples.

I highly recommend this book to gain greater insights in the Music business or any business. It was a great buy along with a couple of manuals I purchased from Musicbrains.net entitled the Indie label Kit.

Very interesting read on the new super aspirins. With arthritis slowing me down, this book gave me hope. My doctor agrees - the COX-2's can help with the pain with fewer side affects. Thanks for the great update on breakthrough medications.

If you have any form of arthritis--you MUST read this book. It tells about the REAL cure--the one that is backed by science. COX-2 Inhibitors are the answer to pain, stiffness, and inflammation. Buy this book. Read it. Show it to your doctor. Then try the SUPER ASPIRINS. You will NOT BELIEVE THE CHANGE IN YOUR LIFE!!! Amazing.

Excellent and well-written book on the new SUPER ASPIRINS that end arthritis pain and stiffness. Tells all you need to know about the makeup of the COX-2 Inhibitors and gives a workable program to end pain and regain strength for those with all types of arthritis. BUY IT! READ IT! FOLLOW IT! You will feel better quickly as SUPER ASPIRIN DOES cure arthritis pain.

Excellent book! The program to reduce pain works within one week, along with taking the new Super Aspirins. Very well written, easy-to-understand, and scientifically balanced--unlike other books on arthritis cures which seem to be HYPE and author opinion rather than fact. Recommend to anyone with arthritis pain.

The new SUPER ASPIRINS are nothing short of a MIRACLE for arthritis pain. I've been taking Celebrex for 3 months now--and I sleep well, exercise regularly, and have no more pain in my hips or knees from arthritis. IT TRULY IS A MIRACLE. This book tells all about SUPER ASPIRINS and gives an easy-to-follow plan to END ARTHRITIS PAIN. If you are tired of suffering--BUY THIS BOOK. IT'S WORTH EVERY PENNY!!!

"There's a customer born every minute" is a fascinating look into the life and business practices of Americas Greatest Showman, P.T. Barnum. The creativity he showed is a recipe for success and happiness every person should strive to attain. Some ideas he had were going bigger than anyone else, creating a buzz, and utilizing the media for publicity. I learned many intrersting things through Mr. Vitales research into this fascinating man. This book was put together nicely, easy to follow, and packed with great information on some many aspects of life and business through the eyes of Barnum. Well Done!

I bought copies of this book for myself and my entire business team.

Hey Joe, print some more I have more customers for you!

In todays world there is so much of competition in business and its becoming harder and harder for people to carve their niche in the market area. But by applying the 10 rings of power in your business, you can become more recognizable and increase your profits. These 10 rings of power helped P.T. Barnum earn millions of dollars in the world of no technology. And these 10 rings of power can make you a rich person too. By this book now and read it. But dont stop there. Be sure to apply the 'rings of power' in your business and see your company grow.

I found this book to be entirely fascinating and engaging. I couldn't put the book down. Joe Vitale has done a supurb job of of conveying the essence of P.T. Barnum and then translating the information into a way we can all use to further our marketing expertise. Run do not walk to get this book and all of Joe's other books! Cody Horton - Author of "Consciously Creating Wealth" & "The High Magic of India".

Once you've read any of Joe Vitale's marketing books, you are hooked - AND - they are all worth it. I started out as an engineer, so marketing doesn't come easy. But Joe "Mr. Fire" Vitale is helping me to think like a marketer. His proactive style really mixes well with mine; I think he has a knack for writer to each person as if you happen to be the one he intended the book for.

Needless to say There's a Customer Born Every Minute has played a huge role in helping me to be a successful businessman. Ever since reading the first book of Joe's, I have considered him to be a success mentor. His wisdom is easy to follow - but more than that, it is right on! I guarantee that if you read this book, you will have tons of business and marketing ideas - it's that incredible.

In his books and tapes, Joe always covers all of the proactive bases: smart thinking, system thinking, futuristic thinking, and positive thinking. If you are truly seeking the kind of success and abundance that makes your life 100% livable - you must read this book. Some of the ideas Joe promotes are found in SUCCESS BOUND, another book built on learning how to live a proactive life that is God centered and fulfilling.

Joe's research of P.T. Barnum is fantastic! He seems to cover every aspect of the great P.T. Barnum's business acumen, plus a lot of what made him such a great person. I hope that I might be as well read and thorough some day.

My recommendation to you is, take a few minutes each day and ponder the wisdom and truths of this book and let them seep deep into your subconscious mind. Then, move out confidently towards fulfilling your dreams and goals, knowing you are one with the Creator and are truly success bound.

Best wishes for a successful and proactive future!