Industry Books

I expected some key steps for the auther, especially a new author, to follow, once he/she has chosen to self publish. Instead this book is a manual on "publishing": the pre-print and print cycles of the standard print production cycle. As a practioner of advertising and promotion for over 40 years, I probably published thousands of publications: annual reports; data sheets; brochures. The process I knew; the insights as it related to the world of publishing fiction I did not.

If you are ignorant of the steps in the publishing process (novel, neighborhood flyer, brochure) and really want to know, this book can give you an idea of how it is done. It's an easy read for the layman, clear, and straightforward.

If you are like me, then self-publishing is an exciting opportunity. This book will give you a good overview in how the game of self-publishing is played. Without this knowledge, you are like the "Mark" who sits down at the Texas Hold 'Em table with no real clue. You can get taken to the cleaners very quickly.

Poynter covers everything from how to organize and write your manuscript, to editing, typesetting, printing, publishing, distributing and promoting.

My one criticism of the book is that it is still steeped in the traditional self-publishing model. There are many new opportunities occurring to get in print and leverage the power of the Internet to simplify distribution, reduce costs, and target your marketplace.

Highly Recommended!

Cheers!

This book is called a "manual" for self-publishing.

It isn't.

Lots of pages, but it never tells you how to take your manuscript and publish it yourself, from start to finish.

I started with this book, because of its title, its hype, and the reviews. But the books that actually HELPED me figure out HOW to self publish, were ones that I had to find elsewhere. The few actually useful books on this subject are not as slick and glossy or well promoted as Poynter's, but they have real step-by-step INFORMATION that will help you on your way.

I'd "pass" on this one.

I was one of the featured authors in Blog Talk Radio's Black Author Network. Although a great experience, I kept hearing literary consultants, publishers, and even some authors and the host talk about print-on-demand books not being "real self-publishing." Because both of my books are PODs and so far, I've been having a really good turnout, I started to wonder if some of the speakers on this radio show had such strong opinions on PODs, how do the publishers, libraries, and bookstores feel. Originally, I got a copy of this book to write an article to evaluate and clarify the myths about PODs, vanity press companies, and new publishing companies/authors. I took various notes to correct the myths that PODs like LuLu actually DO let you purchase your own ISBN, books CAN be bought through Ingram, and so forth, but the more I read this book, the less interested I was in defending LuLu, especially when LuLu Press's Public Relations team never bothered to respond to my Q&A trying to let them get their opinions out.

I kept on reading this book and learned so much more than I expected. Ella D. Curry of Sankofa Literary Society has repeatedly recommended this book on her show and makes it mandatory for start-up authors to get it because of the extensive information that Poynter brings to the table. I couldn't be more thrilled that I picked it up. When Poynter commented on PODs being the worst choice to use if a book is selling less than 40 copies, I put on my armor ready to do digital battle, but he explains his argument so well that you can't help but agree. In future, I will be going about self-publishing the traditional way. Regardless of having pretty good success with LuLu and not spending a gazillion dollars on books the way so many LuLu authors that I'm friends/associates/or have met, I still believe that I could do a better job by knowing what PODs do. This is partially the reason why PODs make so much money. The author avoids doing what PODs know how to do, but with books like these, there's really no good reason not to learn.

For almost 40 years, Dan Poynter has been a successful publisher. Also he's been active in the publishing community and knows the straight story about results from authors who have followed the traditional publishing path. This book provides step-by-step counsel to produce an excellent self-published title. The basis of any book--whether self-published or through the traditional system--is an excellent and targeted manuscript.

With careful attention to detail, Poynter provides every reader the necessary steps to successfully produce a quality book but this book guides readers to even more about promotion, distribution, advertising and fulfillment. He reveals a key secret on page 23-24: "Another success secret is to cut out the intermediaries who are the commercial publishers and produce and sell the book yourself. You can take the author's royalty and the publisher's profit. You get all the rewards because you are both the author and the publisher." What isn't said in this section is that you are also taking the risk of possible failure. Successful self-publishing will involve using every aspect of this well-crafted book and following the additional resources in the book.

Poynter is to be commended for producing such a thorough reference book loaded with such resources that writers will refer to it over and over.

I am so, so glad I found this book. With the release of my own novel in four months, I've been scouring any and all information about how to publicize it. I've read a few books, but none had nearly as much hands-on information as Weber's. You can literally sit in front of your computer, read the book, and work your own publicity campaign.

The book feels extremely current. I was concerned, with the changing nature of the net, that almost any book would be immediately outdated. But the links he mentions are all alive and well, and nothing I've read in it feels old.

I can't yet say how much reading this book will help me sell my own (OUT OF THE POCKET -- to be released in September 2008), but I'm excited to move forward with a lot of new ideas he gave me!

My copy of Plug Your Book! is pretty messy because about every other page is dog-eared. I'm a newcomer to selling my book, and the ideas in this book are very useful. The Chaplain's Assistant: God, Country, and Vietnam

Genrally speaking, this is a pretty good book. I work in a marketing department and thought I would see if I could add some value to my efforts by looking at different ways to maket the printed material we distribute. The book offers plenty of great ideas, suggestions, and ways to go about this. You'll just need to pick and choose what you want to do. Much of the suggestions in the book will take a lot of leg work - like most things in life.

I started off hi-liting as I read, in green no less, the color of money, but I colored every page. I decided to sticki important hi-lited pages. Now every page has a green sticki. I am not exaggerating, well maybe a little, but the book is that good. I didn't realize how much I don't know about web marketing until I read Plug Your Book.

Now, I am off to the races taking one idea at a time to plug my novels, Standup Comedian: The Secret and Beyond, Beyond the Shadow of Death: Book One of the Adam Eden Series, and Return to Zero: Book Two of the Adam Eden Series. Thanks Steve Weber.

Kenneth Ray Taylor author of Standup Comedian: The Secret and Beyond

When I wrote my books (2000 and 2002), the marketing strategies that Weber describes largely didn't exist. Meanwhile time has passed, and it turns out these strategies don't just sell books -- they're a GREAT way of meeting interesting people and finding ideas and info you'd never have found otherwise. Weber got me excited about reading blogs (I had always assumed they were just a bunch of boring, misspelled rants -- who knew??), and then he gave me clear, concise directions for setting up blogs and communicating with other bloggers. The acid test: I've always hated marketing, but if this is "marketing," BRING IT ON! Great job, Mr. Weber!

Doni Tamblyn is author of Laugh and Learn: 95 Ways to Use Humor for More Effective Teaching and Training and The Big Book of Humorous Training Games (Big Book of Business Games Series)

Easy reading,interesting,and educational.After reading Orchid Fever,I read a comment in Orchids at Home,and having read Orchid Fever,I realized that ugly,just like beauty,is in the eye of the beholder.

There's probably a good book about orchids and the recondite subject of international orchid policy in "Orchid Fever." In fact, I'm sure of it. Unfortunately, Eric Hansen spoils his effort with a lubricious, snarky brew of exaggerations, sneers, dubious anecdotes and invented suggestions.

One example can stand for a multitude of sins. Hansen attends a three-day conference and trade show of orchid fanciers, trying to set up the idea that these people are wild, crazy, risk-taking guys and gals -- not far from sociopaths is the general view. His evidence: The conferees sang karaoke and after that, "What went on in the hotel rooms after dark between the orchid growers was anybody's guess."

You could write the same thing about an Amway convention. So?

The serious issue behind this unserious book is how (or if) to conserve orchids that may (or may not) be threatened by collectors, habitat destruction or whatever it is that threatens orchids.

The antagonists are, on one side, amateurs, businessmen and independent scholars; and, on the other, academics and international bureaucrats, who are accused of self-aggrandizement and appropriation. It is not an issue just with orchids or even just about plants. It comes up concerning ancient artifacts, fossils, sunken treasure, even -- in a non-material sense -- myths and legends. See my review of "A Dinosaur Named Sue" for an example with fossils.

A friend of mine who runs an orchid nursery confirms the difficulty. Under a treaty called CITES that purports to protect endangered species, he must prove that his commercial stock (450 species) does not derive from wild-collected plants. Of course, ultimately, any orchid derives from such stock, but CITES has rules. My friend got much of his stock from his teacher, now dead. How can he prove where the teacher obtained it?

My friend could have his business shut down. In the worst instance, he could be shut up in a prison. It has happened to others.

"Orchid Fever" has obtained wide publicity and wide sales. It was aimed at the thoughtless, the sensationalistic and the lascivious, and there are plenty of those people out there. It's sad that probably the most-read book about orchids turns out to be a piece of low-rent crap.

Having no interest in orchids whatsoever, I picked up "Orchid Fever" because I have been smitten with Eric Hansen's lucied and entertaining adventure writings (see previous reviews). This book is well researched and very well salted with Hansen's devastating wit and easygoing demeanor.

We are introduced to the orchid universe via the growers, scientists, show judges, "orchid police", and so-called smugglers who turn out to be not so.

Hansen once more captivates with these loosely linked stories of orchid obsessed people and the absurdities of the power brokers so bent on enforcing horticultural regulations that end up ensnaring the wrong people.

"Orchid Fever" is part expose, part travelogue, part literary journalism, and part horticultural history. This really is investigative writing at its very best, at turns tantalizing and educational. This man has a seriously clever wit which keeps the narrative light and fluid.

Hansen's abilities as a writer are superb: he knows his craft as well as any contemporary non-fiction writer. The seven years of creating this wonderfully woven bunch of stories is very much appreciated. From the first sentence, your attention is requisitioned and not released until the last - the mark of a Big League writer I think.

As always with Eric Hansen, my highest kudos.

Extracts: A Field Guide for Iconoclasts

"I thumbed through the pages ... Immediately I was confronted with centerfolds showing ... moistened, hot-pink lips that pouted in the direction of tautly curved shafts and heavily veined pouches." - from "Bodice Ripper", a chapter in ORCHID FEVER

A porn mag featuring your favorite XXX-rated stars? Um, no. An orchid catalogue, actually, as described by author Eric Hansen in his narrative exploration of the science, business, hobby, and collecting of orchids, ORCHID FEVER. Who knew flower breeding could be so titillating, or so lucrative? Indeed, as of the turn of the last century, orchids generated about $9 billion of worldwide business annually.

With so much money to be made, it's no surprise that the collection of wild orchids and their transport across national boundaries is so fiercely regulated, ostensibly to protect orchid populations in their natural habitats. But, of course, the cynical will recognize that it's all about the fees generated by the obligatory export licenses and certificates. Indeed, much of ORCHID FEVER is about the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES), headquartered in Geneva, and its almost Gestapo-like enforcement powers, which, as Eric tells the story, have done virtually nothing to protect free-range orchids and have only increased their demand and value vis-a-vis breeders, hobbyists, and collectors.

Hansen illustrates his subject by traveling the world from California to Borneo to Minnesota to Britain to Germany to Turkey to France to New York and to Holland to interview the field's "horticultural extremists, pioneers, lone rangers, fantasy merchants, flower show flim-flam people, paid informers, rapacious nurserymen, international plant smugglers, pollen thieves, eccentric botanists, corrupt orchid judges, legendary growers, misfits, groupies, and camp followers". Though, as the author states, normal, balanced people are drawn to orchids, he found such only infrequently.

"Behind the cash register (of a neighborhood grocery store) sat a long shelf filled with mass-produced Phalaenopsis hybrids, selling for $19.95; every time I saw them I thought about the California orchid grower who shot and killed his partner and then mutilated the corpse because they couldn't agree on how to breed and sell these supermarket-quality house plants."

Perhaps the most engaging chapter, especially if you like frozen desserts, is "The Fox Testicle Ice Cream", in which Eric journeys to Maras, Turkey, the home of orchid ice cream, salepi dondurma, made from the tubers of the flower genus Orchis. Indeed, the chapter is so informative and interesting that a large segment of it was apparently plagiarized on a website I discovered sponsored by a Turkish-American business alliance. (After I communicated this fact to the author, he replied that it wasn't the first or last time such has happened, and he would pursue getting credit for the entry.)

When I began dating as a teenager in the late sixties, if I really wanted to impress the girl I'd buy a stalk of 5-6 orchids for 3 bucks from an elderly next-door neighbor that grew them. I don't recall that the expenditure ever helped me get lucky, but they sure were impressive in the giving. Nowadays, try buying just one on Mother's Day for less than an hour's pay. After reading Hansen's excellent volume, I better understand the orchid's mystique.

I read this with jaw agape most of the time. The main reason for this embarrassing state of affairs was the CITES ridiculousness that crops up again and again. Can people in positions of power REALLY be so stupid? Well, yep, they can, sadly enough for the thousands of plants that are destroyed in the name of "development," illegal to save by conservationists.
But the people Hansen meets are equally worthy of a jaw drop. Their passion--there's truly no other word, unless it is obsession--for their orchids simply astounded me. Wonderfully humorous, enlightening reading.
Now that I've read it nearly a decade after many of the encounters described, I am longing for an update. What's become of the CITES laws? Has common sense prevailed? What about the individual scientists and growers? Are they still as enthralled with their plants? What a terrific book, to leave me hungering for so much more!

I think that this book can be very helpful to any writer that wants to sell his/her book. I am using several of the ideas that I recieved in the book to sell my book 31 Steps to Your Millions in Antiques and collectibles. it has increased my sales. Daryle

I've never read a more informative book. It not only points out what you should do to promote, it actually gives you the tools to do it. Both phone numbers and websites that will really help you. It is the first self help book that doesn't tell you what it is going to tell you, IT JUST TELLS YOU. How novel. It will take me weeks to implement all the information, but each step is clearly presented. If you write to sell you need this book as flowers need rain.

The position of a first-time self-published author is not an enviable one; you've already written your manuscript, invested money in typesetting, cover design and an initial print run, you've purchased an ISBN number and your book is in Ingram's database, so it can be ordered in stores. You wait a week, and then another, for book sales to start coming in. Finally, realization begins to set in - just because it is possible for someone to walk into a book store and order your book, it isn't very likely that it will happen, because nobody knows about it.

Marilyn and Tom Ross have written an excellent resource for self-published authors and small publishers who want to get their book sales going, and their techniques are considerate of the budgets that most self-published authors are constrained by.

If you successfully self-publish your book, there are three steps for you to follow:

1. Write a solid, clear and engaging book that people will enjoy reading. Refer to books about clear and effective writing.

2. Work your way through the publishing process. Refer to Dan Poynter's "Self-Publishing Manual".

3. Get the word out about your recently published work - this is exactly what the Marilyn and Tom Ross show you how to do in "Jump-Start Your Book Sales".

In short, if you are a self-published author, are considering self-publishing, are a small publisher, or even if you're a traditionally published author who wants to take a more active role in the promotion of your book (which most publishers will expect you to do anyway), you should read this book.

Danny Iny
Author of "Ordinary Miracles - Harness the power of writing and get your point across!" (ISBN 1-4116-7252-6)

through the self publishing process of my new book. More than a notion, self publishing is very rewarding but extremely time consuming, and SUPER hard work. I thought writing the book was hard. Ha! That was the easy part!!! Thank goodness I bought this book, as its given me many great ideas for marketing and promotion. It's wonderful to have written the best book in the world, but it doesn't mean anything if no one knows about it! Thanks Marilyn!!!!

Do you know when you should start marketing your book? Marilyn Ross does, and in "Jump Start Your Book Sales" she reveals the answer. (Hint: It's before you start writing it!)

Before, during, and after -- in fact. Regardless of where you are in the writing and publishing process, book marketing should be at the forefront of your thinking. Is your book even marketable? What is the market? What length of book are those people used to buying? Why would they buy yours instead of (or in addition to) all the other similar books on the market? What will differentiate yours? These are the kind of questions you should be asking yourself even before you put pen to paper, or fingers to keys, as the case may be.

These strategic concepts are the bread and butter of the pages comprising "Jump Start." Don't be surprised if you find meat in the middle that you can really sink your teeth into. This isn't another rehash of duplicative information available for free from countless websites. This is the real deal, written by the co-founder of the Small Publishers Association of North America. Highly recommended reading before you start writing, before you start publishing, and after you think you've marketed it all. - Brent Sampson, author of Self-Publishing Simplified

This book has been a great resource to me, giving me all the necessary insider information to successfully put together and publish my first book all on my own. Aaron is very detailed in his approach and shows you exactly how to e.g. word your title optimally and format your graphics for print on demand. His website also complements the book perfectly with updates and links to excerpts of the new version.

Very good book at describing, in detail, the ins and outs of how to sell books on Amazon effectively. Not many books are so specific about "how" to do things and it is what I liked most about this book. Tremendously beneficial to me in promoting my own book!.. Highly recommended!!

This is a fantastic book that does just what it promises. I used this book from start to finish to write and publish my own non-fiction book, and get it on Amazon. It was exactly what I needed and invaluable in my own book-writing endeavor, thanks Aaron!

You have read all the stories of how hard it is to get a big time New York publisher to publish your book, and author service firms like iUniverse and Xlibris seem to expensive..., so what do you do?

Well one alternative is Print On Demand (POD) by going direct to the source of most POD books, Lightning Source.

Shephard gives a high level primer with some very good tips and shortcuts on how to make the new publishing model work for you.

The goal of the book (and hopefully your publishing efforts) is to make money. Shepard never loses sight of this and points out that when dealing with the worlds largest online bookstore, there are some differences you should consider than traditional publishing methods.

Things like...

- Optimizing your cover for display on Amazon.
- How to deal effectively with PDF files.
- The practical economics of POD.

Already I have picked up a tip or two which more than justifies the cost of the book, and will speed up the process with my next book.

What you learn is it is really not that hard, you just need to learn what to do.

Shepard will take you by the hand and shorten your learning curve.

Cheers!

I read this book in one sitting on an airplane. It covers exactly the information I was looking for. The author uses the book itself as an example of many of the points he is making. It is clearly written and easy to understand. In a world where everyone is publishing, this book gives the insight needed to get your book on the market.
All along I have been thinking, I want to market my book on Amazon.com. I was delighted to see a book with the title that speaks exactly to my need.
You will find this book useful if:
- you are adventurous enough to become your own publisher
- you don't care about seeing your book in book stores
- you are willing to let go of beautiful cover art
- you need to be practical and keep expenses down

I look forward to putting his advice into practice.

If you are attempting to grow you Financial Advisory business, this classic writing has new age advice that will ease the burden of identifying better ways to grow your client base. If you are an active producer, plan on coming back to this book periodically for it is loaded with those little pearls of wisdom that only someone who has been there and done that can convey so well. If you are a manager looking for ways to improve your associates' closing rates, read this and become the teacher. Unlike many "sales manuals" Effortless Marketing focuses on becoming in touch and happy with one's self and using that awareness to focus on what your prospective client wants...competent advice of course, but more...a connected, emotionally present advisor. If you're ready to move beyond product sales to consulative relationships, Effortless Marketing is an outstanding starting point. Keep this one on your bookshelf and refer to it when you're wondering how to improve your and your firm's marketing.

Steve Moeller's "Effortless Marketing" has it all. From determining clients' values to overall marketing strategies and niches, Steve has thoroughly put together a great resource for the financial services industry. I have read a lot of other books over the years and this is the one that is set apart from all the others. The book is an easy read and well laid out. You can focus on a few sections at a time and begin to implement the strategies the next day. Steve has definitely fulfilled on his title.

For anyone wanting to build a fee-based financial advisory practice Steve Moeller's work is required reading.
I read this book for the first time in 2007 and was amazed (considering it was written almost 10 years go) how far ahead of the curve these concepts are. People here in the UK are only now starting to adopt the type of approach that Steve has been advocating for years.
I have read a great many books on how to best market my financial planning business and while a number of them have been helpful this book is really the only one you will ever need.
By concentrating your efforts on implementing the ideas put forward in this book it is not only probable you will dramatically increase your revenue but you will also enhance your client relationships and your enjoyment of life.
Martin Turbin CFP

As a Financial Advisor who has been in the business 5 years, this book has to be one of the best books on building your business I have ever read. It has new and innovative ideas. This book has a least one idea for everyone, I don't care how long you have been in the business.

After six years in the investment advisory business with a major firm, I became so frustrated with trying to implement the outdated marketing practices that the major firms still promote, I actually left the business and moved into private banking. My absence was three years. Recently, however, I have re-joined the business and co-incidentally found Steve's excellent book at the same time.

What Steve outlines in the first few chapters of this book are so true. The industry is still plugging things like mail drops and cold calling as a way to build a new business. We all know that today's sophisticated client has no interest in these types of tactics. As I launch my new business, I am using Steve's book as the definitive roadmap to help me grow my business over time. This book provides the much needed and missing training on marketing that advisors dearly need. In this day and age, with managed assets programs etc., managing the money is the easy part. Effective business development strategies are what set the successful apart from the unsuccessful. And this book is the definitive guide. I can't wait for Steve's next book. He is truly plugged in to what matters. He'll be my sole business coach going forward. Thank You Steve.

I poured through at least 15 books on mortgages. This book is the only, I repeat, only good book out there. While other books may have had two or three "pointers", every page of Ms. Warren's book is worthwhile. Do not go for a loan without this book. Invaluable!

We have bought and sold investment properties for over 10 years in Pennsylvania. We are now investing in million dollar properties in Florida. I was in a book store and saw this book, and thank god I bought it! I read it, and out of curiosity I dug out a few of my old closing statements and good faith estimates, and was shocked at how ripped off I was by loan officers that I thought I could trust. This book was very informative, and that's an understatement. I thought I knew about the lending industry, but I was definitely mistaken. Now armed with so much knowledge, I can't wait to put another loan officer to the test.

I'm about to buy my first house, and I'm so happy I read this book first! I had no idea all these junk fees existed. And YSP? I definately would have been one of the 'stupid' people who blindly trusted my broker and assumed these fees were all standard. I also like how the author goes over each loan type and what type is best for each person. I do wish the author would have included more on how to negotiate, but there's so much useful information, I would still recommend this book to anyone and everyone.

this is a fantastic book!. im 28, and am looking to purchase my first home. this book allowed me to move on confidently through the toughest and most intimidating part of the home buying process: avoiding mortgage rip offs! i admit, i knew a few things on what markets are good for home purchases, but was clueless on how to finance the purchase.

if you are a skeptic of this shady, 'loan shark' infested business, pick up the book and get educated! Carolyn shares many personal and professional tips as well as a bunch or real-life stories. you will easily save hundreds and possibly thousands!

I have been buying, selling and re-financing real estste, in Southern California, for the past 30+ years. After reading "Mortgage Rip-Offs and Money Savers" by Carolyn Warren, I cringe at how I had been taken advantage of, over the years. I can never re-gain the money I lost in fees, overcharges etc. but with the information I learned from this book, it sure won't happen again. This should be required reading for every person buying a home or re-financing. It is easy to read, understand and apply. Unlike other books, on this subject, it doesn't give you just enough information to be dangerous. It is so practical that anyone can use it to defend themselves against mortgage brokers, banks and direct lenders that would take advantage of you just to line their pockets. Before you do anything related to a mortgage or re-finance,READ THIS BOOK!

Anyone who has ever read any of Karens books knows that there is no other writer in this day and age that hits every emotion that we all go through in this life, in our own search for why we are here, who we are, and the battles that can and do happen in this life.

The number one moral is that Gods Love and our love for others is the strength to keep us all carrying on in this journey in life. There is hope in all of her books.

It is such a "blessing" to read a book, that everyone whether a believer or not in God who touches our lives in everyday situations with family and friends. There is not one of her books that I have ever been disappointed in. Once you read one of her books you will be "hooked" and can't wait to read the next one.

Seagull
<><
Las Vegas, NV

A friend got me started on Karen's books. Now I have read almost all of her books. When I start one, I find it very hard to put it down - I just want to keep reading to the end. All the books in this series and her other series' are great. I can't wait to find out what will happen to the Baxter family next.

The book is a wonderful nonfiction that displays God's awesome faithfulness and presence through the continued story of The Baxter Family. I was so taken that I could hardly put the book down and I'm eager to begin the Sunrise Series. These books are encouraging in my life as well, reminding me of God's promises and truths in my own life. Thank you for encouraging me in my walk with Christ!

This is one of Karen Kingsbury's best books, and certainly her best love story. An award winning book, it's also by far the best of the Firstborn series. She's crafted the characters in the Baxter family so well that you feel as though you are a member of this family. I highly recommend Forever! The Candidate: A Novel

I thought that this new part of the series was packed with excellent marriage advice that is both practical and Biblical. I love this series, and how Kingsbury portrays God's graciousness and mercy.

Clearly this book provides the basics on writing letters of complaint. Most of it is just common sense (not so common these days). If you treat business people the way you would want them to treat you, it usually works out in the end. I didn't find much new in it. The contact addresses are helpful, but then most of them can be found on the net.. and more current

Very insightful and useful. I have used some of her template letters for airline complaints. In the past, I used her writings for a labor complaint and got $18,000 from my former employer.

I wish this book was available in downloadable electronic form which will make it more useful in practice by cutting and pasting.

I have the book for several years and its contents have saved me time and money over and over again. It is rich in samples of real letters and complaints, with real cases.
I recommend to anyone that ever needs to write a complaint letter and/or need to reach government agencies.

Anyone who has made enough transactions with Amazon.com can tell you, Amazon.com has its share of foul-ups. And when mistakes (that are bound to happen from time-to-time) do happen, the biggest errors occur in their customer service department. For me, I know that I have written e-mail after e-mail complaining about RUDE, ERRONEOUS and downright FRAUDULENT communication emanating from the unskilled and unsupervised excuse for a customer service department only to have other unskilled, unsupervised hacks respond. I kept explaining that I was not seeking compensation, I was trying to complain about Amazon.com's customer service, but Amazon.com either doesn't care or doesn't have a mechanism to care. My e-mails which always started, please forward this to so-and-so's supervisor never were. I can't wait for the follow-up to this book. "How To Write Letters Of Complaint to OUTSOURCED INDIANS WHO DON'T UNDERSTAND HOW THE AMERICAN CONSUMER WANTS TO BE TREATED!!"

I bought this prior to buying my piano and it was a lifesaver. I'd read about it and had to try it myself. I highlighted many passages and re-read many sections while making my selection. I have not only told many others to buy it, but have also "loaned" out my copy many times. A great investment, whether looking to purchase a used or new piano. Good tips for maintaining piano as well.

When beginning to look for a piano, we read Larry Fine's The Piano Book at the recommendation of our local piano technician. It is superbly written and highly informative. It covers everything from the mechanics of pianos in general to the relative features and qualities of various makes of pianos. In the end, it was well worth the effort and helped us make a well informed decision on the type and make of piano we purchased.

Just a few words: This guy loves pianos as much as I do. Buy this book. You won't regret it. I use it with my customers and my piano store, I use it for my own piano. It covers so many details that it will be a big mistake not to buy it. I has very well documented info, so you are very well prepared to buy, sell, rent, move, determine value of a piano. And the author keeps you updated each year.

Congratulations to the author...

The previous positive reviews are true; this is an indepensable book for anyone in the market for a piano.

This supplement and the original book helped me a lot on choosing my first piano in terms of brand, model, and price range. I finally bought a Yamaha U1. Thank you Larry Fine. And Amazon's shipping is very fast.