Thinking Like Your Editor - How to Write Serious Nonfiction and Get it Published

Over 50,000 books are published in America each year, the vast majority nonfiction. Even so, many writers are stymied in getting their books published, never mind gaining significant attention for their ideas -- and substantial sales. Here at last is a book devoted solely to the needs of these authors. Filled with trade secrets, Thinking Like Your Editor explains: -- how to tailor academic writing to a general reader, without losing ideas or dumbing down your work; -- how to write a proposal that editors cannot ignore; -- why the most important chapter is your introduction; -- why "simple structure, complex ideas" is the mantra for creating serious nonfiction; -- why smart nonfiction editors regularly reject great writing but find new arguments irresistible. Whatever the topic, from history to business, science to philosophy, law, or gender studies, this book is vital to every serious nonfiction writer.