Behind the book : eleven authors on their path to publication / Chris Mackenzie Jones.

Includes bibliographical references and index.

The brief lineup -- The ignored question: how -- Sparks of story -- Processing process -- Sources of support -- Craft quandaries -- Thorough themes -- Reviewing revision -- Publishing paths -- Setbacks and perseverance -- Preparing to publish -- The book in the world -- Lessons learned -- Acknowledgments -- Appendix: the complete lineup.

Explores how eleven contemporary first-time authors, in genres ranging from post-apocalyptic fiction to young adult fantasy to travel memoir, navigated these pathways with their debut works. Based on extensive interviews with the authors, it covers the process of writing and publishing a book from beginning to end, including idea generation, developing a process, building a support network, revising the manuscript, finding the right approach to publication, building awareness, and ultimately moving on to the next project. It also includes insights from editors, agents, publishers, and others who helped to bring these projects to life.