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Rebecca Lee

How Words Get Good: The Story of Making a Book

How Words Get Good: The Story of Making a Book

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Rebecca Lee explores the process of getting words from an author's brain to printed books, revealing the dark arts of ghostwriters, literary agents, and typesetting. She also discusses little-known considerations that make a big impact, such as ellipses, indexes, hyphens, and post-publication corrections.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 384 pages
Publication date: 06 April 2023
Publisher: Profile Books Ltd


This comprehensive compendium of book chat offers a delightful treasure trove for bibliophiles, brimming with captivating insights into the world of publishing. Written by Stephen Poole, a Guardian journalist, the book provides an engaging and enlightening exploration of the literary landscape, offering a delectable assortment of tidbits about books, writers, and their editors.

The Sunday Times aptly describes it as "enjoyable, engaging, and insightful," while the Independent praises it as "fascinating, revealing, and thought-provoking."

Rebecca Lee, a professional text-improver, takes readers on a captivating journey to unravel the intricate process of transforming an author's ideas into fully realized, printed books. Through her exploration, Lee unveils the mysterious realm of ghostwriters, delves into the secret world of literary agents, and unveils the hidden artistry of typesetting. Along the way, she sheds light on a myriad of lesser-known but profoundly influential considerations that shape the creation of books, including the art of using ellipses, creating effective indexes, mastering the use of hyphens, and navigating the intricacies of grammar.

What sets this book apart is its willingness to delve into the less glamorous aspects of the publishing industry. From the quirky phenomenon of foot-and-note disease to the charming town of Index, Missouri, Lee uncovers a range of fascinating anecdotes and historical tidbits that add depth and intrigue to the narrative. These anecdotes serve as a reminder that the best stories often arise from unexpected challenges and mishaps, highlighting the human element and the craftsmanship that goes into the creation of books.

In conclusion, "How Books Get Made and Words Get Good" is a must-read for anyone with a passion for literature and a curiosity about the publishing industry. With its engaging writing style, insightful anecdotes, and valuable insights, this compendium offers a captivating journey into the world of words and the art of book production. Whether you're a seasoned book lover or a aspiring writer, this book will inspire, educate, and entertain you in equal measure.

Weight: 308g
Dimension: 198 x 129 x 28 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781788166386
Edition number: Main

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