Agent for "book for Dummies" series?

I have a friend who's written a bunch of books for the Idiot series, and she has no agent. I imagine that's true of most of the Idiot and Dummy writers, because in series like these the terms are so...shall we say modest?--that most agents wouldn't bother. I think she used to make about $5K a book, no royalties, and they're offering even less now. If you have something you think is appropriate and you're willing to work for that sort of money, you can propose it to the publisher directly instead of seeking an agent.

Query as you would any non-fiction, with a proposal. Then search for agents who represent NF, and How-to- books.

Barbara R. said:

I have a friend who's written a bunch of books for the Idiot series, and she has no agent. I imagine that's true of most of the Idiot and Dummy writers, because in series like these the terms are so...shall we say modest?--that most agents wouldn't bother. I think she used to make about $5K a book, no royalties, and they're offering even less now. If you have something you think is appropriate and you're willing to work for that sort of money, you can propose it to the publisher directly instead of seeking an agent.

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Hmmm...I write for the Idiot's Guides and not only do I get *much* more (in one case much, much more) than the $5k you stated but I also get royalties for as long as the book is in print. I have friends who write for Dummies and they come in close to what I get. We have agents that all deal with both Alpha and Wiley & my agent is worth her weight in gold.

I'm not sure why your friend is in the position that she is (with the advances), nor am I certain as to why she'd say there are no royalties involved, as that's completely incorrect.

Another thing to point out is the advance vs. royalties. The advances are lovely, but it's the royalties that are important. Writing books is building a pipeline of steady income. Remember that the money you get up front is against the royalties. The pub house isn't buying the book from you (unless, of course, they are -- in which case you're offered a flat fee and that's all), they're partnering with you. So if a pub house gave you $20,000 to write a book up front, your royalties have to pay that back before you see another dime.

Thrillride (and others, of course), wondering if you have any tips for Idiots?

They're who I'm aiming for. I am using a published Idiot's Guide as a kind of pattern, for tone and everything else. (even if they don't want it, the fun format with all the sidebars etc. seems to make it more lively to read). Also, I have read their online guidelines. I appreciate anything else you might have to say on it.

(Hoping to cadge free insider tips).

Fruitbat said:

Thrillride (and others, of course), wondering if you have any tips for Idiots?

They're who I'm aiming for. I am using a published Idiot's Guide as a kind of pattern, for tone and everything else. (even if they don't want it, the fun format with all the sidebars etc. seems to make it more lively to read). Also, I have read their online guidelines. I appreciate anything else you might have to say on it.

(Hoping to cadge free insider tips).

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That's great that you already checked out their online guidelines! For many books right now, they're working within their stable of writers. That said, if you come up with a good idea -- they will take a look. The main thing with these guys is that they're looking for experts in *whatever* field you're writing about that can write plainly.

Plainly meaning with a clear voice. Not boring and not "dumbed down", just very understandable. They don't want you to assume that the reader knows every term that you know so well. They also love a fun, over-the-fence style.

What's funny is that being clear isn't as easy as it looks. Sometimes when you think you've said stated thing very clearly, an editor will come back and ask you 5 questions about one paragraph! Then you start to understand what they mean by clear.

Anyway, they're fun books to write and I've had nothing but great experiences with Alpha. I also want to mention that even if you've never worked with a pub house before, if you are offered a book deal, you will know how to write a book after the experience.

Mark at FreshBooks seems to do this thing a LOT.

http://www.fresh-books.com/submissions