Books

My latest book, Navigating the Rough Waters of Today's Publishing World, Critical Advice for Writers from Industry Insiders (June 2010, Quill Driver Books), was named one of "10 Great Writing Books from 2010" by The Writer magazine. If you'd like to order a copy, go to Amazon or Powell's Books.

In its review, The Writer said: "This accessible, concise road map to the publishing industry offers an in-depth look at the impact of emerging technologies on publishing (in the future, Meier writes, “almost everything published will move to an online format”), as well as the important differences between fiction and nonfiction publishing. Additionally, the author covers how to work effectively with agents, maximize marketing and promotional opportunities, and get published in magazines, newspapers and online. Meier is an award-winning journalist, as well as the former director of the prestigious Santa Barbara Writers Conference. Her book is an invaluable reference for anyone seeking to plot a course for publishing success."

Here is what others say:

"Reading this book actually gives you the feeling that you are sitting over coffee with writing coaches, agents, publishers, marketing professionals, and other experts. It’s a must-read for anyone who is contemplating publishing or who has already started the process." - Patricia Fry, founder of SPAWN (Small Publishers, Artists and Writers Network) See the whole review here.

"Navigating the Rough Waters of Today's Publishing Worldis a compendium of practical, 'real-world' advice, insight, commentary, and instruction for writers seeking publication in today's increasingly volatile, rapidly evolving, and fiercely competitive publishing industry. (It) should be considered mandatory reading for anyone and all aspiring authors seeking to become successful professionals." - Midwest Book Review

"A complete review of the modern publishing process, this resource is an ideal companion for aspiring authors who want to understand and break into this ever-changing industry." - IndependentPublisher.com

 “Confused by the ever-changing publishing landscape? Marcia Meier shows you the way. Tapping into her extensive industry contacts, she brings you the best thinking on where books and publishing are headed in the coming years. Navigating is an indispensable resource that should be on every writer’s bookshelf.” – Arianna Huffington, best-selling author and founder of The Huffington Post

"It's a first-rate guide to the new world of publishing." - Lou Cannon, former Washington Post columnist and author of President Reagan, The Role of a Lifetime, and many other books

“Marcia Meier is a skilled and graceful writer whose experience as a writers conference director puts her in the catbird seat with regard to the publishing world. The insights she's gleaned from the industry's top agents and editors will be invaluable for any writer wondering how to proceed today.” – Davida Wills Hurwin, author of A Time for Dancing (an American Library Association Best Book for Young Adults), The Farther You Run, Circle the Soul Softly, and Freaks and Revelations.

“Who knows better than Marcia Meier, who formerly captained the Santa Barbara Writers Conference, how authors can navigate past the treacherous rocks of publishing despite the current storm? Her industry contacts came aboard and gave her the map to the treasure.” – Jerry Camarillo Dunn, Jr., author of My Favorite Place on Earth: Celebrated People Share Their Travel Discoveries (National Geographic).

“As the former director of one of the nation’s most prestigious writers conferences, Marcia Meier knows what's happening in the book world. In Navigating, she brings her considerable writing skills and her connections together to help writers make sense of publishing trends today.” – Catherine Ryan Hyde, bestselling author of 12 novels, including Pay It Forward, Love in the Present Tense, Becoming Chloe, The Year of My Miraculous Reappearance, Chasing Windmills and The Day I Killed James

“The topic of publishing trends is timely, even urgent, for those of us who write, and find ourselves uncertain about mergers, online publishing, compensation and a host of other issues that have arisen in a fluctuating economic environment. Marcia Meier has brought exceptional expertise to the task of mapping a complex literary landscape. Her management of the Santa Barbara Writers Conference has given her a wide view of contemporary publishing and fine-tuned her sense of the information writers need. This may be one of the most useful reference books currently available to working writers.” – Marilyn Chandler McEntyre, author of In Quiet Light: Poems on Vermeer’s Women; Drawn to the Light: Poems on Rembrandt’s Religious Paintings; The Color of Light: Poems of Van Gogh’s Late Paintings; and The Light at the Edge. Her book on the stewardship of language, Caring for the Word, was published in 2008.

“I was thrilled to get your new book in the mail yesterday! I started reading it last night and couldn't put it down until I finished - the mark of a good book. I learned a lot and appreciate all the advice about the biz.” - Jane Heller, author of Confessions of a She-Fan, The Course of True Love with the New York Yankees and 13 detective novels.

“Your book is splendid! What a valuable writer’s resource you have created!” – Dianne Dixon, author of The Language of Secrets, just out from Doubleday.

“Your new book is SO INFORMATIVE and interesting – an easy read that can save writers hours, maybe years, in the struggle to get published. Thanks for sharing your expertise!” – Sharon Dirlam, author of Beyond Siberia: Two Years in a Forgotten Place, book reviewer and former Los Angeles Times staff writer

“I began reading your book the moment I got home and am so grateful for the wisdom you share. I will recommend Navigating the Rough Waters of Today's Publishing World to every writer I know!” – Janet Lucy, writing coach and author of Moon Mother, Moon Daughter

“I went straight home and read your book cover to cover. Got lots of great ideas and my SBWC fix all in one sitting!” – Lynn K. Jones, certified personal and executive coach

"I want to thank you for writing a very useful book. I recently finished a third draft of my novel and was looking for some informed, up-to-date guidance to the ever-morphing publishing industry. So, I went to Chaucer's on State Street and found Navigating the Rough Waters of Today's Publishing World, and it turned out to be just what I needed, at the right time. The sections on marketing and the role of authors in building platforms were especially helpful." - Randal Jackson, longtime NASA science writer
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My first book, Santa Barbara, Paradise on the Pacific, was published by Longstreet Press in 1996. A coffee table book wth extensive text, it features the exceptional photography of Santa Barbara's James Chen plus extensive chapters on the history of Santa Barbara, the community today, and highlights of the city and environs.