Set the Page on Fire - by Steve O'Keefe Paperback

About the Book

In the tradition of classics such as Stephen King's On Writing and Anne Lamott's Bird by Bird, a book that teaches while it entertains and inspires

Book Synopsis

Discover the Tricks and Tools of the Pros

Successful writers write, rather than just think about writing, talk about writing, or plan what they'll write when they get a cabin in the woods. Yet even accomplished writers sometimes get "blocked," losing access to their in-the-zone writing mind. Steve O'Keefe offers proven techniques and practices for jump-starting stalled ideas, honed during his many years of working in virtually every aspect of publishing. His innovative, often unconventional exercises will get you writing and accessing your own unique voice -- a voice the world wants to read! Containing a career's worth of writing and publishing savvy, as well as the advice of expert authors gleaned from hundreds of interviews, Set the Page on Fire is the kind of nuts-and-bolts coaching and encouragement invaluable to novice and veteran writers alike.

Review Quotes

"Set the Page on Fire is another masterpiece by book industry professional Steve O'Keefe, author of groundbreaking textbooks on online book marketing and pioneer of author interview videos. His latest book reveals strategies learned from decades in the field and is a captivating, informative, and humorous necessity for any budding or veteran writer."
-- Gary Michael Smith, author of Getting Grease

"Irresistible!"
-- Judith Appelbaum, author of How to Get Happily Published

"A very well-composed work about writing. I am happy to say that, based on its merits alone, Set the Page on Fire is a book that all writers should read and reread."
-- Jeff Herman, literary agent and author of Jeff Herman's Guide to Book Publishers, Editors & Literary Agents

"A class act . . . about making a life as a writer. I would compare it to The Art Spirit by Robert Henri."
-- Pat Hartman, editor of Salon and author of Ghost Town

"Solid advice for finding an editor or agent."
-- Alice B. Acheson, Literary Market Place award-winning publicist for Old Turtle, an American Booksellers Association Book of the Year

"I want to thank Steve O'Keefe for introducing me to his Four-Part Pitch. What an amazing tool."
-- Dr. Jeff Jones

"Steve O'Keefe's research-oriented approach helped me to identify the right agent for me, and then to zero in and just persist and have no mercy. I think the most valuable thing I learned from him was to never make it easy for them to say no -- never complain, always provide the action alternative. Thank you so much!"
-- Maggie Thrash, author of Honor Girl and Lost Soul, Be at Peace

"Well, it worked. I did some research and sent a query to the senior editor of McGraw-Hill's engineering department. The next day I received a phone call from him, and we have already begun talking contract."
-- Chris Ortiz, author of Lessons from a Lean Consultant

"Steve O'Keefe taught me how to write a query that sells. His practical knowledge of publishing and online promotion is tremendous."
-- Tim Bete, author of Guide to Pirate Parenting

About the Author

Steve O'Keefe is an author, editor, and book-industry professional who has helped hundreds of writers move from brainstorm to bestseller. As the content director for Orobora, Inc., he has hired dozens of expert writers to produce a steady stream of articles, blog posts, and website content for major corporations and nonprofit organizations. A regular presenter at conferences and seminars including Book Expo, he lives in Virginia.