As someone who both writes and publishes books, I was keen to read a well-reviewed, short text aimed at people like myself. I was not disappointed. This is a clear, well-written introduction to the world of publishing, full of information that both publishers and authors need to know. Anne Trubek is both, and writes from experience. I learned much more about book distributors, the system of returns, and galleys than I thought possible. The bottom line – for an author – seems to be this: Read lots of books. Write the best one you can. Get the biggest advance you can from your publisher – because that may be the only money you will ever see from your book. And finally, pray for sales. Nothing else seems to work.