MSI Press Blog

In publishing, timing and context matter. One of the most overlooked distinctions is between a precerpt and an excerpt. Both involve sharing a portion of a book, but they serve different purposes and carry different risks and rewards. 📝 What’s a Precerpt? A precerpt is a draft excerpt shared before publication—often before the manuscript is finalized. It’s a sneak peek into the work-in-progress, used to spark interest among agents, editors, or early readers. Think of it as a “rough cut” trailer. Advantages: • Book Acquisition: Shows potential and voice early, even if the manuscript isn’t polished. Can help secure representation or a publishing deal. • Book Promotion: Builds anticipation among insiders (beta readers, influencers, reviewers) who like being “in on the secret.” • Book Marketing: Creates buzz in niche communities, but usually limited in scope since the book isn’t yet available for purchase. Disadvantages: • Risk of misrepresenting the final book if the draft change...

Here is an interesting book promotion/marketing ploy from Bob McGee, author of A View through the Fog : "My book loves attention!" Book description: A View through the Fog  is compelling, poignant, and packed with both moving and hilarious anecdotes. All human life (and death) is here. With his own distinct voice, McGee opens the door on the dizzying world of the Golden Gate Bridge-the beauty of both nature and the bridge itself, the camaraderie and friction with colleagues, and the devastating tragedies of suicide jumpers. He brings an entire community to the page with a thought-provoking and richly detailed memoir that will resonate with many readers. The motive for his writing this book is love of his subject. He paints this world he knows in a way that gives readers the feeling they are on the Bridge with him. From review by Kevin Hines: "Read one of the most well written books of the past decade, maybe longer!  Much like the Golden Gate Bridge is an art deco masterp...

Authors often ask: Do awards really matter for my book’s success? The answer is yes — but not all awards carry the same weight. For nonfiction, it’s helpful to think of awards in three categories: major, minor (competitive), and less-competitive. Each plays a different role in ROI (return on investment), both financially and in terms of credibility. 📚 Major Awards (Transformative ROI) These are the prizes that can catapult a nonfiction book into bestseller status and secure long-term influence. They attract mainstream media coverage, bookstore promotion, and institutional adoption. Pulitzer Prize (General Nonfiction, Biography, Memoir, History) National Book Award (Nonfiction) National Book Critics Circle Award (Nonfiction, Biography, Memoir) PEN America Literary Awards (Nonfiction categories) Anisfield-Wolf Book Award (Nonfiction) Los Angeles Times Book Prize (Nonfiction categories) 👉 ROI impact : Immediate financial spike, sustained visibility, and enduring cultural influen...