Maybe You Should Write a Book - Hardcover By Daigh, Ralph - GOOD

Vintage 1977 hardcover writing and publishing guide, Maybe You Should Write a Book by Ralph Daigh, published by Prentice-Hall. This clean second-printing copy offers a fascinating late-1970s look at authorship, manuscript preparation, traditional publishing, editors, submissions, book contracts, and the working lives of successful writers. Daigh combines practical encouragement for aspiring authors with behind-the-scenes publishing commentary and profiles or contributions connected with noted writers including Isaac Asimov, Saul Bellow, Peg Bracken, Taylor Caldwell, Dorothy Eden, James A. Michener, Joyce Carol Oates, Louis L’Amour, and others. A strong shelf piece for writers, editors, publishing-history collectors, journalism students, vintage reference-book collectors, and fans of classic author interviews and literary advice.

Book Report & Research Notes

What the book is: This is nonfiction—a writing, authorship, and publishing-industry guide rather than a novel. Daigh presents it as a practical “manual of encouragement” for people who have considered writing a book or who already have an unpublished manuscript.

How it is organized: The opening portion explains the realities of becoming an author: deciding what to write, judging the commercial possibilities of an idea, understanding what happens after publication, accepting mistakes and revision, treating writing as a business, and submitting a manuscript. The later portion turns to short profiles, anecdotes, and advice from established authors, giving readers contrasting views of writing habits, persistence, rewriting, career development, and literary success.

Why it remains interesting: Some procedural details reflect the pre-internet publishing world of 1977, which makes the book especially useful as a time capsule of traditional publishing. Its enduring appeal comes from its author stories, motivational tone, and firsthand observations about discipline, revision, persistence, and the business side of authorship. It is both a vintage how-to book and a piece of publishing history.

Edition identification: The copyright page shows 1977, Prentice-Hall, ISBN 0-13-566380-6, and a number line ending in 2, identifying this copy as a second printing. The volume contains 181 pages.

Item Specifics

Field Details

Field Details

Title Maybe You Should Write a Book

Author Ralph Daigh

Format Hardcover

Genre / Subject Nonfiction; authorship; creative writing; publishing

Publisher Prentice-Hall, Inc.

Publication Year 1977

Printing Second printing

Language English

Pages 181

ISBN-10 0-13-566380-6

Country of Printing United States

Dust Jacket Not included

Why Buy From Me

• Carefully inspected and honestly described, including edition and printing details.

• Actual photographs show the exact book you will receive.

• Clean, well-preserved copy suitable for reading, collecting, gifting, or display.

• Packed securely to protect the corners, spine, and boards during shipment.

• Prompt, professional handling from an experienced resale seller.

Weights & Measurements

Book weight 1 lb

Approximate dimensions 6½ in W × 9 in H × 1 in D

SEO Search Keywords

Maybe You Should Write a Book, Ralph Daigh, 1977 hardcover, Prentice Hall, vintage writing guide, authorship book, how to write a book, publishing industry, manuscript submission, aspiring author, creative writing reference, author interviews, Isaac Asimov, Saul Bellow, James Michener, Joyce Carol Oates, Louis L’Amour, vintage nonfiction, literary advice, publishing history, second printing, collectible hardcover.