An all-in-one guide for writers--this wide-ranging handbook combines artistic techniques and inspiration with practical, insider's advice on getting published. Writer, editor, and literary agent Scott Edelstein has done it all--and now this industry insider brings his valuable secrets to both beginning and established writers. Covering everything from building writing skills to dealing with editors to starting a writing business, this all-important guide will get you started and point you in the right direction. With matter-of-fact advice and encouragement from an expert, you'll get the information, inspiration, and guidance you need to write your best and begin a successful writing career. * finding your voice * getting inspired * setting up your workplace * building your skills quickly * breaking writer's block * finding the right outlets for your work * getting editors' attention * publishing what you write * building a writing career * getting a literary agent * avoiding common mistakes * becoming the writer you want to be * The ultimate publishing insider, Edelstein has worked in every facet of the industry * This single-volume guide combines the artistic encouragement of Bird by Bird with the nuts-and-bolts info of the popular Writers Digest manuals * A perfect introduction for new writers; a great refresher course for experienced writers
Veteran writing-book author Scott Edelstein's 100 Things Every Writer Needs to Know is geared decidedly toward the novice. Should I quit my day job? Pay someone to represent me? Employ a vanity press? Anyone who's been around the writer's block knows the answers to these questions (no, no, and no), but this book is a great place for a rookie to pick up a lot of knowledge without too much hard work. More experienced writers will also appreciate Edelstein's authoritative and reassuring words, and may pick up a few hints, as well. Edelstein has great advice on determining whether a writing workshop will be worthwhile, and some clever recommendations for wriggling one's way into a writing job and a list of 10 foolproof methods for making at least $50,000 a year as a writer (for instance, "Write a Broadway show that runs a long time"). He warns against relying on the Writer's Market books too heavily, as they list only "35-40 percent" of the markets available; gives the go-ahead on multiple submissions; and--unless you're seeking representation--advises against sending query letters. "Ninety percent of the time," he says, "you'll get a reading," regardless of whether a publication claims not to consider unsolicited manuscripts. Oh, and in case you don't know better, "bribery, toadying, and sucking up not only are smarmy, but almost never work." --Jane Steinberg
Customer Reviews:
Avg. Customer Rating: 4.5 / 5.0
It's self evident . . .:
Type this author's name in the amazon search and see what comes up: nothing but books about how writers can get published. I.E. if you want to make a living as writer, then write books that gullible people will buy. If this person is unable to get their work, other than books about getting published, published then it's self evident that one should not take the advice in his books seriously, there is no evidence that it works for anything but books about how to get published (or, it may be seen, he has,... more info
Very helpful book!:
This book is perfect for beginners looking to pick up some helpful tips! Thanks to the author for writing such a helpful book!
Good Information--Good Tips:
This book triggered a few ideas and gave good information. There were some good tips on approaching a publisher or an agent. It was easy to read.
An excellent resource:
This is a quick read, filled with great information and brutal honesty. Perhaps this is what I enjoyed the most since a lot of the information in here I had read in other places. (Hence the 4 star rating rather than 5.) Nonetheless, I like how the author tells writers to work the way that is best for them, as opposed to trying to be the model writer discussed in writing magazines. I also liked how the specific information I was looking for was easy to find. You can choose to read it straight through, or... more info
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