100 Things Every Writer Needs to Know

by Scott Edelstein

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.

Genres: Writing, Reference, Nonfiction

245 pages, Paperback

First published July 1, 1999

About the author

Since 1978, Scott has studied happily and productively with several spiritual teachers, including Toni Packer, Dainin Katagiri, Tim McCarthy, and (currently) Steve Hagen. As the friend of many spiritual teachers from a variety of traditions, he has also spent much time with them off duty, sometimes serving as confidant. He is a longtime practitioner of both Buddhism and Judaism, and a committed proponent of serious spirituality in all forms and traditions. He has been a member of Methodist, Quaker, Buddhist, and Jewish congregations.

Scotts short work on spiritual topics has appeared in Shambhala Sun, American Jewish World, The Writer, the anthology What About God? (Upper Room Books), and elsewhere. His new book Sex and the Spiritual Teacher will be published in April 2011 by Wisdom Publications. A sequel, Breathe, Listen, Learn: A Practical Guide for Everyone Who Wants (or Has) a Spiritual Teacher, will be published in 2012 by Wisdom.

Scott is the author of 15 other books on a wide range of subjects, including writing and publishing, success in college, and recovery from addiction. "

Reviews

[A.L. · Rating 5 out of 5]

I read this book a couple of years ago and recently pulled it out again.

I love it. It's fantastic.

Edelstein is direct, practical, and encouraging. He offers seasoned advice that would be beneficial to brand new writers and experienced writers. It's maybe 20% out-of-date in relation to the web, but the rest of the book is timeless.

The book is divided into these sections:
Basic (Writer's) Wisdom
The Writing Process
Building Your Writing Skills
Making Money From Your Writing
The Writer's Life

Another thing that makes this book great is that the chapters are short. There are lots of good stopping points. Perfect reading for writers who have families, travel for work, and/or just have limited time to enrich their writing.

Highly recommended. It's a jolt of practical encouragement to write.

[Amanda Tero · Rating 4 out of 5]

I first started this book probably three years ago. I had borrowed it from the library, found it extremely helpful, and purchased my own which then sat on the shelf for years...

Fast-forward to this month, I decided to finally read it. Having been an active write for the past few years, I didn't find it as helpful as when I was in the baby-stages of learning how to write. Also, a good portion of the book was about writing articles for magazines and such. Since that is not my pursuit, it didn't interest me as much.

All-in-all, it is a very informative book, but I would recommend it to beginning writers, not necessarily those who have actively researched and practiced the craft.

There are a couple of words that I crossed out, but it was mainly in the beginning of the book.

[Katherynne Boham · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a fantastic resource for writers. Mr. Edlestein presents information in a way that is encouraging instead of attempting to convince the reader there is only one "right" way of doing things. Each chapter is short and is given a title that enables the reader to use this book as a quick reference. I have three other Scott Edelstein "How To" books on my shelves and go back to them again and again.

[L.M. Elm · Rating 3 out of 5]

Some helpful tidbits about the writing craft. Read it in a couple of hours. Enjoyed the headings for each topic. That gave me the opportunity either delve into the topic or pass it over. If you're a novice, pick this up. If you're not, I'd pass it over for something with a little more "meat".

[Jai · Rating 4 out of 5]

As a beginner writer I can appreciate this book. It was very insightful not only in the writing process but also what to do and what not to do when it comes to publishing, how to sell your work and also work/life balance. The wisdom that the author gave in the book was invaluable. It opened my eyes to the things that I could expect and what would not happen. The author gave true realistic advice as well. This book cleared up so many myths and fallacies that I had about writing and being a writer in general. I'd just like to thank the author for writing this book and his invaluable insight.

[Alan Loewen · Rating 3 out of 5]

The format of the book is perfect for writers who want access to pertinent information. Though Edelstein builds his points logically, technically one can bounce around the book reading only those points that are important at the moment.

However, I would encourage the author to come out with an updated version as there are a small, yet important number of aspects of writing that have evolved since the books publication in 1999, especially in the arena of self-publishing and the now dramatically increased role the Internet has on marketing.

Still, there are gems aplenty in what is now a classic reference book for writers.

[Jeremy Deibel · Rating 3 out of 5]

Scott Edelstein's book is a helpful and quite inspiring list of things every writer really should know. In terms of technical assistance, however, it is VERY outdated. It was published well before the advent of e-books and the complete dominance of online submissions for publication. No mention of blogging either, because it too was not yet widespread. Edelstein's advice on being persistent, professional and hard-working, though, is timeless.

[LKM · Rating 3 out of 5]

Good, but very basic and slightly outdated.
Spans through a variety of topics, from how to start, to how to actually write, to publishing and how to make money off your writing.

It had some interesting points of reference (like the section on terminology, or #44 and #82), but still brought nothing new to the table. Recommended for someone just getting into writing and who doesn't know much about the subject at all, but if you are already pretty familiar with writing, I'd give it a pass.

[Menglong Youk · Rating 4 out of 5]

Such great sources of information for new writers! Each chapter has a title which makes readers easily to get through the book according to which part they'd like to read first. The chapters are short, well-organized and rich in useful information. However, this seems to be suitable for writers who live in only north America or Europe because the publishing system in Cambodia are quite different from other countries

[Ferree · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a snappy quick book that cuts through a lot of bog and smog of the writing and publishing process. You can use it for the need of the moment--from what causes writers block, to don't quit your day job, to establishing a pen name, to getting an agent--100 different things, actually. Very worthwhile.

[Danielle · Rating 3 out of 5]

Lots of helpful tidbits. Some generic, some specific. Good information for freelance writing as well as publishing articles for newspapers and journals. Slightly out of date when it comes to digital parts and self-publishing. Each of "100 things to know" are the chapter titles so it's easy to skip over information that is not pertinent.

[Daniel · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book is a quick read and contains bits of advice for aspiring writers. Perhaps the most noteworthy for me was that most writers struggle for 2 years or so before they start to have success. That is good to know for someone like me who has a short attention span.

[Lesley Looper · Rating 3 out of 5]

I got more out of the earlier "things" than the later ones, which often dealt with agents, proposals, and the like. I'm so far away from publication and agents that I skimmed through some of the 100 things near the end. Still, some good tidbits here and there.

[MaryAnn Kempher · Rating 5 out of 5]

I bought this book when I started my first book, I consider it a must-read for new authors. I still have it in my nightstand and I still refer to it.

It's fantastically written, and the advice is spot on.

[Reese Chism · Rating 3 out of 5]

I am thinging about writing a book and it just gives the fundamentals of writing. I have gone over most of this in my English 101 class.

[Nicole · Rating 3 out of 5]

Tons of helpful tips for anyone considering writing for publication.

[Petra · Rating 4 out of 5]

It's a good, solid book for wannabe writers, and those just starting out. The advice given is safe, comforting, and reliable. It's an absolute must to learn the rules of writing before you can attempt to break any of them, and reading a good book on the craft, grammar, or research can be very nutritious. Some advice herein will work for you, some won't. Ultimately: you do you, boo. And welcome to the fold.