Beginning Writer's Answer Book

by Jane Friedman (Editor)

You've Got Questions? We've Got Answers

If you're new to writing, then you have some questions. How do you get started? How you do you break in without experience? How do you know if you're any good?

Completely revised and updated, the "Beginning Writer's Answer Book" is an indispensable resource that gives you the basic tools you need to write and publish. You'll discover must-have information about book and magazine publishing, freelancing, literary agents, copyrights, and much more. Divided into 29 specific subject areas, with cross-references throughout, you'll find informative answers to such questions as: How do I submit my work to editors?How do I find an agent? What information should my query letter include?When and how should I follow up with an editor if I don't receive a response?Can I submit my work to more than one publisher at a time?

"Beginning Writer's Answer Book" is an excellent primer for anyone who wants a better understanding of the publishing world. Make it the first book you buy for your writing reference shelf.

Genres: Writing, Nonfiction, Reference, How To

423 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 2006

About the author

I've worked for 25 years in the publishing industry and have a special interest in how the digital age is transforming writing careers, publishing, and storytelling. Rather than taking a dark view of how the Internet era has affected writers' livelihoods, I'm more interested in how revolutionary change can inspire new business models, and how authorship will ultimately evolve. I believe history is on the writers' side: they've been sustaining their careers in ever more innovative ways since the era of Gutenberg. Furthermore, I don't think that business and art must be at odds—I believe they can inform and push each other to flourish.

I sit at the intersection of several communities, which gives me a 360-degree view of the changes now shaping writing and publishing. People working inside the industry see me as an expert in digital and self-publishing, while independent authors see me as a traditional publishing figure. The university and MFA community see me as very commercially minded, while the business people see me as literary and academic. I would have it no other way; I prefer to serve as a bridge.

I earn my living as a freelancer, and my income is driven largely by my own writing and teaching, as well as consulting services for writers. Thus, I consider my interests to be aligned with writers' interests.

Find out more (including the resume detail) at JaneFriedman.com

Reviews

[Beenee Reads · Rating 4 out of 5]

For being over a decade out of date this book was quite informative. Practical knowledge on the publishing world and answers to questions made it worth the read.

I would caution however that anyone who reads it understand that the publishing world has greatly changed since this book was published. Nevertheless, following the most often listed advice, research your market, is a sure way not to go wrong.

[Jessi Waugh · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is more than fifteen years old, and turns out, in the writer's world, that matters. There were useful snippets, but overall, it wasn't worth the read - pick a more recent book. I did finally learn what a chapbook is and a new term, "roman a clef." Turns out that's what I've been doing all along, just not with famous people. I also learned I need to disguise my real people-turned characters well enough that they can't sue for libel. Which they may; all the good stuff is libelous.

[Kimberly Patton · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great resource book for beginning writers! Highly recommend!

[Rachel Rueben · Rating 3 out of 5]

I am a huge fan of Writer's Digest, but I'm not too fond of this book. As the description says, it is a primer and it's really for someone who has no clue about the industry. This would make a great book for a student still in school who's an aspiring writer.

My problem with the book was how it was organized. They had book author advice and freelance writer advice side by side sometimes, and I didn't like that at all. I felt that maybe the book should have been divided into two parts. One for freelancers and the other for book authors. But I have yet to read it all the way through so I won't rip it apart yet...

[Amanda · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is nice reference book to have nearby. I wish it had tabs, but that could just be me being lazy;-)
It has chapters on getting published, freelance, revisions, format, finding an agent, rights and rights of others, and short fiction, poetry, scripts, children's books, songs and news articles. Also sample querys and formating your manuscript.

[Jen Appell · Rating 4 out of 5]

Another good book about writing. It helped a lot with some of the questions I had about writing, but it gave little support or motivation. It wasn't my favorite, but definitely helpful with some aspects!

[C.O. Bonham · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was another text book. This book has basic information about writing as a career and the various publishing industries from newspaper to major book publishers. I recomend this book to anyone who isn't quite sure if they want to write full time.

[Jane Friedman]

This is the first book I authored, and features clear and comprehensive answers to the most frequently asked questions that Writer's Digest receives.

[Steph Wenburg · Rating 3 out of 5]

it was a basic question and answer book. the organization was a little odd and some of the information was out of date. other than that it was fine.