So, You Want to Be a Writer?: How to Write, Get Published, and Maybe Even Make It Big!

by Vicki Hambleton, Cathleen Greenwood

Turn your writing dreams into a reality with a practical guide to finding your voice, finishing your work, and getting it into the world.

Designed to inspire creativity and help aspiring writers find their voice, So, You Want to Be a Writer? is a practical guide to turning ideas into finished work and finding a path into the world of publishing.

From generating ideas and getting past writer’s block to developing your craft, finishing what you start, finding your readers, and navigating the changing publishing landscape, this book takes young writers step by step through the process of becoming a writer—and building a life around their words.

Along the way, readers will discover how to develop a writing practice, revise and strengthen their work, seek out opportunities, approach editors and publishers, build an audience, and make the most of the many ways writers can share their work today. Interviews and insights from successful authors and working young writers offer honest, encouraging perspectives on what it really takes to turn a passion for writing into a creative life.

Whether you dream of writing novels, essays, journalism, poetry, scripts, songs, or something entirely your own, So, You Want to Be a Writer? will help you move beyond the blank page, finish the work, and find a way to get your words into the world.

Genres: Writing, Nonfiction, Self Help

192 pages, Paperback

First published May 10, 2001

About the author

Vicki Hambleton is a verbal tutor for students in grades 9-12. She was a project editor and writer on Benchmark Education, specializing in books for grade K-8. Her writing has appeared in numerous children's publications including Cobbleston, Calliope, and Footsteps.

Reviews

[Alisha Hein · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book has given me a lot of great tips because I would like to be a writer when I grow up. It has how to get over writer's block which I do have a lot of the time. It's also shown me how to get it to a publisher. The only negative thing I would have to say is that it repeats itself a lot and takes some time to get to the point sometimes. It has a good character outline I think I'll use for a book. It says to write everyday and all the time which I probably can do better on but I have written a few small things like poems which is weird for me because usually my poems are bad and prefer to write longer stories. In the past I've had some good story ideas and not known how to get there (writer's block) or I have a good start but don't know where it's going. This has helped me with how to put it over and make things seem more realistic. It says to write down everything and even spy on people's conversations which would probably really help me considering my dialogue doesn't flow and sound realistic. It also says to never throw away your old writing which I have done in the past. Overall I think this book has really helped me and I can't wait to use the tips and tricks it has.

[Misty · Rating 4 out of 5]

Filled with great information especially for young aspiring writers. I chose to read this because though I'm not "young" per se, lol, I am new to the writing scene and want to absorb as much information as possible. This book was wonderful for that. It gives you a look into every aspect of writing and I definitely feel more confident about the ins and outs of writing.

[Evelyn Skidmore · Rating 4 out of 5]

I loved this book! It had lots of great tips, publishing tutorials, genres to choose from, and the steps of writing a masterpiece. The only thing that I thought was inconvenient about this book is that half of it is just interviews and short stories/essays/poems from different authors. I didn't really get this book to read interviews. Plus, they are randomly put in the book without even a simple sentence that says, "Now here's an interview from ____," it just changes straight from, say, talking about choosing a genre, to an interview and a short story (which takes up multiple pages) from a different author. It's kind of annoying when it does that. Aside from that I would recommend this book to anybody who's interested.

[Jessica · Rating 5 out of 5]

Really it's more like a 4.5.

I'll admit, I read books aimed at being younger than me a lot, but this is one I probably shouldn't have read. It's not that it's bad, it's just not that helpful to someone who's 28, because a lot of the resources at the end of the book are for high school or middle school age writers.

If you have a kid in your life who wants to be a writer, get this book. My only real complaint about it is the prompts didn't impress me, but they may be enough for a young writer to get started. Plus, the second half has a lot of resources on publishing and is the only thing that is really helpful for older writers who may have found this in adult nonfiction (like me).

[Kayla Johnson]

I've been wanting to get back into writing, and I thought that picking up a kid's book on the craft would be less intimidating than starting with an adult book. While I'm sure some of the publication and contact info is out of date, this still provided some great practical tips about how to get started as a writer.

[Ria · Rating 2 out of 5]

It wasn't that interesting.

[Bayleigh Read · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book has helped me became a better writer. It has a lot of great information and tips about writing books and more.

[Mckinley Howard · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was a good reference book for the aspiring writer.

[Toryn · Rating 1 out of 5]

Did not find very helpful. I think it was trying too hard to be “fun”.

[Elruin Elmsroot · Rating 3 out of 5]

A light and nice read.
Even though, it barely scratch the surface of writing, but a fun and easy read.
I do recommend it, if you want to read something cozy.

[Kimberley Hunter · Rating 5 out of 5]

It was published in 2012, so it's dated. But it does a good job of explaining what it takes to make it as a writer. And how many different types of writing there are.

[Jessica | Bookish Serendipity · Rating 4 out of 5]

In early December, I found this book in (yes, seriously) a toy store and I was immediately smitten. After *ahem* hinting that I wanted it, I received this book as a Christmas gift and read it right away. I really enjoyed this book and I found it very helpful. I already knew much of the information because I have read other how-to guides for young writers, but I still learned plenty!

My favorite feature in this book was the interviews with authors, many of them who are young authors. I enjoyed learning about the different types of jobs available to writers, from being a novelist to book reviewer to non-fiction author or even a songwriter. The interviews also convinced me to attempt different types of writing, even though my efforts haven't amounted to anything (yet!).

So, You Want To Be a Writer? is written in a kid-friendly style and includes headings, sidebars and Try This! features. The vocabulary is appropriate for 10-14 year olds and even has a glossary at the back for industry terms that kids won't already know, like acquisitions editor and query letter.

So, You Want To Be a Writer? definitely focuses on the business side of publishing. This book informs young writers about the Where, What and How of submitting work to publishers and includes sample submission guidelines and an example of a successful query letter. While most of its focus is around submitting to magazines, there is also multiple pages devoted to book publishing. There is little information on the actual writing process, just a What Genre Is Right For You? quiz and a chapter devoted to overcoming writers' block. If you are looking for a how-to-write book, this isn't for you.

This non-fiction book is extremely informative, clever and useful and I would recommend it to young writers interested in learning about how to get published. You should most certainly check it out. Four stars! You can purchase it on Amazon.com HERE.

[Rachel Grinti]

I run a writing group for kids at the library, so I thought it might be useful -- but if I lend it to the kids, it will be with a few caveats. Not all of the information is accurate, particularly in the 'how to get published' section. One thing that stood out: "Stephen King gets huge advances because everything he writes is almost guaranteed to sell millions of copies. First-time authors, on the other hand, usually don't get paid advances" (144). Not true -- first-time authors usually *do* (and should!) get advances.

I also wasn't thrilled with the recommendation not to worry about what rights you keep or what payment you get for your first few sales. The reasoning is that editors will pay more attention if you've been published before, but they don't talk about the importance of where you've been published. Selling all rights to your poem to Highlights (for example) is different than giving away all rights to a magazine no one's heard of. Given the prevalence of rights-grabbing contests and things like that, I think the topic could have used a bit more care.

Other than my issues with that section, there are some good suggestions to help kids get through writer's block, helping them come up with and use ideas, who to ask for help, etc. The interviews with writers are good, too, and I think they'll be interesting to kids.

(note: A free copy of this book was provided to my library by the publisher.)

[Susan]

Type of Reference: Handbook

Call Number: 808.02

Brief description: This handbook is written for the 4-6 grade child to inform and guide them through the life and strategies of a writer. The handbook is designed to inspire young writers to achieve their dreams.

Citation for where the item has been reviewed: Kraus, Daniel. Booklist, 4/1/2012, Vol. 108 Issue 15, p41, 1p

Criteria
Content/Scope: This book covers everything from how to tackle writer’s block, improve technique, approach publishers, and more.

Accuracy/Authority/Bias: It includes insights from famous authors that the young writers know and respect. From a known publisher that will be sure to print reliable sources.

Arrangement/Presentation: A mixture of pictures and text. Uses the right amount of white space. Also contains lists and forms to help organize the audience.

Relation to other works: There are many handbooks for young writers. This one is from a well-known publishing company with input from famous authors.

Accessibility/Diversity: This book contains a talbe of contents to help the reader navigate the topics easily. It is written to be gender neutral without speaking towards any specific audience.

Cost: $9.99

[Jayne Wilson]

Hambleton, V., & Greenwood, C. (2012). So, you want to be a writer?: How to write, get published, and maybe even make it big!. United States of America: Aladdin/Beyond Words.

By: Jayne Wilson

Reference Type: Handbook

Call Number: 808

Description: A “how-to” manual for young, emerging writers

Review Source: So, you want to be a writer? How to write, get published, and maybe even make it big!. (2012). Kirkus Reviews, 80(8), 22.

Relevance and Relationship: $16.99; An addition to the 800’s (Literature) section of the library; addresses ELA standards

Purpose: To help young writers learn the tricks of the writing trade

Validity: Contains interviews of established writers, reputable publisher and reviewer

Format: Print; glossary, interviews, quizzes, writing exercises

Arrangement and Presentation: Interviews from established authors as well as lesser known authors makes a writing career a realistic, attainable goal for serious young writers; instructional and inspirational

Diversity: Authors of various genres and works are interviewed for multiple interests; presents information on a somewhat lesser thought of career option

[Jennifer Bacall · Rating 4 out of 5]

With a mix of reflective questions, tips and guidelines on everything from the process of writing to getting work published, this book is a fabulous tool to engage young hopeful writers and to introduce them to the world of writing. Also included in the text are Young Author Profiles which introduce young writers, explains how they got involved in their trade and samples of their work.


"I think being a good writer is being a good listener and a good watcher." -Vicki Leonard

The book is easily accessible to sift through. If readers are over-whelmed or dis-interested in reading the book straight through they can bounce to sections that relate to them personally. There are checklists, tips, interviews and easy to follow bullet points. The book ends with two chapters of resources for authors including further reading suggestions and definitions of writing terms. Parents, teachers and librarians should take advantage of this well designed tool and share it with the young writers that they know!

[Samantha Tabor · Rating 3 out of 5]

Hambleton, V., & Greenwood, C. (2012). So, you wanna be a writer?: how to write, get published, and maybe even make it big!. United States of America: Aladdin/Beyond Words.
Type of Reference: Handbook
Call Number: 808.02; 808
Brief Description: This handbook is an inspiration to young writers who want to develop a writing career.
Retrieved from: WKU Libraries Database: Children’s Core Collection (http://web.ebscohost.com.libsrv.wku.edu/)
Content/Scope: It contains interviews with real kid authors as well as writing exercises for improving writing.
Authoritative/Accuracy/Bias: Authors Hambleton and Greenwood have both been published in numerous journals, and are both accomplished authors and editors of numerous children books.
Diversity/Accessibility: For students interested in different types of writing the handbook covers writing across genres, including poetry, nonfiction/fiction and journalism.
Cost: $8.96 (www.amazon.com)

[Pamela · Rating 5 out of 5]

The best thing about writing is that you never stop learning how to write itself. There's always new and different methods to approaching writing nowadays, which is why I need to catch up on the latest advice. I bought this book recently, with good intentions and for a hopeful-healthy dose of instruction.

And I got EXACTLY what I wanted.

As a matter of fact, I got even MORE knowledge than I thought I would. This book is perfect for beginner writers because it goes through the whole process—start to finish. From finding your genre, to discovering how to develop your writing voice, and then typing query letters for publication, this book has it all— LITERALLY.

#SoYouWantToBeAWriter

[Nancy · Rating 3 out of 5]

The title of this work says it all. Filled with practical advise on how to achieve your dream of becoming a writer. Whether your dream is to be the next children's book star or write for the movies, it is all here. There is advice from authors, editors, and other people in the business that help you understand the steps involved with getting your work to the point of publication. If you have dreamed of becoming a published writer, this is a good place to start your research.

[Ella · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a really good book. It inspired and helped me a whole lot to be a writer when I was younger. I recommend it to any young author. I have also used this book to help at my writing and art club with children as young as seven with great success.

Try this book out!

[♥Kel · Rating 3 out of 5]

this is one of those books where will answer most of ur questions on things. I learned a lot of things that i know i will need later on in life. If u want to 2b a writer, this is the book u need to get :)

[Abby Powell · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is so amazing! It's helped me so much with my writing and getting past writers block! It also has tons of writers prompts and great ideas to help you with your writing, including several chapters on publishing and all the jazz. so yeah. YOU MUST READ THIS BOOK :)

[Daniel Williams · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love this book!

[Stacy · Rating 5 out of 5]

It really helped me with my writing. So if you want to improve your writing this is the book for you.

[Alexandra · Rating 5 out of 5]

Sorry, I don't have time for a review, I MUST go write straight away!!!