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Wild Ink : Success Secrets to Writing and Publishing in the Young Adult Market
What do you need to know to break in to the flourishing young adult (YA) market? With humor and a solid grounding in reality, author Victoria Hanley helps readers understand the ins and outs of the YA genre, how to stay inspired, and how to avoid common mistakes writers make in trying to reach teens. The book includes unique writing exercises to help readers find their own authentic teen voice and dozens of interviews with YA authors, blogging experts, editors, and agents to give inspiration and guidance for getting published. Chapters include writing exercises and self-editing techniques tailored to YA, along with encouraging words on dealing with self-doubt, rejection, and lack of time.
350 pages, Paperback
First published June 1, 2008
11 people are currently reading
275 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 34 reviews
April 26, 2012
If you want to know Hanley's advice for writing for teens, I can pretty much sum it up in a single sentence: Write for adults, but throw a coming-of-age element into the mix. There! That's basically it. The rest of the book pertains to any writer looking to attract a wide audience, not just to writers of YA. The writing advice Hanley gives seems geared toward very new writers, and I didn't find it particularly helpful (Seriously, defining genres like "mystery," "horror" and "sci-fi" is a complete waste of time for anyone who doesn't live under a rock). But, for me at least, the book really kicked into gear when Hanley delved into the publishing side of the equation. This section is excellent, and she really gives you a good sense of what you can realistically expect to undergo in making your book available to the public. She also includes several interviews with publishers and editors, who offer some helpful, behind-the-scenes advice. About a third of the book is interviews with various YA authors. The problem is, Hanley asks all of them the exact same questions, so the interviews feel extremely repetitious and become boring after awhile. A good book, but it could have been a lot better...
May 29, 2016
Some of the advice is solid. But sometimes Hanley presented a question and answered with an 'I don't know'. While it's nice to be honest, it's not the desired answer in a book that promises answers.
The writing exercises don't break new ground. One particular exercise prompted me try and shrivel the book with a withering glare - to summarize: imagine an animal, stone and plant seperately. Write what you know/feel about them and then research them. Now imagine them together. Now make up what this says about your writing.
Seriously? Can't I just think about my writing and find that out? Don't I already know what's wrong with it? And self psycho analyzing, really?
A large (maybe half) the book is dedicated to interviewing various people - not a variety - just various, so basically the same interview in different ways.
The advice about publishing was specific to America and Canada. Perhaps that should have been mentioned in the title. It would have saved me some trouble.
The writing exercises don't break new ground. One particular exercise prompted me try and shrivel the book with a withering glare - to summarize: imagine an animal, stone and plant seperately. Write what you know/feel about them and then research them. Now imagine them together. Now make up what this says about your writing.
Seriously? Can't I just think about my writing and find that out? Don't I already know what's wrong with it? And self psycho analyzing, really?
A large (maybe half) the book is dedicated to interviewing various people - not a variety - just various, so basically the same interview in different ways.
The advice about publishing was specific to America and Canada. Perhaps that should have been mentioned in the title. It would have saved me some trouble.
November 18, 2010
I decided to read this book in between revisions of my current young adult novel as I gave myself my typical "rest" between drafts or writing projects. It ended up being a good decision -- now that I'm finished with the book, I'm energized and excited to dive into the next draft.Victoria Hanley's voice and expertise make this an accessible, encouraging, and enlightening read. It's down-to-earth and honest about the challenges of publishing without coming across as defeatist. And unlike some writing books, it feels like a two-way conversation, and not just a way for the writer to gloat about her own writing process. It also includes interviews with many young adult authors, ranging from the renowned to the more "undiscovered." While I felt that the book relied too much on "other voices" at times, overall the result is affirmation that there really are as many ways to write fiction as there are writers. While filled with sound advice, this guide leaves plenty of room for individual styles.It covers the process of writing a young adult novel from idea generation to publication, and even gives a balanced perspective on self publishing. I vowed to do every single writing exercise in this book--even the ones I REALLY didn't want to do--and I'm glad I did. They gave me a fresh perspective on my writing style, why I like to write YA stuff, and ideas for future stories. A lot of the exercises were even therapeutic, such as a long list of questions that asked things such as, "When was the first time you learned you were being lied to?" Although not all the answers fell within my adolescent/teenage experience, it still evoked many of the complicated emotions during that time of life.Since the book covers so much, some of it is related in rather broad strokes, but Victoria consistently provides resources for deeper exploration of the included topics. Overall, it was awesome to have a up-to-date, smart how-to book about writing for teens, even if a lot of writing advice is sound across all genre
July 9, 2012
Probably right at 3.5 stars. I liked "Wild Ink" quite a bit for what it offers. I think for a beginning writer, everything that you need in brief touches on the art of writing for YA market is right at your fingertips here. There are breakdowns of the different genres you can write in, there are notes about what you should do with critique and how to keep pressing forward when you hit roadblocks in your writing. There are touches upon when to show and how to tell, and certainly useful information about the publishing industry and how to market yourself in traditional publishing as well as indie publishing.
By far, the most constructive element I came out of this book with were the interviews. So many useful insights on how some authors get started and keep going, among other factors. Barry Lyga, Nancy Garden, Joan Bauer, Lauren Myracle, Pam Bachorz among others are featured in the interview section. There are approaches to both writing fiction and non-fiction in the YA spectrum, as well as helpful tips from those who are agents/working in the publishing industry.
I will certainly return to this as a reference.
By far, the most constructive element I came out of this book with were the interviews. So many useful insights on how some authors get started and keep going, among other factors. Barry Lyga, Nancy Garden, Joan Bauer, Lauren Myracle, Pam Bachorz among others are featured in the interview section. There are approaches to both writing fiction and non-fiction in the YA spectrum, as well as helpful tips from those who are agents/working in the publishing industry.
I will certainly return to this as a reference.
December 17, 2019
Some good advice in the 2016 edition! I was glad to have added it to the collection of craft books I've read for writing and publishing. A lot of the information could be found online, but it's great to have it compiled into one book, such as this one.
December 2, 2018
very good
July 18, 2010
I decided to read this book in between revisions of my current young adult novel as I gave myself my typical "rest" between drafts or writing projects. It ended up being a good decision -- now that I'm finished with the book, I'm energized and excited to dive into the next draft.
Victoria Hanley's voice and expertise make this an accessible, encouraging, and enlightening read. It's down-to-earth and honest about the challenges of publishing without coming across as defeatist. And unlike some writing books, it feels like a two-way conversation, and not just a way for the writer to gloat about her own writing process. It also includes interviews with many young adult authors, ranging from the renowned to the more "undiscovered." While I felt that the book relied too much on "other voices" at times, overall the result is affirmation that there really are as many ways to write fiction as there are writers. While filled with sound advice, this guide leaves plenty of room for individual styles.
It covers the process of writing a young adult novel from idea generation to publication, and even gives a balanced perspective on self publishing. I vowed to do every single writing exercise in this book--even the ones I REALLY didn't want to do--and I'm glad I did. They gave me a fresh perspective on my writing style, why I like to write YA stuff, and ideas for future stories. A lot of the exercises were even therapeutic, such as a long list of questions that asked things such as, "When was the first time you learned you were being lied to?" Although not all the answers fell within my adolescent/teenage experience, it still evoked many of the complicated emotions during that time of life.
Since the book covers so much, some of it is related in rather broad strokes, but Victoria consistently provides resources for deeper exploration of the included topics. Overall, it was awesome to have a up-to-date, smart how-to book about writing for teens, even if a lot of writing advice is sound across all genres.
Victoria Hanley's voice and expertise make this an accessible, encouraging, and enlightening read. It's down-to-earth and honest about the challenges of publishing without coming across as defeatist. And unlike some writing books, it feels like a two-way conversation, and not just a way for the writer to gloat about her own writing process. It also includes interviews with many young adult authors, ranging from the renowned to the more "undiscovered." While I felt that the book relied too much on "other voices" at times, overall the result is affirmation that there really are as many ways to write fiction as there are writers. While filled with sound advice, this guide leaves plenty of room for individual styles.
It covers the process of writing a young adult novel from idea generation to publication, and even gives a balanced perspective on self publishing. I vowed to do every single writing exercise in this book--even the ones I REALLY didn't want to do--and I'm glad I did. They gave me a fresh perspective on my writing style, why I like to write YA stuff, and ideas for future stories. A lot of the exercises were even therapeutic, such as a long list of questions that asked things such as, "When was the first time you learned you were being lied to?" Although not all the answers fell within my adolescent/teenage experience, it still evoked many of the complicated emotions during that time of life.
Since the book covers so much, some of it is related in rather broad strokes, but Victoria consistently provides resources for deeper exploration of the included topics. Overall, it was awesome to have a up-to-date, smart how-to book about writing for teens, even if a lot of writing advice is sound across all genres.
July 17, 2012
Victoria Hanley's Wild Ink: Success Secrets to Writing and Publishing in the Young Adult Market is an excellent resource for aspiring writers and those individuals simply curious to learn more about the ever-growing YA market. In a clear, concise manner, Hanley uses her own personal experience as a published author as well as Q&As with literary agents, editors and other authors in explaining all the steps from deciding to write a book to the ultimate accomplishment after arduous efforts, having your work being published.
If you ever had any questions about writing and the publishing industry, you can be assured that Victoria Hanley has likely covered the topic in Wild Ink. As a book blogger and avid reader, I've learned many things about publishing over the years, but reading Wild Ink only reaffirmed that there is still so much more to learn. Finishing the first draft of a novel is only the first series of hurdles to cross!
Without getting caught too much in the really technical details, the book gives you the confidence to fulfill your dreams of writing a novel and provides details on the next steps to be taken afterwards. Acquiring a literary agent, traditional vs. self-publishing, marketing tips, and more, it's all included in Wild Ink as well. And if you're eager to learn more writing tips and information about the publishing industry, but feel there's not enough provided in Wild Ink, Victoria Hanley has also given recommendations to other novels that may prove to be useful as well.
Wild Ink provides an informative overview of just what it really takes to write a novel and the long process required to see it finally reach shelves and eReaders. Victoria Hanley is both encouraging and straightforward in her approach to stating the common mistakes writers often make, overcoming obstacles and rejection, and the realities of what can be expected if you dream of being a published author. If I ever set out to write my own novel, I'll certainly be referring to Victoria Hanley's Wild Ink for some help and guidance.
If you ever had any questions about writing and the publishing industry, you can be assured that Victoria Hanley has likely covered the topic in Wild Ink. As a book blogger and avid reader, I've learned many things about publishing over the years, but reading Wild Ink only reaffirmed that there is still so much more to learn. Finishing the first draft of a novel is only the first series of hurdles to cross!
Without getting caught too much in the really technical details, the book gives you the confidence to fulfill your dreams of writing a novel and provides details on the next steps to be taken afterwards. Acquiring a literary agent, traditional vs. self-publishing, marketing tips, and more, it's all included in Wild Ink as well. And if you're eager to learn more writing tips and information about the publishing industry, but feel there's not enough provided in Wild Ink, Victoria Hanley has also given recommendations to other novels that may prove to be useful as well.
Wild Ink provides an informative overview of just what it really takes to write a novel and the long process required to see it finally reach shelves and eReaders. Victoria Hanley is both encouraging and straightforward in her approach to stating the common mistakes writers often make, overcoming obstacles and rejection, and the realities of what can be expected if you dream of being a published author. If I ever set out to write my own novel, I'll certainly be referring to Victoria Hanley's Wild Ink for some help and guidance.
August 1, 2012
After writing my first book, I started several other novels but nothing came of them and I found myself a little lost, until I started finding myself drawn more and more toward YA. I eventually started a YA novel, but I've encountered several obstacles. When I was offered to review Wild Ink, I jumped at the chance because it's just what I've been looking for.
I've read many good books on novel writing, but this one is geared for writers who want to break into the ever so popular YA genre. It's easy to read, well-organized and covers everything you need to know to write for teens, get an agent, and learn about the YA publishing industry. Hanley writes with an engaging style, and I found this resource book a pleasure to read.
Even though I know about novel writing, I paid particular attention to the two chapters that covered elements of novel writing, such as voice, point-of-view, dialogue, setting, conflict, themes, and so on. Writing for teens is different than writing for adults and I appreciated the advice and tips. The chapter that really got me thinking was the one that dealt with obstacles. I'm stuck in my writing and the author tackles each of the most common obstacles with good reasoning. Now I just need to apply the advice!
What I also found unique about this book is that Hanley includes tons of interviews with YA authors, and also some agents and publishers. I liked reading what they had to say. She also covers writing nonfiction YA, editing, and self-publishing. A lot of the info in this book was familiar to me mostly because I am a self-published author who's worked with editors, done research on marketing, and now blogs about books. Book reviewing has opened up the world of publishing to me better than any research. Therefore, I was able to appreciate how Hanley covers this in her book.
So if you are thinking of writing and publishing a YA novel, this one will set you on the right track. Hanley even made sure to include a whole chapter on resources for writers to complement Wild Ink and to help you hone your craft.
I've read many good books on novel writing, but this one is geared for writers who want to break into the ever so popular YA genre. It's easy to read, well-organized and covers everything you need to know to write for teens, get an agent, and learn about the YA publishing industry. Hanley writes with an engaging style, and I found this resource book a pleasure to read.
Even though I know about novel writing, I paid particular attention to the two chapters that covered elements of novel writing, such as voice, point-of-view, dialogue, setting, conflict, themes, and so on. Writing for teens is different than writing for adults and I appreciated the advice and tips. The chapter that really got me thinking was the one that dealt with obstacles. I'm stuck in my writing and the author tackles each of the most common obstacles with good reasoning. Now I just need to apply the advice!
What I also found unique about this book is that Hanley includes tons of interviews with YA authors, and also some agents and publishers. I liked reading what they had to say. She also covers writing nonfiction YA, editing, and self-publishing. A lot of the info in this book was familiar to me mostly because I am a self-published author who's worked with editors, done research on marketing, and now blogs about books. Book reviewing has opened up the world of publishing to me better than any research. Therefore, I was able to appreciate how Hanley covers this in her book.
So if you are thinking of writing and publishing a YA novel, this one will set you on the right track. Hanley even made sure to include a whole chapter on resources for writers to complement Wild Ink and to help you hone your craft.
December 29, 2013
The second edition of Wild Ink provides approximately 200 pages of valuable information about writing for the young adult market – covering areas such as selecting topic and tone, understanding genres, marketing your book to a publisher OR choosing to publish independently, and other topics that are applicable to ALL writers, not just YA authors. The author, Victoria Hanley, also recognizes that non-fiction is also an area that YA writers AND YA readers are interested in, and unlike most such books, provides information on that area.
I stress “YA”, because the author makes it clear that the book is aimed at the author seeking to write to the Young Adult market. However, most of this book is valuable to ANY author, even those aiming at adult readers.
As I said, Wild Ink provides approximately 200 pages of valuable information. Unfortunately, Wild Ink is 300 pages long. The last 1/3 of the book provides input from a number of successful YA authors. On the surface, that sounds extremely useful. However, because it appears that each contributor was sent a common template of questions to answer, this section has a droning same-ness about it. I quickly found that this material did not adequately hold my interest, and I struggled to finish it in the hopes that I would find the occasional gem among the words.
This is a good book, and it's worth the investment of time and money necessary to go through it. I recommend that the reader selectively pick and choose among the multiple authors included in Chapter 11, rather than trying to read through the entire chapter.
RATING: 4 stars, based on the first 2/3rds of the book and ignoring the last 1/3rd.
DISCLOSURE: I was awarded this book free of charge via the Goodreads FirstReads program. It is hoped that recipients will provide an honest review of their book, but no commitments are sought nor offered.
I stress “YA”, because the author makes it clear that the book is aimed at the author seeking to write to the Young Adult market. However, most of this book is valuable to ANY author, even those aiming at adult readers.
As I said, Wild Ink provides approximately 200 pages of valuable information. Unfortunately, Wild Ink is 300 pages long. The last 1/3 of the book provides input from a number of successful YA authors. On the surface, that sounds extremely useful. However, because it appears that each contributor was sent a common template of questions to answer, this section has a droning same-ness about it. I quickly found that this material did not adequately hold my interest, and I struggled to finish it in the hopes that I would find the occasional gem among the words.
This is a good book, and it's worth the investment of time and money necessary to go through it. I recommend that the reader selectively pick and choose among the multiple authors included in Chapter 11, rather than trying to read through the entire chapter.
RATING: 4 stars, based on the first 2/3rds of the book and ignoring the last 1/3rd.
DISCLOSURE: I was awarded this book free of charge via the Goodreads FirstReads program. It is hoped that recipients will provide an honest review of their book, but no commitments are sought nor offered.
Read
November 28, 2012I have no intention of ever writing a book. And Wild Ink: Success Secrets to Writing and Publishing in the Young Adult Market hasn't changed my mind. But, for someone who is interested in exploring the possibility of writing, Wild Ink has a lot of helpful and inspirational information.
Victoria Hanley spends time on all the parts of the novel (and also a chapter on non-fiction writing.) Each discussion contains example quotes from popular, current YA fiction. Hunger Games and Pride and Prejudice are used often and many times in comparison. I think these are good choices, since surely every YA author is familiar with these works. But, in addition, many other popular authors' works are quoted.
After discussing the writing, Hanley goes on to talk about editing, publishing, and marketing. Pretty much every aspect of writing and publishing a book is explored. She includes interviews with several editors and publishers. She never makes this sound easy. I believe writing is really hard work (hence the reason I will never attempt it), and Hanley reinforces this belief. The last 85 pages consists of interviews with popular YA authors. I found this part to be inspirational (but must admit I didn't read EVERY word of this section.)
Wild Ink isn't a textbook for writers. It's an informational text that's easy to read, gives a lot of information, but not really deep information on writing. There are some exercises to perform, but I wouldn't call this a syllabus for "how to write."
I would recommend Wild Ink to authors who are just getting started and perhaps need some direction. Or, for those who maybe have come to a dead end and don't know where to turn. A useful book. Also, a bibliography is included for additional information.
Victoria Hanley spends time on all the parts of the novel (and also a chapter on non-fiction writing.) Each discussion contains example quotes from popular, current YA fiction. Hunger Games and Pride and Prejudice are used often and many times in comparison. I think these are good choices, since surely every YA author is familiar with these works. But, in addition, many other popular authors' works are quoted.
After discussing the writing, Hanley goes on to talk about editing, publishing, and marketing. Pretty much every aspect of writing and publishing a book is explored. She includes interviews with several editors and publishers. She never makes this sound easy. I believe writing is really hard work (hence the reason I will never attempt it), and Hanley reinforces this belief. The last 85 pages consists of interviews with popular YA authors. I found this part to be inspirational (but must admit I didn't read EVERY word of this section.)
Wild Ink isn't a textbook for writers. It's an informational text that's easy to read, gives a lot of information, but not really deep information on writing. There are some exercises to perform, but I wouldn't call this a syllabus for "how to write."
I would recommend Wild Ink to authors who are just getting started and perhaps need some direction. Or, for those who maybe have come to a dead end and don't know where to turn. A useful book. Also, a bibliography is included for additional information.
January 29, 2013
Ever wonder what it takes to become a YA author? How about learning about the publishing process? Maybe you just want to know more about what it takes to be a better writer. Well, if any of those apply to you-- Wild Ink is for you.
This is not my normal type of book for review, but I couldn't pass up the opportunity to read this one. Yes, I was interested into learning more about the publishing process for books. I mean, who doesn't have that dream, right? But what I really wanted was insight into the writing process.
I admit it. I was 100% selfish with my decision to review this book. I am a teacher. In fact, I'm a Language Arts/writing teacher. Naturally, I would want to learn more about the writing process so I could share that information with my kids. Duh.
What I didn't expect though, was for a book to fully cover all the skills that I teach when I teach literature. Not only does Wild Ink spend the first 3 chapters hitting all the elements of great fiction, but it also provides exercises for practice. I love that. I'll even admit that I used some of the practice activities with my students. Great teaching tool.
As a blogger, I even found some of the information applicable to my blogging. Awesome, right? For instance, there is an entire chapter on how to interview authors. Yes, it's something you could figure out on your own, but it's nice to have a guide for the newbies.
Overall, I was impressed with the layout and presentation of the material in Wild Ink. I would certainly be interested in picking up other books by this author to add to my teacher tool kit.
This is not my normal type of book for review, but I couldn't pass up the opportunity to read this one. Yes, I was interested into learning more about the publishing process for books. I mean, who doesn't have that dream, right? But what I really wanted was insight into the writing process.
I admit it. I was 100% selfish with my decision to review this book. I am a teacher. In fact, I'm a Language Arts/writing teacher. Naturally, I would want to learn more about the writing process so I could share that information with my kids. Duh.
What I didn't expect though, was for a book to fully cover all the skills that I teach when I teach literature. Not only does Wild Ink spend the first 3 chapters hitting all the elements of great fiction, but it also provides exercises for practice. I love that. I'll even admit that I used some of the practice activities with my students. Great teaching tool.
As a blogger, I even found some of the information applicable to my blogging. Awesome, right? For instance, there is an entire chapter on how to interview authors. Yes, it's something you could figure out on your own, but it's nice to have a guide for the newbies.
Overall, I was impressed with the layout and presentation of the material in Wild Ink. I would certainly be interested in picking up other books by this author to add to my teacher tool kit.
July 15, 2012
Wild Ink: Success Secrets to Writing and Publishing in the Young Adult Market is a great book for writers that have just entered or want to enter the Young Adult genre. The synopsis describes the book perfectly as the book offers exactly all the elements mentioned and more.
My favorite aspect of Wild Ink: Success Secrets to Writing and Publishing in the Young Adult Market is how the book is not only geared towards authors wanting to enter the Young Adult market, but how it also offers a wide variety of suggestions and skill enhancing exercises for authors who have not yet decided what their next step in their writing career will be. Victoria Hanley shares different aspects of the most popular genres in addition to Young Adult, and this book is a really great reference for authors who are in their early writing stages to obtain a greater understanding of all the opportunities there are.
Victoria Hanley definitely made Wild Ink: Success Secrets to Writing and Publishing in the Young Adult Market an engaging and enjoyable read for readers and writers of all ages. With interviews, tips, and exercises among a variety of the "how to's" of writing, this is a great reference book for all those who are interested in becoming a writer. I would definitely recommend Wild Ink: Success Secrets to Writing and Publishing in the Young Adult Market to those who are in their early stages of their writing career!
An Enjoyable Read, Well Written, Recommended
My favorite aspect of Wild Ink: Success Secrets to Writing and Publishing in the Young Adult Market is how the book is not only geared towards authors wanting to enter the Young Adult market, but how it also offers a wide variety of suggestions and skill enhancing exercises for authors who have not yet decided what their next step in their writing career will be. Victoria Hanley shares different aspects of the most popular genres in addition to Young Adult, and this book is a really great reference for authors who are in their early writing stages to obtain a greater understanding of all the opportunities there are.
Victoria Hanley definitely made Wild Ink: Success Secrets to Writing and Publishing in the Young Adult Market an engaging and enjoyable read for readers and writers of all ages. With interviews, tips, and exercises among a variety of the "how to's" of writing, this is a great reference book for all those who are interested in becoming a writer. I would definitely recommend Wild Ink: Success Secrets to Writing and Publishing in the Young Adult Market to those who are in their early stages of their writing career!
An Enjoyable Read, Well Written, Recommended
Read
June 19, 2012Billed as a second edition, “Wild Ink: Success Secrets to Writing and Publishing for the Young Adult Market” is for advanced YA writers, and “Wild Ink: How to Write Fiction for Young Adults” (first edition) is for beginning YA writers. In the first edition award-winning author and writing instructor Victoria Hanley tells you how to get started. In the second edition she tells you how to keep going. Hanley uses examples from the classic “Pride and Prejudice” and the popular bestseller “The Hunger Games” to explore the fine points of novel writing. Other topics included are nonfiction, agents, traditional publishing, self-publishing, and marketing, all of which show writers how to take their writing to the next level. The final 80 pages of interviews provide a fascinating look at the insight and craft of dozens of today’s YA fiction and nonfiction authors, which you will revisit often. If you have the first draft of your manuscript in your hands, you need this book.
July 25, 2012
We were so excited to win this book on a GoodReads giveaway! My teenage daughter couldn't wait to receive it in the mail. When we opened the book, we were impressed immediately by all the detailed information inside concerning how to write a good young adult book. There were some wonderful ideas that my daughter will be putting to use very soon. It is set up in an easy-to-read and understand format. The author included personal stories in the book about when she was publishing the first and second edition of Wild Ink. She had a way of including humor in this book that made it easy to read and learn from--seemed like she was speaking right to the reader. Quite enjoyable. :)
July 8, 2012
MY THOUGHTS
LOVED IT
For those of us who harbor a secret wish to someday write a book specifically for the young adult market that is so popular these days, this book will give you a good head start. If you are not sure which direction you want to go in, there are descriptions of the most popular genres and how to market to those categories. There are exercises that will develop your skills even if you have no idea where to start. This is a valuable source for any author of any skill. I thought this was really well done for a reference book and the author makes each chapter enjoyable.
LOVED IT
For those of us who harbor a secret wish to someday write a book specifically for the young adult market that is so popular these days, this book will give you a good head start. If you are not sure which direction you want to go in, there are descriptions of the most popular genres and how to market to those categories. There are exercises that will develop your skills even if you have no idea where to start. This is a valuable source for any author of any skill. I thought this was really well done for a reference book and the author makes each chapter enjoyable.
March 22, 2017
Victoria Hanley wrote one of my favorite writing books when I was in middle school, Seize the Story, so I was pleasantly surprised when I unintentionally was drawn to another one of her writing books. It was easy to maneuver through the clearly-labeled sections to skip to the parts I was most interested in, and the writing style is casual and fun to read.
I especially appreciated the interviews with people who work in the publishing business.
My absolute favorite line from the book, and possibly one of my favorite metaphors ever: "If you stick your feet in a broiler oven and your head in a bag of ice, the average temperature will say you're comfortable--a misleading concept."
I especially appreciated the interviews with people who work in the publishing business.
My absolute favorite line from the book, and possibly one of my favorite metaphors ever: "If you stick your feet in a broiler oven and your head in a bag of ice, the average temperature will say you're comfortable--a misleading concept."
August 14, 2009
I liked it, but something about this book missed the mark for me. I'd have to say it's a great book for aspiring authors who don't yet know much about writing or publishing.
Covers the basics of characters, voice, and plot; how to overcome doubt, get past lack of time or inspiration, and accept constructive criticism; advice on submitting a manuscript and getting published. It's short, friendly, readable and concise but very elementary. Also has nearly 100 pages of Q&A with successful children/teen/young adult authors.
A great beginner's resource.
Covers the basics of characters, voice, and plot; how to overcome doubt, get past lack of time or inspiration, and accept constructive criticism; advice on submitting a manuscript and getting published. It's short, friendly, readable and concise but very elementary. Also has nearly 100 pages of Q&A with successful children/teen/young adult authors.
A great beginner's resource.
July 6, 2012
The book gives a great overview of how to continue after writing the first half of a manuscript and how to go over from writing to editing, how to query, approach publishing and what happens on the way between sending a query and holding a finished copy of a book.
I wish it had had a few more practical tips on how to actually formulate a pitch and query letter but I guess that was not the purpose of the book.
Further reading is recommended.
I wish it had had a few more practical tips on how to actually formulate a pitch and query letter but I guess that was not the purpose of the book.
Further reading is recommended.
April 18, 2017
Truthfully, I didn't finish the entire book yet because I'm saving some of the author interviews & tips on submitting your manuscript & marketing your book for later use. But after reading most of the book as well as skimming the previously mentioned sections, I really enjoyed the advice & some of the words of inspiration Victoria Hanley offered. It's a book I'll definitely go back & make notes in throughout my writing process.
Want to read
August 5, 2011Unfortunately, I'm out of renewals on this book. I read through large chunks of it, particularly the pages where writers of contemporary YA offered their advice. I hope to check this book out again soon.
September 9, 2016
Wild Ink offers chapters of advice on YA writing and publishing alongside many interviews with agents, publishers, and authors at different stages of the process. Much of the advice I’d read or heard before, but it’s presented well and there were definitely some ideas worth noting.
December 5, 2012
A good read for helping beginners like myself. It gives helpful suggestions on how to write your novel and how to get your character's voice, among other things. If you are looking for a book that will give sound advice on how to get started writing for young adults, this book would be a good one.
September 15, 2014
Libro interessante, completo e piacevole per chi intende scrivere per ragazzi. Anche le interviste alla fine, che sul momento mi erano sembrate un modo per aumentare le pagine, in realtà si sono rivelate molto utili sotto il profilo umano e anche tecnico.
December 7, 2011
Just got this for my bday, so gonna start reading it real soon
February 25, 2012
See my review here:
http://www.examiner.com/literature-in...
http://www.examiner.com/literature-in...
books-i-own-not-read
July 26, 2014So I received this book for review. I thought it sounded pretty interesting, and since I'm kind of wanting to learn the ins and outs of writing and everything with it I thought why not give it a try.
June 24, 2012
Review coming
June 25, 2012
Will be posting this on my Reading for Craft column today. A must read for any one writing or teaching YA's. Her material also applies for any writer looking how to develop a voice.
September 1, 2012
The material applied to all writing, including middle grade. It helped me look at my manuscript and make some needed changes.
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