The Complete Book of Feature Writing: From Great American Feature Writers, Editors and Teachers

by Leonard Witt (Editor)

Thirty-one writers, editors, and teachers offer advice on feature story writing, plus examples of successful stories and techniques for developing specific skills

Genres: Writing, Journalism

277 pages, Hardcover

First published July 1, 1991

Reviews

[Stephen Witt · Rating 5 out of 5]

Both of this man's children became successful feature writers.

[Patrick Miguel · Rating 4 out of 5]

I have never delved on feature writing until I entered college (which was just in 2019). In fact, I never chose to be a part of the features section when I applied in our college journal. My features editor just liked some of my literary pieces so she asked me if I wanted to work for the section. During my time there as a feature writer, I fell in-love with it. I fell in-love writing stories about people, their stories, their heartbreaks, sorrows, joy--the nuances of an individual's life.

A few months ago, my features editor just got promoted as the managing editor in our college journal. With that, she asked me if I wanted to be trained to be the next features editor. I'm not a journalism major so I hesitated for a bit. I was unsure if I could carry on the responsibilities of a features editor. Then I found this book.

This book gave me confidence that I would do great as a features editor (when the time comes). Reading this book made me understand more what it is to be a feature writer and the importance of it. It made me fall in-love more to feature writing.

[Steven · Rating 4 out of 5]

This collection of articles is filled with great advice on not only how to write features but also on how to be a journalist. There are articles that cover all aspects of writing features: interviewing, references, style, voice, query letters, proposals, marketing. There are even sections for specialized features such as fashion, music, and movies. Some examples and references are dated (some contributors talk about printer ribbons!), but nearly all of it are still prime examples of great writing, never mind their age.

[Kendall]

Some helpful information about feature writing and becoming a feature writer. Especially good essay: Organizing Your Material by Jane Harrigan on page 89.

[Tazeem Shaik]

great