$30 Writing School [With CD-ROM]

by Michael W. Dean

Are you aspiring to become a writer, but don't know what it entails, how to approach it, or even where to begin? In compelling-yet-simple terms, this one-of-a-kind book offers the guidance you need to do all that and more. Following the successful and increasingly popular concept of D.I.Y. (Do It Yourself), "$30 Writing School" is designed to get you up and running on the process for organizing, writing, selling and promoting your own books. You'll find it pleasantly easy to relate to author Michael W. Dean, who is a product of the "indie" revolution as a proven author, filmmaker, and musician himself. His unique style offers an edgier approach that you don't find in your typical "how to write" book. Written in a conversational tone, techniques and explanations are liberally spliced with Dean's personal accounts and stories. You'll learn specific elements of how to get published including how to write a proposal, get an agent, get a publisher, and work through mainstream outlets. From the author's perspective of having done it himself, self-publishing is explained and encouraged, from Quark layout, to working with a printer, to getting press and distribution. "$30 Writing School" accompanies two successful others of its kind, "$30 Music School" (1-59200-067-3) and "$30 Film School" (1-59200-171-8), both published by Course Technology PTR. This incomparable do-it-yourself approach to becoming a writer is realistic, straightforward, and inspiring.

Genres: Writing, Nonfiction

496 pages, Paperback

First published September 21, 2004

Reviews

[B.C. · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is the first book on writing that I've read so I have no real frame of reference. The book does contain quite a lot of information about a wide range of writing related topics and I will be referring back to some chapters again.

Michael Dean's style is very informal which made it more approachable but he does spend some time plugging the other books in the series as well as his movie and novel, which got a little irritating.

I felt it a good place to start.

[Nicole C. · Rating 3 out of 5]

Not one of your typical how-to-write-books-and-make-the-big-bucks. He's very honest about the fact that most people DON'T make lots of money, and that is certainly not why one writes. Dean is very DIY and has a very conversational, friendly tone. He covers everything from common grammatical errors and how to avoid them (which I didn't need) to promoting yourself on a book tour. A creative kick that I think I needed today. Read via NetLibrary.

[Lori · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a good resource guide for writers.

[Ietrio · Rating 4 out of 5]

The book does contain a lot of fluff.

[Hegar]

this book is amazing!