Wannabe a Writer We've Heard Of?

by Jane Wenham-Jones, Wenham-Jones

Drawing on her own experiences as a novelist and journalist, Writing Magazine's Agony Aunt Jane Wenham-Jones takes you through the minefield of the writing process, giving advice on everything from how to avoid Writer's Bottom to what to wear to your launch party.

Genres: Writing, Nonfiction

224 pages, Paperback

First published October 18, 2010

About the author

Jane Wenham-Jones is the author of six novels – her latest is The Big Five O – and three non-fiction books. Wannabe a Writer? is a humorous look at the trials and tribulations of becoming a scribe and Wannabe a Writer We've Heard Of? is a how-to on PR and self-promotion. 100 Ways to Fight the Flab (and still have wine and chocolate) is full of useful tips to combat Writer's Bottom - an occupational hazard often encountered after reading the first two! Jane has also contributed to several short story anthologies and two cookery books, the latter being a particular achievement since she barely knows where the kitchen is. As a freelance journalist, she has had numerous short stories and articles published in women’s magazines and the national press and is the agony aunt for Writing Magazine. Jane has appeared on a variety of TV shows – from Ready, Steady, Cook to The Politics Show - and dozens of radio programmes. As an interviewer she has "been in conversation with" hundreds of big-name authors and celebrities, has presented the Romantic Novel of the Year awards for the past nine years and is regularly booked as an after-dinner speaker.

Reviews

[Sheila · Rating 4 out of 5]

It may have taken me a while to read this book but I do recommend it as the best book I have read about promoting your book. I should have read it before launching my first but have been determined not to make the same mistake again! Plenty of inspiration about social media, giving talks, radio, networking etc for the aspiring or published writer. The only reason for my not giving this book the full five stars is not being able to personally relate to the advice to get drunk and be prepared to talk about anything. However, to be fair to Jane, she does qualify this stance later in the book when she says to always be polite and not to feed the social media 'trolls' Sensible advice.

[K. Morral · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a light hearted, jovial guide that had me scribbling notes, chuckling and worrying simultaneously. Some interesting ideas were put forward, discussed, and options for increasing self-publicity put forward in an informal and very understandable - relatable even - manner.

Suffice it to say, I have read this book far quicker than the other marketing book still on my to read shelf...

[Josie Johnston · Rating 4 out of 5]

Interesting, but I think much of the information needs updating now (2023).

[Hunter · Rating 3 out of 5]

I picked this up on a spur from my local library. Most of the newest writing craft books I've been reading have been as e-books, so it was a pleasure to have a paperback to browse into. I own the earlier "Wannabe a Writer" from this author, so was expecting some help with this one.

Because I lived for a decade in the U.K. I can appreciate much of the collequialisms used, and stories told relevant to the U.K. book industry, and much of the book contents make sense, particularly if you are looking at traditional publishing and going on book tours or book signing parties etc.

However, since the date this book was published - 2010 - the industry has moved on even more so within the self-publishing or indie industry, and the areas such as blogging, social media and other later day marketing and networking opportunities may find readers looking for more knowledge elsewhere away from Wannabe a Writer We've Heard Of? The author gives some examples, and some of the practices exampled in this book still remain helpful to this day. I found some of the dire examples from other author's book signings and speeches, and dealing with customers full of humour and just what I needed to put some perspective on what everyone wanting to be published and selling needs to relate to.

[Claire Handscombe · Rating 4 out of 5]

Packed full of useful tips, and an easy, fun read. A lot of it is probably most useful to writers of commercial or issue-based fiction (for example, I highly doubt I will get as much TV time for loving the West Wing or living in Brussels or giving tips on learning a language as she does for talking about various aspects of relationships) but there was still more than enough material in here that I can use or adapt. Good stuff. Realistic too, and very British in tone - good if your market is the UK!

[Katherine Hetzel · Rating 3 out of 5]

If you like chocolate, wine and a good dose of normality in your 'writing advice' books - then this one's for you!

Lots of advice and thoughts from not just Jane, but a whole host of other authors, agents and publishers. At times it felt a bit overwhelming to hear about so many writers who'd made it big, but it's a fun read otherwise.

Like all advice books - worth reading, but remember only to pick out the bits that are relevant to and work for you.

[Sally · Rating 3 out of 5]

An entertaining read on promoting a book. I had not realised before how much hard work goes into the promoting side of writing!

It was mostly aimed at traditionally published authors, and the focus was on newspaper/tv/radio rather than internet promoting. There is info on internet promoting but the author is less confident in this and defers to some of the other authors who advice she has collected.

Overall though very informative and I laughed out loud several times.

[S. Spelbring · Rating 4 out of 5]

I bought this ebook after reading Jane's first book, just before I started pursuing writing seriously. I'm still not a writer anyone has heard of (except for certain friends and family members), but this book has certainly put things into perspective.

There's a lot more to being a writer than just writing!

[Lesley · Rating 5 out of 5]

Described as 'an essential read for every author' and I would agree with this. Factual and useful, it is an easy read with some humour.