You're no idiot, of course. You have a reporter's eye, a poet's touch, and you absolutely love to write. Stories, journal entries, letters to the editor - you name it, you know you can write it. But when it comes to selling your ideas to magazines, newspapers and web sites, you feel like the less said, the better. Seeing your words and wisdom printed in black and white seems like a lot more trouble than it's worth. Don't write yourself off just yet! 'The Complete Idiot's Guide to Publishing Magazine Articles' will help you get where you belong: In Print. In this 'Complete Idiot's Guide', you get answers to all your questions. Who hires writers? What newspaper, magazine, and online editors want from freelancers and how much they might pay for it! How to write effective query and pitch letters. How the internet can help your writing career take off.

Comedy is serious business—and serious money. In this guide, comedian, writer, and teacher James Mendrinos explains the principles of comedy and how to apply them to forms from stand-up to sitcoms- including fiction, film, speeches, articles, essays, and more. He also includes exercises designed to hone the craft, break through writer’s block, and tailor a piece to its intended audience. In this Complete Idiot’s Guide®, you get: • Foolproof advice for writing scripts, feature films, plays, cartoons, stand-up jokes—even working humor into your presentation at work. • Terrific techniques for brainstorming, free associating, and drafting lists to make your writing better—and funnier. • Stand-up tips on identifying with and writing for your audience and genre. • Navigation tools for the inroads to marketing and selling your comedy.

Here is the comprehensive guide to writing, publishing, and selling for the ever-expanding and always exciting children’s market—now in a new and updated third edition. • Includes new chapters on self-publishing and on "how to choose a how-to," plus revision and updates throughout • Offers practical advice on getting started--and on dealing with out-of-print books • Covers picture books, chapter books, nonfiction, middle-grade and young novels, and common formats and genres • Reveals what happens inside a children's publishing company, and provides guidance in working with an editor • Sample cover and query letters, manuscript format, glossary, and recommended resources in an extensive appendix • Plus information on agents, contracts, copyright, marketing, and more “Honest and precise… everything about writing for children there is to know.” —Jane Yolen, author

Helps readers write memoirs, personal essays, and life stories of every length and type.

Everything You need to Write and Sell Your Work This is the ultimate crash course in writing and publishing! Inside you'll find comprehensive instruction, up-to-date market listings, a CD featuring recorded live webinars with industry professionals, an all-access pass to WritersMarket.com, and more. Writer's Digest University is the perfect resource for you, no matter your experience level. This one-stop resource contains: • Quick and comprehensive answers to common questions including: "How do I write a successful novel?" and "How do I know if self-publishing is right for me?" • Instruction and examples for formatting and submitting fiction, nonfiction, articles, children's writing, scripts, and verse. • Advanced instruction on business-related issues like marketing and publicity, using social media, freelancing for corporations, keeping finances in order, and setting the right price for your work. • A detailed look at what agents want and how to get one that best fits your needs. • Market listings for publishers and agents open to unsolicited work and new writers, contests and awards, and conferences and workshops. • A CD with recordings of 4 popular WD webinars: How Do I Get My Book Published?, How to Land a Literary Agent, How Writers Can Succeed in the Future of Digital Publishing, and Freelance Basics.* • A scratch-off code that gives you a one-year subscription to WritersMarket.com and a 20% discount on the WritersDigestUniversity.com course of your choice.* Get started now with everything you need to build a thriving writing career. Whether you're starting from scratch or have a bit of experience, you'll find the tools you need for success. *PLEASE NOTE: CDs and one-year subscription are NOT included with the ebook version of this title.

This collection of 50 true narratives by both veterans and active duty personnel spans four wars. This is a book that delivers exceptional tales to stir patriotism, laughter and enthusiasm: - A Vietnam Veteran recounts a harrowing night hoist where his Medevac helicopter plummets to the ground. - A Marine adrift and hungry in the middle of an ocean, improvises. - A Fighter Pilot flying dangerous missions in the South Pacific learns why a dog really is a man's best friend.

The one and only book on successfully staging amateur productions. In this book, drama teachers and community directors are given everything they need to know about picking the right show; licensing, casting, and budgeting; organizing a schedule; costumes, makeup, staging, lighting, and music; tickets, fundraising, programs, cast parties, and more. Illustrated with help plans and photos from actual productions. • Perfect for nonprofit organizations’ fundraising theater events and community theater groups • Complete with an extensive resource section • Illustrated with help plans and great photos from actual productions

You're no idiot, of course. Sometimes you just want to relax, clear your head, rest your aching muscles, and rejuvenate your weary soul. You've heard meditation is a great stress reliever, but sometimes it seems so complicated it makes you downright uptight. Relax! Meditation is easy to learn-especially if you rely on The Complete Idiot's Guide® to Meditation, second edition, as you follow the path to inner peace. In this Complete Idiot's Guide®, you get: - Zen techniques, including guided imagery and mindfulness, to help you meditate effectively. - Tips for learning how to use meditation in daily life, including stressful situations, exercise, and fatigue. - An easy-to-understand explanation of the connections between meditation, sleep, and dreams. - Expert advice on how and when to meditate and detailed drawings and diagrams for breathing, positions, and more. - Techniques for meditating to music or modern chants.

A comprehensive how-to book for both the aspiring author and experienced professional, this title will lead the reader through the mysteries of the world of magazine publishing to discover a satisfying part-time hobby or a lucrative career in writing.

Inside information from publishing professionals. The Complete Idiot's Guide® to Book Proposals & Query Letters will help writers catch the attention of literary agents with step-by-step instructions on crafting effective queries and proposals for both fiction and non-fiction books that will put them on the road to publication. • The only book on book proposals that also targets a fiction audience • The most comprehensive information on query letters found in any book on writing