Divided into decades from the 1920s to the 1990s, this compilation provides articles written by such authors as James Hilton, Phyllis A. Whitney, Allen Ginsberg, and Stephen King.

75 years of solid writing instruction, advice and inspiration fill the pages of this book, culled from Writer's Digest articles. A goldmine of information from experts in the field.

Divided into decades from the 1920s to the 1990s, this compilation provides articles written by such authors as James Hilton, Phyllis A. Whitney, Allen Ginsberg, and Stephen King.

Contains thirty-seven articles drawn from the pages of "Writer's Digest" magazine, in which authors, editors, agents, and teachers offer advice on various aspects of novel-writing, discussing topics such as building plot skeletons, writing good dialogue, creating a book outline, and negotiating a contract.

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.

Make That Crucial, Positive First Impression Anyone who's researched the marketplace knows: The path to publication begins with your query letter. If your query is weak, unfocused, or uninspired, an editor or agent won't even bother to request your article, novel manuscript, or nonfiction book proposal. But a well-crafted, compelling query sent to the right editor or agent is an essential sales tool for fiction writers and the most effective way for nonfiction writers to pre-sell your idea. In this book, professional freelance writer and magazine editor Wendy Burt-Thomas shares practical advice on how to craft persuasive letters that connect with editors and agents and ultimately generate sales for you. You'll learn how to: • Conduct targeted research to find suitable editors and agents • Hook an editor with a tantalizing lead and shape a summary that compels editors to buy • Select the strongest slant for your book or article • Use research and interview shortcuts that keep your query prep profitable • Make your query rejection-proof by weeding out subtle mistakes that can sabotage your project • Communicate your author platform and sell yourself as the best writer for the subject Complete with dozens of sample queries–some that landed article assignments, agents, or book deals, and others that never stood a chance–this book offers you a comprehensive strategy for presenting your writing ideas in a way that will increase your chances of publication. Though the title may lead some to believe it's strictly to be shelved as a reference manual, The Writer's Digest Guide to Query Letters is a smooth read from cover to cover.

Learn How to Create Stories That Captivate Agents, Editors, and Readers Alike! Inside you'll find the tools you need to build strong characters, keep your plots moving, master the art of dialogue, choose the right point of view, and more. This comprehensive book on the art of novel and short story writing is packed with advice and instruction from best-selling authors and writing experts like Nancy Kress, Elizabeth Sims, Hallie Ephron, N.M. Kelby, Heather Sellers, and Donald Maass, plus a foreword by James Scott Bell. You'll learn invaluable skills for mastering every area of the craft: • Define and refine your characters. • Make your plot and conflict high-energy and intense. • Hone your story's point of view. • Create a rich setting and backstory. • Craft dialogue that rings true. • Select the right words and descriptions throughout your story. • Revise your story to perfection. Throughout you'll find supplemental sections that cover special topics like getting started, beating writer's block, researching your work, and getting published. They'll help you integrate your skills into a balanced, productive, and fulfilling career. Whether you're writing flash fiction, a short story, a novel, or an epic trilogy, you'll come away with the tools you need for strong and effective storytelling.

Your Essential Reference for Writing for Magazines! In The Writer's Digest Guide to Magazine Article Writing, accomplished freelance writer, author, and instructor Kerrie Flanagan demystifies the idea that writing for magazines is a difficult process meant only for those with journalism degrees. Drawing from her 20 years as a freelance writer and instructor, Flanagan takes you step-by-step through the entire process, sharing her knowledge and experiences in a friendly, conversational way. With more than a dozen sample articles, expert advice from magazine editors and successful freelance writers, practical tips on researching potential publications and instructions on crafting compelling query letters, you'll find the tools needed to write and publish magazine articles. In this book you'll learn how to: • Find and target ideas for the right magazine. • Develop effective query letters to catch the attention of editors and land more assignments. • Organize your writing life using the checklists and tools throughout the book. • Understand and negotiate contracts. • Write and sell personal essays to consumer, niche and trade magazines. Whether your goal is to get your first byline or make the switch from part-time freelancer to full-time writer, The Writer's Digest Guide to Magazine Article Writing is your go-to resource for writing success.

Includes examples from 36 real-life writers just like you!