When it comes to writing weapons, most authors shoot from the hip--and miss. The Writer's Guide to Weapons will help you hit your target every time. Firearms and knives have starring roles in a wide range of genres--crime, thriller, war, mystery, Western, and more. Unfortunately, many depictions of weapons in novels and film are pure fiction. Knowing the difference between a shotshell and a slug, a pistol and a revolver, or a switchblade and a butterfly knife is essential for imbuing your story with authenticity--and gaining popularity with discerning readers. Inside you'll find: • An in-depth look at the basics of firearms and knives: how they work, why they work, what they look like, and how to depict them accurately in your stories. • The biggest weapons myths in fiction, TV, and film. • A surefire guide for choosing the correct weapon for your characters, no matter their skill level, strength, or background. • A review of major gun and knife laws, weapons safety tips,and common police tactics. • "The Hit List," showcasing the most popular weapons for spies, detectives, gunslingers, gangsters, military characters, and more. • Examples highlighting inaccurate vs. accurate weapons depictions. • An insightful foreword by David Morrell, the award-winning creator of Rambo. Equal parts accessible, humorous, and practical, The Writer's Guide to Weapons is the one resource you need to incorporate firearms and knives into your fiction like a seasoned professional.

The wonderful and fascinating details of the 1800s have been gathered into one interesting volume, in which McCutcheon has included quotes from 19th-century citizens concerning or describing hairstyles and fashion, favorite swear words and slang, jokes of the period, courtship and marriage rituals, and more. A must for both fiction and nonfiction historical writers.

"A real find for the aspiring writer."--"The Associated Press "In-depth information."--"The Writer Who are they? What do they want? How do you win them over? Find the answers to these questions and more in the 1998-1999 edition of the "Writer's Guide to Book Editors, Publishers, and Literary Agents by Jeff Herman. Filled with "the information authors and aspiring authors need in order to avoid having a manuscript end up in the "slush pile," this comprehensive listing is organized in an easy-to-use format. It includes in-depth information about publishing houses and literary agents in the United States and Canada. The specifics include the names and addresses of editors and agents, what they're looking for, comission rates, and other key information. In addition, readers will discover the most common mistakes people make while attempting to solicit an agent (and how to avoid them) as well as numerous suggestions designed to increase the chances of getting representation. "Writer's Guide to Book Editors, Publishers, and Literary Agents also includes dozens of valuable essays giving readers insight and guidance into such topics as: - How to Write the Perfect Query Letter - The Knockout Nonfiction Book Proposal - How to Thrive After Signing a Publishing Contract - Mastering Ghostwriting and Collaboration - Free Versus Fee: The Issue of Literary Agency Fees About the Author "Jeff Herman is the founder of The Jeff Herman Literary Agency, a leading New York agency. He has sold hundreds of titles and represents dozens of top authors. Herman frequently speaks to writer's groups and at conferences on the topic of getting published.

This book contains the names and addresses of acquisitions editors at top publishing houses, as well as their area of expertise and information on top literary agents. First time and experienced authors will find the information they need to get their big break in the writing business instead of having their manuscripts end up in the slush pile.

Provides period information on clothes and accessories, food, architecture, medicine, education, communications, crime, and money.

Over the years, "Writer's Guide to Book Editors, Publishers, and Literary Agents has helped thousands of writers just like you get their books published. With the best and most up-to-date listings of key book publishing insiders, "Writer's Guide gets you past the reject piles and into the hands of the right people. Nowhere else will you find the detail, the insight, the depth. Nowhere else will you find the solid inside information. "Writer's Guide is your key to book publishing success. It gets you inside. It gets you noticed. Your talent will do the rest. "Beats the pants off "Writer's Market." --Michael Werner, coauthor of "Databases for Businesses and "Using Lotus 1-2-3 "This guide started my book publishing career." --Marcos McPeek Villatoro, author of "A Fire in the Earth, They Say That I Am Two, and "Walking to La Milpa "The finest lead source that I've ever seen. A must buy for every writer, published or not!" --Derek Savage, author of "The Second Coming and "The Dancer "Invaluable information, from query letter to book proposal. This book has made my dreams come true." --Eileen Oster, author of "The Healing Mind "This book got my foot in the door." --Wynn Goldsmith, writer "A masterpiece. I have never found so much practical information in this type of book before." --Walter Lambert, author of "Healing the Trauma of Divorce "As a writer and literary agent, this book has been invaluable." --Mary N. Oluonye, O-Squared Literary Agency "Jeff Herman has crammed a generous helping of information and advice into this invaluable book." --Paul Nathan, "Publishers Weekly ""Writer's Guide haseclipsed both "Literary Market Place and "Writer's Market as a source of projects for our agency. At least a third of our sales last year came as a result of this book." --Michael Snell, Michael Snell Literary Agency About the Author /Jeff Herman is founder of The Jeff Herman Literary Agency, one of New York's leading agencies for writers. He has sold hundreds of titles and represents dozens of top authors.

Examines in detail the topics of architecture, clothing, marriage, family life, economy, arts, and government for each region of colonial America.

This one-of-a-kind reference provides critical information on securing publishing contracts.