The Key to Unlocking Your Writing Success This ultimate writer's reference connects you to who's who in the publishing industry. Inside, you'll find the names, addresses, phone numbers, and e-mail and Web addresses for hundreds of top editors and agents, plus essays from industry insiders who reveal the secrets to big-time success. With the most up-to-date information on an industry that's constantly changing, this new edition offers everything you need to get past the slush piles and into the hands of the real players in the publishing field, including how to write attention-grabbing book proposals and thrive off rejection. Now, you hold the keys to getting published.

Now updated for 2008, this annual edition of the classic bestselling directory provides everything working writers need to find the most receptive publishers, editors, and agents for their work.

If you have ever stared a page that remains stubbornly blank; if you have ever wondered why writers write, or whether good writers are born or made; if you are a novelist, playwright, poet, or journalist, or simply delight in the written word, The Writer's Quotebook is for you. Whether you keep it in your office, on your coffee table, next to your keyboard or your bed, this rich compendium of over one thousand quotations will inspire, invigorate, and illuminate the often challenging, sometimes humorous, but always fascinating task of those who bring words to life. From William Faulkner and Ernest Hemingway to Doris Lessing and Joyce Carol Oates, more than five hundred published writers put pen to paper on what the literary life is all about. Selections come from seasoned professionals as well as those just establishing their voice, and they represent a variety of nationalities and genres. The book is divided into three sections. The first part is devoted to the creative process, including thoughts on where writers get their ideas, the role of inspiration, what kind of people write, and where talent comes from. In part two, the subject shifts to writing as a craft. Here, authors ponder the creation of protagonists and points of view, the writing of dialogue, setting and description, creating plots, and the anatomy of style. The final third of the book deals with the challenges and rewards that come with the writing life. Subjects in this section include the economic realities of writing, classes, conferences, and workshops, dealing with rejection and bad reviews, writing habits and rituals, despair, alcohol, suicide, and fame. Articulated with elegant metaphor, in straightforward prose, or with wry wit, the carefully selected and thoughtfully organized quotations come together to form a narrative that entertains, informs, and in the case of aspiring writers, shows the way to better writing.

Fast answers to frequently asked questions about publishing--from preparing, submitting, and selling your manuscript, to industry etiquette, sales, and profitability.

Book Magic (2nd ed.) is indispensable for every writer who dreams of publication. Easy to read and practical, it provides all the information and tools you need to understand the publishing industry and increase your chances of getting commercially published or ably manage your own self-publication. Books are magic! They turn unknown writers into authors and, perhaps, even into household names. But publishing is a complex world, full of insider rules and financial constraints that, if not respected, cause good book ideas to vanish into thin air and writers to question their calling. Discover how to weave some spells that boost your chances of getting published; explore the wizardry surrounding agents, query letters, and book proposals; and look into a crystal ball at trends in the North American market and in self- and electronic publishing. Find out how the Canadian and American publishing scenes differ and how approachable medium and small publishers really are. Most importantly, learn the best publishing option for your project. Second edition is in paperback only.

Provides information on salaries, skill requirements, and employment opportunities for ninety writing and writing-related professions.

Book Magic is indispensable for every writer who dreams of publication. Easy to read and practical, it provides all the information and tools you need to understand the publishing industry and increase your chances of getting commercially published or ably manage your own self-publication. Books are magic! They turn unknown writers into authors and, perhaps, even into household names. But publishing is a complex world, full of insider rules and financial constraints that, if not respected, cause good book ideas to vanish into thin air and writers to question their calling. Discover how to weave some spells that boost your chances of getting published; explore the wizardry surrounding agents, query letters, and book proposals; and look into a crystal ball at trends in the North American market and in self- and electronic publishing. Find out how the Canadian and American publishing scenes differ and how approachable medium and small publishers really are. Most importantly, learn the best publishing option for your project. The third edition of the bestselling Book Magic details all you need to know about e-publishing in "Electronic Sorcery" and shows you how to get published in this new medium, whether you want to do it yourself or go with a commercial e-publisher.

In Writing Spiritual Books, Hal Zina Bennett, who has coached such well-known writers as Shakti Gawain, Judith Orloff, and Jerry Jampolsky, shows readers how to focus on their spiritual experience in a way that will enlighten and captivate others. Including both anecdotal and prescriptive material gleaned from his work as a writing coach, the book contains writing exercises, exploratory questions, and other practical guidance. A useful resource section addresses the too-often-neglected issue of finding an agent and publisher with current lists of both. Individual chapters include Choosing a Vehicle for Your Message, Where to Begin — Finding Models to Follow and Read Deeply, and Getting Published and What Comes Later.

Many people can write. But writing well enough to get published takes hours of practice, the ability to take criticism, and expert advice. Filled with stories and tips from published authors, this easy-to-use guide teaches you the basics of the writing craft. Whether you want to create poems or plays, children's books or online blogs, romance novels or a memoir, you'll learn to write more effectively and creatively. Published author, editor, and PR consultant Wendy Burt-Thomas covers all aspects of writing, including how to: Prepare to write, from planning to research to organization Properly structure your piece to fit your chosen genre Stay focused during the drafting and editing processes Work with other authors Overcome writer's block Market your writing

This resource provides all the benefits of the "Writer's Market" book, plus a yearlong subscription to an updated Web site with all the relevant information writers need.