The New Writers Handbook 2007
by Philip Martin, Editor
Published by Scarletta Press
Click on book
cover to order
at Amazon.com
Reviewed by Connie Anderson
Subtitled: A Practical Anthology of Best Advice for Your Craft and Career
Over 60 authors of note have added their 2¢ worth in this collection of articles about writing. If you learn one tidbit from each one, you’ll be a better informed person and certainly a better writer.
The collection is broken into 6 sections:
1. Creativity, Motivation and Discipline
2. The Craft of Writing
3. Pitching and Proposals
4. Marketing Your Work
5. Internet Skills
6. Literary Insights and Last Words
One of my favorites (this said as a reviewer) is the 6-page “Invisible Writer” by William G. Tapply. He writes about how important it is that the story should shine—not the writer—and how this is achieved so readers say: What a good story (vs) What a good writer.
Some articles relate to fiction, others to non-fiction. Many have appeared in magazines or author Web sites/blogs. The author’s Web site is listed at the end, along with their credentials. Nice resource to learn more.
The how-to articles explained by experienced writers/authors might be new to you, or a good reminder of some rules or new ideas to learn from these experts.
I enjoyed the article by Laura Backes about Dr. Suess. In 1954 Dr. Suess and other authors were challenged to write reading primers for America’s first graders. Yes, 50 years ago The Cat in the Hat was born—and Dr. Suess was able to incorporate 236 different words from the publisher’s reading list. Compared to the Dick and Jane readers, kids loved this story then and now, and don’t feel like they are “learning.” And, when asked what they loved, they never said: It rhymed.
The Marketing Your Work section tells you how to get testimonials, market your book, have successful author events, or even show your expertise by writing white papers listing the value/benefit of what you know. The Internet section is a must-read for any self-promoting author.
As an editor, writer and reviewer, I found so much value. I’ll keep this on my bookshelf to refer to as needed for proposals, press kit/releases, web sites—and yes, also how to handle rejection.
Armchair Interviews says: This is not a book you might not read from front to back, but as a resource you’ll pick time and time again.