The African American Writer's Handbook: How to Get in Print and Stay in Print (Paperback)

~ (Author) "There has never been a better time for African American writers in the history of American publishing, with so many books coming from such a..." (more)
Key Phrases: book timeline, black romances, vanity publisher, African American, New York, Coretta Scott King Award (more...)

Editorial Reviews

Amazon.com Review

The subtitle to The African American Writers Handbook: How to Get in Print and Stay in Print is misleading. Yes, there are chapters on writing queries and synopses, finding agents, dealing with editors, and promoting one's work. But plenty of books cover the same ground with greater depth and clarity. It is when author Robert Fleming turns his attention to the experience of the African American in the "almost lily-white" world of publishing that his book comes into its own. Should an African American author choose an agent based on racial solidarity? How does having a white (or black) editor affect the quality of the author's work? What kinds of inroads are black writers making in genre writing?

There is a kitchen-sink feeling to The African American Writers Handbook, which is published by Ballantine's multicultural One World imprint. A chapter on self-publishing is followed by one on tax tips; a list of authors and their day jobs comes directly after a section on award-winning black-authored books. Fleming's accounts of African American publishing history and his profiles of African American writers somehow lack the drama of their compelling subjects. Still, despite its lack of coherence and its workmanlike prose, this handbook is full of information that African American (and, for that matter, non-African American) writers will want to know. There are profiles of authors, lists of classic works, interviews with small-press African American publishers, discussions about African American distributors and bookstores, and a generous smattering of anecdotes about black authors. Despite the inherent difficulties, "there has never been a better time for African American writers in the history of American publishing," says Fleming. Maybe so. But it is tough indeed to ignore the words of novelist John Oliver Killens (Youngblood), quoted here: "Writing was the damnedest, hardest, and loneliest buck a man could make, especially if that man was black." --Jane Steinberg

From Publishers Weekly

With publishing house conglomeration, bestsellers and the bottom line occupying agents, editors and others who used to have more time to shepherd writers through the publication process, handbooks increasingly fill the gaps. In one of the first targeted specifically to the burgeoning numbers of African-American writers, Fleming provides not only basic information but also the historical context surrounding the publication of books by black authors, profiles and interviews with writers and industry veterans, and genre specifications. During the 1990s, African-American publishing shifted from an emphasis on literary fiction and nonfiction to commercial fiction (e.g., Terry McMillan's Waiting to Exhale) and inspirational nonfiction (e.g., Iyanla Vanzant's spiritual self-improvement books). Journalist, critic and author Fleming (Wisdom of the Elders) succeeds in his goal of arming new writers with tips about effective query letters and proposals, dealing with agents and editors (including working with black and white professionals), self-publishing and electronic rights. Ranging capably over a wide field, he gives advice about self-promotion that will educate even a seasoned author, although he doesn't clearly discuss how to work with a public relations consultant, nor does he mention independent editors as an option for writers in need of extra attention. Surprisingly, he refers to the Internet mainly as a research tool, giving less attention to its potential as a vehicle for publicity or electronic publication. Despite these quibbles, the rich context and down-to-earth advice he brings to the publication of books by black authors is well worth the price of this comprehensive guide. Agent, Victoria Sanders. (June)
Copyright 2000 Reed Business Information, Inc.

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Product Details

• Paperback: 352 pages
• Publisher: One World/Ballantine; 1 edition (April 4, 2000)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0345423275
• ISBN-13: 978-0345423276
• Product Dimensions: 8 x 5.5 x 0.8 inches
• Shipping Weight: 12.3 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.8 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (12 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #855,106 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

6 of 6 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A Book Aspiring Writers & Readers, November 4, 2000

By	Vannie Ryanes "Vannie Ryanes/VSR Book Review" (South Orange, New Jersey United States) - See all my reviews

The African American Writer's Handbook is an excellent writer's source, even for me and I am not an aspiring writer. I cannot believe how much information there is in this small book for writer's and reader's as well. Mr. Fleming shares his vast knowledge with the reader. His excellent Writer's Resource section alone is worth more than the cost of the book. Mr. Fleming has removed weeks maybe months of research legwork and has put everything one needs to know to get started in the world of writing in less than 400 pages.This book is a very necessary tool for all would be authors. It also gave me a diffferent view of and a brand new respect for my favorite authors for their hard work and dedication to their craft.Why would anyone not interested in writing buy this book? Because it gives you insight into the whole genre of writing. Because you get a chance to read interviews with editors and author profiles. You also get URL's to websites, a list of AA booksellers with addressses, telephone and fax numbers and much more.I so recommend this book.Vannie

5 of 5 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A MUST HAVE FOR EVERY WRITER, June 20, 2000

By A Customer

The wealth of information contained in the African American Writers Handbook is indespensible, not only as a tool, but as a resource of tidbits and anecdotes never found in books of this sort. Handbooks are not generally meant to be entertaining, but merely informative and instructional. This book masters all. I truly ENJOYED reading it and discovering the fascinating stories behind the lives of many legendary black writers. Do not be fooled by the name. This handbook is for any writer with a desire to enhance their craft and gain insight into the lives of writers who have brightened the literary world. Mr. Fleming did a marvelous job. I would recommend this book to anyone who is serious about writing or simply wants a great read! A definite keeper.

7 of 8 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A Must for Writers!, December 18, 2000

By	Dominique (PROLIFIC WRITERS NETWORK) - See all my reviews

The African American Writers Handbook : How to Get in Print and Stay in Print by Robert Fleming is the most comprehensive book on writing and being African American in the publishing industry. This book gets beyond the promoting part of being a writer. This book delves into the real issues and explores serious questions such as agents and if and when race should be an issue. This book will soon be the standard for all writing courses worldwide.