Beginning Writer's Answer Book [Hardcover]

Kirk Polking (Editor)

Editorial Reviews

From School Library Journal

YA-Another workmanlike product from this publisher, written in question-and-answer format, that addresses the questions aspiring writers of any age commonly ask. Included are sections on how to get ideas, how to research, libel and plagiarism, how to submit proposals, and how to make a living at their craft. Well organized and presented in an easy-to-reference format.
Copyright 1994 Reed Business Information, Inc.

Product Details

• Hardcover: 324 pages
• Publisher: Writers Digest Books; Rev Upd Su edition (February 1994)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0898795990
• ISBN-13: 978-0898795998
• Product Dimensions: 9 x 6.3 x 1.2 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.3 pounds
• Average Customer Review: 3.3 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (3 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #2,929,830 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

4 of 4 people found the following review helpful:

3.0 out of 5 stars Thorough but could use a little updating, November 29, 1999

By 

Eldonna Bouton "http://www.whole-heart.com" (author of, "Journaling from the Heart.") - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Beginning Writer's Answer Book (Hardcover)

Answers most every question you might think up from kill fees to serial rights. I found it very informative, if a little dated with respect to the typewriting references. Does anyone really use one of those anymore? Aside from that, a valuable asset to your writer's library.

2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:

3.0 out of 5 stars Outdated, Yet Very Helpful Writing Tool, July 28, 2001

By 

thebookhaven.net (Los Angeles CA United States) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Beginning Writer's Answer Book (Hardcover)

The "Beginning Writers Answer Book" is a compilation of almost 900 frequently-asked questions by Writers Digest readers. The book consists of 41 sections packed with information. Chapter titles like "How Do I Get Started?," "How Should a Manuscript Look?," and "What Do I Need to Know About Copyright?" set the tone of the book.

All types of writing are covered including fiction, non-fiction, poetry, music lyrics, articles, short stories, basic filler, puzzles and full-length novels.

Editor Kirk Polking has successfully compiled a massive amount of advice into a neat book. The light tone and beginner-friendly language make this handbook and ideal tool for aspiring writers. This publication focuses mostly on the business and politics of writing. Actual lessons on technique and style arent here, but can be found in several other Writers Digest publications.

The "Beginning Writers Handbook" is in serious need of an upgrade. There is no information on writing and the Internet. Unfortunately, the book is out of print so the chance for improvement is slim.

Still, the book does have a lot to offer. It would be a great asset to any new writer. Find it used or seek it out through public library loan.

Good luck in your writing endeavors.

2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars A wealth of information for beginners, September 23, 1998

By A Customer

This review is from: Beginning Writer's Answer Book (Hardcover)

This book is a one-stop gold mine for beginning writers. Presented in a question-answer format, it answers everything from "How Do I Know If I Have What It Takes?" to straight forward definitions of writer jargon such as "kill fee" and "lead time." It is especially helpful at directing writers where to get additional information, mentioning countless books and agencies. Copyright laws, agents, and manuscript formats are also mentioned. The only thing missing is the issue of electronic resources and writing possibilities--a necessary ingredient to any beginning writer's references. Perhaps an updated edition will be released soon covering such timely issues.