Customer Reviews

Feminine Wiles: Creative Techniques for Writing Women's Feature Stories that Sell

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There are already too many books on the nuts and bolts of the writing craft, and most trade secrets don't vary with mere genres. But in concentrating on touchy-feely journalism, Boetig has uncovered important points about human relationships within writing in general. Knowing what an editor is likely to want, what is going to fire her excitement or rouse her anger, is a vital component for a jobbing writer, and one which so many ignore. As an editor, I have been reduced to abject rage by writers who give no thought to the needs of the magazine or of the reader, and dumbfounded by their inability to learn from what is done to their pieces in the editing process. Boetig, on the other hand, places great emphasis on the editor's mind-set, the target audience of a piece, and learning from one's mistakes. Her 39 Things Editors Like should be set in stone, and her comments on phone etiquette, interview technique and fact-checking would have saved many a writer (myself included) a few blushes. Although at times she is reinventing the wheel (why have an epilogue, when you can have a "postlude"...?), sometimes revisiting old favourites can pay off - there are quite a few professional foreheads to which I would dearly love to staple Boetig's simple guidelines on structuring a feature, no matter what the genre.

I'm a frequent reader of non-fiction writing how-to books, but this one is far and away the best I've read in YEARS. The author writes in an intimate, tell-all tone that makes you feel as if you are sitting at a coffee shop, and discussing the secret "ins" of writing for the women's magazine market with a mentor who has not only climbed, but reached the top of the feature writing rope. She offers invaluable information I've found no where else, and she explores her topics with entertaining anecdotes culled from her own 20 years of experience as a top women's mag. freelancer. As a reader/student, I felt privy to this author's most hard-won advice. I don't consider myself a beginning writer, and this book offers far more than most writing texts provide. It's a bridge for the intermediate, or more experienced freelancer who may have published pieces in some smaller mags, but wants to cross the line and make it into the "big time" better paying markets. I can't recommend it highly enough. Wish I could personally meet and thank the author.

I've read tons of books on the craft and business of writing, but this is by far the best. This book has more information packed into less than 200 pages than any other book on the market. Ms. Boetig writes in an engaging, easy to read style, and she WILL answers the questions no one else does. If there are secrets to succeeding as a non-fiction writer, they are in this book. It should be a constant reference for every serious writer.

At last: A book for intermediate, publishing writers who are wanting to step up to the next level! This book is gold, filled with page after page of real-world examples, firsthand advice, and solid information for selling to the editors of women's magazines.

But...the author has been done a serious disservice by her publisher. The typeface is almost painful to read, typos occur on just about every other page, and the layout is amateurish, as if this were a beginning designer's first experience with QuarkXpress. (The cover, on the other hand, is absolutely perfect for this book.)

So, if you write to publish, buy this book. Buy copies for your writing friends. Tell the world. It's that good. (And it begs the question: "Why hasn't anybody done this before?!") But warn 'em to stock up on strong lightbulbs, aspirin, and a fair amount of patience to do battle with the printed page.

There is probably not one writer who hasn't dreamed of having a feature in one of those top national magazines..And if you have tried submitting your work (unsuccessfully), you surely realize that breaking in to one isn't something that happens very often. Boetig, who has first-hand knowledge of writing for these magazines after appearing in such familiar titles as Woman's Day, McCall's, and Family Circle, is the perfect candidate to write this book because she's actually doing it..and regularly. Her open, friendly style shines through in the book and it's easy to see why she is so successful in writing for women's magazines. Not only does this book offer her expert (and proven) advice, it also is a great example of how to write! Sandra L. Toney

I had the wonderful experience of attending a workshop taught by Donna. I loved her style, her knowledge of the field and her generosity with her experience. Her book is even more this way. It is an essential read for anyone who wants to break into or increase their contributions to National publications for women. It is also a very important guide to finding your own true voice and learning to make your writing richer. Donna offers advise to help overcome any possible obstacle you might have to daring into this prosperous venue. Short of sending you the stamps and an envelop, Donna gives you everything you need to get those queries going out and to keep them going out until you get to see your name where you want it to be. It is an easy read and a very worthwhile one.

Boetig's lead coverline, "Creative Techniques for Writing Women's Feature Stories..." doesn't give the whole picture. I found it to be "Creative Techniques for Writing That Will Sell" - period.

I am a relatively new (notice I didn't say young) writer who reads every book I can find on How to Write, How to Market, and How to Paper My Walls With Rejections. Although I write mostly nonfiction, I give Boetig's "Feminie Wiles" a Blue Ribbon.

Her tips, examples, anecdotes, and words of encouragement apply (and appeal) to all writers. I will be using her book as a reference in my upcoming writing classes, and I will encourage my students to purchase their own copies. It is a gem.

Feminine Wiles may be marketed toward women, but the advice offered will work for anyone whether you are writing for women or Field & Stream. Boetig reviews the basic process for lining up an interview, dealing with editors, and writing what sells. This is by far one of the better resources for freelance writers on the market today.

As a freelance writer, I'm always looking to expand my interests and marketability. Boetig's book brought a fresh perspective with lots of real world helpful ideas. The packaging is clever and the voice is easy to read. I particularly like it that you do not have to read the book in order, but rather, open it to the page you need and benefit immediately. Organized well. Well written. Lots of helpful information. Highly recommend.

I had just finished reading this book before I saw it here on Amazon.com. I can't stress enough how valuable this book is for a beginning writer. There are tips in here that only an experienced feature writer would be able to give. The anecdotes are proof of that. It is written in a conversational style that feels more like a novel than a reference book. Boetig is modest enough to point out some of the mistakes she's made along the way in order to help the reader avoid the same pitfalls. I plan to read it again in the next few months. . and I'll take notes this time!