Customer Reviews

Forest for the Trees

5 star:		(63)
4 star:		(13)
3 star:		(2)
2 star:		(3)
1 star:		(2)

 

 

If you're a serious writer you already own a dozen writer's advice books or more; How to Write Better, How to get Published, Tips, Tricks, and the Holy Grail (doesn't exist) of Writing.. The best of them offer some positive useful advice (technical and in getting published) and many are valuable as writer's block breakers. Few of them however seem to be written because the author had to write them. It's usually the author decided to go on the lecture circuit or it was time for them to publish a book offering struggling authors some advice and/or positive uplifts. Besides, when cornered by the unpublished writer at conferences better to sell advice with a book than give it away for free, right?

Few books on writing are full of the kind of insider perspective that reveals any real publishing industry secrets (there aren't too many actually). Too few seem to written in the voice of a friend and confidante. Too few seem to tell of the author's personal experiences with honesty and truth.

Betsy Lerner is a well-known agent who began life as a poet and then worked for many years at several publishing houses until she became an editor. She understands writers as well as anyone and her book is conversational in tone. She tells stories, she offers some gentle advice and she educates in how things really work -not by preaching about it, but by relating stories. These aren't stories told with rose colored glasses, but warts and all stories. It isn't the publishing industry as you wish it was, or how it could be, or how it should be, but how it really is. Lerner's honest-- sometimes brutally so.

Lerner is also a writer in her heart and she understands the struggle, hopes and fears. There are several passages where she nails perfectly the feelings writers have gone through. How they struggle and fret over words, consider selling out to become published, question their sanity, resent the lonliness... You might find yourself shouting out-YES... that's it exactly. You might be tempted to read out-loud to non-writer friends, spouses and friends some passages from the books that state some of the emotions you have felt but have never successfully put down into words or verbalized.

Along with the stories (which usually avoid naming names for a variety of reasons) you will get a honest and truthful perspective of what editors, agents and published writers do.
You'll discover (probably) you're not quite as crazy as you though you were.

This is a great book if your serious about writing and getting published, or even if you already published and discovered some of the truths Lerner reveals the hard way.

Lerner won't make getting published any easier for you, but you'll gain valuable knowledge and probably come away from the book understanding the crazy world
Of book publishing much more than you ever have before.

Lerner passionately has devoted her life to writing and publishing-not to become wealthy or see her name in lights-but because she had no choice. Once she got bit by the bug, there was nothing else for her. She writes a little about this, so that we understand where she comes from and a little bit about who she is. Her passion and love for writing comes through on nearly ever page of this book. It's warm, funny, frustrating,
Eye-opening, discouraging, encouraging and ultimately a writer's best friend...

Betsy Lerner's book is one of the best, if not the best, I have read for writers. She's as funny as Anne Lamott, as personal as Natalie Goldberg. She is both an excellent writer and was a (top) editor at major publishing houses as well. Now an agent, Ms. Lerner covers the writing life from all vantage points, allowing all writers (and serious readers) to see the editor's and agent's point of view, insights about which most writers remain seriously in the dark. No Longer! Betsy Lerner's humor and wisom make this book a page turner; I couldn't put it down. And having read it twice, I feel so much the wiser for all the insights she offers. She's succinct; she's hilarious and she holds a mirror to writers' lives as few books do. Every writer on this planet will find him/herself here.. Which means that writers the world over will have all those mysterious questions about: agents, editors, acceptance and what goes on behind the dark screen that is publishing resolved. As far as I know, no book has ever covered all these bases before...If I could, I'd give this book 10 stars.

This is a wonderful book that's divided into 2 sections: Writing and Publishing. In the first half of the book, Betsy Lerner describes the different types of writers and how they work and live. It was interesting and amusing, and sometimes sad. I found that I am basically a combination of two different types, and it was fun to read about the famous examples of those types. The second half of the book describes the publishing process from an editor's point of view. It's nice to see that they're human, and that they really care about the authors. Betsy gives some great advice on how to deal with rejections--and what they REALLY mean. She also brings you back to earth a bit when it comes to the dream of having your book published. She uses this quote by James Purdy, "Most books come into the world with the fanfare of a stillborn." Creepy, yes. But she's trying to say that many authors think that publication will change their lives on the day the book is released, and when it doesn't happen, depression can set in. But while she's delivering that dose of reality, she also gives encouragement and hope to authors. This is a wonderful book that certainly isn't a "how-to" but is more of an eye opener into the world of writers and editors. A good one to read while you're waiting for your manuscript to be evaluated by a publishing house. Worth the money.

My biggest fear with books "about" anything, is that they tend to lecture and preach, taking any pleasure out of the topic you might have had beforehand. Nowhere is this more true than in books about writing. The danger in reading a book about "how to" write, is that it kills any of the writer's own voice, creative spirit, and instinctual sense of rhythm and timing, by focusing only on the technical aspect of writing. I've stayed clear of those types of books, because I fear that they will only make things worse and not better. And yet, I've hungered for something that could potentially give me some good points without cramping my style.

Fortunately, Betsy Lerners "The Forest for the Trees" does just that. She indicates early on that this is not a book about style. She obviously believes, that in spite of technical faults, an author may still produce very good work. So if this book is not about style, then what is it about? We're so used to reading "how to" books that I think we've forgotten "how to" do.

This book is about what motivates writers (and editors) and gives you some insight on how the system works. Lerner talks about different kinds of writers - some rely on instinct or "natural talent", others are driven by anger, hope, or any other emotion. She encourages writers to be brave, to take a chance, but to recognize likewise if you've gone too far over the edge (it's a cliff, after all!). Lerner encourages writers to do their thing. She oozes confidence between the lines that a reader can't help but be caught up in.

Don't expect any advice on "how to" write in this book. You CAN expect a bunch of interesting anecdotes and thoughtful insights. You will understand more of the process involved in producing a manuscript and what will happen after the signing of a contract (if you're that lucky).

Informative, entertaining, succinct and beautifully written prose. I highly recommend this book to anyone who knows they want to write, but are uncertain about it. This book will give you the confidence TO DO.

This is an interesting read, and one I think that is both informative and inspirational. I wanted to gain a little insight into the world of publishing, both from the editor's perspective and what writers might expect when they submit a novel. Lerner provided good advice on both of these topics, and even provided a surprisingly good insight into the art as a whole.

Forest for the Trees is split into two halves, Writing and Publishing. The first section lays out a kind of categorization of writers and their general traits. 'The Natural', 'the Neurotic' and 'the Self-Promoter' definitely reveals Lerner's experience with scribes, and it is here that writers can find comfort and inspiration as they learn that, uneqivocably, everyone experiences the same hopes, doubts and fears at some point. I think that writers will recognize their own traits sprinkled through Lerner's six types of writers, although they will notice that one type ultimately rises above the rest. Many writers could probably just look at the table of contents and have a good idea of which 'type' they are.

The second half - Publishing - shows where the art meets the business. For writers, this is a valuable insight into how the 'other half' operates. This was an education in and of itself, and Lerner does a good job in explaining both the process and the feelings behind the publishing process. Also, there are good explanations of how editors approach their work and some of their beliefs about the trade. All in all, Forest for the Trees is both a quick and valuable read.

I saw this...[book]... and thought, "OK ... let's see what an editor can tell me about writing." Lord knows, at that moment, I was in serious need of solid, helpful but sympathetic advice.

There's this thing on my hard drive which I sometimes call a novel - to amuse either myself, my husband or any one of my three cats or half-dozen close friends. It simmers in my Word Perfect 9 files like a pot of hot soup and I love it one day, then despair of its existence the next.

This day in B&N, the day I discovered Ms. Lerner's book, I was in "despair" mode. "I can write/I can't write/I'm an ok writer/I couldn't write the ingredient list for the label on a can of dog food." It was that kind of day.

But when I opened Ms. Lerner's book and saw the title of the first chapter, "The Ambivalent Writer", I knew I'd come home.

This woman had written about me. And while the portrait wasn't pretty, it WAS accurate - down to the ground. So she immediately gained my trust as both reader AND writer for her honest evaluation - though I'm sure she didn't know that she was describing me specifically at the time.

Ms. Lerner's honest tone continued through the entire book, laying down the good, the bad and the outright ugly on types of writers and the publishing biz, as well as the process aspiring writers must face in seeking an agent, learning what an editor wants and what getting that publishing contract REALLY means.

Anyone who considers themselves keen on writing should read this book and trust its author. She's been there, she knows whereof she speaks and she's not afraid to give it to you like it is. If you can take it like that, you'll love "The Forest For The Trees" - and most likely get some first-class answers to your questions in the bargain.

for a beautifully written volume that educates and entertains. Whether you aspire to be a published author, or are merely interested in the mechanics of how a book gestates from an idea to bound pages, you will learn so much by reading this treasure. Lerner somehow manages to give you the cold, hard facts of life in today's world of conglomorized publishing, yet never loses her infectious enthusiasm and optimism.

The first section of the book focuses on the different personality-styles of writers she has encountered, including the ambivalent writer, the natural, the wicked child, the self-promoter, the neurotic, and the truly mad (if you write, you will recognize bits of yourself in each of these). The rest of the book focuses on all aspects of the book business: agents, rejection, the editor-writer relationship, the book itself, and publication.

I have yet to read a more engaging book, rich with anecdotes and useful information, about the industry that makes a community like the one here at Amazon possible.

Someone once said, that 5 minutes with a good friend is worth 2 hours with a therapist. If that's true, then Betsy Lerners book THE FOREST FOR THE TREES; is worth, years of therapy...because reading it, is like having coffee with a good friend who is telling you about your personality as a writer, and yet encouraging you with her editorial wisdom. I was in the final stretch of finishing my 2nd book, when I began praying for some writer friend to come into my life (we recently moved to the middle of nowhere) and then I picked up Betsy's Book, and my prayers were answered! THE FOREST FOR THE TREES, is funny, witty, packed full of wisdom and has so much insight into the weird life of writers...that well...like I said, it's like visiting a therapist. I LOVED this book! It helped me to realize ALL writers are neurotic...and OH what a comfort that was!

Marsha Marks

"Once upon a time, there was a book the agent loved, the editor loved, the publisher loved, and everything fell into place and they all lived happily ever after..." It may sound like a fairytale, but it sometimes happens. And for Lerner, that's the ending she dreams of every single time she picks up a manuscript.

What a reassuring guide this is to the often-"bedaffling" world of publishing! Lerner has been there and back and lived to tell the tale... and it's a tale we unpublished authors are eager to lick up. She dishes out all the tasty stuff, showing us the hard truth about what editors are really thinking as they pick up our manuscripts from the slushpile.

Her overview of "writerly personality types" is amusing but a little superfluous. Anyway, there's probably a little of each type in every writer. We're cocky, we're ambivalent, we're junkies... all rolled into one. It's a pity this section is right up front, because I was reading this book to find out about editors.

But anyway, as she says right out, this ultimately isn't a book on writers, or on how to write. Editors are people too, Lerner says, showing (not telling!) how she helps "her" writers. Editors (and agents) like Lerner want to be partners in creating quality books, and she's right to say they're the often-unsung heroes of the industry. Unsung until now, that is, but Forest for the Trees is a masterful aria, a lovesong to the book industry, a homage to the fairy tale that sometimes comes true.

As an aspiring writer, I'm grateful to Lerner for showing me what goes on behind the scenes. But editors and agents and publicists should also thank Lerner for making their jobs a little more easier.

If you're a writer, read this book before you send your next manuscript, or even before you write a word. Think about the editor who's eventually going to have to read that word, and then write it so she won't be able to say no. It's the only way, Lerner shows us, that we can make that fairytale a reality.

The Forest for the Trees is a great resource for writers new to the world of publishing. Lerner tells it like it is, giving readers the lowdown on what editors are looking for as well as what authors can -- and should -- expect from them in return. Don't set aside Writing Down the Bones or Bird by Bird. While offering readers an insightful look into the minds of writers, editors, and publishing houses, Lerner's book shouldn't be mistaken for a book on how to write. Keep it on your bookshelf as a reference for when you actually have something ready to send off. You'll find nothing better to guide you along the way.