Designed to address many of the aspects of writing for publication in the library profession, this book focuses on topics as varied as getting started, submitting work, contacting editors, increasing the odds of being published, the writing process, editing, networking, marketing, electronic environment, and the business of writing (contracts, taxes, etc.). Chapters are extremely well organized and structured and noteworthy for their clarity and readability. The practical content is enhanced by quotes from 99 published librarians who responded to the author's online survey. Also of merit is the series of insightful interviews with publishers and editors that appears in one of the book's appendixes. Overall, this is an excellent resource that is essential reading for all librarians wanting to contribute to their professional literature. Highly recommended.
Sean KinderCopyright © American Library Association. All rights reserved
Review
...an intensely researched, well-crafted book whose suggestions will resonate with veteran writers and assist the librarian who wants to write for our profession. (
Public Libraries )
...an exceptional book for aspiring writers....An accessible and informative guide,
The Librarian's Guide to Writing for Publication is highly recommended... (
The Atlantic Provinces Library Association Bulletin )
Books about writing for publication are a dime a dozen. Within the field of library science, however, a book dealing with the burgeoning electronic aspects of writing and publishing has been long overdue. Rachel Singer Gordon mends this technological fissure with her wonderful new work:
The Librarian's Guide to Writing for Publication....Gordon's concise, streamlined writing styles makes this book engaging and readable. Related information is consistently referenced, making this work easy to pick up and read in any sequence. Useful tables, charts, and sample letters accompany the text, while testimonies from other librarians, along with advice from professional editors, help make this book personable and memorable....
The Librarian's Guide to Writing for Publication should greatly appeal to new information professionals, who will find this work immensely orientating. Already-published librarians will also find Gordon's book helpful, especially with her fresh emphasis on publishing in the electronic environment. In fact, anyone from any background just beginning to write for professional publication will find this book befitting and beneficial. (
Libraries & Culture )
...provides a new author with an easy-to-follow guide for getting published for the first time....I highly recommend
The Librarian's Guide to Writing for Publication for any librarian or information professional who is interested in publishing. It contains practical information to help a writer through all stages of the process. (
Government Information Quarterly )
...an excellent resource that is essential reading for all librarians wanting to contribute to their professional literature. Highly recommended. (
Booklist )
A
Library Journal columnist who is also a public librarian explains the processes librarians encounter when they set out to write about their vocation. She talks about why it's a good idea for librarians to have a robust body of professional literature; how to get started; and how to navigate the world of publishing, from querying a magazine to writing an entire book. Gordon covers marketing and promotion, networking and collaboration, the academic environment, electronic publishing, and related opportunities (such as book reviewing and writing conference reports). (
Reference & Research Book News )
