The Magazine Writer's Handbook (Paperback)

by Franklynn Peterson (Author), Judi Kesselman-Turkel (Author)

Editorial Reviews

Review
“This is a valuable book for the beginner, the intermediate writer, and the well-seasoned professional. The information it contains is outstanding and the writing superb.”—Louise Purwin Zobel, author of The Travel Writer’s Handbook

“A well-written guide for writers at all levels. My students rarely sell this book because it is a sample of its subject. A magazine is a storehouse of useful, enduring information—so is this book.”—Caroline Dow, Indiana University School of Journalism.

Product Description
An expanded and updated revision of the already comprehensive first edition, The Magazine Writer’s Handbook offers insightful strategies addressing virtually every aspect of writing a magazine article for publication. Designed to be useful for both experienced magazine writers and those seeking to break into the magazine-writing industry, this handbook provides an exhaustive step-by-step approach taking the reader through every stage of the publication process. From targeting the right publication to constructing a professional article, and from dealing with legal considerations to working with editors, the revised edition of The Magazine Writer’s Handbook will be an indispensable addition to any writer’s desk. Extensively published in popular trade magazines, the authors dispense their knowledge in this handbook to help writers of all levels see their work published.

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Product Details

• Paperback: 280 pages
• Publisher: University of Wisconsin Press; 2nd Updtd edition (February 14, 2006)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 029921494X
• ISBN-13: 978-0299214944
• Product Dimensions: 8.8 x 6 x 0.4 inches
• Shipping Weight: 12.8 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.0 out of 5 stars See all reviews (1 customer review)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #707,120 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Great Format and Clear Examples, January 30, 2007

By	J. J. Fehn "freelance writer" (Minneapolis) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

This handbook is a must have for anyone who wants to break in to freelance magazine writing on a professional level. It provides up-to-date information, instructional guidance and concrete examples. Peterson and Turkel make sure it stands out from the crowd with the chapter organization and use of real examples.

Parts I - III all deal with marketing and sales. As a freelancer, I have found that you can write great material but if you don't have the motivation to put it in front of the right editor, you will never sell your work. The authors make that clear up front and emphasize to their reader that developing strength in those areas is a necessity.

Each point that the authors make in this book is illustrated and supported by an example. They use their own published articles, the pages of popular magazines and query letters to demonstrate the topics. From a readers perspective, this is a great help. As I went through the book there were some areas I felt comfortable with, I only skimmed those examples but when a topic was new to me, I could carefully read through the sample and get a clearer picture of the expectations of editors.

The information provided in this book is extremely valuable and the format makes it very understandable. After reading this guide, you will have the skills to become a professional.