No matter how the mode of writing evolves, from pen to keyboard, no matter the changing tastes of publishers and readers, aspiring and practicing writers across all genres are likely to seek guidance. And as with so much in this age of specialization, writing guides are now being written for nearly every niche. Take a look at these new offerings, and you’re likely to find candidates to strengthen the wordsmithing part of your collection.
Jacobs, CharlesThe Writer Within You: A Step-by-Step Guide to Writing and Publishing in Your Retirement YearsCaros Bks. Oct. 2007. c.321p. bibliog. index. ISBN 978-0-9793636-0-3. pap. $19.95.
Jacobs (former editor in chief, Travel World International) has created an attractive and thorough guide aimed at the retired among us but useful for others as well. He begins by briefly discussing writers’ doubts and the quest for ideas, then moves directly into “Writing Your Book.” He concentrates mostly on novel writing but also refers to memoirs and other nonfiction. In the third and fourth sections, on publishing and marketing a book and placing magazine articles, respectively, his own experience serves readers well. There is a valuable appendix of reputable resources for writers. Recommended for all public libraries.
By Stacey Rae Brownlie -- Library Journal, 9/15/2007
As I told Charles when he asked me to write a testimonial for this book, it could be marketed to a general writing audience—not just retirees. I like this book. It’s good-looking, it covers a wide range of writing/publishing topics, the tone is friendly, the narrative is easy to follow AND it has an index. Those of you who have been reading my book reviews know how much I appreciate seeing an index in a reference book.
Retirees with an interest in writing will love this book for its value and reading ease. Jacobs gives information and resources for novel writing, writing a nonfiction book or memoir, publishing, marketing and even freelance writing. If you’ve ever wondered how to get started writing articles for magazines, ads for companies or material for the Web, you’ll find the answers in this book. The author even goes into some of the basics such as, how to find the discipline to write, coping with rejection and overcoming writer’s block. He covers important issues such as conducting research, contract negotiations and how to work with the IRS.
I especially appreciate Jacobs’ "Words of Wisdom" blocks that appear frequently throughout the book. He quotes experts and professionals such as Dan Poynter; Mary Karr, author of The Liars Club; Donald Maass, author of Writing the Breakout Novel and Peter Bowerman, author of the Well-Fed Writer series. He also includes my book, The Right Way to Write, Publish and Sell Your Book in his list of "Books for Writers" and recommends my Web site, http://www.matilijapress.com/ as being helpful to writers and authors. I didn’t know this when I requested a review copy of this book.
If you’re interested in writing for publication, but need some guidance, I think you’ll find this an important reference book for your office library. It’s a substantial tool, not just for retirees, but for anyone who wants to succeed within the publishing field.
–Patricia Fry is President of SPAWN and author of The Right Way to Write, Publish and Sell your Book and How to Write a Successful Book Proposal in 8 Days or Less. Her Web site is http://www.matilijapress.com/.
Review by Patricia L. Fry, President of SPAWN
Like most writers, published or not, I have many reference books to help me with everything from writing style to word choices(my trusty thesaurus), to publishing and promoting. My bookshelf is lined with them and I get good use from each and every one. The only one that I do keep next to me at my desk at all times is my dictionary. Those of you who have read some of my reviews, will understand that my spelling could use a bit of help. Now I have two reference books that will be permanent fixtures right there next to me as I write and prepare for publishing. "The Writer Within You: A Step-by-Step Guide to Writing and Publishing In Your Retirement Years" by Charles Jacobs may be one of the most important books you own if you are interested in getting published. Take a look again at the subtitle of this book. It's long but it is exactly what you'll find within the pages.
The book is geared towards writers who have retired from their regular jobs-and many of us who are "boomers" are reaching that point now-but are not ready to retire from life. Writing is a wonderful and fulfilling way to continue making vital contributions. Whether you want to write your memoirs for your family, just think of all those great WWII,Korean and Vietnam war stories waiting to be heard, or if you want to write a novel, how-to books using your expertise from your job experience, travel articles for magazines or the thousands of other choices there are, this book will walk you through from the moment an idea comes into your head, to getting your book published, money matters and beyond. It has just enough of every phase to save you from going from book to book.
Like most beginning writers you will want to know how the heck to get started.What to write about, where to go for help with publishing, should you self-publish or go the traditional route? You may wonder if you need an agent, how important is it to be using a computer in this new digital age, how will YOUR book or article get the attention it deserves. I hear these questions every week at my writing workshops, and I am now happy to be the one to tell them about this treasure chest that answers all the questions and more.
On every page, in every sentence, you will find vital information to help you along the way. Mixed in with Jacobs' own sage advice, you'll find "words of wisdom" side bars from authors, book coaches, publishers, etc. that offer their vast knowledge as well.The appendix alone is worth the price of admission. With lists and lists of web sites for every phase of writing, publishers, agents, help for freelancers, getting copyrights,chat groups, the list goes on. There are recommendations for other books with more specific areas of need, even help in designing the cover for your book. Mr. Jacobs has done so much research already for you that all you need to do is use the information he has given to see your book in print and get it noticed. And don't forget to check out the fine sample of that all important "Query Letter" between the appendix and the index.
The book is a straight forward and easy to understand guide. Even for those that have not yet ventured into the cyber world, Jacobs will ease you in and build from there. Remember that all the ideas in this book are suggestions. I would recommend to dip your toe in by reading this book through once(it's very interesting), returning to it time and again to get your feet wet as your are writing, and then when comfortable dive right(write) in, the water is great! Keep plenty of 'post its' on hand, there are many pages you will want to return to as you go along.
I have already started making use of this guide, improving my query letters, looking into web site building and have checked out some of the web sites listed on areas I needed help. The book is not only a fabulous reference guide for writers, but I even found it to be quite motivational. And by the way, although I write mostly nonfiction, I have read through the fiction section as well, and found even that to be quite helpful to me, giving me ideas for the future to file away.
Highly, Highly recommended for Seniors, boomers and really for all beginning and novice writers.Thanks so much to Mr. Jacobs for sharing his wealth of knowledge and experience.A treasure to beget your treasures yet to be told.
Enjoy and Write On!.....Laurie
L. Shirley "Laurie's Boomer Views" (fountain valley, ca United States
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