100 Things Every Writer Needs to Know [Paperback]

Scott Edelstein (Author)

Book Description

ISBN-10: 0399525084 | ISBN-13: 978-0399525087 | Publication Date: July 1, 1999 | Edition: 1st

An all-in-one guide for writers--this wide-ranging handbook combines artistic techniques and inspiration with practical, insider's advice on getting published.

Writer, editor, and literary agent Scott Edelstein has done it all--and now this industry insider brings his valuable secrets to both beginning and established writers. Covering everything from building writing skills to dealing with editors to starting a writing business, this all-important guide will get you started and point you in the right direction. With matter-of-fact advice and encouragement from an expert, you'll get the information, inspiration, and guidance you need to write your best and begin a successful writing career.

* finding your voice * getting inspired * setting up your workplace * building your skills quickly * breaking writer's block * finding the right outlets for your work * getting editors' attention * publishing what you write * building a writing career * getting a literary agent * avoiding common mistakes * becoming the writer you want to be

* The ultimate publishing insider, Edelstein has worked in every facet of the industry
* This single-volume guide combines the artistic encouragement of Bird by Bird with the nuts-and-bolts info of the popular Writers Digest manuals
* A perfect introduction for new writers; a great refresher course for experienced writers

Editorial Reviews

Amazon.com Review

Veteran writing-book author Scott Edelstein's 100 Things Every Writer Needs to Know is geared decidedly toward the novice. Should I quit my day job? Pay someone to represent me? Employ a vanity press? Anyone who's been around the writer's block knows the answers to these questions (no, no, and no), but this book is a great place for a rookie to pick up a lot of knowledge without too much hard work. More experienced writers will also appreciate Edelstein's authoritative and reassuring words, and may pick up a few hints, as well. Edelstein has great advice on determining whether a writing workshop will be worthwhile, and some clever recommendations for wriggling one's way into a writing job and a list of 10 foolproof methods for making at least $50,000 a year as a writer (for instance, "Write a Broadway show that runs a long time"). He warns against relying on the Writer's Market books too heavily, as they list only "35-40 percent" of the markets available; gives the go-ahead on multiple submissions; and--unless you're seeking representation--advises against sending query letters. "Ninety percent of the time," he says, "you'll get a reading," regardless of whether a publication claims not to consider unsolicited manuscripts. Oh, and in case you don't know better, "bribery, toadying, and sucking up not only are smarmy, but almost never work." --Jane Steinberg

Product Details

• Paperback: 245 pages
• Publisher: Perigee Trade; 1st edition (July 1, 1999)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0399525084
• ISBN-13: 978-0399525087
• Product Dimensions: 8 x 5.1 x 0.7 inches
• Shipping Weight: 6.4 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.4 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (16 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #749,119 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

9 of 9 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Surprisingly good look at writing, February 11, 2003

By 

Daniel L Edelen (Mt. Orab, OH USA) - See all my reviews
(VINE VOICE)    (TOP 1000 REVIEWER)    (REAL NAME)   

This review is from: 100 Things Every Writer Needs to Know (Paperback)

"100 Things Every Writer Needs to Know" is one of those books that the title alone causes you to set your expectations low. Not being the thickest tome doesn't help the cause.

But what a surprise this pleasant little book is!

In a sea of writers' helps, this one carves a niche by not only being surprisingly comprehensive in the breadth of topics it addresses, but also densely packed with useful tips. And did I mention that it is also breezily written, so it is not a chore to wade through? Kudos to Scott Edelstein for writing such a fine book to help writers, while also simultaneously proving that it is possible to know the writing profession inside and out and STILL actually write well!

This book contains plenty of the typical writer's advice like getting through writer's block, fostering creativity, and such, but also discusses the spiritual aspects of writing, common myths of the profession, and even technical advice. Each of the one hundred tips of the trade runs little more than a couple pages (with major exceptions being a few of the glossary tips), so this is a book that can digested in spurts. Read a bit, put it down for a while, and then read some more later.

What makes this book, though, is Edelstein's welcoming writing style. Within a few pages, you feel like you know him and vice versa. He's the mentor all of us need.

Much more than expected. A worthy addition to your writing library.

8 of 8 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars My favorite writing book, March 13, 2002

By 

TheCafeWriter (Chicago, IL USA) - See all my reviews
(VINE VOICE)   

This review is from: 100 Things Every Writer Needs to Know (Paperback)

If I had to pick ONE THING in this whole book that I found was of value, it would be Chapter 10 beginning on page 16: "You Can Safely Ignore Most of the 'Have-To's' You've Been Taught About Writing."

He lists nearly every 'have to' in every writing book (and MOST of them have 'em):
You must write by hand.
You must write a certain amount of time/words/pages every day.
You must have a special place to write.
You must have a set writing schedule.
You must know how the piece will end before you start.
And so on.

I nearly stopped writing altogether trying to follow some of those "have-to's" in other books! It's great that some combination of those things work for *some* people, but Edelstein is the only author I've seen who truly recognizes that everyone's writing process is unique and that a large part of writing is discovering what works for YOU.

Definitely worth the money!

11 of 12 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars An invaluable reference, July 26, 2000

By 

PonyExpress (United States) - See all my reviews

This review is from: 100 Things Every Writer Needs to Know (Paperback)

I checked this out of the library, renewed it-and now I am going to actually buy it-it really is that good. Scott Edelstein covers every aspect of the writing life and publishing game that you'd want to know about, and he does it in a clear and witty fashion. No patronizing here: he treats the reader as an equal( a refreshing quality)and as a confidant, turning a sometimes harsh light on many aspects of working as an author while also offering many nuggets of help and support. I don't think you could be better armed to write and publish than to read this book-unless you already have a number of professional authors as friends.