$30 Writing School (Paperback)

by Michael W. Dean (Author)

Editorial Reviews

Product Description
Are you aspiring to become a writer, but don't know what it entails, how to approach it, or even where to begin? In compelling-yet-simple terms, this one-of-a-kind book offers the guidance you need to do all that and more. Following the successful and increasingly popular concept of D.I.Y. (Do It Yourself), $30 Writing School is designed to get you up and running on the process for organizing, writing, selling and promoting your own books. You'll find it pleasantly easy to relate to author Michael W. Dean, a product of the indie revolution as a proven author, filmmaker, and musician himself. His unique style offers an edgier approach that you don't find in your typical "how to write" book. Written in a conversational tone, techniques and explanations are liberally spliced with Deans personal accounts and stories. You'll learn specific elements of how to get published including how to write a proposal, get an agent, get a publisher, and work through mainstream outlets. Self-publishing is explained and encouraged, from Quark layout, to working with a printer, to getting press and distributional things the author has done himself. $30 Writing School accompanies two successful others of its kind, $30 Music School (1592000673) and $30 Film School (1592001718), both published by Course Technology PTR. This incomparable do-it-yourself approach to becoming a writer is realistic, straightforward, and inspiring.

About the Author
Michael W. Dean is the author of "Starving in the Company of Beautiful Women" (Kittyfeet Press, 2000, 0-9705392-0-7) and the writer/director/producer of the documentary "D.I.Y or DIE: How to Survive as an Independent Artist," which was favorably reviewed in Film Threat, and appeared on the front page of the San Francisco Examiner. It was a feature in the 2002 Silver Lake Film Festival, 2002 Lost Film at Sundance and the 2002 BareBones Festival. Michael is a self-taught filmmaker with a background in photography, music, and writing. He was the lead singer for BOMB, a seminal grunge band on the Warner Bros. label, and has written articles for many commercial internet sites. He is also the author of "$30 Film School" (Course Technology PTR/Muska & Lipman, 1-59200-067-3) and "$30 Music School" (Course Technology PTR, 1-59200-171-8).

Product Details

• Paperback: 496 pages
• Publisher: Course Technology PTR; 1 edition (September 21, 2004)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1592004865
• ISBN-13: 978-1592004867
• Product Dimensions: 9 x 7.3 x 1.3 inches
• Shipping Weight: 2.2 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.6 out of 5 stars See all reviews (26 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #699,910 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

6 of 6 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars $30 Writing School, Smart, Interesting and a Pleasure to Read, June 25, 2006

By	Scott Ligon (Fredericksburg, VA) - See all my reviews

Reading Michael Dean's $30 series of books is like going to a smart, interesting friend that knows a lot about a subject and saying "Tell me what I need to know about (X)".

In this case (X) =writing , and the book in question is "$30 Writing School."

The book covers an overview of grammar and spelling. It covers software, and the way it's used professionally. The book covers the do's and don'ts of inquiries, outlines, and actual writing, with a eye towards publication. Michael tells you exactly how he did it, in interesting anecdotal detail. It `s not easy to write what is essentially a technical manual in a way that is personally revealing, but that is the unique quality found in Michael Dean's non-fiction.

When I want an overview of a subject, I want an expert with an opinion. I want someone smart and knowledgeable to tell me, "Do this, then do this, don't do this, avoid this". After I gain knowledge and experience, of course, I can draw my own conclusions. After reading this book, I had all the basic knowledge I needed to write a book proposal, solicit it for publication, and to make sure I had an understanding of the structure and process involved in every aspect of actually writing the book.

Michael does it in a conversational tone, filled with examples of personal experience, that is truly entertaining . I found myself amused and interested to the point that I would forget that I was actually obtaining knowledge as well.

Another unique aspect of Michael Dean's non-fiction writing is that there is a strong philosophical undercurrent, and this book is no exception.

The written word is the most powerful tool for initiating change that the world has ever known. It can inspire, clarify, enlighten and motivate. $30 Writing School reminds us of this, and Michael Dean's words themselves inspire, clarify, enlighten and motivate. The book addresses the specifics but it never looses sight of the big picture which, oddly, is a rarity in instructional writing. The books tells us HOW to write, but it reminds us of WHY we write as well.

5 of 5 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Improve Your Skills and Have Fun Doing It, August 13, 2006

By	Victoria FritzKapps "VAF" (Iowa) - See all my reviews

I read the book "$30 Writing School" by Micahel W. Dean while driving from Minneapolis to Denver. Well, actually, I was passengering and my husband was driving. I picked it up because I have started writing for our small town newspaper, and I wanted to improve my skills and abilities, and as every English major known to man, I dream of writing a novel some day.

I couldn't stop reading. Not only was it a great read and entertaining, it was full of good information. My $30 bucks was well spent and I plan to spend some more on "$30 Music School" for my husband. I have added not only writing skill to my arsenal, but also marketing and productions skills as well.

4 of 4 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Plug in, August 21, 2006

By	James M. Jose (Brisbane, Queensland Australia) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

Reading this book felt like something from The Matrix. A download of necessary information and it's over before you know it.

Dean's style of writing makes it easy to follow as he lays out what to do, and what not to do, when embarking on your own written projects.

The end result is an enjoyable learning experience.

I can't wait to read the rest of the $30 series.