Writing and Selling Magazine Articles

Rating:
Summary: Are you kidding me?
Review: Are those 5-star reviews for real or are they the publisher's plants? Based on this book, it's hard to believe that the author earns a living by writing. This thin volume conveys very little practical information for the beginning writer, much less for the published writer that she claims is her target audience. The book itself is formatted as an outline, with each point composed of a couple of paragraphs of generalities. It's almost as if she developed an outline for the book, then jotted down a few notes for each point, and moved on without bothering to go back and beef them up with specific how-tos or practical examples. Instead, the book is filled with variations on the tiring formula, "The beginning writer does X, while the experienced writer does Y." The author's style is even more aggravating--choppiness between paragraphs and even sentences, improper grammar, and such ridiculous hyperbole as: novice writers "quiver with fear" at the thought of contacting public relations firms. Look elsewhere for better advice and instruction, and save yourself 8 bucks.

Rating:
Summary: Concise and readable advice.
Review: I read this book, followed the advice, and got published. Unlike some dry how-to books, this one is a breeze to read. It focuses on the low-tech approach of mailing out queries and manuscripts - I suppose some people do it all online now.

Rating:
Summary: Oooh, I love this.
Review: This book absolutely covers everything a writer could possibly want to know about writing and selling to magazines. It is a point-by-point easy to follow guide and a goldmine of great innovative ideas from a fellow author who knows her stuff. I highly recommend this book for any writer or anyone hoping to break into the writing field.