July/August 2014 Issue
July/August Issue
Writer's Digest Magazine
Preview the Issue
Buy It Here
Give a Gift SubscriptionSave 58%!
Is Your Manuscript Ready for Publication?
Is Your Manuscript Ready for Publication?
Get professional feedback from 2nd Draft Critique Services.After an evaluation of your submission, one of the professional 2nd Draft critiquers will provide feedback and advice. You’ll not only learn what’s working in your writing, but what’s not, and—most important—how to fix it.
2nd Draft provides a high-level review of your writing, pointing out reasons your work may be getting rejected, or may not meet the standards of traditional publication.
Author Archives: Courtney Carpenter
Avoiding Cliches in Writing
Don’t write another cliché novel or use clichés in your novel (here are some cliche examples)! Learn what to avoid from 179 Ways to Save a Novel by Peter Selgin. A writer’s … Read more
Writing a Mystery Novel: Creating a Villain & 5 Ways To Justify a Crime
Are you thinking about writing a mystery novel? Before you begin writing, create a plan or outline for your story. Then figure out what you want your villain to be like. What … Read more
Scene Structure: How to Write Turning Points
Are you in the middle of writing your story and wondering how to write a scene that indicates a turning point? Learn about turning points and how to show them within your … Read more
Defining Conflict: What Conflict Is and Isn’t in Writing a Romance Novel
Are you thinking of writing a romance novel or in the planning stages of writing one? Learn what conflict is and how to use it in your romance novel. Today’s tip of … Read more
3 Writing Critique Questions You Must Ask Your Prospective Critique Partners
Are you done writing your novel or book? Are you eager to share it with family and friends first before getting a professional manuscript critique? Learn what questions to ask your prospective … Read more
Break into the Business of Copywriting!
Is your goal is to launch a new career for yourself as a copywriter or to improve your copywriting skills? Breaking into Copywriting, a new course from Writers Digest University, can fuel your creative desires. Read more
Accomplish Your Writing Goals: Make a Schedule and Meet Your Deadlines
The most disheartening place to be and feel as a writer is stuck. And the most possible place to be is in motion—moving toward our goals. At every turn, we have a … Read more
Writing a Novel: The Four Elements Of a Solid Story Concept
Do you want to write a novel? In addition to creating a solid plot, you are also going to need a strong concept for your novel. Wondering how to conceptualize your story? … Read more
Writing Strong Female Characters: Defining a Bitch
If you’re interested in breaking the mold with your character, there is no single criterion for a bitch. However, you might want to consider making several of her dominant traits negative or … Read more
Writing At Night: The Top 10 Challenges Writers Experience & How to Overcome Them
Are you someone who works full-time but dreams of becoming a published author someday? If so, today’s tip of the day is for you. Taken from Writer With a Day Job by … Read more
Become a Published Writer: A Step-by-Step Guide to Getting Published
Do you want to become a published writer, author, or freelancer? Buy The Step-By-Step Guide to Getting Published and get the tools you need to achieve your writing goals. Read more
How To Develop a Story Idea Into a Book
The following excerpt is from The Art of War For Writers by James Scott Bell. In the book, you’ll find exercises, tactics, and strategies for fiction writers. Today’s tip of the day … Read more
Balancing Motherwood With Writing: The Benefits of Freelancing
If you are pondering whether or not you can launch a writing career and be a mom, today’s tip of the day is for you. Christina Katz, author of Writer Mama, shares … Read more
Writing a Novel: From First Draft to Finished Manuscript
If you are writing a novel for the first time, or simply beginning a new one, From First Draft to Finished Novel can guide you along the process. Throughout the book, you’ll discover novel writing tips, get step-by-step instruction, and improve your writing skills with editing and writing exercises. Read more
Meet Your Writing Goals With Four Time-Management Tools
In order to succeed as a professional writer, you must be able to set and meet deadlines. If you are looking for time-management tools to help you stay on track with your … Read more
4 Tips For Revising Your Work
No matter what type of writing you do–fiction, nonfiction, or freelance–you should expect to revise your work. Learn four essential tips for revising your work from Christina Katz, author of The Writer’s … Read more
Writing a Query Letter: The Best Way To Land Your Next Freelance Writing Gig
Are you new to freelance writing or perhaps having trouble selling your work to editors? Today’s tip of the day can help. Kelly James Enger, author of Writer For Hire, explains the … Read more
An Agent’s Secrets to Selling Your First Novel
Discover insider secrets for selling a novel from literary agent Irene Goodman. You’ll get pro tips on selling a novel, eight reasons why your novel may be rejected, and why it’s important to know the genres of writing before you start writing. Read more
4 Editing & Proofreading Techniques For Your Novel
Joseph Bates, author of The Nighttime Novelist, shares tips for editing and proofreading a novel or book. Creating A System For Editing & Proofreading Revision is really about seeing your book as … Read more
5 Wrong Ways to Start A Story
Your story’s opener is your one opportunity to capture an editor’s or agent’s attention. Learn how to avoid the critical mistakes (such as providing too much backstory) that lead to rejection and … Read more
Writing Scenes: Stepping Forward, Falling Back
Author of The Breakout Novelist, Donald Maass, discusses writing scenes in today’s tip of the day. He explains the importance of setting goals for each scene with an example from George R.R. … Read more
Practical Writing & Publishing Advice For Beginning Writers
The Beginning Writer’s Answer Book covers everything from how to get started in writing to finding an agent and getting published. No matter what type of writer you are–fiction, nonfiction, or freelance–you’ll find practical writing advice to help advance your career. Read more
Three Ways To Strengthen Your Writing
The path to becoming a published author is full of twists and turns. No matter what stage of the writing process you are in or how busy your schedule is, you should … Read more
What an Agent Does & Does Not Do
You’ve landed an agent. Now what? You’re probably wondering what a literary agent does and does not do and how they can help you. Discover the truth about what literary agents actually … Read more
Make Time to Write: 10 Tips for Daily Writing
Writing takes commitment, self-discipline, and desire. Don’t let other distractions get in the way of your writing goals–set aside time every day to write. When you are tempted to make up an … Read more
