September 2014 Issue
September Issue
Writer's Digest Magazine
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Is Your Manuscript Ready for Publication?
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Writing Editor Blogs
Guide to Literary Agents Blog
by Chuck Sambuchino
GLA Editor Chuck Sambuchino keeps track of all news related to literary agents and writing conferences on his blog. Common features include agent interviews, new agency listings, agency profiles, upcoming conferences of interest, contests and other publishing opportunities, valuable writing resources, submission tips and information, and a blogroll of other agent blogs. Read Chuck’s Blog
There Are No Rulesby the editors of Writer’s Digest
Get on the cutting edge of today’s publishing trends and how authors can succeed in a world of fast-paced technological change, guided by the editors of Writer’s Digest. You’ll get an inside look at the work, play, and passion of the publishing business and find practical tools for success. Read There Are No Rules
Questions & Quandariesby Brian Klems
Don’t know the difference between “who” and “whom”? Facing an ethical dilemma about accepting gifts from subjects? Let the informative (and humorous) columnist Brian A. Klems answer some of your most pressing grammatical, ethical, business and writing-related questions. Check out his advice and don’t hesitate to ask a question—your writing career will thank you. Read Brian’s Blog
Poetic Asidesby Robert Brewer
Published poet Robert Lee Brewer blogs on issues affecting poets from the poet’s perspective. As the editor of Writer’s Market, Brewer also shares insights on the publishing industry, especially as it relates to poetry and the poetry markets. He also explains poetic forms, interviews other published poets, and provides the occasional poetry prompt. Read Robert’s Blog
When to Use a Prologue
Q: When should a prologue be used? Is there a difference between prologues for fiction and nonfiction?—Sonya Ryan A: A prologue is used when material that you want to include in the … Read more
A Television Show That Will Make You a Better Writer (and Make Me Irrationally Emotional)
There will be better and more coherent posts regarding the series finale of the Wire, but I just wanted to offer my final recommendation/plea as a writer. “The Wire”–for those who haven’t … Read more
READER QUESTION: How Do I Track Down Celebrities for Articles or Projects I'm Working On?
Hey, everyone– Today’s question comes from Cherie, who actually emailed Writers Digest editor Brian Klems over at his Questions & Quandries blog. Cherie asks… “In doing research for articles I’m working on, … Read more
Upcoming Contests & Festivals
Hey, screenwriters– Moviemaker Magazine, one of the best resources out there for independent filmmakers, recently compiled lists of upcoming contests and festivals. Here are highlights from their lists… some are searching for … Read more
Mobile Poetry?!? Why not. And the 2007 NBCC poetry winner is announced!
Received a press release today that the Academy of American Poets is launching the first mobile site for poetry. Their entire online archive of 2,500+ poems will be available in the palm … Read more
Exclusive Interview With Valerie Nieman
Poet Valerie Nieman is a self-professed tomboy, who “fished for everything from native brook trout in the small streams of western New York, where I grew up, to cod and haddock by … Read more
READER QUESTION: How many ideas should I present in a pitch?
Hey, screenwriters— Today’s question comes from Anita, who also happened to take one of my writing classes a few weeks ago. Anita emails… “My partner and I have been developing several [television … Read more
READER QUESTION: How do I Know What TV Spec to Write?
Hey, screenwriters— First of all, thanks for all the emails… I’ve got a nicely full mailbag, and I’ll do my best to get to all your questions over the next few days. … Read more
My Archival Wanderings: Stephen King on drinking
Hi Writers,You may be wondering how I’ve been choosing these daily excerpts I’ve been posting from the Writer’s Digest archives. Here’s how it happens: Brian (the Brain of Q&Q) spins me around … Read more
Agent Advice: Phil Lang of Reece Halsey North
This installment features Phil Lang, the newest literary agent at Reece Halsey North in Tiburon, Calif.
Seeking: new clients with “distinct voices and original perspectives.” The agency does not handle screenplays or teleplays. Read more
Collins Literary Says No More Submissions
Previously on the blog, I ran an agency profile of Collins Literary Agency. Recently, the agency contacted me and said they are not taking on new clients right now and will not … Read more
What Does That Mean? Literary Definitions: Vol. 2
Ever come across a publishing term and wasn’t sure what it meant? (Who hasn’t?) The Buried Editor and I are pairing up to start a series to help define some oft-used terms in the … Read more
Missed Opportunities, Nostalgia and (More!) Name Dropping
In keeping up with my theme of the week of reading something then writing about it, the New York Times (I still read the Times!) just published an article about an upcoming … Read more
My Archival Wanderings: Truman Capote interview
Hi Writers,It’s the 2nd week in my archival excavations and I’m beginning to worry, just a little, about booklice … but it’s well worth it for all the great stuff I’ve been … Read more
Words of Wisdom: How Agents Judge Offers
Q. Do agents usually hold out for a good deal on a book or do they take the first acceptable offer that comes along? A. Well, an offer in your pocket is … Read more
Concerning the 'Rules' of Writing…
Found a cool site today: suspense writer Brandilyn Collins’ blog. The links on the left show you that she has a lot of advice for writers on subjects dealing with the craft … Read more
By the way, Minnesota picked their first poet laureate last week
And they picked Robert Bly. I remember watching Bly read back in the 20th century when I was attending the University of Cincinnati. He was a funny and engaging reader. Minnesota made … Read more
Tanka: Bigger and More Relaxed Than a Haiku
If a haiku is usually (mistakenly) thought of as a 3-line, 5-7-5 syllable poem, then the tanka would be a 5-line, 5-7-5-7-7 syllable poem. However, as with haiku, it’s better to think … Read more
More Agency Contact Info Updates
Here are a few random updates on this random Wednesday: Karen Gantz Zahler Literary Management and Attorney at Law - Her mailing address has a new zip code: 10065. Grand Street Literary Agency - … Read more
Greystone Literary Closes (But Reopens Later)
Greystone Literary Agency, a relatively new agency based in DC and founded by Michael Mancilla, has officially closed as of early this year. The Web site was down this morning and a … Read more
Great Screenwriter Series!
Hey, screenwriters— If you’re in L.A., the Writers Guild Foundation is putting on a terrific series of conversations with A-list screenwriters. “Anatomy of a Script” is a six-week series of Tuesday night … Read more
My Archival Wanderings: 1958 Rod Serling Q&A
Hi Writers,Today’s exhibit in my month-long dive into the Writer’s Digest archives is a Q&A with screenwriter Rod Serling. This ran a year before The Twilight Zone debuted on network TV. I … Read more
What Does That Mean? Literary Definitions: Vol. 1
Ever come across a publishing term and wasn’t sure what it meant? (Who hasn’t?) The Buried Editor and I are pairing up to start a series to help define some oft-used terms in the … Read more
On Virtual Breaks, Internal Monologues, and Reggie Bush
There is an article today in the NYT (fyi: I read the Times!) called “I Need a Virtual Break. No, really” in which the author discusses how he forcefully worked some peace … Read more
Difficulty in poetry & an argument against a Michigan poet laureate
“Poetry, Difficulty, and a Very Annoying Word,” by Mark Doty from The Best American Poetry blog, is an interesting response to Charles Harper Webb’s recent essay in The Writers Chronicle. Plus, you get to experience … Read more