Q&Q Categories
May/June2013 Issue
May/June Issue
Writer's Digest Magazine
Preview the Issue
Buy It Here
Give a Gift SubscriptionSave 58%!
Website of the Week
Questions and Quandaries
Questions & Quandaries Blog
Online editor Brian A. Klems has been writing for Writer’s Digest since 2003. He covers the most pressing grammatical, ethical, business and writing-related questions—and often does it with a bit of humor.
Writing the TV Spec Script (with a great discount!)
Hey, everyone– If you’re gearing up for the post-strike staffing season, I just wanted to let you know that I’m teaching a new TV spec-writing class at Mediabistro in Los Angeles, beginning … Read more
Landing Interviews Before Receiving an Assignment
Q: When I cold-call someone to interview them, I feel like a fraud because I think they must be wondering what my real reason for calling is. I have a suspicion this … Read more
Take Me To Your Pilot: 3 Rules For Writing a Successful TV Pilot
While the Writers Strike may have decimated this year’s pilot season, one thing it won’t decimate is TV’s continuing need for pilots. Once the strike is over, networks and studios will be … Read more
Why 2008 Is Like Billy Joel (Becaue You've Got To Begin Again)
Hey, everyone– Welcome to 2008! Usually, around this time of year, you hear everyone saying things like, “Where did last year go?” “What happened to 2007?” “2007 just went so fast!” Well, … Read more
Happy New Year!
I hope everyone one had a happy and safe New Year’s Eve. Q&Q returns with a new post next Tuesday, so stay tuned. And thanks for making WD a part of your … Read more
Numbering Pages of a Prologue
Q: I’ve written a novel and am now working on the technical aspects. What’s the proper way to number pages of a prologue? If the prologue is five pages long, would that … Read more
Please Don't Bait the Schmucks
With all the WGA strike-related activity, one thing this writing blog hasn’t devoted much time to is actual writing. But this is, of course, a Writers Digest blog, and if there’s one … Read more
Should I Get a Lawyer Before Signing with an Agent?
Q: Once an agent wants to take me on as a client and sends me a contract, do I need to have the contract looked at by a contract lawyer before I … Read more
Staples or Paper Clips?
Q. When I’m submitting a manuscript to a publisher, should I paper clip or staple the pages? Are the rules the same when submitting to a contest?—D. Fuson A. In general, publishers … Read more
An Interview With Novel Journey
Hey Everyone, The good folks at Novel Journey were nice enough to interview me and share it with their readers. If you get a chance, stop on by:http://www.noveljourney.blogspot.com Brian
When's the Best Time to Query?
Q: When is the best time to query agents? I’ve heard different things, like winter is bad, summer is slow, but it’s OK in the spring. Is this true?—Kristen HoweA: Spring, summer, … Read more
Novel and Short Story Word Counts
Q. How long is the typical short story supposed to be? How about novellas and novels? Are there guidelines with regard to word count for a first-time novelist? —Molly Heyl A. There … Read more
Do I Have to Live Close to an Agent to Get One?
Q: I live in a small town where there are no agents. Do I have to have an agent in my town or can I get an agent from another town or … Read more
I versus Me
Q: I get confused when trying to decide when to use the pronouns “I” and “me.” Sometimes it’s obvious, but other times I just can’t decide. What’s the rule?—Anonymous A: Pronouns can … Read more
How Do I Get Paid on Time?
Q: What steps can writers take to ensure timely payment? —Anonymous A: This kind of thing happens all the time: writer does job, submits invoice, waits for check, check never shows up, … Read more
Can I Use Contractions in my Writing?
Q: I know that grammatically we shouldn’t use contractions at all unless it’s‑in speech, but I see that many nonfiction bestselling authors use them. What are the current guidelines for their use?—Henry … Read more
Multiple Submissions Etiquette
Q: Is it proper to send out the same article to multiple publishers at the same time? What happens if several magazines accept the article?—Casey Magan A: Hmm, did you send this … Read more
Accurate Writer's Guidelines
Q: I read Writer’s Digest and keep tabs when they run market listings and I also own a copy of Writer’s Market, but sometimes I go to the publisher’s or agency’s website … Read more
Tracking Queries
Q: What’s the most efficient way to track magazine queries? I’ve been doing it by date on a single sheet of paper, but that seems haphazard. —Ellen Ryan A: There isn’t a … Read more
How Do I Get Into Sports Writing
Q: I love sports and have always enjoyed reading my local paper’s sports page. Now that I’m focusing on my writing career, I’d like to join the ranks of those who cover … Read more
Will My Book Get Published?
Q: I have the first five chapters of a novel written, and I think they’re reasonably good. It would be nice, however, to know if I even have a chance at getting … Read more
Will I Get Sued if I Use Real Names in my Memoir?
Q: I am writing a memoir and need to know if I can use real names in the book. I am going to write about some terrible experiences and some don’t show … Read more
Can I Trust That Writing Website?
Q: Is there a way to verify the legitimacy of Internet-based sites that offer writing classes? How can I check on their standing in the business community?—Cynthia Cheng A: Ah, the Internet—where … Read more
Using Famous Names and Proper Nouns in Fiction
Q: In a work of fiction, what restrictions exist on using the names of professional sports teams, TV networks or real people (e.g., the Los Angeles Dodgers, FOX Network or Rupert Murdoch)?—Jeff … Read more
Hiring a Public Relations Specialist
Q: I’ve finished my book, landed a contract and have a publication date. Should I hire a public relations specialist to spread the word? –Ozzie G. A: While most of us don’t … Read more
