Q&Q Categories
May/June 2012 Issue
May/June Issue
Writer's Digest Magazine
Preview the Issue
Buy It Here
Give a Gift SubscriptionSave 58%!
Website of the Week
Writing Website of the Week
Published author Roz Morris' website covers a lot of topics about writing--some serious, some for fun. Either way, it's a site that's worth a few minutes of any writer's week. (I recommend following her on Twitter too.Nail Your Novel 
*Not affiliated with our 101 Best Writing Websites feature.
Questions and Quandaries
Brian Klems’ 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.
May vs. Might
Q: “I may go to the store.” “I might go to the store.” Is there a difference between these two sentences? I’ve always been confused as to when to use “may” and … Read more
7th ''Dear Lucky Agent'' Contest: Young Adult
This contest is now closed. The three lucky winnerswere notified via email on Wednesday, Nov. 10, 2010.Thanks to all who entered! New contests soon! ————- Welcome to the seventh (free!) “Dear Lucky … Read more
Are Government Docs in the Public Domain?
Q: Am I allowed to use text from a government document in my manuscript? —Amy V. A: The short answer is yes. Nearly all documents published by the government are part of … Read more
Peak vs. Peek (vs. Pique)
Q: For some reason I confuse “peak” and “peek” all the time. Is there a simple way to help differentiate the two so I can get it correct in the future? –Brian … Read more
Sixth ''Dear Lucky Agent'' Contest: Paranormal Romance & Urban Fantasy
As of Thursday, Oct. 7, 2010 this contest is now closed. Winners notified within three weeks. Thanks to all participants. ——————- Welcome to the sixth (free!) “Dear Lucky Agent” Contest on the … Read more
Does Selling All Rights Mean I Can't Use the Same Topic Again?
Q: If a magazine buys all rights to a non-fiction article I wrote about my granddaughters’ medical problems, can I have other articles or a book published which would include the same … Read more
My Gnome Attack Book Lands Mention in Reader's Digest; Good News Has Inspired Another Free Giveaway to Commenters
(Update: Notified winners are Tom F & Eliza C. Congrats you two!) In appreciation of the extreme good news that How to Survive a Garden Gnome Attack got a nice mention in … Read more
Can You "Graduate College"? (Grammar Lesson)
Q: I love the English language and hope to master it some day, but I need help with the word “graduate.” I hear people say (and see them write) “I graduated high … Read more
When Do I Spell Out Numbers?
Q: Sometimes I see numbers spelled out (nine) and at other times I see them in numeric form (9). Which is correct?—Kevin T. A: Most writers—including me—took on this artistic profession for … Read more
How Long Until You Can Follow Up on an e-Query?
Q: I e-mailed a query to a magazine editor three weeks ago and haven’t heard from him. The writer’s guidelines state, “Don’t call us; we’ll call you if we want to use … Read more
