Books

Excerpt from The Fire In Fiction

Thu, 19 Mar 2009 00:00:00 GMT

Techniques and exercises for creating characters who matter.

WGF: Revision & Self-Editing Author Q&A

Wed, 23 Apr 2008 00:00:00 GMT

Find out why Christy Award-winning novelist and Write Great Fiction: Plot & Structure author James Scott Bell thinks setting a personal writing quota is so important, and much more.

Write Great Fiction: Plot & Structure

Fri, 25 Jul 2008 00:00:00 GMT

Techniques and Exercises for Crafting a Plot that Grips Readers from Start to Finish

The Four Energies of Writing: What's Your Fuel?

Wed, 21 May 2008 00:00:00 GMT

How do you sustain your enthusiasm throughout a writing project—or even a writing career? It's all about finding and focusing your energy. Learn to identify which of these four energies motivates your writing life or project.

Getting the Words Right, Second Edition

Mon, 21 Jul 2008 00:00:00 GMT

39 Ways to Improve Your Writing

Addressing Artistic Despair

Tue, 08 Jul 2008 00:00:00 GMT

Read the Introduction to Pocket Muse: Endless Inspiration

Writer's Little Instruction Book: Inspiration & Motivation

Mon, 21 Jul 2008 00:00:00 GMT

Includes More Than 300 Story Starters and Prompts

Q&A: WDB Author Cap'n George Choundas

Fri, 27 Jun 2008 00:00:00 GMT

Cap'n George Choundas, author of The Pirate Primer: Mastering the Language of Swashbucklers and Rogues, talks about researching the pirate life and living the writing life.

Why All Authors Need a Platform

Tue, 08 Jul 2008 00:00:00 GMT

Before you are in a position to land a book deal, you need to construct a platform that will build your future book's readership, project your professionalism, and attract the interest of editors and agents.

How to Build an Internet Presence

Fri, 09 Oct 2009 00:00:00 GMT

Check out this excerpt from Publish Your Nonfiction Book by Sharlene Martin and Anthony Flacco

Author George Singleton wins Guggenheim

Thu, 30 Apr 2009 00:00:00 GMT

Pep Talks, Warnings, and Screeds author George Singleton wins Guggenheim.

Beginning Writer's Answer Book

Thu, 17 Jul 2008 00:00:00 GMT

1,000 Answer to the Most Commonly Asked Writing Questions

Writing & Selling the YA Novel

Wed, 12 Mar 2008 00:00:00 GMT

Learn how to write and sell fiction for the YA market

On Writing Romance

Thu, 26 Jun 2008 00:00:00 GMT

How to Craft a Romance Novel That Sells

Lyric Writing vs. Poetry

Tue, 10 Nov 2009 00:00:00 GMT

Writing Better Lyrics author Pat Pattison discusses the differences between songwriting and poetry.

Introduction to Mastering Online Research

Wed, 09 Jul 2008 00:00:00 GMT

Read the Introduction to Mastering Online Research.

Interview with WD Author BJ Hollars

Fri, 27 Mar 2009 00:00:00 GMT

Learn why WD author BJ Hollars thinks coming-of-age stories are so important in this exclusive interview.

Visit the New Writer's Digest Shop

Wed, 11 Mar 2009 00:00:00 GMT

WritersDigestShop.com features hundreds of books with discounts of 20% or more, free USPS shipping on orders over $25, and a membership program that allows you to save even more!

Download our most recent bulletin, or shop now!

Book in a Month Author Q&A

Thu, 03 Apr 2008 00:00:00 GMT

Book in a Month and Story Structure Architect author Victoria Lynn Schmidt shares her insights into the writing life in this exclusive online Q&A.

Getting Started Writing Children's Books

Mon, 17 Aug 2009 00:00:00 GMT

You Can Write Children's Book author Tracey Dils gives advice for getting started in this excerpt from her book.

Give 'Em What They Want

Fri, 18 Jul 2008 00:00:00 GMT

The Right Way to Pitch Your Novel to Editors and Agents

Make Money Writing Short

Mon, 02 Nov 2009 00:00:00 GMT

Ways to make money writing 1,500 words or less.

The Fire in Fiction

Thu, 19 Mar 2009 00:00:00 GMT

Passion, purpose and techniques to make your novel great.

WD Author James Alexander Thom Wins Award

Mon, 06 Jul 2009 00:00:00 GMT

Art & Craft of Writing Historical Fiction author James Alexander Thom has won the national author category for the Indiana Authors Award.

You Must Be This Tall to Ride

Thu, 26 Mar 2009 00:00:00 GMT

Contemporary writers take you inside the story.

Formatting & Submitting Your Manuscript

Wed, 24 Jun 2009 00:00:00 GMT

All the information you need to craft a winning submission.

The 3 A.M. Epiphany

Mon, 21 Jul 2008 00:00:00 GMT

Uncommon Writing Exercises That Transform Your Ficition

An Insider's Look at the Police: What a Detective Does

Wed, 21 May 2008 00:00:00 GMT

Many uniformed police officers who work their way up the chain of command strive to either become a uniformed supervisor or, the ultimate police job, a detective. Learn how that works.

Writer's Digest Weekly Planner

Wed, 10 Sep 2008 00:00:00 GMT

With new story ideas to remember, deadlines to meet, and submissions to track, writers have a lot to juggle. The Writer's Digest Weekly Planner will keep your entire writing life organized and portable, all year long.

102 Ways to Make Money Writing 1,500 Words or Less

Mon, 02 Nov 2009 00:00:00 GMT

Want to write for a living? This book offers keys to success.

The Writer's Book of Wisdom

Thu, 26 Jun 2008 00:00:00 GMT

The Perfect Source for Instruction & Inspiration

The Craft & Business of Writing

Wed, 12 Mar 2008 00:00:00 GMT

Essential tools for writing and publishing success, across all genres, from the editors of Writer's Digest Books.

Navigating the Rough Seas of the Publishing Industry With Sharlene Martin and Anthony Flacco

Wed, 14 Oct 2009 00:00:00 GMT

Publish Your Nonfiction Book authors Sharlene Martin and Anthony Flacco discuss changes in the publishing and their views on the industry in an exclusive interview.

Q&A with Book Author and Writing Critique Group Expert Becky Levine

Fri, 16 Oct 2009 00:00:00 GMT

Check out an exclusive Q&A with The Writing & Critique Group Survival Guide author Becky Levine.

Publish Your Nonfiction Book

Fri, 09 Oct 2009 00:00:00 GMT

Strategies for learning the industry, selling your book, and building a successful career.

Bulllies, Bastards & Bitches

Wed, 23 Apr 2008 00:00:00 GMT

With Jessica Page Morrell's Bullies, Bastards & Bitches, you'll be able to tap into your story’s dark side by creating realistic and memorable anti-heroes, villains, antagonists, and difficult protagonists.

Q&A with WD Author Mike Sacks

Mon, 08 Jun 2009 00:00:00 GMT

Exclusive online Q&A with And Here's the Kicker author Mike Sacks

Defining and Developing Your Anti-Hero

Wed, 23 Apr 2008 00:00:00 GMT

Anti-heros are the bastards of fiction—those bad guys readers love to hate and hate to love. Find out whats makes a memorable anti-hero tick in this excerpt from Bullies, Bastards & Bitches by Jessica Page Morrell.

Challenging the Limits of Memory

Mon, 14 Apr 2008 00:00:00 GMT

In this excerpt from Writing Life Stories, Bill Roorbach teaches you how to pay attention to and translate your memories and how to overcome your resistance to remembered places and events.

The Pocket Muse: Endless Inspiration

Wed, 12 Mar 2008 00:00:00 GMT

Innovative sequel to the best-selling writer's prompt book

Get Known Before the Book Deal

Tue, 08 Jul 2008 00:00:00 GMT

Use your personal strengths to grow an author platform.

The Daily Reader

Wed, 02 Sep 2009 00:00:00 GMT

366 selections of great prose and poetry to inspire a productive and meaningful writing life.

Excerpt from The Daily Reader

Wed, 02 Sep 2009 00:00:00 GMT

Check out this exerpt from The Daily Reader by Fred White.

The Writer's Book of Matches

Wed, 12 Mar 2008 00:00:00 GMT

1,001 Prompts to Ignite Your Fiction

Writer Mama

Tue, 18 Mar 2008 00:00:00 GMT

How to raise a writing career alongside your kids

The Daily Writer

Wed, 20 Aug 2008 00:00:00 GMT

366 Meditation to Cultivate a Productive and Meaningful Writing Life

Howdunit: Police Procedure & Investigation

Wed, 21 May 2008 00:00:00 GMT

Uncover exclusive insights into a cop's world—it's the next best thing to having a police detective personally assigned to your book!

Meet I.J. Schecter, author of 102 Ways to Make Money Writing 1,500 Words or Less

Mon, 02 Nov 2009 00:00:00 GMT

Award-winning freelancer and highly sought communications consultant I.J. Schecter shares his insights into the writing life in this exclusive Q&A.

Laura Whitcomb Q&A

Mon, 23 Feb 2009 00:00:00 GMT

Novelist Laura Whitcomb Shares Her Secrets to Success

Meet a WDB Editor This March!

Thu, 13 Mar 2008 00:00:00 GMT

Learn insider information about how to get published from Writer's Digest.

WDB Editorial Director Jane Friedman will be speaking about how writers can successfully navigate the book publishing industry on Saturday, March 22, at the Wordsmitten workshop at the University of Tampa. On-site registration is available.

Introduction from Writing the Christian Romance

Tue, 08 Jul 2008 00:00:00 GMT

Find out who reads Christian Romance and why authors choose to write it

From First Draft to Finish Novel

Thu, 03 Jul 2008 00:00:00 GMT

A Writer's Guide to Cohesive Story Building

Writing the Life Poetic

Mon, 23 Feb 2009 00:00:00 GMT

An Invitation to Read & Write Poetry

Novel Shortcuts

Mon, 23 Feb 2009 00:00:00 GMT

Ten Techniques That Ensure a Great First Draft

Tips for Revising Your Manuscript

Wed, 23 Apr 2008 00:00:00 GMT

Revising is often perceived as frustrating and overwhelming, but Write Great Fiction: Revision & Self-Editing by James Scott Bell gives you the guidance you need to revise like a pro.

In this excerpt from chapter fifteen, discover why it's so important to do a careful first read-through of your manuscript before you start the revising and editing.

Writing the Christian Romance

Wed, 12 Mar 2008 00:00:00 GMT

Create a story reflective of Christian values without being preachy

The Little Red Writing Book

Wed, 25 Jun 2008 00:00:00 GMT

20 Powerful Principles of Structure, Style & Readability.

Writing Better Lyrics

Mon, 26 Oct 2009 00:00:00 GMT

The essential guide to powerful songwriting

Finding Strong Ideas for Teen Fiction

Wed, 26 Mar 2008 00:00:00 GMT

How can you find and write convincingly about ideas that teenagers will enjoy? Find out from award-winning YA novelist K.L. Going how to succeed at writing for this burgeoning genre.

Book in a Month

Thu, 03 Apr 2008 00:00:00 GMT

What can you accomplish in 30 days? If you were determined to make the time, if you could put away all of your excuses just for a month, could you write a book? With a structured plan and a focused goal, yes, you can!

Dialogue As Conversation

Wed, 02 Jul 2008 00:00:00 GMT

In this excerpt from Fiction Writer's Workshop, Second Edition, Josip Novakovich offers a lesson and exercises that teach you how to create distinct, conversational dialogue.

The Writer-Editor Relationship

Thu, 03 Apr 2008 00:00:00 GMT

How can you light fires under editors? In this excerpt from The Craft & Business of Writing, learn why it's a businesslike, professional, and distanced attitude that will first give you perspective on the problems you're encountering, and then will allow you to handle problems without placing a self-destructive fire under yourself.

Open Your Action Scene With Gusto

Mon, 17 Mar 2008 00:00:00 GMT

Learn how to build effective action scenes into your fiction

Sun Signs for Writers

Thu, 17 Jul 2008 00:00:00 GMT

The first book to harness the power of the Zodiac to improve writing

Writer's Digest Writing Kit

Thu, 26 Jun 2008 00:00:00 GMT

Everything you need to get creative, start writing, and get published!

Generate Ideas Through "Object Writing"

Mon, 26 Oct 2009 00:00:00 GMT

Lyricist and poet Pat Pattison discusses how "Object Writing" can help you generate ideas.

Studying the Romance Novel

Wed, 09 Jul 2008 00:00:00 GMT

Begin studying the Romance Novel in with this excerpt from On Writing Romance.

3 Types of Prompts from The Writer's Book of Matches

Tue, 08 Jul 2008 00:00:00 GMT

Situation, dialogue, and assignment prompts from The Writer's Book of Matches.

The Screenwriting Formula

Tue, 29 Apr 2008 00:00:00 GMT

It’s a common misconception that formula films are bad. Bad films aren’t formulaic—and that’s the problem. In this guide, beginning scriptwriters will learn how to structure their screenplay by using seven critical elements (The Formula) so that every other element falls into place perfectly, creating a salable, high-concept movie.

Alone With All That Could Happen

Thu, 03 Jul 2008 00:00:00 GMT

Rethinking Conventional Wisdom About the Craft of Fiction Writing

WGF: Revision & Self-Editing

Thu, 03 Apr 2008 00:00:00 GMT

From the Write Great Fiction series, Revision & Self-Editing offers techniques for transforming your first draft into a finished novel.

The Power of Point of View

Wed, 12 Mar 2008 00:00:00 GMT

Point of view isn’t just an element of storytelling—it is the foundation for a captivating story.

A Conversation With The Office Co-Creator Stephen Merchant

Wed, 13 May 2009 00:00:00 GMT

Exclusive excerpt from And Here's the Kicker by Mike Sacks.

The Writing & Critique Group Survival Guide

Fri, 16 Oct 2009 00:00:00 GMT

How to give and receive feedback, self-edit, and make revisions.

The Constant Art of Being a Writer

Thu, 09 Jul 2009 00:00:00 GMT

The Life, Art and Business of Fiction

TOW Books: An Exciting New Sales Strategy!

Fri, 08 Aug 2008 00:00:00 GMT

Help us save TOW Books, devoted to funny books for people with good senses of humor.

You Can Write a Novel Kit

Wed, 12 Mar 2008 00:00:00 GMT

The Perfect Way to Start Your Novel

Travel Writing, 2nd Edition

Mon, 21 Jul 2008 00:00:00 GMT

See the World. Sell the Story.

The Art of War for Writers

Thu, 03 Sep 2009 00:00:00 GMT

Fiction writing strategies, tactics and exercises

Q&A with Sage Cohen

Tue, 24 Feb 2009 00:00:00 GMT

An invitation to read and write poetry.

Write Great Fiction: Characters, Emotion & Viewpoint

Tue, 22 Jul 2008 00:00:00 GMT

Techniques and Exercises for Crafting Dynamic Characters and Effective Viewpoints

Choosing a Writing Critique Group

Fri, 16 Oct 2009 00:00:00 GMT

Learn how to choose a writing group that's right for you with this excerpt from Becky Levine's The Writing and Critique Group Survival Guide.

How Writer's Digest Began from Legends of Literature

Wed, 09 Jul 2008 00:00:00 GMT

Read the Introduction "How Writer's Digest Began" from Legends of Literature.

What Would Your Character Do?

Mon, 07 Jul 2008 00:00:00 GMT

Quizzes and tips to find out how your character would act in a variety of situations.

Robert's Rules of Writing

Mon, 21 Jul 2008 00:00:00 GMT

101 Unconventional Lessons Every Writer Needs to Know

Writing Life Stories

Fri, 11 Apr 2008 00:00:00 GMT

In Writing Life Stories, award-winning author and teacher Bill Roorbach offers innovative techniques that will trigger ideas for all writers of memoir, personal essay, and other types of creative nonfiction. This completely revised and updated second edition—which includes dozens of new lessons and exercises—will teach you to see your life more clearly and show you why real stories are often the most compelling ones.

Write Great Fiction: Description & Setting

Tue, 22 Jul 2008 00:00:00 GMT

Techniques and Exercises for Crafting a Believable World of People, Places and Events

Excerpt from Novel Shortcuts

Mon, 23 Feb 2009 00:00:00 GMT

Techniques for Identifying and Developing Crosshairs Moments

Excerpt from Writing the Life Poetic

Mon, 23 Feb 2009 00:00:00 GMT

An invitation to read and write poetry.

On Writing Horror

Wed, 16 Jul 2008 00:00:00 GMT

A Handbook by The Horror Writers of America

Q&A with Tracey Dils

Mon, 17 Aug 2009 00:00:00 GMT

Read an exclusive Q&A with You Can Write Children's Books author Tracey Dils!

The Secret to Getting Published

Fri, 13 Jun 2008 00:00:00 GMT

There is, of course, no secret way to get published. No hidden key, no insider information, no shortcut. There is no way to skip over these mandatory steps: First learn to write, then go out and sell it. However, there are a few secrets to avoid short-circuiting your efforts. Learn what they are in this excerpt from How I Got Published.

You Can Write Children's Books

Mon, 17 Aug 2009 00:00:00 GMT

Provides you with the instruction and exercises you need to shape your ideas, develop your writing, and sell your work!

And Here's The Kicker

Wed, 13 May 2009 00:00:00 GMT

Conversations With 21 Top Humor Writers on Their Craft

Pep Talks, Warnings & Screeds

Fri, 19 Sep 2008 00:00:00 GMT

Indispensable Wisdom and Cautionary Advice for Writers

Shorten or Remove Whole Chapters, Sections, and Paragraphs

Wed, 24 Sep 2008 00:00:00 GMT

Read an excerpt from chapter 1, "Shorten or Remove Whole Chapters, Sections, and Paragraphs," from Getting the Words Right.

Take Joy

Thu, 17 Jul 2008 00:00:00 GMT

A Writer's Guide to Loving the Craft

Principles of Building a Story

Thu, 03 Jul 2008 00:00:00 GMT

Read "Principles of Building of a Story" from From First Draft to Finished Novel.

Come See Us at Mad Anthony

Thu, 20 Mar 2008 00:00:00 GMT

Learn about the publishing industry from Writer's Digest experts!

Mad Anthony Writers Conference on April 25–26, 2008, in Hamilton, Ohio
Offers a focused track for business writers
Includes book festival and author signings free to the public

By Cunning & Craft

Thu, 26 Jun 2008 00:00:00 GMT

Sound Advice and Practical Wisdom for Fiction Writers

City Sounds and Making Connections

Wed, 20 Aug 2008 00:00:00 GMT

Read from the Introduction and two days worth of The Daily Writer.

The Pirate Primer

Wed, 25 Jun 2008 00:00:00 GMT

Mastering the Language of Swashbucklers and Rogues

Write Like the Masters

Tue, 25 Aug 2009 00:00:00 GMT

Improve your writing by learning techniques from history's greatest writers.

Write Like Ernest Hemingway

Tue, 25 Aug 2009 00:00:00 GMT

Learn to pick up the pace and keep your sentences lean like Hemingway in this excerpt from Write Like the Masters by William Cane.

Q&A: WDB Author Christina Katz

Thu, 13 Mar 2008 00:00:00 GMT

Q&A with Christina Katz, author of Writer Mama.

Page After Page

Mon, 07 Jul 2008 00:00:00 GMT

Discover the confidence and passion you need to start writing and keep writing (no matter what!)

Q&A with William Cane

Thu, 27 Aug 2009 00:00:00 GMT

Check out this Q&A with Write Like the Masters author William Cane.

Test Your Story Ideas

Thu, 09 Jul 2009 00:00:00 GMT

Read an excerpt from N.M. Kelby's The Constant Art of Being a Writer

Writer's Digest Handbook of Magazine Article Writing

Fri, 25 Jul 2008 00:00:00 GMT

The writer's treasure map to the lucrative field of magazine writing

Fiction Writer's Workshop

Wed, 02 Jul 2008 00:00:00 GMT

The key elements of a writing workshop: clear instruction, illustrated by contemporary and classic works, innovative exercises and methods to gauge your progress

Writer's Little Instruction Book: Getting Published

Mon, 21 Jul 2008 00:00:00 GMT

Including More Than 300 Secrets and Strategies

What Your POV Choice Communicates About Your Story

Wed, 26 Mar 2008 00:00:00 GMT

In this excerpt from The Power of Point of View, determine which point of view best suits the story you want to tell, and learn how to use POV to enhance and tie together your story's components.

Police Procedure Nominated for Macavity

Tue, 24 Jun 2008 00:00:00 GMT

Our recent Howdunit series title, Police Procedure & Investigation by Lee Lofland, has been nominated for a Macavity Award. This 368-page guide is an in-depth look at how the police work.

4 Tips for Making Time to Write

Thu, 03 Apr 2008 00:00:00 GMT

Discover the connect between time management and self management!

Write Is a Verb

Wed, 21 May 2008 00:00:00 GMT

When it's time to write, don't get in touch with your feelings. Your feelings will usually be telling you that you can't write, or that you are too afraid, or it's not the right time. Ignore them and get on with it.

Snoopy's Guide to the Writing Life

Fri, 25 Jul 2008 00:00:00 GMT

30 famous writers and entertainers respond to their favorite Snoopy "at the typewriter" strip

The Writer's Digest Grammar Desk Reference

Mon, 21 Jul 2008 00:00:00 GMT

The Definitive Source for Clear and Correct Writing

Q&A: WDB Author Bill Roorbach

Fri, 11 Apr 2008 00:00:00 GMT

Bill Roorbach, author of Writing Life Stories, has publications in both creative nonfiction (memoir, essays, nature writing) and fiction (novel, short stories). He's also the William H.P. Jenks Chair in Contemporary American Letters at the College of the Holy Cross in Worcester, Massachusetts. The advice he emphasizes is this: Write every day.

Unfortunate English

Wed, 16 Jul 2008 00:00:00 GMT

The Gloomy Truth Behind the Words You Use

Capturing Ideas Before They Get Away

Wed, 09 Jul 2008 00:00:00 GMT

Read Chapter 1 from 101 Songwriting Wrongs and How to Right Them: The Ones That Got Away.

Q & A with Fred White

Wed, 20 Aug 2008 00:00:00 GMT

Q & A with Fred White, author of The Daily Writer

Breathing Life Into Your Characters

Wed, 01 Apr 2009 00:00:00 GMT

How to give your characters emotional and psychological depth.

Legends of Literature

Wed, 25 Jun 2008 00:00:00 GMT

The best articles, interviews, and essays from the archives of Writer's Digest magazine.

Take Ten for Writers

Wed, 13 May 2009 00:00:00 GMT

Generate ideas and stimulate your writing in only 10 minutes a day!

4 A.M. Breakthrough

Tue, 27 Jan 2009 00:00:00 GMT

Uncoventional writing exercises that transform your fiction.

Your First Novel

Mon, 07 Jul 2008 00:00:00 GMT

A Published Author and a Top Agent Share the Keys to Achieving Your Dream

Bullies, Bastards & Bitches Author Q & A

Mon, 30 Jun 2008 00:00:00 GMT

Q & A with Jessica Morrell, author if Bullies, Bastards & Bitches: How to Write the Bad Guys of Fiction.

The Action Verb and Beautiful Accidents

Tue, 01 Jul 2008 00:00:00 GMT

In this excerpt from The Rhythm Method, Razzmatazz, and Memory, poet and editor Keith Flynn teaches you how to choose the perfect, unexpected word to strengthen the momentum and impact of your poem.

Creating Poetry

Thu, 17 Jul 2008 00:00:00 GMT

The must-have resource for anyone who wants to write or teach poetry

The Novel Writer's Toolkit

Fri, 25 Jul 2008 00:00:00 GMT

A guide to writing great fiction and getting it published

The Pocket Muse

Wed, 12 Mar 2008 00:00:00 GMT

The very first visual writing-prompt book!

The Glimmer Train Guide to Writing Fiction, Volume 2: Inspiration and Discipline

Wed, 25 Jun 2008 00:00:00 GMT

Inspiration and Discipline: the more private aspects of writing lives.

Creativity Guru Bonnie Neubauer Helps You Never Face a Blank Page Again!

Wed, 13 May 2009 00:00:00 GMT

Exclusive interview with the author of Take Ten for Writers and The Write Brain Workbook.

The Art and Craft of Storytelling

Mon, 29 Dec 2008 00:00:00 GMT

A comprehensive guide to classic writing techniques.

Pocket Patriot

Mon, 21 Jul 2008 00:00:00 GMT

Quotes from American Heroes

The Writer's Digest Character Naming Sourcebook

Mon, 21 Jul 2008 00:00:00 GMT

Take the uncertainty out of naming your characters!

The New Songwriter's Guide to Music Publishing

Fri, 18 Jul 2008 00:00:00 GMT

Everything You Need to Know to Make the Best Publishing Deals for Your Songs

How to Land a Literary Agent

Mon, 05 Jan 2009 00:00:00 GMT

Trying to break into the publishing industry isn't easy. Learn how to land a literary agent and start your career with invaluable advice from Guide to Literary Agents editor Chuck Sambuchino.

Building a Frame for Your Story House

Tue, 14 Apr 2009 00:00:00 GMT

Learn how to create solid foundation for your story in this excerpt from Writing Picture Books by Ann Whitford Paul.

Mastering Online Research

Wed, 25 Jun 2008 00:00:00 GMT

A Comprehensive Guide to Effective and Efficient Search Strategies

Creating Stand-Out Characters Using a Specific Distinctive Trait

Fri, 28 Mar 2008 00:00:00 GMT

Author Lisa Lenard-Cook (The Mind of Your Story) offers tips for crafting stand-out characters, using a specific and distinctive trait.

A Picture is Worth 1,000 Words

Wed, 25 Jun 2008 00:00:00 GMT

Image-driven story prompts and exercises for writers.

Writer's Little Instruction Book: Craft & Technique

Mon, 21 Jul 2008 00:00:00 GMT

Includes More Than 300 Aphorisms and Insights

Beginning Writer's Answer Book

Thu, 27 Mar 2008 00:00:00 GMT

More than 1,000 questions and answers on all aspects of writing and publishing

The Poetry Dictionary, Second Edition

Mon, 21 Jul 2008 00:00:00 GMT

A reference that delivers essential poetry terms all writers, students and teachers must know

Words Overflown by Stars

Mon, 19 Jan 2009 00:00:00 GMT

Creative writing instruction and insight from current and former faculty members of the Vermont College MFA program.

Between the Lines

Thu, 03 Jul 2008 00:00:00 GMT

Master the Subtle Elements of Fiction Writing.

The Right Attitude for Writing Your Life Story

Wed, 09 Jul 2008 00:00:00 GMT

Check out an excerpt from Chapter 1 of You Don't Have to Be Famous.

WDB Author Q&A: George Singleton

Fri, 19 Sep 2008 00:00:00 GMT

George Singleton, author of Pep Talks, Warnings & Screeds, explains what's so great about the dung beetle and also offers advice on the writing life.

The Glimmer Train Guide to Writing Fiction, Volume 1: Building Blocks

Wed, 25 Jun 2008 00:00:00 GMT

Building Blocks: the joys, frustrations, struggles, and achievements of the literary life.

How to Write & Sell Your First Novel

Mon, 21 Jul 2008 00:00:00 GMT

Solid writing instruction, expert marketing advice, and actual case histories

Writing Picture Books

Tue, 14 Apr 2009 00:00:00 GMT

A hands-on guide for authoring picture books from story creation to publication.

Chicken a la King & the Buffalo Wing

Fri, 19 Sep 2008 00:00:00 GMT

Food Names and the People and Places That Inspired Them

The Dictionary of Disagreeable English, Deluxe Edition

Thu, 17 Jul 2008 00:00:00 GMT

A Curmudgeon's Compendium of Excruciatingly Correct Grammar

Time of Death: A Critical Part of the Timeline

Thu, 03 Apr 2008 00:00:00 GMT

Just about every murder mystery you read or watch on television has a question about the time of death. Why do the police spend so much time making this determination? Why is the time of death argued about in court? In this excerpt from Howdunit: Forensics, learn how it can literally make or break the case.

The Curious Case of the Misplaced Modifier

Thu, 10 Jul 2008 00:00:00 GMT

How to Solve the Mysteries of Weak Writing

Q&A: WDB Author Lisa Lenard-Cook

Wed, 30 Apr 2008 00:00:00 GMT

Lisa Lenard-Cook, author of Mind of Your Story, says that memorable fiction doesn’t arrive by magic, but if you work at writing—and rewriting—you can learn to make what’s on the page match the picture in your head.

Some Writers Deserve to Starve!

Mon, 21 Jul 2008 00:00:00 GMT

31 Brutal Truths About the Publishing Industry

Dynamic Characters

Fri, 25 Jul 2008 00:00:00 GMT

How to create personalities that keep readers captivated

The Mind of Your Story

Fri, 28 Mar 2008 00:00:00 GMT

Discover What Drives Your Fiction

Make a Scene

Wed, 12 Mar 2008 00:00:00 GMT

Craft a powerful story one scene at a time

Attend the 2008 BEA/WDB Writers Conference

Tue, 29 Apr 2008 00:00:00 GMT

Register for Writer's Digest Book's daylong writing conference, presented in partnership with BookExpo America (the largest trade show in book publishing!), on May 28 in Los Angeles.

Writer Great Fiction: Dialogue

Fri, 25 Jul 2008 00:00:00 GMT

Techniques and Exercises for Crafting Effective Dialogue

You Don't Have to Be Famous

Mon, 23 Jun 2008 00:00:00 GMT

You don't have to have an exotic or adventurous life to have a life worth recording. You story is meaningful because it is uniquely you.

Howdunit: Forensics

Thu, 03 Apr 2008 00:00:00 GMT

An insider's guide to forensics that reveals common misconceptions about forensic investigations—usually due to incorrect portrayals in movies and TV dramas. Learn how the science really works!

Story Structure Architect

Mon, 21 Jul 2008 00:00:00 GMT

A Writer's Guide to Building Dramatic Situations & Compelling Characters

The Wealthy Writer

Fri, 25 Jul 2008 00:00:00 GMT

How to Earn a Six-Figure Income as a Freelance Writer (NO KIDDING!)

Noble's Book of Writing Blunders (And How to Avoid Them)

Wed, 25 Jun 2008 00:00:00 GMT

Sidestep these common pitfalls and improve your writing today.

101 Songwriting Wrongs and How to Right Them

Wed, 25 Jun 2008 00:00:00 GMT

How to Avoid Common Mistake Succeed in Crafting and Selling Your Songs

How I Got Published

Fri, 13 Jun 2008 00:00:00 GMT

Famous authors tell you, in their own words, how their first book came to be published. Features first-hand accounts from authors such as Dave Barry, Clive Cussler, JA Konrath, MJ Rose, and many more.

Writing and Selling Your Mystery Novel

Fri, 18 Jul 2008 00:00:00 GMT

How to Knock 'Em Dead With Style

The Art & Craft of Poetry

Mon, 21 Jul 2008 00:00:00 GMT

Build poetry skills with the help of past and contemporary masters

Roget's Superthesaurus

Fri, 25 Jul 2008 00:00:00 GMT

A must-have resource in a convenient size

Book of Poisons: A Guide For Writers

Wed, 25 Jun 2008 00:00:00 GMT

Discover deadly doses to kill off characters.

Children's Writer's Word Book

Thu, 17 Jul 2008 00:00:00 GMT

Essential information for children's writers

Video Interview With a WD Author

Tue, 01 Apr 2008 00:00:00 GMT

In this Authorlink video interview, Lisa Lenard Cook (author of The Mind of Your Story) reveals how to recognize and use "fictional seeds" to create a story that that grabs the reader and doesn't let go.

The Writer's Guide to Character Traits

Thu, 17 Jul 2008 00:00:00 GMT

A classic reference for creating realistic and distinct characters

I'm an English Major�Now What?

Fri, 18 Jul 2008 00:00:00 GMT

How English Majors Can Find Happiness, Success, and a Real Job

How to Write the Story of Your Life

Mon, 21 Jul 2008 00:00:00 GMT

All the instruction you need to write the story of your life

Rules of Thumb

Thu, 17 Jul 2008 00:00:00 GMT

71 Authors Reveal Their Fiction Writing Fixations

Bulletproof Book Proposals

Thu, 17 Jul 2008 00:00:00 GMT

Publishing industry secrets for beating the 98% rejection rate

A Writer's Paris

Mon, 21 Jul 2008 00:00:00 GMT

A Guided Journey for the Creative Soul

The Craft and Business of Songwriting

Thu, 17 Jul 2008 00:00:00 GMT

Learn how to write great songs—and sell them!

The Write-Brain Workbook

Wed, 12 Mar 2008 00:00:00 GMT

366 visual exercises to liberate your writing

Two WD Books Featured on NPR

Thu, 16 Apr 2009 00:00:00 GMT

On April 15 two Writer's Digest Books were featured on NPR's All Things Considered.

Comedy Writing Secrets, 2nd Edition

Fri, 18 Jul 2008 00:00:00 GMT

How to Think Funny, Write Funny, Act Funny and Get Paid for It

The Gilded Tongue

Thu, 17 Jul 2008 00:00:00 GMT

Overly Eloquent Words for Everyday Things

Grammatically Correct

Fri, 25 Jul 2008 00:00:00 GMT

An Essential Guide to Punctuation, Style, Usage & More

Writing Metrical Poetry

Thu, 17 Jul 2008 00:00:00 GMT

Contemporary Lessons for Mastering Traditional Forms

Keys to Great Writing

Thu, 26 Jun 2008 00:00:00 GMT

Empower Your Writing!

The Daily Writer

Mon, 07 Jul 2008 00:00:00 GMT

366 Meditations to Cultivate a Productive and Meaningful Writing Life

The Rhythm Method, Razzmatazz, and Memory

Wed, 25 Jun 2008 00:00:00 GMT

How to Make Your Poetry Swing

Fondling Your Muse

Fri, 18 Jul 2008 00:00:00 GMT

Infallible Advice from a Published Author to the Writerly Aspirant

The Portable MFA in Creative Writing

Fri, 18 Jul 2008 00:00:00 GMT

The Core Essentials Taught to MFA Students That Will Improve Your Craft

The Lost Saranac Interviews

Wed, 12 Mar 2008 00:00:00 GMT

Uncover a forgotten piece of literary history

The Writer's Digest Writing Clinic

Fri, 25 Jul 2008 00:00:00 GMT

Expert Help for Improving Your Work

Song

Thu, 17 Jul 2008 00:00:00 GMT

The World's Best Songwriters on Creating Music that Moves Us

Writing for the Soul

Wed, 16 Jul 2008 00:00:00 GMT

Instruction and Advice from an Extraordinary Writing Life

45 Master Characters

Thu, 10 Jul 2008 00:00:00 GMT

Mythic Models for Creating Original Characters

First Draft in 30 Days

Mon, 21 Jul 2008 00:00:00 GMT

A Novel Writer's System for Building a Complete and Cohesive Manuscript

The Writer's Little Helper

Thu, 17 Jul 2008 00:00:00 GMT

Everything You Need to Know to Write Better and Get Published

Q&A: WDB Author Alicia Rasley

Fri, 11 Apr 2008 00:00:00 GMT

Alicia Rasley, author of The Power of Point of View, is a writing instructor, editor, and RITA Award-winning author. Her advice: Expect as much from your writing as you can. If you "get it right" in your first draft, your standards are too low.

The Bibliophile's Dictionary

Fri, 18 Jul 2008 00:00:00 GMT

2,000 Masterful Words and Phrases

The Marshall Plan for Getting Your Novel Published

Fri, 25 Jul 2008 00:00:00 GMT

90 Strategies and Techniques for Selling Your Fiction

How to Write Science Fiction & Fantasy

Mon, 21 Jul 2008 00:00:00 GMT

Expert advice on the art and craft of writing science fiction and fantasy

It's a Bitter Little World

Fri, 18 Jul 2008 00:00:00 GMT

The Smartest, Toughest, Nastiest Quotes from Film Noir

See what's being said about Writer's Digest Books

Fri, 14 Mar 2008 00:00:00 GMT

News releases, author information, reviews and more!