May/June2013 Issue
May/June Issue
Writer's Digest Magazine
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How to Publish a Book, Get Published
You’ve finished your novel, short story, or work of non-fiction – now you need to find someone who will publish it. Or perhaps you want to publish it yourself. Whatever your goals may be, you’ll find the information you need to get published right here. It’s to your advantage to get started today because getting published may be easier than you think. The first step is to tap into the vast writing resources available at Writer’s Digest, then collaborate with our advanced but easy to use information to help you find a literary agent. Get started today.
17th Annual Self-Published Book Awards Winners – Genre Fiction
Announcing the Genre Fiction winners of the 17th Annual Writer’s Digest International Self-Published Book Awards.
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17th Annual Self-Published Book Awards Winners – Children’s Books
Announcing the Children’s winners of the 17th Annual Writer’s Digest International Self-Published Book Awards.
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17th Annual Self-Published Book Awards Winners – Reference Books
Announcing the Reference Books winners of the 17th Annual Writer’s Digest International Self-Published Book Awards.
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How to Organize Your Story Ideas
The best ideas can start out running wild—but you’ll need to train them onto the page if you want to write that novel you have inside of you. Here’s how.
by N.M. Kelby
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5 Ideas for Unconventional Writing Success
In the March/April 2010 issue, entrepreneurial writer Chris Guillebeau shared his secrets for making your passion make money for you. The key is to find the convergence between your passion and what people want—and then deliver just that.
by Chris Guillebeau
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The Novel Afterlife
How do books wind up on the bargain table—and what does it mean when they do?
by Zachary Petit
Your Essential Synopsis Checklist
Here are the essential specs for a successful synopsis. Bookmark this page and always cross-reference before sending out any synopsis.
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10 Synopsis Dos and Don’ts
Here are 10 keys to creating a successful synopsis. Read more
Your Guide To An Effective Novel Synopsis
Writers often find that the synopsis is the most difficult component of their novel submission package. Here we break it down for you so you can spend less time stressing and more time writing.
by Chuck Sambuchino and the Editors of Writer’s Digest Books
10 Query Letter No-Nos
Here are 10 common query letter mistakes that could get your idea rejected.
by Ann Rittenberg
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Basics of a Solid 3-Paragraph Query
Here are the tools you need to write a query letter that sets you apart from the pack.
by Ann Rittenberg
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Finish Your Novel in 4 Simple Steps
You need stamina to transform that out-of-shape first draft into a story with staying power. Use these 4 revision strategies to make your novel go the distance.
By Lin Enger
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24 Agents Who Want Your Work
With more than 1,300 practicing literary agents across the country, where do you start? Fear not—Writer’s Digest has again assembled its annual short list of literary agents who’ve confirmed they’re open to reviewing queries from new and established authors alike.
by Chuck Sambuchino
Inside the Mind of Cory Doctorow
Can technology bridge the gap between science fiction and social activism? Broad-reaching author Cory Doctorow says it can—and that taking risks online can reap rewards in print.
by Christina Katz
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Publishing Contracts 101 (Protect Your Work)
Make sure your agreement protects you—and your book. Here are 6 key terms/areas you need to address before signing on the dotted line.
by Paul S. Levine
The Future Role of Agents
You know how things work today. But what can you expect from literary agents in years to come? Let us give you a glimpse into the future and explain how it will affect you, the writer.
by Jane Friedman
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What is the 90/10 Rule?
Because publishing is a business with limited time and resources, authors should be aware of the 90/10 rule.
by Jerry D. Simmons
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What Does “Sell-Through” Mean in Publishing?
Many authors think having a large print run for their book is important, when it fact it is not as important as sell-through. Here’s why.
by Jerry D. Simmons
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Publishing 101: What You Need to Know
Here’s your step-by-step guide to the publishing process–how it works, why you need to know and how you can play an influential role in your book’s success.
by Jerry D. Simmons
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The 7 Biggest Myths of Publishing (Know the Truth)
A veteran author tells you, writer to writer, what getting published is really like—and confronts the seven biggest myths.
by Elizabeth Sims
5 Quick Tips for Writer/Agent Negotiations
Just because you’re excited someone wants to represent you doesn’t mean you should let them take advantage of you. Beware of these red flags when negotiating contracts with agents.
by Howard G. Zaharoff
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Query Clinic: Example of a Great Query Letter
Looking to switch agents? Here’s one author who succeeded with a gracefully written letter. Plus: her new agent’s insights on what made it work.
by Lori Perkins
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How to Land Testimonials (Let People Brag About You)
If you want to have testimonials to use in promoting your writing and platform, you have to be proactive. Here’s how.
by Christina Katz
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E-Mail Newsletter Dos and Don’ts
Follow this newsletter etiquette from readers, writers and marketing folks to keep your audience tuning in instead of tuning out.
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An Insider’s Look at Self-Publishing
One day soon, the difference between getting a deal and going it alone may not be as drastic as you think.
by Joe Wikert
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