May/June 2012 Issue
May/June Issue
Writer's Digest Magazine
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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.
Completed Multiple Manuscripts
Finishing your work isn’t the problem. You can write all day long when a story moves you. What you need is help taking the next step – getting your work published and into the hands of readers. You’ll learn how to do that and more here.
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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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
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 Build a Marketing Platform
Here are 10 simple steps that will take your visibility from zero to standout in a short time, while also giving you ample opportunities to flex your expertise, carve out your niche topic and connect with your audience.
by Christina Katz
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