The Insecure Writer's Support Group Guide to Publishing and Beyond

by Alex J. Cavanaugh, Susan Gourley, Joylene Nowell Butler

Tapping into the expertise of over a hundred talented authors from around the globe, The IWSG Guide to Publishing and Beyond contains something for every writer. Whether you are starting out and need tips on the craft of writing, looking for encouragement as an already established author, taking the plunge into self-publishing, or seeking innovative ways to market and promote your work, this guide is a useful tool. Compiled into three key areas of writing, publishing, and marketing, this valuable resource offers inspirational articles, helpful anecdotes, and excellent advice on dos and don'ts that we all wish we knew when we first started out on this writing journey.

Genres: Writing, Nonfiction

235 pages, Kindle Edition

First published November 28, 2014

About the author

I'm a science fiction writer on a journey of discovery...
I work in web design, graphics and technical editing. I'm also the guitarist in a Christian rock band. A fan of all things science fiction, my interests range from books and movies to music and games. Online I'm the Ninja Captain and founder of the Insecure Writer’s Support Group. I'm the author of the Amazon bestsellers, CassaStar, CassaFire, CassaStorm, CassaDark, and Dragon of the Stars.

Reviews

[Chrys Fey]

“The Insecure Writer’s Support Group Guide to Publishing and Beyond” is THE guidebook for writers looking for advice. This book is divided into three categories: writing, publishing and marketing...three things that all writers concern themselves with. Countless articles from experienced writers make up this collection, covering nearly every possible topic from flash fiction writing, character development, self-publishing, querying, social media marketing, self-promoting and much more! This is a marvelous tool for all writers, whether you’re an aspiring writer or a seasoned author. And it makes a great gift, too!

I am proud to be a contributor among so many fabulous writers, but you can believe me when I say this review is honest, as I learned a lot from reading the articles within this eBook. And you will, too!

[Medeia Sharif · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is an invaluable writing resource separated into three sections: writing, publishing, and marketing. If you’re a writer or would like to be one, this is a go-to book, and surely one to read again. Days after finishing it, I reread certain parts relevant to the current stage of my writing journey. This has something for everyone.

[Michelle · Rating 5 out of 5]

An excellent compilation for all writers, no matter what stage of the journey you're at. There is something for everyone, whether you write novels, poetry, memoirs, flash fiction or non-fiction; from the newbie to the veteran.
It contains advice from over a hundred authors, which makes it an interesting collection of 'writerly' voices, styles and perspectives.
This amazing resource is the perfect desk top companion or nightstand accessory.

[Elizabeth Seckman · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is an excellent resource and a great introduction to one of the best, free writer's groups on the web. When I first started out in writing, I didn't have a clue. All I had was a desire to write and get published. I stumbled onto the IWSG by chance and it rescued not only my writing dreams, but my sanity. It's a large group of writers banded together to offer support, guidance, hope, and networking and this is their offer of help.

[Tammy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Interesting read

This book was interesting. It gave a great look in how much work it takes to write a book. I would recommend this book to anyone who is interested in writing and publishing a book.

[Jessica Gallant · Rating 5 out of 5]

If you do any form of writing (particularly novels) you must read this book. It is sectioned per topic and has so many tips I will be implementing. I'll be rereading this one!

[Chelo Biggerstaff · Rating 4 out of 5]

Gold Hidden in the Dross

This book was very useful in places, not as useful in others. That's to be expected in a guide like this (which is really a series of essays), and if that were the only issue, I'd drop five stars and be done with it.

However, two of the essays were worse than useless: they had useful information I had to translate before I could make sense of it. One was written entirely in rhyme. The other was written in puns, homophones, and other confusing constructs. Because of this, I can only give four stars.

This book covers details on the writing process, editing, publishing, and marketing. Some of the articles are very good; I bookmarked almost ten. Some are bad. Some are repetitious. I don't see anyone using all the articles, but many will be useful to the self-publishing and traditional publishing alike.

Writing: 4 stars
Editing: 4 stars
Proofreading: 5 stars
Design: 3 stars (I despise table of contents in the back)

[Heather Gardner · Rating 5 out of 5]

Incredible resource from an awesome group!
I'm proud to be a member of the Insecure Writer's Support Group.
The group and it's founder, Alex J. Cavanaugh, are wonderfully supportive to the writing/blogging community.
To celebrate the group anniversary, they published a book to help writer's even more!
This book is for anyone who needs help with or has questions about writing, publishing and marketing.
Download it today!
You won't be disappointed.
Thank you to all the IWSG Admins and Alex for their hard work!

[Sherry Ellis · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Insecure Writer's Support Group Guide to Publishing and Beyond is a compilation of advice from over a hundred authors. There's information about writing, formatting, publishing, and marketing. Even those who are seasoned writers will glean new information and inspiration from this book.

Each chapter is written by a different author, so styles vary. Some are very informative, some are inspiring, and others are just plain funny (especially the last entry). The good thing, is there's something for everyone. Writers in any stage of their career will certainly appreciate this book.

[Juneta Key · Rating 5 out of 5]

So many authors with great writing advice, tips and insights. Lots info about publishing, staying motivated as a writer, brainstorming, beat sheets, marketing, character development, critique partners, word sprinting, voice, self-editing, backstory, and the author mindset by many authors. There is a little something about everything writing. I know I learned a lot reading it and found some motivation and its available free.

**Disclosure: This is an author review. I have an article in this anthology too.

[Rei A · Rating 5 out of 5]

I'm not one of those writers who finds a lot of craft books helpful. (Full disclosure: I'm in this anthology). But this guide has a range of advice and experience from a variety of writers and I think that is this book's strength. If a writer doesn't feel he or she meshes with one essay, perhaps the writer can glean something from the next one.

[Deborah · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great tips for any aspiring author.

There's still a lot I need to know as someone looking to publish, so I'm glad there were so many perspectives on each part of the writing journey. I will be looking back at this constantly. Thanks, my co-writers!

[Coquille Fleur · Rating 5 out of 5]

A wonderful collection of writing and publishing advice. Highly recommended for anyone who wants to write a novel and publish it.

[Nicholas · Rating 3 out of 5]

Some useful essays on the various aspects of being a writer

[L.S. · Rating 4 out of 5]

So good, I joined the group!

[Melissa Hazelwood · Rating 4 out of 5]

A helpful read for every writer!

[S.B. (Beauty in Ruins) · Rating 5 out of 5]

Awesome collection of tips, advice, and encouragement - proud to be a part of it. You can find my contribution under Part Three: Marketing.