The Writer's Digest Writing Clinic: Expert Help for Improving Your Work

by Kelly Nickell (Editor)

Based on one of the most popular columns in Writer's Digest magazine, this book shows aspiring authors exactly how to analyze and improve their manuscripts. Readers will find practical, real-world advice * Strengthening dialogue * Creating believable settings * Resolving plot problems Plus critiques * Query letters * Novel proposals * Nonfiction book overviews Perfect for fiction, nonfiction and poetry writers, this step-by-step instruction is compiled from the country's top book doctors and writing instructors. What's more, at the heart of the book is a collection of real manuscripts from beginning writers. These works include editing marks from the experts along with detailed written critiques that address common writing problems and solutions. Readers will come away from The Writer's Digest Writing Clinic with improved work and a better chance of publication. It's a can't-miss step on the path from aspiring writer to published author.

Genres: Writing, Nonfiction, Reference

244 pages, Paperback

First published April 1, 2003

Reviews

[Clifford Wollum]

Cover letter, Synopsis, etc.

[Catherine]

This is the fifth time or more I have reread this book since it was published. It is one of those reference books I try to review at least once a year. Every time I do I relate to something new that I can use. I am focusing on nonfiction this time this month. November I will reread story telling.

[Deborah]

This book gives examples of various people's writing and how it could be improved to add more tension, have a better end or climax, how to maintain your POV, and so on. It covers fiction and non-fiction writing as well as how to write queries, synopses, and non-fiction proposals.

Again, most of this information wasn't new and I didn't read the non-fiction parts, but I still did learn some important things. You see, I've been reading books on how to write better because I've been trying to find the answer to a question I had about how to involve the reader emotionally in my novels. I found my answer in this book. I'd recommend this book if you're a writer, it's at your library, and especially if you don't have access to a critique group.

[Ally G]

I decided to shelve this book for the time being. It is geared toward revision and critiquing your work, and I'm still in the writing phase. I will check it out again when I have more solid work completed.

[Josh Hutton]

While this book covers everything from your opening hook to polishing up query letters, the coverage is shallow. I'd suggest this book as reference material to beginning writers, but it's not a fluid read.

[Heidi]

Very helpful.

[Anne Marshall]

I expected more from this book. Didn’t finish it.