Feature and Magazine Writing: Action, Angle and Anecdotes

by David E. Sumner

Consider the unique features of Feature and Magazine Writing: Action, Angle and Anecdotes. Its authors have taught magazine writing at universities for a combined 30 years and have earned success and acclaim for magazine writing and editing. Its comprehensive chapters cover the most complete range of topics ever included in a magazine and feature writing text. Its affordability makes it immediately applicable to the hundreds of journalism programs teaching “magazine writing,” “feature writing” or similar courses. Authors Sumner and Miller have written a text that genuinely models its message through lively writing, touches of humor and a conversational tone. Coverage includes content too often missing or deficient in existing texts: finding original ideas; developing strong angles; writing for targeted, niche audiences; practical how-to instruction on the many different types of magazine articles; fresh perspective and advice from professional writers and editors; examples, exercises and sample, illustrative articles; glossaries of publishing terms in each chapter; how to find the best Web sites and databases for background research; and how to locate expert sources who are accessible for telephone interviews. Tightly edited, colorfully written, concise, and moderately priced, Feature and Magazine Writing is the textbook of choice for your future feature writers.

Genres: Writing, Journalism

312 pages, Paperback

First published April 29, 2005

Reviews

[Arianna Scott · Rating 5 out of 5]

An essential guide for aspiring journalists and storytellers.

Feature and Magazine Writing is a must read for anyone looking to break into magazine journalism or long-form storytelling. Sumner and Miller do a brilliant job of blending practical instruction with real-world examples, making the material not only educational but genuinely engaging.

The book covers everything from finding your voice and pitching ideas to interviewing, structuring feature stories, and understanding the editorial process. What makes it stand out is how it respects the craft of writing while offering step-by-step strategies that are easy to follow and apply.

Whether you're a student, a freelance writer, or a curious beginner, this book is both a reference and a source of inspiration. Clear, current, and deeply informative.

[Kyle Wendy Skultety (gimmethatbook.com) · Rating 5 out of 5]

Review of “Feature & Magazine Writing”, 3rd edition, by David E Sumner and Holly G Miller


I would like to extend my thanks to Wiley-Blackwell Publishing for this complimentary review copy.

The 3rd edition of this extremely helpful book has been updated to include feature writing in a digital world. With the proliferation of blogs, vlogs, digital versions of magazines, and other online media, the rules of writing have changed. Two new chapters have been added: “Building a Story Blog” and “Long Form Digital Storytelling”, which explain and highlight the correct way to get your reader’s attention in the fast paced world of the internet.

With 21 chapters plus an appendix (a glossary of magazine lingo) this book takes you from idea, to composing, to editing, to pitching, and finally to career advice. How to interview someone successfully is described in detail, as is correct grammar and punctuation, without boring the student to death over minutiae. Also noted is how to think like a writer, debunking the popular “write what you know” theory.

Each chapter begins by highlighting key points to remember, and ends with in-class activities and assignments, a great way to reinforce what was just learned.

Finally, the 3rd edition comes with a website that includes PowerPoint presentations, handouts and other resources. The text itself is also offered as an e-book.

Highly recommended for any student interested in writing for magazines or the Internet.

[Stephanie · Rating 5 out of 5]

It's out of print now, but I highly recommend this version of Sumner's Feature and Magazine Writing for anyone interested in magazine or periodical writing who wants to break into the writing business. I have the updated version and it doesn't seem as thorough or accessible, although the new version does add some useful topics.

Sumner's book is excellent help, even for practiced writers.

[Benjamin · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a good resource for all sorts of magazine writing and offers a lot of good resources you can go to if you're interested in any of the topics the books covers. It also has a fun tone and never gets overly pedantic or preachy.

[Jeff · Rating 3 out of 5]

A solid book on writing for magazines for both the beginner and those looking ponder their craft for a few moments--and then ignore all those suggestions and go with what they already know.

[Era · Rating 4 out of 5]

Lots of good ideas in this book. Definitely took some notes down for future reference.