Sol Stein's Reference Book for Writers: Part 1: Writing, Part 2: Publishing

by Sol Stein

As a master editor, publisher, novelist, and writing instructor, Sol Stein knows what writers face when they sit down before a blank page. This invaluable guide provides quick and handy A–Z reference help for common and more complicated writer's block, writing a difficult scene, preparing a manuscript for publication or submission, plotting, developing a character, and dozens of other topics, listed alphabetically in the table of contents. Stein enables writers to maintain their creative momentum by immediately returning to a manuscript in progress after finding the solution in this book. The book also includes a section on publishing, which details the publishing process and explains the terms all writers need to know. Packed with insight, anecdotes, and specific information, this guide is a must-have reference on the shelves of aspiring and published authors as well as publishing professionals.

Genres: Writing, Nonfiction, Reference

288 pages, Paperback

First published November 9, 2010

About the author

Sol Stein was a best-selling novelist and the publisher of works by James Baldwin and Che Guevara. He also worked with David Frost, Jack Higgins, Elia Kazan, Dylan Thomas, and W.H. Auden.

Stein and Baldwin met as students at DeWitt Clinton High School in the Bronx, where they worked on the literary magazine.

Stein served in the Army during World War II. In 1949 he received a master’s degree in English literature from Columbia University.

In the 1950s Stein worked at Voice of America, wrote plays, and moved into publishing. He established his own publishing company, Stein & Day, in 1962 with his then-wife. Stein used other publishers for his own novels so he would not be competing with the authors that Stein & Day published.

Stein & Day closed after 27 years, and Stein wrote the nonfiction A Feast for Lawyers as a result of the bankruptcy.

Stein went on to write books about writing, and he taught in colleges. He also helped create WritePro, software to teach fiction writing to its users.

Reviews

[Beth Weikel · Rating 4 out of 5]

An insider's view of the world of writing and publishing. Stein is irreverant at times, but always intelligent. His breadth of experience and background is refreshing. I pick it up at intervals when I need a reality check.

[Dorothy R · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good information in general, but seems a bit dated now.

[Suzi · Rating 5 out of 5]

Brilliant! Are you a writer? Must read!

[Hanje Richards · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is an excellent book. It is really intended to be a reference book. It is dictionary style with alphabetical listings in two sections, the first being writing and the second being publishing.

I actually read this book cover to cover, taking notes for future reference as I am wont to do with books on writing. It was a little disjointed, but I have to say that the publishing section (the much shorter part of the book) made me terribly nostalgic for my years in the book business.

Three years old, the book is already dated in terms of what the ebook business and POD has done for independent and self publishers. (Changing the industry so quickly that even industry insiders are kept jumping.)

There is a lot here that is worthwhile, and is relevant regardless of the format or delivery system.

would give 3.5 stars if possible

[Brittani · Rating 3 out of 5]

The advice given in the novel was excellent, yet a little more brief than I'd like. The book organizes the brief explanations by alphabet, which is somewhat of a bother as well. The author continuously mentions his own work in the book and that just irritates me.

I'd have to admit that this book did improve my writing and broaden my knowledge. The novel is definitely worth taking a look at if you're interested in writing.

[HadiDee · Rating 1 out of 5]

It really is a reference book with the first part consisting of short pieces of advice on writing topics and arranged alphabetically. Hard to read straight through - and not designed to be read that way - but would be a good addition to my writer's library.

[Stowe · Rating 3 out of 5]

Good bullet point by subject question-answer reference. I think his other books for writers are better.

[Claire Hitchon · Rating 4 out of 5]

Sol Stein's books on writing were my "go too" books in writing two memoirs.
This is wonderful reference book for anyone setting out on the journey of penning a story.

[Rebecca · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good...but redundant to his other two (How to Grow a Novel and Stein on Writing).