The Practical Writer From Inspiration to Publication

by Eiben, Therese; Gannon, Mary

• ISBN13: 9780142004005
• ISBN10: 0142004006
• Format: Paperback
• Copyright: 2004-03-02
• Publisher: Penguin (Non-Classics)

Summary

Poets & Writers Magazinepresents the one book that every writer needs on the journey from the writing studio to publication. An essential volume from an organization renowned for providing reliable advice, The Practical Writeris filled with valuable information that will help emerging writers make intelligent choices and professional decisions at every stage of their careers. Filled with the insights and expertise of authors and other publishing insiders, it covers a range of topics: revising a manuscript, choosing a title, applying for grants, conducting research, evaluating an agent, understanding contracts, working with an editor, finding a literary community, promoting a book, and much more. With The Practical Writer, writers will know how to make the most of every aspect of their journey.

Author Biography

Therese Eiben, editor of Poets & Writers Magazine since 1998, has worked as an editor for Time, Inc., and as a book editor. Her work has appeared in such publications as Fortune and the Alaska Quarterly Review. Mary Gannon is deputy editor of Poets & Writers Magazine. Her poetry has been published in the Paris Review, Antioch Review, and others. Poets & Writers Magazine began in 1973 as a 12-page quarterly newsletter. It has grown in size and reputation and today is published six times a year with a national circulation of 70,000.

Table of Contents

Acknowledgments
Introduction: From Inspiration to Publication
Concepts of Craft: Imagination's Many Forms
Fiction vs. Nonfiction: Wherein Lies the Truth?	p. 3
Paths and Pearls: A Poet Ponders Memoir and Lyric	p. 10
On Essays, Literature's Most Misunderstood Form	p. 19
The Lingerie Theory of Narration	p. 25
Stuff: The Power of the Tangible	p. 33
Push Hands: Balancing Resistance and Revision	p. 44
The Trouble with Titles	p. 50
Initial Contact: Getting Your Work off Your Desk and onto Someone Else's
Loose Bottoms: On Becoming Ready to Send Your Work Out	p. 57
Submission Strategy and Protocol	p. 62
Little and Literary	p. 67
The Glossies	p. 73
How to Read Rejection	p. 83
How to Get a Grant	p. 93
Building Your Team: How to Work Well with Publishing Professionals
How to Land an Agent: Strategies for the Search	p. 105
Negotiate Your First Book Contract Without Losing Your Deal, Your Future, or Your Mind	p. 118
Editor Etiquette	p. 129
Midlist and Other Fictions	p. 135
Publicity Primer	p. 143
How to Win Friends and Influence Booksellers	p. 150
How Lucky Can You Get ... and Other Things No One Tells You	p. 157
Meeting Your Public (and Getting Them to Buy Your Book)
Publicity for Your Small Press Title	p. 167
Techno Promo: Are You Ready for Digital Marketing?	p. 175
Bookstore Appearances and Speaking Engagements	p. 182
How to Give a Rousing Reading	p. 189
Slam Your Way Across America	p. 195
Jobs in the Field: Lots of Reward, Little Pay
So You Want to Start a Literary Magazine?	p. 203
Editing Lit Mags Online	p. 213
How to Start a Reading Series	p. 218
Tales of a Literary Saloon Keeper	p. 225
Balancing Act: Teaching Creative Writing	p. 231
Why I Write	p. 237
App.: Grants & Awards	p. 247
App.: Conferences & Residencies	p. 311
App.: Resources for Writers	p. 333
App.: Notes on Contributors	p. 345
App.: About Poets & Writers, Inc	p. 351
Index	p. 357
Table of Contents provided by Blackwell. All Rights Reserved.