This book is a one-stop gold mine for beginning writers. Presented in a question-answer format, it answers everything from "How Do I Know If I Have What It Takes?" to straight forward definitions of writer jargon such as "kill fee" and "lead time." It is especially helpful at directing writers where to get additional information, mentioning countless books and agencies. Copyright laws, agents, and manuscript formats are also mentioned. The only thing missing is the issue of electronic resources and writing possibilities--a necessary ingredient to any beginning writer's references.
Answers to over 900 questions that beginning writers most often ask the staff of "Writer's Digest" magazine and the Writer's Digest School organized into specific subject areas. You will get answers to questions such as: Should I have a specific market in mind when I write an article, or should I write the article first? What is a kill fee, and when is it used? What information should my query letter include, and how soon should I follow up if I don't get a response? What's the difference between North American serial right and first serial rights? Can I submit my work to more than one publisher at a time? How do I submit a manuscript/photo package? How can I get work writing brochures and other copy for businesses?
