100 Things Every Writer Needs to Know

Veteran writing-book author Scott Edelstein's 100 Things Every Writer Needs to Know is geared decidedly toward the novice. Should I quit my day job? Pay someone to represent me? Employ a vanity press? Anyone who's been around the writer's block knows the answers to these questions (no, no, and no), but this book is a great place for a rookie to pick up a lot of knowledge without too much hard work. More experienced writers will also appreciate Edelstein's authoritative and reassuring words, and may pick up a few hints, as well. Edelstein has great advice on determining whether a writing workshop will be worthwhile, and some clever recommendations for wriggling one's way into a writing job and a list of 10 foolproof methods for making at least $50,000 a year as a writer (for instance, "Write a Broadway show that runs a long time"). He warns against relying on the Writer's Market books too heavily, as they list only "35-40 percent" of the markets available; gives the go-ahead on multiple submissions; and--unless you're seeking representation--advises against sending query letters. "Ninety percent of the time," he says, "you'll get a reading," regardless of whether a publication claims not to consider unsolicited manuscripts. Oh, and in case you don't know better, "bribery, toadying, and sucking up not only are smarmy, but almost never work." --Jane Steinberg