An Editor’s Useful Advice to Writers

6 October 2010 | Filed Under Book Reviews 

A Review of The Forest for the Trees: An Editor’s Advice to Writers, by Betsy Lerner

“When writers say they have no choice, what they really mean is: Everything in the world conspired to make me quit but I kept going.”
- from Chapter One: The Ambivalent Writer

Normally I wouldn’t review, or even read, a non-fiction book, but this book I read for a class project is too useful to not pass on.

Editor Betsy Lerner pulls together her own experiences and those of famous authors to give aspiring writers advice on writing and publishing. Her tips range from getting words down on paper, to finding an agent, to dealing with rejection, to the disappointment of Publication Day.

I found every chapter valuable. Even if something did not apply to me specifically, I could easily share it with the writers around me.

It was most revealing to discover all the neurotic behavior writers are susceptible to. Turns out problems like insomnia and asthma that I have suffered from all my life are merely symptoms of my being a writer.

If you wish to publish one day, or just like to write, pick up a copy of this book. You will be very thankful you did.

My Rating (out of five stars)
★★★★★

Comments

3 Responses to “An Editor’s Useful Advice to Writers”

  1. Betsy Lerner on October 6th, 2010 8:35 am

    Thank you!!

  2. Jenn on October 6th, 2010 11:46 am

    The thanks is all mine. And thanks for stopping by!

  3. NaNoFriPo 2 | A Single Bell on November 12th, 2010 12:05 am

    [...] to Betsy Lerner, writers force themselves to use crutches by relying on a writing “method.” It’s [...]

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    Hi, I'm Jenn, new grad student and old YA fantasy writer. I've long dreamed of being a novelist, and I bet you have too. I hope you find my blog helpful, inspiring, and maybe just a little bit fun. (But not too much fun. Writing is serious business, you know.)

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