Last Friday's post was about books for writing inspiration. This week's post is about the craft and editing aspect of writing (although, admittedly, some of the books do overlap). Here are five favorites:
ISBN13: 9780684857435 The First Five Pages: A Writer's Guide To Staying Out of the Rejection Pile by Noah Lukeman
Excerpt from official description: “Editors always tell novice writers that the first few pages of a manuscript are crucial in the publishing process -- and it's true. If an editor or agent (or reader) loses interest after a page or two, you've lost him or her completely, even if the middle of your novel is brilliant and the ending phenomenal. Noah Lukeman, an agent in Manhattan, has taken this advice and created a book that examines just what this means…”
Despite the book title, Lukeman’s advice often applies to the whole manuscript, not just the opening.
Excerpt from official description: “Editors always tell novice writers that the first few pages of a manuscript are crucial in the publishing process -- and it's true. If an editor or agent (or reader) loses interest after a page or two, you've lost him or her completely, even if the middle of your novel is brilliant and the ending phenomenal. Noah Lukeman, an agent in Manhattan, has taken this advice and created a book that examines just what this means…”
Despite the book title, Lukeman’s advice often applies to the whole manuscript, not just the opening.
ISBN13: 9780205313426 The Elements of Style by William Strunk Jr., E.B. White
Excerpt from official description: “This classic reference is a must-have for any student or writer. In this brief handbook, Strunk identifies the principal requirements of proper American English style and concentrates on the most often violated rules of composition. Authoritative and engagingly written, this is simply the greatest book of its kind.”
This old stand-by makes it easy to look up problematic word usage, like lie vs. lay.
Excerpt from official description: “This classic reference is a must-have for any student or writer. In this brief handbook, Strunk identifies the principal requirements of proper American English style and concentrates on the most often violated rules of composition. Authoritative and engagingly written, this is simply the greatest book of its kind.”
This old stand-by makes it easy to look up problematic word usage, like lie vs. lay.
ISBN13: 9781599635767 Writing Irresistible KidLit: The Ultimate Guide to Crafting Fiction for Young Adult and Middle Grade Readers by Mary Kole
Excerpt from official description: “Mary Kole's candid commentary and insightful observations, as well as a collection of book excerpts and personal insights from bestselling authors and editors who specialize in the children's book market, are invaluable tools for your kidlit career.”
This recent book (published in 2012) provides great advice for children’s writers and provides many examples from contemporary fiction.
Excerpt from official description: “Mary Kole's candid commentary and insightful observations, as well as a collection of book excerpts and personal insights from bestselling authors and editors who specialize in the children's book market, are invaluable tools for your kidlit career.”
This recent book (published in 2012) provides great advice for children’s writers and provides many examples from contemporary fiction.
ISBN13: 9780060545697 Self-Editing for Fiction Writers: How to Edit Yourself Into Print by Renni Browne, Dave King
"A superb tutorial for anyone wanting to learn from pros how to polish fiction writing with panache." -- Library Journal
My copy has lots of highlighting. (And I’m using the passive voice here on purpose!)
"A superb tutorial for anyone wanting to learn from pros how to polish fiction writing with panache." -- Library Journal
My copy has lots of highlighting. (And I’m using the passive voice here on purpose!)
ISBN13: 0035313109423 Plot & Structure: Techniques and Exercises for Crafting a Plot That Grips Readers from Start to Finish by James Scott Bell
Excerpt from official description: “How does plot influence story structure? What's the difference between plotting for commercial and literary fiction? How do you revise a plot or structure that's gone off course? With Write Great Fiction: Plot & Structure, you'll discover the answers to these questions and more.”
I particularly liked chapter eleven about revision, since I spend a lot of my time on that part of the process.
Excerpt from official description: “How does plot influence story structure? What's the difference between plotting for commercial and literary fiction? How do you revise a plot or structure that's gone off course? With Write Great Fiction: Plot & Structure, you'll discover the answers to these questions and more.”
I particularly liked chapter eleven about revision, since I spend a lot of my time on that part of the process.
Please let me know about your favorite craft and editing books in the comments. And if you'd like 5 more writing tidbits, check out my blog post about setting that was featured earlier this week at UncommonYA.
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