by Michael Meanwell
The world is filled with business books for writers, covering every conceivable industry and expertise. But what if you are a new scribe who is uncertain what to write or which area to specialize in?
"The Complete Writer: A Guide To Tapping Your Full Potential" is a good place to start.
For a relatively small volume, it covers a lot of ground, addressing areas as diverse as newspaper and magazine freelancing, authoring and publishing as well as marketing, networking and the writing life. The small, bite-sized chapters make it easy to grab a slice of information or inspiration any time you need it.
Needless to say, a book that covers this amount of territory cannot cover it in great depth. But that's not the purpose of this guide, in my opinion. It's job is to whet the appetite and to inform. Other more specialized manuals can then provide more detailed information on the nuts and bolts of a particular pursuit.
"The Complete Writer" is written by four female published writers of different backgrounds with distinct viewpoints.
Joyce Faulkner, a writer and novelist with an MBA and engineering background, offers practical advice on how scribes can use tech tools to enhance their business.
Pat McGrath Avery, an experienced publisher, shares tips on commercial writing and editing.
While Beverly Walton-Porter, online editor and author, considers the business side of freelancing, from querying to marketing to publication.
Mindy Phillips Lawrence, author, editor and poet, addresses other important but often overlooked areas of empowerment.
Many of the chapters were originally published by online writers' resources, Suite101.com and ScribeQuill.com.
One area of particular interest is the writing life. "The Complete Writer" takes a holistic approach to the profession, offering solid advice on dealing with writers' block, time management, creativity and stress relief.
"The Complete Writer" is written in a simple, accessible language that can be understood and applied by writers at any level. At the very least, this book acts like a signpost - or a series of signposts - pointing you in any number of directions to enhance your skills and further your career.
If you want detailed, step-by-step information and advice, however, it's best to read more comprehensive, specialist tomes.
Title: 'The Complete Writer: A Guide To Tapping Your Full Potential'
Authors: Beverly Walton-Porter, Mindy Phillips Lawrence, Pat McGrath Avery and Joyce Faulkner
Publisher: Red Engine Press
Format: Paperback
Pages: 174
ISBN: 978-0-9745652-6-1
Price: $17.95
Available: TheCompleteWriter.com