Essential journalistic reading, 26 Feb 2006
Not only indespensible for aspiring journalists but also a damn interesting read in its own right.

The best of its kind, 09 Feb 2006
There are few good books on freelance nonfiction writing but this is the best I know of by far. Much better too than the dozens of American books on this topic which look childish by comparison and are much less useful for British writers. It's a dense, difficult book (ie, it takes commitment to work through it properly), but when you get it in your hands you realise this is the real deal. That this is what you were after. My copy is the third edition and I'll be getting this new edition soon.

The best edition so far, 11 Nov 2005
I've bought the previous two editions of this book and they were good, this one is by far the best. Excellent!

The layout is clearer and there's plenty of practical advice, suggestions and examples. The only small grumble I have is that it would be better if there was a chapter on marketing yourself as a freelance. But that is a small grumble, as this book is the best on feature writing I've read. And I've read a lot of writing books!

My 'Bible'!, 21 Jan 2001
This was my primary reference source when I was self-teaching myself to become a writer in 1996/7. I have subsequently had over 12,000 words and 260 pictures published in 20 UK leisure and lifestyle magazines seen by approximately 2.5 million readers.

One of the better books on feature writing., 09 Oct 2000
I would recommend this to intermediate level writers - those who are not complete beginners, but not seasoned professionals either. They will benefit most. Some sections are out of date, of course.

Essential journalistic reading, 26 Feb 2006
Not only indespensible for aspiring journalists but also a damn interesting read in its own right.

The best of its kind, 09 Feb 2006
There are few good books on freelance nonfiction writing but this is the best I know of by far. Much better too than the dozens of American books on this topic which look childish by comparison and are much less useful for British writers. It's a dense, difficult book (ie, it takes commitment to work through it properly), but when you get it in your hands you realise this is the real deal. That this is what you were after. My copy is the third edition and I'll be getting this new edition soon.

The best edition so far, 11 Nov 2005
I've bought the previous two editions of this book and they were good, this one is by far the best. Excellent!

The layout is clearer and there's plenty of practical advice, suggestions and examples. The only small grumble I have is that it would be better if there was a chapter on marketing yourself as a freelance. But that is a small grumble, as this book is the best on feature writing I've read. And I've read a lot of writing books!

My 'Bible'!, 21 Jan 2001
This was my primary reference source when I was self-teaching myself to become a writer in 1996/7. I have subsequently had over 12,000 words and 260 pictures published in 20 UK leisure and lifestyle magazines seen by approximately 2.5 million readers.

One of the better books on feature writing., 09 Oct 2000
I would recommend this to intermediate level writers - those who are not complete beginners, but not seasoned professionals either. They will benefit most. Some sections are out of date, of course.

Useful and a bit American for me, 18 Feb 2006
Mostly good - could do with an English version or some translations and definitions for example the word querying is used repetitively. No definition or example found yet and I am most of the way through the book.

How to celebrate the writing life, 09 Jan 2006
Unlike many books which treat writers as lowly and desperate, Linda and Diana celebrate the writing life. They don't gloss over realities (like needing to pay your bills) but their advice is upbeat and positive with excellent tips and advice as well as inspiring case studies. The first edition helped me jumpstart my freelance writing career and the new edition is superb, too. It's the best advice for freelance writers I've come across and I recommend it to all my writer clients.

Atlast! Web-friendly advice for writers! Excellent book!, 26 Jul 2003
Welcome to the future! A book for writers that actually acknowledges the web exists! And then some.

Excellent web refs for sources for articles, writer's guidelines and downright USEFUL sites. Written by two hot young writers, this book is a breath of fresh air after all those stuffy, out-dated how-to-be-a-freelance-writer books that offer cautious, tip toeing around the editor 'advice'.

This book is a bold, brazen, fun guide to how to GET ON WITH IT and succeed, not just plod along in hobbyist waters. Like putting on a cool fan on a hot day or diving into icy water, this book really motivates you.

I am not one to gush about books - I am too busy reading them, and even busier building my own freelance career. But this book has given me more practical advice, inspiration and get-up-and-go than about twenty other 'helpful guides' to making a living from writing.

Thanks a lot, Linda and Diana - two sassy writers with initiative, balls and spirit! May you long continue to flourish!

Essential journalistic reading, 26 Feb 2006
Not only indespensible for aspiring journalists but also a damn interesting read in its own right.

The best of its kind, 09 Feb 2006
There are few good books on freelance nonfiction writing but this is the best I know of by far. Much better too than the dozens of American books on this topic which look childish by comparison and are much less useful for British writers. It's a dense, difficult book (ie, it takes commitment to work through it properly), but when you get it in your hands you realise this is the real deal. That this is what you were after. My copy is the third edition and I'll be getting this new edition soon.

The best edition so far, 11 Nov 2005
I've bought the previous two editions of this book and they were good, this one is by far the best. Excellent!

The layout is clearer and there's plenty of practical advice, suggestions and examples. The only small grumble I have is that it would be better if there was a chapter on marketing yourself as a freelance. But that is a small grumble, as this book is the best on feature writing I've read. And I've read a lot of writing books!

My 'Bible'!, 21 Jan 2001
This was my primary reference source when I was self-teaching myself to become a writer in 1996/7. I have subsequently had over 12,000 words and 260 pictures published in 20 UK leisure and lifestyle magazines seen by approximately 2.5 million readers.

One of the better books on feature writing., 09 Oct 2000
I would recommend this to intermediate level writers - those who are not complete beginners, but not seasoned professionals either. They will benefit most. Some sections are out of date, of course.

Useful and a bit American for me, 18 Feb 2006
Mostly good - could do with an English version or some translations and definitions for example the word querying is used repetitively. No definition or example found yet and I am most of the way through the book.

How to celebrate the writing life, 09 Jan 2006
Unlike many books which treat writers as lowly and desperate, Linda and Diana celebrate the writing life. They don't gloss over realities (like needing to pay your bills) but their advice is upbeat and positive with excellent tips and advice as well as inspiring case studies. The first edition helped me jumpstart my freelance writing career and the new edition is superb, too. It's the best advice for freelance writers I've come across and I recommend it to all my writer clients.

Atlast! Web-friendly advice for writers! Excellent book!, 26 Jul 2003
Welcome to the future! A book for writers that actually acknowledges the web exists! And then some.

Excellent web refs for sources for articles, writer's guidelines and downright USEFUL sites. Written by two hot young writers, this book is a breath of fresh air after all those stuffy, out-dated how-to-be-a-freelance-writer books that offer cautious, tip toeing around the editor 'advice'.

This book is a bold, brazen, fun guide to how to GET ON WITH IT and succeed, not just plod along in hobbyist waters. Like putting on a cool fan on a hot day or diving into icy water, this book really motivates you.

I am not one to gush about books - I am too busy reading them, and even busier building my own freelance career. But this book has given me more practical advice, inspiration and get-up-and-go than about twenty other 'helpful guides' to making a living from writing.

Thanks a lot, Linda and Diana - two sassy writers with initiative, balls and spirit! May you long continue to flourish!

Page design - what you need to know, 04 Nov 2007
This book is a short cut to page design. Often we may look at something and know it's not really that good, or perhaps we think that something is pretty mediocre and could be made far better. This book shows us how to design well using straightforward principles. It shows us how to take those layouts that have no punch and improve them.

The book does exactly what it says on the front page. Well worth buying.

apropriate for high school newspaper, 17 Nov 2004
I expected pretty much of the book, so I was quite disappointed. The advices will not be useful to anyone, who already has a little expperience in graphic design or, a little talent and taste. They may be useful however for school children preparing their class newspaper. Kind of - you can draw a line or a circle are quite a pathetic hints. Also, the examples shown do not inspire. They seem to date in late eighties, and seem to have their origins in the conservative parts of the US. Besides, the author tends to give you the one and only way to prepare a page, not inspirations but templates, including exact margin widths and so. do not buy it!!

Excellent book., 06 Mar 2004
I can heartily recommend this book to anyone interested or working in graphic design. I have had to either sell or return several design books as they lacked any real substance or depth to their authors skills or opinions in design. This book helps describe what it is that actually makes a page "work". I have a subscription to the magazine but suggest buying the book, it has all the best bits.

Essential journalistic reading, 26 Feb 2006
Not only indespensible for aspiring journalists but also a damn interesting read in its own right.

The best of its kind, 09 Feb 2006
There are few good books on freelance nonfiction writing but this is the best I know of by far. Much better too than the dozens of American books on this topic which look childish by comparison and are much less useful for British writers. It's a dense, difficult book (ie, it takes commitment to work through it properly), but when you get it in your hands you realise this is the real deal. That this is what you were after. My copy is the third edition and I'll be getting this new edition soon.

The best edition so far, 11 Nov 2005
I've bought the previous two editions of this book and they were good, this one is by far the best. Excellent!

The layout is clearer and there's plenty of practical advice, suggestions and examples. The only small grumble I have is that it would be better if there was a chapter on marketing yourself as a freelance. But that is a small grumble, as this book is the best on feature writing I've read. And I've read a lot of writing books!

My 'Bible'!, 21 Jan 2001
This was my primary reference source when I was self-teaching myself to become a writer in 1996/7. I have subsequently had over 12,000 words and 260 pictures published in 20 UK leisure and lifestyle magazines seen by approximately 2.5 million readers.

One of the better books on feature writing., 09 Oct 2000
I would recommend this to intermediate level writers - those who are not complete beginners, but not seasoned professionals either. They will benefit most. Some sections are out of date, of course.

Useful and a bit American for me, 18 Feb 2006
Mostly good - could do with an English version or some translations and definitions for example the word querying is used repetitively. No definition or example found yet and I am most of the way through the book.

How to celebrate the writing life, 09 Jan 2006
Unlike many books which treat writers as lowly and desperate, Linda and Diana celebrate the writing life. They don't gloss over realities (like needing to pay your bills) but their advice is upbeat and positive with excellent tips and advice as well as inspiring case studies. The first edition helped me jumpstart my freelance writing career and the new edition is superb, too. It's the best advice for freelance writers I've come across and I recommend it to all my writer clients.

Atlast! Web-friendly advice for writers! Excellent book!, 26 Jul 2003
Welcome to the future! A book for writers that actually acknowledges the web exists! And then some.

Excellent web refs for sources for articles, writer's guidelines and downright USEFUL sites. Written by two hot young writers, this book is a breath of fresh air after all those stuffy, out-dated how-to-be-a-freelance-writer books that offer cautious, tip toeing around the editor 'advice'.

This book is a bold, brazen, fun guide to how to GET ON WITH IT and succeed, not just plod along in hobbyist waters. Like putting on a cool fan on a hot day or diving into icy water, this book really motivates you.

I am not one to gush about books - I am too busy reading them, and even busier building my own freelance career. But this book has given me more practical advice, inspiration and get-up-and-go than about twenty other 'helpful guides' to making a living from writing.

Thanks a lot, Linda and Diana - two sassy writers with initiative, balls and spirit! May you long continue to flourish!

Page design - what you need to know, 04 Nov 2007
This book is a short cut to page design. Often we may look at something and know it's not really that good, or perhaps we think that something is pretty mediocre and could be made far better. This book shows us how to design well using straightforward principles. It shows us how to take those layouts that have no punch and improve them.

The book does exactly what it says on the front page. Well worth buying.

apropriate for high school newspaper, 17 Nov 2004
I expected pretty much of the book, so I was quite disappointed. The advices will not be useful to anyone, who already has a little expperience in graphic design or, a little talent and taste. They may be useful however for school children preparing their class newspaper. Kind of - you can draw a line or a circle are quite a pathetic hints. Also, the examples shown do not inspire. They seem to date in late eighties, and seem to have their origins in the conservative parts of the US. Besides, the author tends to give you the one and only way to prepare a page, not inspirations but templates, including exact margin widths and so. do not buy it!!

Excellent book., 06 Mar 2004
I can heartily recommend this book to anyone interested or working in graphic design. I have had to either sell or return several design books as they lacked any real substance or depth to their authors skills or opinions in design. This book helps describe what it is that actually makes a page "work". I have a subscription to the magazine but suggest buying the book, it has all the best bits.

Excellent, intelligent guide, 05 Jun 2001
I've read a fair few books on writing fiction, but this one is probably the best. Dorothea Brande's "Becoming A Writer" tells you how to think like a writer; this book explains how to write like a writer.

I thought I knew the bones of writing technique already, but this book contains so many insights that I often felt it necessary to break off reading in order to consider fully what I'd just read - not because the writing is not clear and easy to read, but because the points the author makes are so momentous.

Many writing guides talk in generalities or talk down to the reader, but this one isn't like that. Just one word of warning - I think the best of the book is in the middle and end, so don't be too impatient when reading the introductory chapters.

Simply the best of its class., 19 Jun 1997
As an MFA student I've been looking at a lot of books about how to write fiction, and very few of them do anything other than encourage you to keep writing. This book teaches you how to write a short story, and encourages you to write a =better= short story (without imposing its own definition of "better"). It is the only "how-to" book in fiction that I have found that I can recommend, and I use it in my own teaching.

Essential journalistic reading, 26 Feb 2006
Not only indespensible for aspiring journalists but also a damn interesting read in its own right.

The best of its kind, 09 Feb 2006
There are few good books on freelance nonfiction writing but this is the best I know of by far. Much better too than the dozens of American books on this topic which look childish by comparison and are much less useful for British writers. It's a dense, difficult book (ie, it takes commitment to work through it properly), but when you get it in your hands you realise this is the real deal. That this is what you were after. My copy is the third edition and I'll be getting this new edition soon.

The best edition so far, 11 Nov 2005
I've bought the previous two editions of this book and they were good, this one is by far the best. Excellent!

The layout is clearer and there's plenty of practical advice, suggestions and examples. The only small grumble I have is that it would be better if there was a chapter on marketing yourself as a freelance. But that is a small grumble, as this book is the best on feature writing I've read. And I've read a lot of writing books!

My 'Bible'!, 21 Jan 2001
This was my primary reference source when I was self-teaching myself to become a writer in 1996/7. I have subsequently had over 12,000 words and 260 pictures published in 20 UK leisure and lifestyle magazines seen by approximately 2.5 million readers.

One of the better books on feature writing., 09 Oct 2000
I would recommend this to intermediate level writers - those who are not complete beginners, but not seasoned professionals either. They will benefit most. Some sections are out of date, of course.

Useful and a bit American for me, 18 Feb 2006
Mostly good - could do with an English version or some translations and definitions for example the word querying is used repetitively. No definition or example found yet and I am most of the way through the book.

How to celebrate the writing life, 09 Jan 2006
Unlike many books which treat writers as lowly and desperate, Linda and Diana celebrate the writing life. They don't gloss over realities (like needing to pay your bills) but their advice is upbeat and positive with excellent tips and advice as well as inspiring case studies. The first edition helped me jumpstart my freelance writing career and the new edition is superb, too. It's the best advice for freelance writers I've come across and I recommend it to all my writer clients.

Atlast! Web-friendly advice for writers! Excellent book!, 26 Jul 2003
Welcome to the future! A book for writers that actually acknowledges the web exists! And then some.

Excellent web refs for sources for articles, writer's guidelines and downright USEFUL sites. Written by two hot young writers, this book is a breath of fresh air after all those stuffy, out-dated how-to-be-a-freelance-writer books that offer cautious, tip toeing around the editor 'advice'.

This book is a bold, brazen, fun guide to how to GET ON WITH IT and succeed, not just plod along in hobbyist waters. Like putting on a cool fan on a hot day or diving into icy water, this book really motivates you.

I am not one to gush about books - I am too busy reading them, and even busier building my own freelance career. But this book has given me more practical advice, inspiration and get-up-and-go than about twenty other 'helpful guides' to making a living from writing.

Thanks a lot, Linda and Diana - two sassy writers with initiative, balls and spirit! May you long continue to flourish!

Page design - what you need to know, 04 Nov 2007
This book is a short cut to page design. Often we may look at something and know it's not really that good, or perhaps we think that something is pretty mediocre and could be made far better. This book shows us how to design well using straightforward principles. It shows us how to take those layouts that have no punch and improve them.

The book does exactly what it says on the front page. Well worth buying.

apropriate for high school newspaper, 17 Nov 2004
I expected pretty much of the book, so I was quite disappointed. The advices will not be useful to anyone, who already has a little expperience in graphic design or, a little talent and taste. They may be useful however for school children preparing their class newspaper. Kind of - you can draw a line or a circle are quite a pathetic hints. Also, the examples shown do not inspire. They seem to date in late eighties, and seem to have their origins in the conservative parts of the US. Besides, the author tends to give you the one and only way to prepare a page, not inspirations but templates, including exact margin widths and so. do not buy it!!

Excellent book., 06 Mar 2004
I can heartily recommend this book to anyone interested or working in graphic design. I have had to either sell or return several design books as they lacked any real substance or depth to their authors skills or opinions in design. This book helps describe what it is that actually makes a page "work". I have a subscription to the magazine but suggest buying the book, it has all the best bits.

Excellent, intelligent guide, 05 Jun 2001
I've read a fair few books on writing fiction, but this one is probably the best. Dorothea Brande's "Becoming A Writer" tells you how to think like a writer; this book explains how to write like a writer.

I thought I knew the bones of writing technique already, but this book contains so many insights that I often felt it necessary to break off reading in order to consider fully what I'd just read - not because the writing is not clear and easy to read, but because the points the author makes are so momentous.

Many writing guides talk in generalities or talk down to the reader, but this one isn't like that. Just one word of warning - I think the best of the book is in the middle and end, so don't be too impatient when reading the introductory chapters.

Simply the best of its class., 19 Jun 1997
As an MFA student I've been looking at a lot of books about how to write fiction, and very few of them do anything other than encourage you to keep writing. This book teaches you how to write a short story, and encourages you to write a =better= short story (without imposing its own definition of "better"). It is the only "how-to" book in fiction that I have found that I can recommend, and I use it in my own teaching.

A Great Resource!, 05 May 1999
This book is probably the most focused, practical book on the market. Full of ways to find writing ideas, organize them, and get them down on paper in a captivating way. For anyone searching for a resource written just for writers, you'll find it here. Great book, Peter!

Whether you're a student struggling through an essay-based degree course or a professional writer on a quest for perfection, The Associated Press Stylebook and Briefing on Media Law is always ready to fill the role of trusted adviser to your creative genius. Revised and updated in 2000, this version contains a 40-page section on media law, guides for punctuation and bibliographies, and specialised glossaries for business and sports writing, all in addition to its 280-page generalised stylebook. Within each section, entries are in alphabetical order, and searching for a particular answer is a fairly simple process. Tricky words--those that can be hyphenated (know-how) or not (jukebox), homonyms, non-standard spellings (mo-ped)--are given their own short entries. Larger categories such as religions, military titles, the Internet, and datelines have multiple pages devoted to their explanations, but detail and clarity are brought nicely together in each listing. Many entries concern brand names and trademarks--never again will you question whetherpingpong or Ping-Pong should be used in the flier for your table tennis tournament. While a few sections of this book--the ones concerning media law, photo captions, filing the wire, and proofreading marks--will most likely be used by professional or student journalists and editors, the majority of this book is an excellent tool for anyone who ever has to write for the public. Whether it's a newsletter for your badminton league, a training manual for your employees, or a press release detailing your company's quarterly earnings, this stylebook will help you turn out well-written copy that gains the approval of every English teacher you've ever had. --Jill Lightner

Essential journalistic reading, 26 Feb 2006
Not only indespensible for aspiring journalists but also a damn interesting read in its own right.

The best of its kind, 09 Feb 2006
There are few good books on freelance nonfiction writing but this is the best I know of by far. Much better too than the dozens of American books on this topic which look childish by comparison and are much less useful for British writers. It's a dense, difficult book (ie, it takes commitment to work through it properly), but when you get it in your hands you realise this is the real deal. That this is what you were after. My copy is the third edition and I'll be getting this new edition soon.

The best edition so far, 11 Nov 2005
I've bought the previous two editions of this book and they were good, this one is by far the best. Excellent!

The layout is clearer and there's plenty of practical advice, suggestions and examples. The only small grumble I have is that it would be better if there was a chapter on marketing yourself as a freelance. But that is a small grumble, as this book is the best on feature writing I've read. And I've read a lot of writing books!

My 'Bible'!, 21 Jan 2001
This was my primary reference source when I was self-teaching myself to become a writer in 1996/7. I have subsequently had over 12,000 words and 260 pictures published in 20 UK leisure and lifestyle magazines seen by approximately 2.5 million readers.

One of the better books on feature writing., 09 Oct 2000
I would recommend this to intermediate level writers - those who are not complete beginners, but not seasoned professionals either. They will benefit most. Some sections are out of date, of course.

Useful and a bit American for me, 18 Feb 2006
Mostly good - could do with an English version or some translations and definitions for example the word querying is used repetitively. No definition or example found yet and I am most of the way through the book.

How to celebrate the writing life, 09 Jan 2006
Unlike many books which treat writers as lowly and desperate, Linda and Diana celebrate the writing life. They don't gloss over realities (like needing to pay your bills) but their advice is upbeat and positive with excellent tips and advice as well as inspiring case studies. The first edition helped me jumpstart my freelance writing career and the new edition is superb, too. It's the best advice for freelance writers I've come across and I recommend it to all my writer clients.

Atlast! Web-friendly advice for writers! Excellent book!, 26 Jul 2003
Welcome to the future! A book for writers that actually acknowledges the web exists! And then some.

Excellent web refs for sources for articles, writer's guidelines and downright USEFUL sites. Written by two hot young writers, this book is a breath of fresh air after all those stuffy, out-dated how-to-be-a-freelance-writer books that offer cautious, tip toeing around the editor 'advice'.

This book is a bold, brazen, fun guide to how to GET ON WITH IT and succeed, not just plod along in hobbyist waters. Like putting on a cool fan on a hot day or diving into icy water, this book really motivates you.

I am not one to gush about books - I am too busy reading them, and even busier building my own freelance career. But this book has given me more practical advice, inspiration and get-up-and-go than about twenty other 'helpful guides' to making a living from writing.

Thanks a lot, Linda and Diana - two sassy writers with initiative, balls and spirit! May you long continue to flourish!

Page design - what you need to know, 04 Nov 2007
This book is a short cut to page design. Often we may look at something and know it's not really that good, or perhaps we think that something is pretty mediocre and could be made far better. This book shows us how to design well using straightforward principles. It shows us how to take those layouts that have no punch and improve them.

The book does exactly what it says on the front page. Well worth buying.

apropriate for high school newspaper, 17 Nov 2004
I expected pretty much of the book, so I was quite disappointed. The advices will not be useful to anyone, who already has a little expperience in graphic design or, a little talent and taste. They may be useful however for school children preparing their class newspaper. Kind of - you can draw a line or a circle are quite a pathetic hints. Also, the examples shown do not inspire. They seem to date in late eighties, and seem to have their origins in the conservative parts of the US. Besides, the author tends to give you the one and only way to prepare a page, not inspirations but templates, including exact margin widths and so. do not buy it!!

Excellent book., 06 Mar 2004
I can heartily recommend this book to anyone interested or working in graphic design. I have had to either sell or return several design books as they lacked any real substance or depth to their authors skills or opinions in design. This book helps describe what it is that actually makes a page "work". I have a subscription to the magazine but suggest buying the book, it has all the best bits.

Excellent, intelligent guide, 05 Jun 2001
I've read a fair few books on writing fiction, but this one is probably the best. Dorothea Brande's "Becoming A Writer" tells you how to think like a writer; this book explains how to write like a writer.

I thought I knew the bones of writing technique already, but this book contains so many insights that I often felt it necessary to break off reading in order to consider fully what I'd just read - not because the writing is not clear and easy to read, but because the points the author makes are so momentous.

Many writing guides talk in generalities or talk down to the reader, but this one isn't like that. Just one word of warning - I think the best of the book is in the middle and end, so don't be too impatient when reading the introductory chapters.

Simply the best of its class., 19 Jun 1997
As an MFA student I've been looking at a lot of books about how to write fiction, and very few of them do anything other than encourage you to keep writing. This book teaches you how to write a short story, and encourages you to write a =better= short story (without imposing its own definition of "better"). It is the only "how-to" book in fiction that I have found that I can recommend, and I use it in my own teaching.

A Great Resource!, 05 May 1999
This book is probably the most focused, practical book on the market. Full of ways to find writing ideas, organize them, and get them down on paper in a captivating way. For anyone searching for a resource written just for writers, you'll find it here. Great book, Peter!

Every college freshman should own this book, 20 Sep 2003
This book is a serious writing tool that should be on the bookshelf of every new college freshman's dorm room. "The Associated Press Stylebook and Briefing on Media Law," is an outstanding road map to clean and concise writing. To this end, students of all fields of study should check out this handy text...used properly it will never collect dust.

It is a simple fact of life that good writers advance in the corporate world. These days it is simply not enough to have a good verbal command of the Queen's English. Good writers use clear and simple rules to communicate and convince. Lawyers, doctors, investment bankers, teachers, public administrators and politicians regularly reach out to others in the written form. For sure, the ability to convey a powerful message cannot be underestimated in today's competitive business world.

The "Stylebook" has it all. It includes a A to Z listing of guides to capitalization, abbreviation, punctuation, spelling, numerals and more importantly usage. It will also help someone with weak or little knowledge of sports...there are plenty of explanations of sporting terms. For instance, what is the difference between a rabbit punch and a kidney punch? Check out this text and you'll find out. However, the best feature of this book is that it will help all writers with solid guidelines on how to treat complex terms. You don't have to be a journalism major or work for a newspaper to appreciate this book. Highly recommended for the parent of a college bound student who wants his or her kid to have an edge.

Bert Ruiz

Essential journalistic reading, 26 Feb 2006
Not only indespensible for aspiring journalists but also a damn interesting read in its own right.

The best of its kind, 09 Feb 2006
There are few good books on freelance nonfiction writing but this is the best I know of by far. Much better too than the dozens of American books on this topic which look childish by comparison and are much less useful for British writers. It's a dense, difficult book (ie, it takes commitment to work through it properly), but when you get it in your hands you realise this is the real deal. That this is what you were after. My copy is the third edition and I'll be getting this new edition soon.

The best edition so far, 11 Nov 2005
I've bought the previous two editions of this book and they were good, this one is by far the best. Excellent!

The layout is clearer and there's plenty of practical advice, suggestions and examples. The only small grumble I have is that it would be better if there was a chapter on marketing yourself as a freelance. But that is a small grumble, as this book is the best on feature writing I've read. And I've read a lot of writing books!

My 'Bible'!, 21 Jan 2001
This was my primary reference source when I was self-teaching myself to become a writer in 1996/7. I have subsequently had over 12,000 words and 260 pictures published in 20 UK leisure and lifestyle magazines seen by approximately 2.5 million readers.

One of the better books on feature writing., 09 Oct 2000
I would recommend this to intermediate level writers - those who are not complete beginners, but not seasoned professionals either. They will benefit most. Some sections are out of date, of course.

Useful and a bit American for me, 18 Feb 2006
Mostly good - could do with an English version or some translations and definitions for example the word querying is used repetitively. No definition or example found yet and I am most of the way through the book.

How to celebrate the writing life, 09 Jan 2006
Unlike many books which treat writers as lowly and desperate, Linda and Diana celebrate the writing life. They don't gloss over realities (like needing to pay your bills) but their advice is upbeat and positive with excellent tips and advice as well as inspiring case studies. The first edition helped me jumpstart my freelance writing career and the new edition is superb, too. It's the best advice for freelance writers I've come across and I recommend it to all my writer clients.

Atlast! Web-friendly advice for writers! Excellent book!, 26 Jul 2003
Welcome to the future! A book for writers that actually acknowledges the web exists! And then some.

Excellent web refs for sources for articles, writer's guidelines and downright USEFUL sites. Written by two hot young writers, this book is a breath of fresh air after all those stuffy, out-dated how-to-be-a-freelance-writer books that offer cautious, tip toeing around the editor 'advice'.

This book is a bold, brazen, fun guide to how to GET ON WITH IT and succeed, not just plod along in hobbyist waters. Like putting on a cool fan on a hot day or diving into icy water, this book really motivates you.

I am not one to gush about books - I am too busy reading them, and even busier building my own freelance career. But this book has given me more practical advice, inspiration and get-up-and-go than about twenty other 'helpful guides' to making a living from writing.

Thanks a lot, Linda and Diana - two sassy writers with initiative, balls and spirit! May you long continue to flourish!

Page design - what you need to know, 04 Nov 2007
This book is a short cut to page design. Often we may look at something and know it's not really that good, or perhaps we think that something is pretty mediocre and could be made far better. This book shows us how to design well using straightforward principles. It shows us how to take those layouts that have no punch and improve them.

The book does exactly what it says on the front page. Well worth buying.

apropriate for high school newspaper, 17 Nov 2004
I expected pretty much of the book, so I was quite disappointed. The advices will not be useful to anyone, who already has a little expperience in graphic design or, a little talent and taste. They may be useful however for school children preparing their class newspaper. Kind of - you can draw a line or a circle are quite a pathetic hints. Also, the examples shown do not inspire. They seem to date in late eighties, and seem to have their origins in the conservative parts of the US. Besides, the author tends to give you the one and only way to prepare a page, not inspirations but templates, including exact margin widths and so. do not buy it!!

Excellent book., 06 Mar 2004
I can heartily recommend this book to anyone interested or working in graphic design. I have had to either sell or return several design books as they lacked any real substance or depth to their authors skills or opinions in design. This book helps describe what it is that actually makes a page "work". I have a subscription to the magazine but suggest buying the book, it has all the best bits.

Excellent, intelligent guide, 05 Jun 2001
I've read a fair few books on writing fiction, but this one is probably the best. Dorothea Brande's "Becoming A Writer" tells you how to think like a writer; this book explains how to write like a writer.

I thought I knew the bones of writing technique already, but this book contains so many insights that I often felt it necessary to break off reading in order to consider fully what I'd just read - not because the writing is not clear and easy to read, but because the points the author makes are so momentous.

Many writing guides talk in generalities or talk down to the reader, but this one isn't like that. Just one word of warning - I think the best of the book is in the middle and end, so don't be too impatient when reading the introductory chapters.

Simply the best of its class., 19 Jun 1997
As an MFA student I've been looking at a lot of books about how to write fiction, and very few of them do anything other than encourage you to keep writing. This book teaches you how to write a short story, and encourages you to write a =better= short story (without imposing its own definition of "better"). It is the only "how-to" book in fiction that I have found that I can recommend, and I use it in my own teaching.

A Great Resource!, 05 May 1999
This book is probably the most focused, practical book on the market. Full of ways to find writing ideas, organize them, and get them down on paper in a captivating way. For anyone searching for a resource written just for writers, you'll find it here. Great book, Peter!

Every college freshman should own this book, 20 Sep 2003
This book is a serious writing tool that should be on the bookshelf of every new college freshman's dorm room. "The Associated Press Stylebook and Briefing on Media Law," is an outstanding road map to clean and concise writing. To this end, students of all fields of study should check out this handy text...used properly it will never collect dust.

It is a simple fact of life that good writers advance in the corporate world. These days it is simply not enough to have a good verbal command of the Queen's English. Good writers use clear and simple rules to communicate and convince. Lawyers, doctors, investment bankers, teachers, public administrators and politicians regularly reach out to others in the written form. For sure, the ability to convey a powerful message cannot be underestimated in today's competitive business world.

The "Stylebook" has it all. It includes a A to Z listing of guides to capitalization, abbreviation, punctuation, spelling, numerals and more importantly usage. It will also help someone with weak or little knowledge of sports...there are plenty of explanations of sporting terms. For instance, what is the difference between a rabbit punch and a kidney punch? Check out this text and you'll find out. However, the best feature of this book is that it will help all writers with solid guidelines on how to treat complex terms. You don't have to be a journalism major or work for a newspaper to appreciate this book. Highly recommended for the parent of a college bound student who wants his or her kid to have an edge.

Bert Ruiz

Every writer (professional or amateur) of comics NEEDS this, 07 Sep 2007
Writing For Comics With Peter David is a book created for the shear purpose of encouraging budding comic writers to give it a try. It does precisely what it says on the tin, and that is for sure!

At first, the book covers the very basics of the craft, where you will find yourself reading about how to find inspiration, to design yourself a hero and a villain, to create a plot, and to develop each of these points. There are `exercises' to help you on your way and get your creative juices flowing, as well, all of which is brilliant for the beginner.
Some of the more creative readers, such as myself, however, who perhaps already have a comic designed for themselves, but need to develop the script, may find that skipping the first few sections may be a good idea, since it may feel as though you know all of that content already, and you are not learning anything.

As the guide develops, the author discusses writing in more detail, covering the many different techniques that are used within the industry for scripting, how to communicate what you want in your panels to your artist, and, if you are self-publishing, how to manage speech and thought bubbles correctly.

The wonderful thing about how Peter David writes, however, is that, although he discusses a wide variety of techniques and "formats" that he has both used himself, and knows of, through his many years of experience, he never makes any one of them seem more important than any other. It is all about choices, which he provides many of. And, of course, as a guide book, the fact that he does not command the reader, but simply provides them with different options, and encourages them to develop their own, is a very positive thing, and makes this the most helpful guide that I have read on the subject.

Towards the end of the book, there are `appendixes' which include guides written by professional editors on how to "break in" to both Marvel and Dark Horse, and a rather humorous piece, `Final Thoughts' which explores just how utterly random the comic industry can be. These serve as a wonderful finish, giving you an idea of just how much effort it may take to become published, and to keep your writing career moving, but a sweet reminder that it is all worth it in the end.

Peter David is a perfect guide across the world of comic book writing, and by the time that you have reached the end of this brilliant book, you will, without a doubt, find yourself to be more creative than ever!
Even if you do not begin writing your work of creative genius as soon as you finish, you will certainly have developed the capability to do so in the near future.

Essential journalistic reading, 26 Feb 2006
Not only indespensible for aspiring journalists but also a damn interesting read in its own right.

The best of its kind, 09 Feb 2006
There are few good books on freelance nonfiction writing but this is the best I know of by far. Much better too than the dozens of American books on this topic which look childish by comparison and are much less useful for British writers. It's a dense, difficult book (ie, it takes commitment to work through it properly), but when you get it in your hands you realise this is the real deal. That this is what you were after. My copy is the third edition and I'll be getting this new edition soon.

The best edition so far, 11 Nov 2005
I've bought the previous two editions of this book and they were good, this one is by far the best. Excellent!

The layout is clearer and there's plenty of practical advice, suggestions and examples. The only small grumble I have is that it would be better if there was a chapter on marketing yourself as a freelance. But that is a small grumble, as this book is the best on feature writing I've read. And I've read a lot of writing books!

My 'Bible'!, 21 Jan 2001
This was my primary reference source when I was self-teaching myself to become a writer in 1996/7. I have subsequently had over 12,000 words and 260 pictures published in 20 UK leisure and lifestyle magazines seen by approximately 2.5 million readers.

One of the better books on feature writing., 09 Oct 2000
I would recommend this to intermediate level writers - those who are not complete beginners, but not seasoned professionals either. They will benefit most. Some sections are out of date, of course.

Useful and a bit American for me, 18 Feb 2006
Mostly good - could do with an English version or some translations and definitions for example the word querying is used repetitively. No definition or example found yet and I am most of the way through the book.

How to celebrate the writing life, 09 Jan 2006
Unlike many books which treat writers as lowly and desperate, Linda and Diana celebrate the writing life. They don't gloss over realities (like needing to pay your bills) but their advice is upbeat and positive with excellent tips and advice as well as inspiring case studies. The first edition helped me jumpstart my freelance writing career and the new edition is superb, too. It's the best advice for freelance writers I've come across and I recommend it to all my writer clients.

Atlast! Web-friendly advice for writers! Excellent book!, 26 Jul 2003
Welcome to the future! A book for writers that actually acknowledges the web exists! And then some.

Excellent web refs for sources for articles, writer's guidelines and downright USEFUL sites. Written by two hot young writers, this book is a breath of fresh air after all those stuffy, out-dated how-to-be-a-freelance-writer books that offer cautious, tip toeing around the editor 'advice'.

This book is a bold, brazen, fun guide to how to GET ON WITH IT and succeed, not just plod along in hobbyist waters. Like putting on a cool fan on a hot day or diving into icy water, this book really motivates you.

I am not one to gush about books - I am too busy reading them, and even busier building my own freelance career. But this book has given me more practical advice, inspiration and get-up-and-go than about twenty other 'helpful guides' to making a living from writing.

Thanks a lot, Linda and Diana - two sassy writers with initiative, balls and spirit! May you long continue to flourish!

Page design - what you need to know, 04 Nov 2007
This book is a short cut to page design. Often we may look at something and know it's not really that good, or perhaps we think that something is pretty mediocre and could be made far better. This book shows us how to design well using straightforward principles. It shows us how to take those layouts that have no punch and improve them.

The book does exactly what it says on the front page. Well worth buying.

apropriate for high school newspaper, 17 Nov 2004
I expected pretty much of the book, so I was quite disappointed. The advices will not be useful to anyone, who already has a little expperience in graphic design or, a little talent and taste. They may be useful however for school children preparing their class newspaper. Kind of - you can draw a line or a circle are quite a pathetic hints. Also, the examples shown do not inspire. They seem to date in late eighties, and seem to have their origins in the conservative parts of the US. Besides, the author tends to give you the one and only way to prepare a page, not inspirations but templates, including exact margin widths and so. do not buy it!!

Excellent book., 06 Mar 2004
I can heartily recommend this book to anyone interested or working in graphic design. I have had to either sell or return several design books as they lacked any real substance or depth to their authors skills or opinions in design. This book helps describe what it is that actually makes a page "work". I have a subscription to the magazine but suggest buying the book, it has all the best bits.

Excellent, intelligent guide, 05 Jun 2001
I've read a fair few books on writing fiction, but this one is probably the best. Dorothea Brande's "Becoming A Writer" tells you how to think like a writer; this book explains how to write like a writer.

I thought I knew the bones of writing technique already, but this book contains so many insights that I often felt it necessary to break off reading in order to consider fully what I'd just read - not because the writing is not clear and easy to read, but because the points the author makes are so momentous.

Many writing guides talk in generalities or talk down to the reader, but this one isn't like that. Just one word of warning - I think the best of the book is in the middle and end, so don't be too impatient when reading the introductory chapters.

Simply the best of its class., 19 Jun 1997
As an MFA student I've been looking at a lot of books about how to write fiction, and very few of them do anything other than encourage you to keep writing. This book teaches you how to write a short story, and encourages you to write a =better= short story (without imposing its own definition of "better"). It is the only "how-to" book in fiction that I have found that I can recommend, and I use it in my own teaching.

A Great Resource!, 05 May 1999
This book is probably the most focused, practical book on the market. Full of ways to find writing ideas, organize them, and get them down on paper in a captivating way. For anyone searching for a resource written just for writers, you'll find it here. Great book, Peter!

Every college freshman should own this book, 20 Sep 2003
This book is a serious writing tool that should be on the bookshelf of every new college freshman's dorm room. "The Associated Press Stylebook and Briefing on Media Law," is an outstanding road map to clean and concise writing. To this end, students of all fields of study should check out this handy text...used properly it will never collect dust.

It is a simple fact of life that good writers advance in the corporate world. These days it is simply not enough to have a good verbal command of the Queen's English. Good writers use clear and simple rules to communicate and convince. Lawyers, doctors, investment bankers, teachers, public administrators and politicians regularly reach out to others in the written form. For sure, the ability to convey a powerful message cannot be underestimated in today's competitive business world.

The "Stylebook" has it all. It includes a A to Z listing of guides to capitalization, abbreviation, punctuation, spelling, numerals and more importantly usage. It will also help someone with weak or little knowledge of sports...there are plenty of explanations of sporting terms. For instance, what is the difference between a rabbit punch and a kidney punch? Check out this text and you'll find out. However, the best feature of this book is that it will help all writers with solid guidelines on how to treat complex terms. You don't have to be a journalism major or work for a newspaper to appreciate this book. Highly recommended for the parent of a college bound student who wants his or her kid to have an edge.

Bert Ruiz

Every writer (professional or amateur) of comics NEEDS this, 07 Sep 2007
Writing For Comics With Peter David is a book created for the shear purpose of encouraging budding comic writers to give it a try. It does precisely what it says on the tin, and that is for sure!

At first, the book covers the very basics of the craft, where you will find yourself reading about how to find inspiration, to design yourself a hero and a villain, to create a plot, and to develop each of these points. There are `exercises' to help you on your way and get your creative juices flowing, as well, all of which is brilliant for the beginner.
Some of the more creative readers, such as myself, however, who perhaps already have a comic designed for themselves, but need to develop the script, may find that skipping the first few sections may be a good idea, since it may feel as though you know all of that content already, and you are not learning anything.

As the guide develops, the author discusses writing in more detail, covering the many different techniques that are used within the industry for scripting, how to communicate what you want in your panels to your artist, and, if you are self-publishing, how to manage speech and thought bubbles correctly.

The wonderful thing about how Peter David writes, however, is that, although he discusses a wide variety of techniques and "formats" that he has both used himself, and knows of, through his many years of experience, he never makes any one of them seem more important than any other. It is all about choices, which he provides many of. And, of course, as a guide book, the fact that he does not command the reader, but simply provides them with different options, and encourages them to develop their own, is a very positive thing, and makes this the most helpful guide that I have read on the subject.

Towards the end of the book, there are `appendixes' which include guides written by professional editors on how to "break in" to both Marvel and Dark Horse, and a rather humorous piece, `Final Thoughts' which explores just how utterly random the comic industry can be. These serve as a wonderful finish, giving you an idea of just how much effort it may take to become published, and to keep your writing career moving, but a sweet reminder that it is all worth it in the end.

Peter David is a perfect guide across the world of comic book writing, and by the time that you have reached the end of this brilliant book, you will, without a doubt, find yourself to be more creative than ever!
Even if you do not begin writing your work of creative genius as soon as you finish, you will certainly have developed the capability to do so in the near future.

Say it as simply as possible, 28 Sep 2003


I would expect the world's leading daily to produce a pretty decent style guide and I was not disappointed with this edition. Having always worked in the design side of publishing, where it is necessary to be much more familiar with words and language than other areas of print design, I've collected a few style guides over the years. This manual and the one from The Economist I have found the most interesting.

The New York Times book offers clarity and sensibly an alphabetical solution to the contents so that you can look up, for instance, elements of punctuation individually rather than have them all grouped under Punctuation. The manual takes a whole page to explain the use of hyphens and intriguingly uses this example 'Use the suspensive hyphen rather than repeat the second part of a modifier, in cases like this: On successive days there were three-, five- and nine-inch snowfalls' Quite correct but not very elegant I thought. It is this attention to detail and the thoroughness of the manual that impressed me.

I think it is worth mentioning here a rather unique style guide by Keith Waterhouse (author of 'Billy Liar) called 'Waterhouse on newspaper style'. I frequently get this out because it such a joy to read. Originally produced for journalists on the Daily Mirror (in the past the leading British tabloid) it is alphabetical but concerned with style more than anything, part of the contents might give you a feel of the subject matter, Adjectives, Alliteration, And now, The asthmatic comma, Captions, Catchwords, Cliches (standard), Cliches (trade), Compression, Consequences, Crossheads, Dead letters, Dots and dashes. It was published in the UK by Viking in 1989 and is well worth searching out.