The Byline Bible
Get Published in Five Weeks
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- $14.99
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- $14.99
Publisher Description
Newspaper, magazine, and web editors are desperate for new voices and anyone, in any field, can break in. So why not you?
Over the last two decades, writing professor Susan Shapiro has taught more than 25,000 students of all ages and backgrounds at NYU, Columbia, Temple, The New School, and Harvard University. Now in The Byline Bible she reveals the wildly popular "Instant Gratification Takes Too Long" technique she's perfected, sharing how to land impressive clips to start or re-launch your career.
In frank and funny prose, the bestselling author of 12 books walks you through every stage of crafting and selling short nonfiction pieces. She shows you how to spot trendy subjects, where to start, finish and edit, and divulges specific steps to submit work, have it accepted, get paid, and see your byline in your favorite publication in lightning speed.
With a foreword by Peter Catapano, long-time editor at the New York Times where many of Shapiro’s pupils have first seen print, this book offers everything you need to learn to write and sell your story in five weeks or less, including:
• How to craft a cover letter and subject heading to get read and reviewed quickly
• Who pay for essays, op-eds, regional, humor, or service pieces from unknown writers
• Ways to follow up, build on your success, land a TV or radio spot, become a regular contributor, staff writer, and find a literary agent for your book with one amazing clip
Whether you're just starting out or ready to enhance your professional portfolio, this essential guide will prove that three pages can change your life.
PUBLISHERS WEEKLY
In clear, energetic, and forthright language, writer and teacher Shapiro (Only as Good as Your Word) provides a nuts-and-bolts guide to getting a piece of nonfiction writing published, whether in print or online. She focuses on producing short, confessional essays, which she proclaims are the "best way to break into publishing," though she also includes advice on op-ed and humor pieces, among others. There are no shortcuts, however, despite the gimmicky subtitle. Shapiro constantly reminds her readers to do their homework and thoroughly read up on the genre they're trying to break into, and the publications they're planning on approaching. She emphasizes timeliness and originality in choosing subject matter, the importance of feedback and revising when writing, and openness to learning from rejection while approaching editors and publishers. Succinct lists throughout of dos and don'ts ("Don't arrogantly tell the editor that his readers will surely love your brilliant piece") will help the potential scribe keep all of Shapiro's points in order and to hand. Her book is not a full substitute for taking a writing class and learning with a pro, but her insights are excellent starting points for beginners and good reminders for veterans.
