The Forest for the Trees: An Editor's Advice to Writers

I don't usually wax lyrical over reference books; neither do I normally read them from cover to cover and make a note to read them through again more slowly. There is so much advice out there, and there is a danger of being over-advised instead of just getting on and writing and finding your own voice. Basically, what I am saying is if you read this book then you don't need to listen to a whole lot of other stuff about writing. Part of writing is finding out what kind of writer you happen to be. This is a fun and scary section to read. I think I have worn one or more of those hats over the years!The reason I came across this book is that I was deliberating over whether or not to embark on yet another writing course; i.e. do I have the time, money, motivation etc etc. This book happened to be on the recommended reading list for one of those courses. So I guess I bought the book instead of the course. Getting it as an e-book would have been nice if there had been an option, but I don't want to drag myself into that old discussion again. I'll keep that for the next writing course I attend!

What I love about this book is the way Betsy gets right to the heart of all those doubts and fears you have about your writing. Every question answered in such detail and with such care. You can tell she is someone who genuinely understands the agonies and ecstasies of the aspiring author. Such a brilliant agent/editor insight too. It certainly dismissed some of the pre-conceptions I had of them and has given me a real confidence boost.From submitting your manuscript right through to the editing stage and beyond, Betsy covers it all, with warmth and sincerity. A really well written reference book, with lots of entertaining stories and anecdotes thrown in. A must for any budding authors out there!

Interesting insight into the world of publishing from an editor's perspective. Only negative is that it's too autobiographical with too many anecdotes about other people

Came across this book by chance on a recommended reading list for a writers course. I was enthralled, the first half is almost a psychology book on the workings of a writers brain from someone who has spent her life supporting writers.. It is very perceptive, amusing, thought provoking and honest. I lent it to a friend who is a published author, she has now bought her own copy saying it's wonderful to have a book where the author clearly understands every aspect of the writng process from the inside out.

I found this book really well written and full of wonderful advice. I highly recommend it to anyone taking their first steps into writing and publishing.

great book , essential tool for writers

Informative while being entertaining. It demystifies the whole publishing process with straightforward advice and instructions.

There seems to be a raft of books written by American authors who love to focus on the negative aspects of writing. If you are looking for inspiration and advice on writing well this is not the book for you. If you want to read about paranoid authors leading tortuous writing lives propped up by drink and drugs, then read on!