Writer's Digest (1-year)

Whether you are into literary, science fiction, gay and lesbian, childrens, etc. ... it's all here in Writer's Digest. Each issue is useful in helping wade through all the problems and fears apsiring writers may have in deciding how to go about finding the right agent that best fits their catagory of writing; and many well known writers have used Writer's Digest to help launch their careers.

Each issue contains inspiring and provactive interviews, top agents and publishers, on-going contests in many different catagories of writing; there is even a classified section in the back that may be useful to writers.

For new writers, especially, and those who are looking for great advice on writing, how to write the perfect query letter, how not to make mistakes which may lead to your writing being overlooked, and where to send in your manuscripts, query letters, sample chapters, etc. - Writer's Digest will make your search much easier, much clearer, and save you time and money in the process.


Great for established or beginning writers ....   February 8, 2002
 10 out of 11 found this review helpful

Yes, I agree with the other reviewers that this magazine contains a lot of ads, but tell me, what magazine doesn't? Advertising is a way that publishers can keep the costs of their magazines down. This magazine harbors no more ads than any other magazine you'll find anywhere, period.

Now on to more of the actual review. This magazine contains some GREAT articles that will inspire the beginning writer and help established writers hone their skills. Just to give you an idea of what you'll find in the pages of Writer's Digest -- the February 2002 issue contains an interview with of John Updike, an article on the setting of your fiction by Nancy Kress, an article regarding handling a writing assignment professionally when chaos (at home) reins, an article called "5 Writer's Editor's Hate" which is full of tips on not becoming one, 25 best places to get published on-line .... I could go on and on. The issue is chock full of great articles. All of the issues I've received (I subscribe) have been just as full as this one is.

If you are a writer buy, the magazine. If you want to be a writer, buy the magazine. Either way, Writer's Digest will educate you and help you become a better writer all around. It's worth every penny.


The "Write" Stuff!   May 18, 2006
 8 out of 9 found this review helpful

This review refers to "Writer's Digest" Magazine Subscription...

I renewed my subscription to WD magazine late this time around, and had withdrawal symptoms for the two months I went without. This is a fabulous periodical for all writer's, especially for those hoping to be published.

The Magazine is chock full of helpful articles to point you in the "write" direction. Newly published Authors are interviewed and share their experiences and secrets. Every month there will be some kind of grammar(not my strong suit) or spelling quiz, that may seem easy to some, but may also come in real handy some day. Tips for writing the query letter that will get noticed by editors,words of wisdom from editors and publishers letting you know what they are looking for(and what not to do as well), monthly writing "assignments"(these make great warmers for the blocked writer)that you can send in for a possible prize,and advice for both fiction and non-fiction is abundant.

WD will answer the gazillion questions you have. Should you use a Print On Demand? How to tell the good from the bad. Finding a good and honest agent.How to spot a fraud! What to look for when signing a contract.Advice for the writer of every age and every genre. They always seem to know the questions I have.

Each month in "Pitch This Niche" a list of publishers looking for specialty articles or books can be found(could be anything from travel to video game articles), and in "The Markets" you'll find Trade magazines, book publishers, agents, contests for a variety of styles. You'll find out what they want(fiction, non-fiction, number of words etc), and how to submit you manuscripts to them.There is something for everyone. I have found this section most helpful.

Everything, even all of the ads are geared toward the writer. Added to WD's own annual writing contests, which has many categories to enter in, you will find other contests that may interest you.Websites to share experiences with other writers are listed, ads for self-publishing, for workshops, and of course books about writing are to be found as well.

I'm always happy to see my WD in my mailbox. It's always on time, and the subscription price here is better then the one I pay from the kids who come around selling magazines. I read it cover to cover, and have a hard time throwing even the really old ones away. Whether you are writing a mystery,a book of poems, a spiritual essay,a screenplay, or an article for your favorite magazine, this a treasure chest of useful info for the aspiring writer, and it is quite motivating as well.

Write On!....Laurie



a great magazine   March 6, 2006
 5 out of 6 found this review helpful

I don't subscribe to many writing magazines, but Writer's Digest is one I subscribe to. It's packed full of useful information for the novelist, short story writer, poet, or freelancer.

Writer's Digest has helped me to learn the craft of fiction writing, and the articles here are the best you'll find anywhere. Subscribe to this awesome mag. You won't regret it.


Recommended: The Gospel of Arnie


Like a mini writer's conference in each issue!   January 4, 2003
 9 out of 12 found this review helpful

... This magazine contains some GREAT articles that will inspire the beginning writer and help established writers hone their skills. The articles are written by seasoned writers -- most of them have a regular column every month. For example, Nancy Kress, a well known novelist in her own right, is a regular contributor to a column exploring areas of fiction (for example: description, dialogue). In the December 2002 issue she discusses stereotypes in fiction -- where they can enhance and where they can detract. The December 2002 issue also contains an interview with Alice Sebold, author of the successful novel "The Lovely Bones" -- every issue contains an interview with an author, from the wildly famous to the newly famous.

Here's a sampling of articles found in the December 2002 issue of Writer's Digest: Interview with Alice Sebold, 365 writing prompts to keep you writing all year, how to read in public with confidence, earn extra bucks from special events, how to beat the 7 freelance demons, writing clinic: fine-tune narrative voice. There are regular columns dealing with fiction, non-fiction, poetry, scripts, ask the lawyer, and so much more. All of the issues I've received (I subscribe) have been just as full as this one is.

If you are an aspiring writer, buy the magazine. Can't afford to go away to a writer's conference? This magazine is like a mini writer's conference that comes to your door every month to lift your spirits and inspire you. Reading this magazine will make you feel that your writing dreams just might come true.