Digital Issue: Writer's Digest March/April 2009

Digital Edition

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SPOTLIGHT: EVERYTHING YOU NEED TO KNOW ABOUT SELF-PUBLISHING


[FEATURES]

Routes to Self-Publishing
Confused about the different methods of self-publishing? We break down the basic types available so you can chart your own course.

Straight Expectations
BY JANE FRIEDMAN
It's time to get real. Here's our take on self-publishing as we know it.

The Stark Reality of Self-Publishing: An Agent's Perspective
BY ANDREA HURST
Today, writers need to weigh their options carefully—and know what they're up against. PLUS: A side-by-side comparison to traditional publishing, and self-pub statistics.

The Changing Landscape of Self-Publishing: An Insider's Perspective
BY JOE WIKERT
One day soon, the difference between getting a deal and going it alone may not be as drastic as you think. PLUS: Innovative models for independent authors.

Judging a Book by Its Cover
Learn the anatomy of a winning self-published book package.

A Writer's Market
BY ZACHARY PETIT
The winner of the WD Self-Published Book Awards proves that with a solid platform and a fresh take on a hot topic, a great book is always in season. PLUS: A complete list of competition winners and honorable mentions.

Readers Sound Off on Self-Publishing
We asked our readers who have self-published for their advice to other writers.

Bewitched
BY JORDAN E. ROSENFELD
Brunonia Barry cast a spell on the publishing world with an indie novel that became a breakout success.

The WD Interview: James Patterson
BY DIANA PAGE JORDAN
To a bestselling author, the words "brand" and "factory" might not sound like terms of endearment. But James Patterson has more stories to tell—and 100 million readers to soften the blow.

[COLUMNS/DEPARTMENTS]

NEW: MFA Insider: A Boot Camp for Creative Writing
BY CHARLES JOHNSON
What should you expect from a worthwhile fiction workshop? PLUS: Announcing the WD MFA Confidential Contest.

Questions & Quandaries
BY BRIAN A. KLEMS
Idea protection, rejection thresholds and rules of style.

Ask the Pro: Romance Gets Real BY KARA GEBHART UHL

First Impressions: Debut at 62
BY JORDAN E. ROSENFELD

Your Story: $52 Inside
BY CAROL JONES

Nonfiction: 9 Steps to Standing Out
BY SUSAN SHAPIRO

The Conference Scene: Northern Colorado Writers Conference
BY LINDA FORMICHELLI

NEW: Celebrating 90 Years of WD: Literary Heroes
We start the countdown to our 90th anniversary by tipping our bookmarks to some of the greats who have graced our pages since 1920.

[WRITER'S WORKBOOK]

REVISION AND SELF-EDITING

Follow the Rules for Stronger Writing
BY NANCY LAMB

Put Your Fiction to the Plausibility Test
BY STEVE ALMOND

Strengthen Your Scenes With 5 Easy Tips
BY JAMES SCOTT BELL

Rescue Your Story From Plot Pitfalls
BY LAURA WHITCOMB

InkWell
EDITED BY ZACHARY PETIT

• Critiquing Critique Clubs
  
• (Over)Exposing Yourself
  
• You Can Write a Humor Books
  
• Michael Crichton's Top 5 Writing Lessons
  
• I See Dead People's Books

PLUS:
CONTRIBUTORS
EDITOR'S LETTER
READER MAIL