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

Excellent and practical look at the publishing game

To start with THE FOREST FOR THE TREES: AN EDITOR¿S ADVICE TO WRITERS is not your typical how to book that leaves a wannabe wondering what they did not understand. Instead, Betsy Lerner divides her nonfiction work into two segments, Writing and Publishing, which do not always go hand in hand. Using her vast years in the business, especially as an editor, Ms. Lerner provides anecdotal tales to describe six writing personalities in which one will fit like a glove (non-OJ style) on most aspiring authors. Writers should be concerned about staying true to their own personality. This will make it easier to write and stay committed to writing.

The second part of the book deals with publishing, something new writers fail to think about until rejections pile up and the smell of failure (at least in their minds) becomes a way of life. Ms. Lerner explains what goes on inside the brain of an editor and agent, the impact of the net, and answers questions that torture authors even after they complete a book. Doubts linger on whether to agent or not to agent or to self publicize or remain silent, etc.

This book is a combination autobiography and what to expect book. The prose is entertaining and very humorous, especially when Ms. Lerner provides a look at the famous authors she has worked with. Anyone who wants to understand the today's publishing industry and not just the writers that make up a part of it will gain much pleasure and insight from this well-written book. It gives hope to aspiring authors because it proves that even an editor can write a good book.

Harriet Klausner

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Skyleaf

What????Skyleaf

The sam cat

I state the truth

Sveta

Dark moon
Dark skies
Dark roaring
Dark cries

Hope shines
A new dawn
A slight chance
The evil gone

Fire burning
Wind blowing
Rain falling
Vines growing

Each different
8 in all
Set out to rescue
But never to fall

A shining place
A great light
A strong beast
A big fight

The evil gone
Just a memory
But still leaves
Me trembling

Shadowstar to Lilystar

(SO sorry if im interuppting, but i didnt know where else to find you.) Hello. My name is Shadowstar. I am leader of Fearclan. While yhe name may sound evil or feirce we really are a peaceful clan. My only ambition is to become as well known as you, Lilystar. I wish to make an alliance with Horseclan. *waits for an answer*

Lilystar to Goldenstripe

The light grey tabby shecat purrs and kisses her mate back. "I love you. It's nice just to spend time here, away from the clan, just with you." Snuggling close to him, Lilystar sighs and falls asleep to the beating of Goldenstripe's strong heart. Her dreams of filled of him and her future kit, who is growing inside of her. ~ Dreaming Lilystar P.S. I have to go to bed! I'll see you tomarrow! Night and love ya! ;)

Goldenstripe

"Thats a dumb thing to say! Stay away from her idiot!"

Informative and Fun

The best book I have read about writing and publishing. Full of advice that you can't get anywhere else. Betsy Lerner is clear, smart and entertaining. This book is full of real world advice that will help you get your thoughts on how to write and get published in line like straight pines in a forest. If you want to write you have to READ this book!

0 out of 1 people found this review helpful.

Finally, a book that speaks to writers

I loved this book. You have to be a bit clever to figure out the meaning behind Lerner's titles (or at least those of us who were dropped on their heads do) and like 'Food and Loathing: A Lament' this book is revealing. Forest for the Trees is different from 'How to write' books by acclaimed authors in that this helps you gauge where you are as a writer, where you want to be headed, and how to begin getting there. If you are a writer (and isn't almost everyone?) or know one, this is the SINGLE book you need to see if you have it in you and what you can do to get that book out. Books that explain grammar and vocabulary don't provide direction like this title. From neurosis to parenthesis, this is the first book I've read about the writing life that really spoke to my heart, whereas the other books of this genre provided limited relevance. Do you wonder what editors are thinking? How about agents? How does one work with a difficult writer? How honest is the publishing industry,and what are some ways to maximize your investment of time and avoid some cleverly hidden obstacles? The answers are in this book. And don't call Lerner if you like it...'NO CALLS PLEASE!'

A Great Book for Writers

This is one of the best books on writers and writing that I have ever read. I have recommended it to almost every other writer I know.

0 out of 1 people found this review helpful.

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