The Complete Book of Feature Writing: From Great American Feature Writers, Editors and Teachers

Thirty-one writers, editors, and teachers offer advice on feature story writing, plus examples of successful stories and techniques for developing specific skills

This book is useful not only for the would-be features writer but also in the classroom, since many examples and exercises are offered. It includes some "think" pieces, advice on writing leads, and graceful writing on the art of the interview by Kay Mille; the section on sources is written by librarians. Of newspaper hiring practices, Richard Cheverton observes, "It's tougher than ever to break in if you're a white male." But it's not easy for anyone, with the shrinking number of newspapers, and that points to the limitation of this book. Its emphasis is newspapers--and Florida newspapers at that--rather than magazines or broadcast media. Still, this is a fine source on science, food, music, film, or TV writing. Jim Molnar on travel writing is inspired. Book reviewing, the easiest market, is nicely covered, as well as alternative newspapers. Recommended for freelancers trying to crack newspapers or news syndicates.
-John Mort, Kansas City P.L., Mo.
Copyright 1991 Reed Business Information, Inc.