The Writer's Book of Checklists: The Quick-Reference Guide to Essential Information Every Writer Needs

Addresses in quick reference format the basics to conceiving, researching, writing, and marketing fiction and nonfiction, including such tips as conquering fears, doing business with editors, and legal matters

YA-- A helpful book of advice and information on every aspect of the writing trade beginning with attitude, including living with rejection, and ending with problems of copyright. There are also hints on style, the meaning of proof-reading marks, ways to avoid sexism, how to write a proposal, opportunities, and more. Included are current addresses of writers' organizations in the United States and Canada.
Copyright 1991 Reed Business Information, Inc.

There's wonderful material here on the subtleties of contracts, on literary rights, on the business etiquette of dealing with agents and editors, and on submitting manuscripts. The way Edelstein lays out kinds of things (fiction, nonfiction, narrators, editors, publications, etc.) could be useful for ready reference. Every conceivable term of the writing trade is defined. Edelstein cuts across genres and is sensible about children's writing. He is questionable on how to sell a novel with an outline: most publishers wouldn't even look at it. The list concept is interesting when Edelstein ranks orders: easy-to-difficult markets, for instance, or payment schedules. But often the method seems gimmicky and subjective: the list for writer's block, for instance, is merely good advice. Up to date, but no index; for large collections only.
- John Mort, Kansas City P.L., Mo.
Copyright 1991 Reed Business Information, Inc.