What do you think?
Rate this book
Go Teen Writers
Go Teen Writers: How to Turn Your First Draft into a Published Book
You know your first draft has problems, but what’s the best way to fix them? How do you know where to start editing? Or for many writers the bigger question becomes, “How do I know when I’m done?”
Popular bloggers Stephanie Morrill and Jill Williamson have been where you are, and they want to help you understand, and even come to love—yes, love—the editing process.
In this revised and updated edition of Go Teen Writers: Edit Your Novel, you’ll learn:
• Methods for efficiently editing your novel.
• What problems to look for in your manuscript and how to solve them.
• Where to start editing, and how to know when you’re done.
• How to keep track of your story’s character, storyworld, and setting details.
• How a critique group can help you.
• The pros and cons of traditional and self-publishing.
• An overview of pitching your novel and making writing your career.
• And much more!
Teaching yourself how to edit a first draft can feel hard, discouraging, and isolating. But using this guide, you'll feel encouraged, empowered, and capable—as if you had a writing coach sitting alongside you.
Popular bloggers Stephanie Morrill and Jill Williamson have been where you are, and they want to help you understand, and even come to love—yes, love—the editing process.
In this revised and updated edition of Go Teen Writers: Edit Your Novel, you’ll learn:
• Methods for efficiently editing your novel.
• What problems to look for in your manuscript and how to solve them.
• Where to start editing, and how to know when you’re done.
• How to keep track of your story’s character, storyworld, and setting details.
• How a critique group can help you.
• The pros and cons of traditional and self-publishing.
• An overview of pitching your novel and making writing your career.
• And much more!
Teaching yourself how to edit a first draft can feel hard, discouraging, and isolating. But using this guide, you'll feel encouraged, empowered, and capable—as if you had a writing coach sitting alongside you.
290 pages, Paperback
First published February 26, 2013
About the author
Stephanie Morrill
11 books604 followersStephanie Morrill is the author of several young adult novels, including the 1920's mystery, The Lost Girl of Astor Street). Despite loving cloche hats and drop-waist dresses, Stephanie would have been a terrible flapper because she can’t do the Charleston and looks awful with bobbed hair. She and her near-constant ponytail live in Kansas City with her husband and three kids. You can learn more about her on her author site: StephanieMorrill.com.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 47 reviews
February 20, 2019
If you're a writer, it would be in your best interest to read this book. xD
July 3, 2014
So I had the privilege of proofreading a book recently...and I had to remind myself to check for typos and such, because I wanted to whip out a piece of paper and take notes. For me.
Jill Williamson and Stephanie Morrill teamed up to write the guide for teen writers looking for that extra oomph to nudge them from incognito to on-their-way.
They lead you step-by-step through the process of building your book and preparing it for an agent or editor's eyes. With chapter titles like "Why Bother?", "Your Character's Past", "Behave Like a Pro Before You Are," and my personal favorite, "The Publishing Industry Decoded," this book screams insight.
The authors pull no punches and treat teens like adults, respecting them as fellow writers (a big plus).
Why I Recommend This Book
With a writer-to-writer tone and step-by-step method, Jill and Stephanie present a comprehensive overview of everything a teen writer needs to know about writing and becoming an author. I recommend this book to teen (and non-teen) writers looking for the answer to "How do I get published?"
August 5, 2019
One of the best writing books I've ever read! This book was easy to understand as it covered topic from first drafts, to editing, to pitching to literary agents, and the process of getting published. It answered a lot of questions I had.
UPDATE-8.4.19
Wish this book had more on indie publishing. But overall it’s a great book for teen writers and really for anyone who is a beginner.
UPDATE-8.4.19
Wish this book had more on indie publishing. But overall it’s a great book for teen writers and really for anyone who is a beginner.
May 2, 2023
I'm horrible at reviewing non-fiction books....lol...but here goes.
This book was beneficial! The extras in the back and how organized the book itself is! Being me, I had to read the whole thing because my brain won't let me read bits and pieces of a book I've never read, but it's a book I'll be referencing as I edit and write my books! I loved the useful info, the way it was presented, and the whole teaching method of the book, which is very open-minded. They're not telling you how to edit but more of ideas for how you could edit while encouraging you to find the method and rhythm that works best for you!
I love that style of teaching! It is so freeing! Writing is a creative endeavor and a job in one, so there is no one way to do it because our brains work differently, our personalities are different, our stories are different, some demand more from us than others.
So, do I like the Go Teen Writers books?
Yes!
Would I recommend them to fellow writers?
Yes!
Will I be rereading and referencing them in the future?
Yes!
Because they are that helpful and that good! Do yourself a favor a pick up a copy of both Go Teen Writers: Edit Your Novel and Go Teen Writers: Write Your Novel, you will not regret it!
This book was beneficial! The extras in the back and how organized the book itself is! Being me, I had to read the whole thing because my brain won't let me read bits and pieces of a book I've never read, but it's a book I'll be referencing as I edit and write my books! I loved the useful info, the way it was presented, and the whole teaching method of the book, which is very open-minded. They're not telling you how to edit but more of ideas for how you could edit while encouraging you to find the method and rhythm that works best for you!
I love that style of teaching! It is so freeing! Writing is a creative endeavor and a job in one, so there is no one way to do it because our brains work differently, our personalities are different, our stories are different, some demand more from us than others.
So, do I like the Go Teen Writers books?
Yes!
Would I recommend them to fellow writers?
Yes!
Will I be rereading and referencing them in the future?
Yes!
Because they are that helpful and that good! Do yourself a favor a pick up a copy of both Go Teen Writers: Edit Your Novel and Go Teen Writers: Write Your Novel, you will not regret it!
November 1, 2018
Wow! This is my very first Five Star read of 2018!
This book is utterly amazing. I'll have to give a full and detailed review later, but just let me say this: If you're a writer, you really should buy this book, no matter what your age.
It will probably be one of the best writing decisions you ever make.
This book is utterly amazing. I'll have to give a full and detailed review later, but just let me say this: If you're a writer, you really should buy this book, no matter what your age.
It will probably be one of the best writing decisions you ever make.
February 1, 2018
I have many notes now.
December 19, 2016
Let's of good information about the publishing industry + how to write a better novel. Highly recommended to all writers, not just teens. (Though I think teens will benefit the most from it.)
March 6, 2014
I’ve been reading the GTW (Go Teen Writers) blog since July of 2013. I am amazed at how my writing strengthened because of just reading that blog and reading this book. I also found several good writing friends through the blog that are absolutely wonderful! =)
This book goes step by step through the Macro Edit and the Micro Edit which is totally amazing. Before I started reading this book, I had no idea what a Macro or a Micro Edit was. In fact, I hardly knew any of the writing phrases they used. But after several months of reading Go Teen Writers, this book made even more sense when I read it for the second time. Just because you read it once doesn’t mean you’re allowed to shelve it forever! You have to reread it often!
Morrell and Williamson do an absolutely fabulous job with explaining everything. I love it! They are such great authors! =)
This is a fantastic book, even better the second read! I recommend it for ANY WRITER, not just teens!! It doesn’t matter if you’re teen or not, as long as you are a writer, this book should be helpful!
This book goes step by step through the Macro Edit and the Micro Edit which is totally amazing. Before I started reading this book, I had no idea what a Macro or a Micro Edit was. In fact, I hardly knew any of the writing phrases they used. But after several months of reading Go Teen Writers, this book made even more sense when I read it for the second time. Just because you read it once doesn’t mean you’re allowed to shelve it forever! You have to reread it often!
Morrell and Williamson do an absolutely fabulous job with explaining everything. I love it! They are such great authors! =)
This is a fantastic book, even better the second read! I recommend it for ANY WRITER, not just teens!! It doesn’t matter if you’re teen or not, as long as you are a writer, this book should be helpful!
March 8, 2020
Just as helpful a read the second time through!
April 22, 2013
This book is exactly what its title says. It is filled to the brim with priceless information for all authors, not just teen authors.
Go Teen Writers includes this and so much more. I took notes the entire time I read it, and I am positive I will go back to it countless times during my writing process.
This has helped me edit my work-in-progress novel and will help me in the future when I want to try to get it published.
Also, some writers books tend to read a little like a textbook. This is not the case for Go Teen Writers. Jill and Stephanie use a fun tone in their writing and talk to the reader as a fellow writer.
If you are interested in writing or learning more about the writing process, I recommend you get this book.
Go Teen Writers includes this and so much more. I took notes the entire time I read it, and I am positive I will go back to it countless times during my writing process.
This has helped me edit my work-in-progress novel and will help me in the future when I want to try to get it published.
Also, some writers books tend to read a little like a textbook. This is not the case for Go Teen Writers. Jill and Stephanie use a fun tone in their writing and talk to the reader as a fellow writer.
If you are interested in writing or learning more about the writing process, I recommend you get this book.
December 19, 2013
this was really helpful and is continuing to be really helpful. there was a lot of good pointers and things I hadn't even considered. great book.
April 16, 2020
it is a great book for editing help and it gave a lot of useful tips
Read
February 20, 2024This book offers a goldmine of valuable information for both teen writers and seasoned writers who need a refresher on editing. Highly recommend!
June 9, 2017
I found this really helpful and inspirational.
I'm not quite who the book was aimed at for a number of reasons; I prefer self-publishing (and know much more about it, so this was actually nice as I got to see more into traditional publishing and how it works), I haven't actually finished a draft of anything, and I don't think I'll publish (self or traditional publishing) in the near future at all. I'm not sure why I'm currently obsessed with reading books about publishing and marketing self-published books as ... yeah. Don't ask.
Still, this was a really good book and extremely helpful for me. In approximately the first half or so of the book it goes over how to macro-edit and micro-edit your book, from plot to characters to grammar. Even though I haven't actually finished a draft of anything I found this especially helpful and it really made me want to write (which is always a plus in a writing book ;) )
The second half was from when you have your book as polished as you possibly can and then want to go into traditional publishing, aimed at teens of course. This one wasn't personally helpful as, like I said, I personally like self-publishing much more as I know many people who slowly over the years, working hard and marketing much, have made it into a successful business. I personally prefer self-publishing just because I know (with work of course) it can be successful and you get the added bonus of having much much more control.
Anyway, I loved being able to look into and learn a bit more about traditional publishing. The two authors went over getting agents, writing queries, sort of what to expect, and quite a bit of other information which I feel would have been waaay more useful for people this book was actually aimed at. ;P
The only thing I wasn't particularly fond of was how they called the main conflict of the story the "story problem". It just felt like they were dumbing it down for teenagers. I suppose it's entirely possible that both of them always just called it the "story problem" and I mean, that's perfectly fine. I guess I just grew up on it being called the "conflict" and I was just slightly confused and annoyed when I had to replace the word I knew in my head with the (what felt more "dumbed down") "story problem".
Also, personally, it just felt a bit off when they discuss character voice and how if you're writing a girl they could notice things like clothes and compare how they look with other people, and if writing a boy they could notice things like car makes and engine models. It just felt ... very very over generalizing and ... it just popped out to me. xD I'm odd.
Overall, I would totally recommend this book to basically any writers, and especially teenaged writers. I really enjoyed it and after returning the library copy, will have to go buy one for myself. ;)
I'm not quite who the book was aimed at for a number of reasons; I prefer self-publishing (and know much more about it, so this was actually nice as I got to see more into traditional publishing and how it works), I haven't actually finished a draft of anything, and I don't think I'll publish (self or traditional publishing) in the near future at all. I'm not sure why I'm currently obsessed with reading books about publishing and marketing self-published books as ... yeah. Don't ask.
Still, this was a really good book and extremely helpful for me. In approximately the first half or so of the book it goes over how to macro-edit and micro-edit your book, from plot to characters to grammar. Even though I haven't actually finished a draft of anything I found this especially helpful and it really made me want to write (which is always a plus in a writing book ;) )
The second half was from when you have your book as polished as you possibly can and then want to go into traditional publishing, aimed at teens of course. This one wasn't personally helpful as, like I said, I personally like self-publishing much more as I know many people who slowly over the years, working hard and marketing much, have made it into a successful business. I personally prefer self-publishing just because I know (with work of course) it can be successful and you get the added bonus of having much much more control.
Anyway, I loved being able to look into and learn a bit more about traditional publishing. The two authors went over getting agents, writing queries, sort of what to expect, and quite a bit of other information which I feel would have been waaay more useful for people this book was actually aimed at. ;P
The only thing I wasn't particularly fond of was how they called the main conflict of the story the "story problem". It just felt like they were dumbing it down for teenagers. I suppose it's entirely possible that both of them always just called it the "story problem" and I mean, that's perfectly fine. I guess I just grew up on it being called the "conflict" and I was just slightly confused and annoyed when I had to replace the word I knew in my head with the (what felt more "dumbed down") "story problem".
Also, personally, it just felt a bit off when they discuss character voice and how if you're writing a girl they could notice things like clothes and compare how they look with other people, and if writing a boy they could notice things like car makes and engine models. It just felt ... very very over generalizing and ... it just popped out to me. xD I'm odd.
Overall, I would totally recommend this book to basically any writers, and especially teenaged writers. I really enjoyed it and after returning the library copy, will have to go buy one for myself. ;)
June 2, 2022
A solid book on the writing craft! This is one of those books that I wish I had read a few years ago when I was a newer writer, since it would have been a tremendous resource (and even as a more experienced writer there's plenty in there that I can apply).
My only complaint is that it didn't feel as focused on editing as I expected. It's not so much a book on editing as a writing craft book, with advice on publishing, creating characters, etc, and it focuses certain sections towards editing (especially in the first half). Overall, though, still well worth a read, especially for younger writers. Just be warned it isn't laser-focused on editing.
My only complaint is that it didn't feel as focused on editing as I expected. It's not so much a book on editing as a writing craft book, with advice on publishing, creating characters, etc, and it focuses certain sections towards editing (especially in the first half). Overall, though, still well worth a read, especially for younger writers. Just be warned it isn't laser-focused on editing.
December 1, 2019
One of the most helpful writing craft books I've read in a long time, and not just for editing. It lays out in a neat, easy-to-follow format what goes into a good novel. Everything is well organized and you can find what you're looking for in seconds. The section on querying is worth it's weight in gold. I really want to go and buy a copy for every single one of my younger writing friends, but don't think my budget would be all that happy with me.
March 3, 2021
This book was so amazing for helping me learn more about editing and agents and publishing and what have you. I learned so much and I really enjoyed reading it, and I am /definitely/ going to go look back through it when I go to edit my novels! There's also a section with brainstorming questions/character tropes/other very helpful stuff at the back that I'm totally referencing when I need them.
This was an awesome book to read! I highly recommend it.
This was an awesome book to read! I highly recommend it.
October 23, 2023
This book taught me so much! I highly recommend it, even if you aren't a teen author. From editing big picture issues to going through your novel with a fine-tooth comb, this book covers it all. I also very much appreciated the sections on the publishing process because that's something that still baffles me. This truly is a one-stop shop for everything you need to know after finishing a first draft, and I plan to return to it again and again!
November 29, 2020
Go Teen Writers Edit Your Novel is a must read for writers. Any, all, every writers.
I read this book while I was planning my novel. It gave me so much to think about and pay attention to when I began writing.
The career knowledge, encouragement to grow- and examples of ways to do that-, and truth about the journey are things I greatly appreciated.
I read this book while I was planning my novel. It gave me so much to think about and pay attention to when I began writing.
The career knowledge, encouragement to grow- and examples of ways to do that-, and truth about the journey are things I greatly appreciated.
May 22, 2017
Een hele leuk beginnersboek voor schrijvers. Stephanie Morrill en Jill Wiliamson hebben hart voor tieners die willen schrijven - en dat is te merken in dit vriendelijke boek.
Niet alles is van toepassing op de Nederlandse situatie.
Maar alleen al vanwege de positieve insteek een aanrader!
Niet alles is van toepassing op de Nederlandse situatie.
Maar alleen al vanwege de positieve insteek een aanrader!
September 6, 2017
If you want to write a novel, you need to read this. Not joking.
September 13, 2020
Fantastic resource that I'll definitely be coming back to later
April 24, 2022
such a great book and handy dandy tool to becomiung a first time author. - a fan.
March 9, 2021
One of the most comprehensive, step-by-step books on self-editing I’ve come across. This is an excellent resource for anyone (not just teens) looking for guidance with macro and micro-edits with their draft. However, some of the information hasn’t aged well and I would not seek this book out as a resource for publishing. For instance, the authors recommend only turning to self-publishing if you’ve tried and failed in the traditional publishing world and I cannot stress enough how that’s really really not the reason you should self-publish. There are so, so many reasons why someone would prefer to self-publish over traditionally publish (and vice-versa), and I would have preferred this section to have been written by a guest author with self-publishing experience.
May 3, 2013
As a person who has both the book and the ebook, I highly recommend the book. This is an invaluable resource, and one of the books that you'll want to flip to a certain section, bookmark, possibly even jot in the margins. I'm not one to usually mind a book over an ebook (yes real books are my preference but it isn't a big deal) however in this case go for the book it's worth the extra $!!
Now that that's out of the way down to the review.
I've been following the blog this book was based around for several years now. So it's no surprise I ended up buying the book within the week of it's release. I was not disappointed!
This book has a ton of information packed into it. It's 300 pages of tips, grammar helps, examples, exercises, general info and generally answers any FAQ a writer has. They make it fun too! It's one of those writer books that is just fun to read. :)
The design is pleasing to the eye. The way the text is formatted, sectioned, and the handling of co-authorship is perfectly done.
The Table of Contents is very thorough. Here is a sampling of topics found in the table of contents.
The Story Problem
Digging Out Your Themes
Giving Your Narrative a Boost
Flashbacks
Writing a Strong Antagonist
Creating Plot Twists
Writing the Cream of Your Story
Filling in the Gaps
Formatting
How to Know When You're Done
Behaving Like a Pro Before You Are
Traditional Publishing
Self Publishing
Your Hook Sentence
Your Target Audience
Dealing With Rejection
+ a whole lot of other topics and lovely Extras Section full of lists and resources. :)
Also, don't be deceived by this book's title. My father started reading my copy and said it appeared to be a very good book, one he plans to read in the future. So, even if you aren't a teen anymore (or yet), this book can certainly help you. It's not dumbed down to teen level or anything along those lines. Jill and Stephanie just have a heart for helping young authors.
I am definitely planning on purchasing additional copies of this book for a few birthdays. If you aren't sure whether this book is the one you're looking for, head right on over to Stephanie and Jill's GoTeenWriter's blog. If you like what you see there, you will certainly love this book!
Now that that's out of the way down to the review.
I've been following the blog this book was based around for several years now. So it's no surprise I ended up buying the book within the week of it's release. I was not disappointed!
This book has a ton of information packed into it. It's 300 pages of tips, grammar helps, examples, exercises, general info and generally answers any FAQ a writer has. They make it fun too! It's one of those writer books that is just fun to read. :)
The design is pleasing to the eye. The way the text is formatted, sectioned, and the handling of co-authorship is perfectly done.
The Table of Contents is very thorough. Here is a sampling of topics found in the table of contents.
The Story Problem
Digging Out Your Themes
Giving Your Narrative a Boost
Flashbacks
Writing a Strong Antagonist
Creating Plot Twists
Writing the Cream of Your Story
Filling in the Gaps
Formatting
How to Know When You're Done
Behaving Like a Pro Before You Are
Traditional Publishing
Self Publishing
Your Hook Sentence
Your Target Audience
Dealing With Rejection
+ a whole lot of other topics and lovely Extras Section full of lists and resources. :)
Also, don't be deceived by this book's title. My father started reading my copy and said it appeared to be a very good book, one he plans to read in the future. So, even if you aren't a teen anymore (or yet), this book can certainly help you. It's not dumbed down to teen level or anything along those lines. Jill and Stephanie just have a heart for helping young authors.
I am definitely planning on purchasing additional copies of this book for a few birthdays. If you aren't sure whether this book is the one you're looking for, head right on over to Stephanie and Jill's GoTeenWriter's blog. If you like what you see there, you will certainly love this book!
November 21, 2013
Review by Sarah Faulkner
I’ve been a follower of the blog, Go Teen Writers, maintained by the authors of this book for several years. I was worried I’d learned pretty much all they had to teach me. I was very wrong!
Go Teen Writers: How to Turn Your First Draft into a Finished Book is the perfect book for any young writer. If they’re a teen, college student, or just new to the craft, this is a great how-to book and manual.
For someone who has read several grammar books, take a creative class and a grammar class, and been writing for four years, some of the first chapters weren’t as helpful. However, this is because the target of this book is someone who is a little newer to the craft. I think if I’d read this book a year or two ago, I would have had a lot more to learn from the first few chapters.
But after those, I found a gold mine. Chapter 14 had a helpful reminder on formatting, and the whole section on “Editing Issues that don’t happen on the Page,” was wonderful.
And then I got to the section on publishing. I’ve read several books and dozens of articles on publishing, and this still taught me a lot. I’ve read a whole book on book proposals, but that book was written for non-fiction writers and didn’t help me very much. I hadn’t been able to find a good source of information on fiction book proposals until this book. It only has one chapter on proposals, but I learned more in that one chapter than in half a dozen blog posts and a whole book.
I really appreciated how this book was targeted to teens. I read a few books for writing as a child, but I haven’t been able to find one for teens before this. However, I think that any new writer who’s looking for some information about the industry will appreciate this book. I know it will be one of my top recommendations from now on.
I highly recommend this book to any writer, young or old. It’s a great book with a lot of helpful information that I haven’t found elsewhere. I will say, I highly recommend the physical book. This is a book you’ll want to flip through, highlight, and have handy all the time. I originally got the e-book and have since also gotten the hard copy.
I’ve been a follower of the blog, Go Teen Writers, maintained by the authors of this book for several years. I was worried I’d learned pretty much all they had to teach me. I was very wrong!
Go Teen Writers: How to Turn Your First Draft into a Finished Book is the perfect book for any young writer. If they’re a teen, college student, or just new to the craft, this is a great how-to book and manual.
For someone who has read several grammar books, take a creative class and a grammar class, and been writing for four years, some of the first chapters weren’t as helpful. However, this is because the target of this book is someone who is a little newer to the craft. I think if I’d read this book a year or two ago, I would have had a lot more to learn from the first few chapters.
But after those, I found a gold mine. Chapter 14 had a helpful reminder on formatting, and the whole section on “Editing Issues that don’t happen on the Page,” was wonderful.
And then I got to the section on publishing. I’ve read several books and dozens of articles on publishing, and this still taught me a lot. I’ve read a whole book on book proposals, but that book was written for non-fiction writers and didn’t help me very much. I hadn’t been able to find a good source of information on fiction book proposals until this book. It only has one chapter on proposals, but I learned more in that one chapter than in half a dozen blog posts and a whole book.
I really appreciated how this book was targeted to teens. I read a few books for writing as a child, but I haven’t been able to find one for teens before this. However, I think that any new writer who’s looking for some information about the industry will appreciate this book. I know it will be one of my top recommendations from now on.
I highly recommend this book to any writer, young or old. It’s a great book with a lot of helpful information that I haven’t found elsewhere. I will say, I highly recommend the physical book. This is a book you’ll want to flip through, highlight, and have handy all the time. I originally got the e-book and have since also gotten the hard copy.
April 16, 2024
This book is vital for any one looking to edit or re-draft their novel! I'm currently in the process of second drafting a book, and even though I’m not quite into the editing stage, it was amazing to read, and I’ll be rereading it when I hit that stage. Even for those only in the first draft stage, this can be invaluable to see where you headed in the writing journey, and even just keeping note of things you can do in the present to make the future easier.
Also y’all, the back of the book comes with a list of other amazing books and resources, and “weasel words” those pesky extra words that clog up a novel (‘that', the dreaded ‘suddenly’, ‘always’, etc) that is super duper helpful. *nodnod* A 10/10 addition to any writer’s bookshelf.
Also y’all, the back of the book comes with a list of other amazing books and resources, and “weasel words” those pesky extra words that clog up a novel (‘that', the dreaded ‘suddenly’, ‘always’, etc) that is super duper helpful. *nodnod* A 10/10 addition to any writer’s bookshelf.
December 10, 2020
This book is such an encouraging and informative read for teens. Whilst this is mainly for writers who have written a first draft–and how they can polish that up–I read it while only being halfway through writing the first draft of my current novel. Nevertheless, it was still inspiring and only motivated me further to finish my first draft.
This book is filled with tips and advice, from checking grammar, to finding an agent. Since I am currently not in the place to try these tips out, I can’t speak from first-hand experience. However, a common thread throughout this book is: It’s going to take hard work to be successful as an author. This is not conveyed in a way which leaves your writing dreams shattered, but in a practical, honest yet inspiring way. I respect that. I respect that they worked hard–and still do–to get to the place where they are now. Rather than walk away from this book feeling daunted, I feel motivated to give writing my best shot and to work hard at it, like I would if I was pursuing any career.
Sure, there is the possibility that a teen’s going to read this and feel daunted, but I think the cons, as well as the pros, needs to be addressed to someone who is thinking seriously about being published. Besides, they discuss them in such a diplomatic way that if someone is put off a writing career by reading this, then it is probably just as well that they read this first! 😉
This book is filled with tips and advice, from checking grammar, to finding an agent. Since I am currently not in the place to try these tips out, I can’t speak from first-hand experience. However, a common thread throughout this book is: It’s going to take hard work to be successful as an author. This is not conveyed in a way which leaves your writing dreams shattered, but in a practical, honest yet inspiring way. I respect that. I respect that they worked hard–and still do–to get to the place where they are now. Rather than walk away from this book feeling daunted, I feel motivated to give writing my best shot and to work hard at it, like I would if I was pursuing any career.
Sure, there is the possibility that a teen’s going to read this and feel daunted, but I think the cons, as well as the pros, needs to be addressed to someone who is thinking seriously about being published. Besides, they discuss them in such a diplomatic way that if someone is put off a writing career by reading this, then it is probably just as well that they read this first! 😉
September 24, 2014
Best writing book EVER.
This book is amazing. I can tell that Stephanie Morrill and Jill Williamson honestly want to help writers get published (Thank you so much for not ending up like Bronte from The Revised Life of Ellie Sweet).
Go Teen Writers is definitely a book I'll keep close by and refer to often. It's funny, honest, and helpful, especially about getting an agent.
The only problem is that the book had things in it the authors said not to use. For example, it said "a bit", and then on the next page said not to. I know this book is written informally, but it does seem strange for that to be in there.
Is this a book I'd suggest others get? Yes, certainly. I love how the authors referenced their own books. I just added Jill Williamson's The New Recruit on my to-read list. :)
This book is amazing. I can tell that Stephanie Morrill and Jill Williamson honestly want to help writers get published (Thank you so much for not ending up like Bronte from The Revised Life of Ellie Sweet).
Go Teen Writers is definitely a book I'll keep close by and refer to often. It's funny, honest, and helpful, especially about getting an agent.
The only problem is that the book had things in it the authors said not to use. For example, it said "a bit", and then on the next page said not to. I know this book is written informally, but it does seem strange for that to be in there.
Is this a book I'd suggest others get? Yes, certainly. I love how the authors referenced their own books. I just added Jill Williamson's The New Recruit on my to-read list. :)
May 29, 2013
I can't say that this is the only book on writing you'll ever need, at least not if you're a serious writer. However, it is pretty comprehensive, covering everything from fiction craft to the publishing industry. To be honest, I havent seen many books that do that.
The advice you get on these topics is quite in depth as well. There is really nothing here that you wouldn't get in an adult writing book. It doesn't dumb the message down just because it has a younger audience. There is little I could find in there that would differentiate it from a book for older writers, perhaps only that the examples are from YA, not adult, fiction and that the authors assume you're not published.
The way it is done, giving advice from both authors in turn, makes it rather like having two books in one. It also means that if one piece of advice doesn't quite fit you, there's always another option.
I've read books about writing before, but even so I found a lot in this that was helpful. I'm desperate now to start writing again
The advice you get on these topics is quite in depth as well. There is really nothing here that you wouldn't get in an adult writing book. It doesn't dumb the message down just because it has a younger audience. There is little I could find in there that would differentiate it from a book for older writers, perhaps only that the examples are from YA, not adult, fiction and that the authors assume you're not published.
The way it is done, giving advice from both authors in turn, makes it rather like having two books in one. It also means that if one piece of advice doesn't quite fit you, there's always another option.
I've read books about writing before, but even so I found a lot in this that was helpful. I'm desperate now to start writing again
Displaying 1 - 30 of 47 reviews