Writer's Digest

Writer's Digest magazine is a comprehensive source of writing instruction for writers. Each issue provides advice and insider tips on writing and selling fiction, nonfiction, poetry and scripts.

FROM OUR READERS • WD posed the question to readers on our website: “How do you define success, and how has it changed since you started writing?” Readers responded:

Finding Success in 2022

Writer’s Digest

CONTRIBUTORS

Edit Like a Surgeon • Nonfiction writers have specialized goals and editorial concerns. Here are tips to make your writing clear, accurate, and impactful.

Is Podcasting Right for You? • Authors weigh in on what running a podcast has done for their careers and what it can do for yours.

Poetic asides • No matter what you write, a bit of poetic license can be a valuable asset to any writer’s arsenal.

5-MINUTE MEMOIR • Auditioning for a Burger King Commercial Taught Me How to Handle the Travails of Publishing

Raymond Antrobus • On (Subjective) Success

Michael Longclaws • JAVELIN

Where Should Your Character Be at the Beginning of Your Story? • Advice and tips to boost your writing skills.

12 Foolproof Ways to Fail as a Writer • Making sense of the publishing world.

Deciding to Self-Publish • New rules. New strategies. New paths to success.

BREAKINGIN • Debut authors: How they did it, what they learned, and why you can do it, too.

RESEARCH AND STORYTELLING FOR SUCCESSFUL HISTORICAL FICTION • Bestselling historical novelist Janie Chang asked six fellow novelists to share their tips for finding and writing stories from the past that will resonate with today’s readers.

DIG IN OR CUT YOURSELF FREE • Drawer novel or potential bestseller? Seven writers share their tips for revision success and how to know when to move on.

TAKING THE SHORT TACK WITH SHORT FICTION • Traditional markets aren’t the only paths to success for short stories. Here are six reasons why self-publishing could be the way to go.

“EYES ON THE ROAD!” • Much like a cross-country road trip, writing a series can be quite the journey. Here are 5 tips to get your readers safely to the final destination and enjoy the ride along the way.

WHAT AGENTS WISH WRITERS KNEW • 22 literary agents share their insights about querying, the agent/author relationship, and the industry so writers can find success in 2022.

PLAYING THE FREELANCE FIELD • Part of making your freelance career a success is knowing how to determine the benefit each gig brings to your résumé. Here are four tips to help you make the right moves.

HOW LAW SCHOOL MADE ME A MORE BUSINESS-SAVVY WRITER • Law school, like an MFA program, isn’t the right choice for every writer. But being open to unexpected opportunities may have profound impacts on your career.

Lisa Jewell • The New York Times bestselling British author discusses creating thrilling plot twists and developing characters in her 19th novel, The Night She Disappeared.

FUNNY YOU SHOULD ASK • A literary agent’s mostly serious answers to your mostly serious questions.

Mining Your Life for Story Ideas • Covering the tips, tricks, and tactics for capturing the attention of an assigning editor so you don’t get ghosted.

Water Ways • THE CHALLENGE: Write the opening line to a story based on the photo prompt below.

ENTER YOUR STORY • THE CHALLENGE: Write the first line of a story based on the prompt below. You can be funny, poignant, witty, etc.; it is, after all, your story.

WHEN ONE IDEA JUST ISN’T ENOUGH • WRITING TIPS FROM MASTER OF FINE ARTS PROGRAMS AND CANDIDATES

Introduction to Map-Making • Tips for making your story concrete.

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