Reviews For Writer's Digest Magazine

Ten years ago, I decided it was time to become a published author. The first thing I did was to research how to go about that. Writer's Digest was my first source of information on how the writing and publishing business works. It told me not only how to write better but gave me the nitty-gritty details of how to get my material considered seriously by the right people. It was invaluable.

I even bought up and studied all the back issues they had. What happened? Well, I sold a dozen or so magazine articles that first year, more the next year, and so on. I've now sold over 450 articles to national and regional publications. Of course, you need to be a good writer to do that, but there is a lot to be said for knowing how to run your writing business professionally. Editors trust those who appear to be professionals, those who know the rules and follow them. Writer's Digest routinely covers the etiquette of the writing world.

I've subscribed now for over ten years and although I no longer inhale each issue as it appears in the mailbox, I still enjoy reading it. And I still find useful information there.

Writer's Digest does not spend a lot of time speaking to your muse or ruminating about art and literature. It's a hard-headed, practical journal for practicing professionals and those who would like to be practicing professionals. There are other sources of inspiration for those who write solely for the art involved.

If you want to be a working writer, get the magazine. It may not speak to your particular needs, but there's a good chance it will give you just the information you need to succeed. You'll also want to pay attention to the books that Writer's Digest Press publishes. They are the most useful books on writing that you'll find anywhere.


Recommended:
Yes

Accepts Freelance Submissions: Yes
Primary Reason for Buying: Articles

when I was--I don't remember,10 or 11--my mother gave me my first subscription to Writer's Market, and I have had more or less regular subscriptions since then. This is the magazine that you need to get started, if you want to write professionally. I say that even though I feel that the quality and usefulness of the magazine has lessened over the years.

Beginning writers need to hear the nuts-and-bolt advice that the magazine offers, and they need to hear it often. There are articles that touch on the business aspects, as well as on the different genres and their subgenres. Just knowing the wide variety of possible markets and audiences is a plus for the would-be writer.

More experienced writers will probably have minutes--even occasional months--of disenchantment. Many of the articles are rehashed, much of the advice is basic, and the magazine, and its spin-offs, are highly commercialized. You can get critiques, take correspondence classes, and so on. Even so, the simple truth is that the magazine often offers a nugget or two--that one snippet of information or advice--that can make a difference. And so, it's hard not to read it.

My first sale resulted directly from the magazine; I saw a market listing, read the "slant" the publication required--and sent material that was accepted almost immediately. I am not yet the writer I intend to be, but making that first sale was like being able to leap over at least a few very high buildings.

Writer's Digest is a professional journal, intended for those who want to write for sale. Although it has the occasional piece on writing for one's self, this magazine really is only appropriate for those who either know they want to submit material, or those who think some day they might. It's information, especially for the raw beginner, can make a difference, even in this on-line age.

An added plus is that for those who do write, the cartoons, and the chronicles of various authors' work or lives can be extremely entertaining. The columns on poetry often showcase the type of work that is currently successful as well.

If you want to write, write this down: Writer's Digest will provide a starting point, as well as encouragement down the road. That first check may not come tomorrow--but Writer's Digest may help hurry it along.


Recommended:
Yes

Accepts Freelance Submissions: Yes
Primary Reason for Buying: Articles

I've been reading Writer's Digest since I was nine-years-old, even then entertaining the fantasy of someday becoming a bestselling author. (Just to let you know, I'm not quite there . . . yet!) I love this magazine! I know it's aimed at beginners, but I'm not a beginner anymore, having been freelancing for the past five years successfully, yet I still find many of the articles informative and inspirational.

I always feel just a bit more pumped up about writing after reading the latest issue. And when I see the new issue on the newsstand, I never hesitate to grab it, no matter how broke I am. I used to subscribe--and, yes, it is a much better deal that way--but because it's not a slick consumer mag, its flimsy paper and covering always got mangled in the mail.

My only other criticism has to do with the trademark column, printed in every other issue. For pete's sake, by now we all know Kleenex is not a general term for tissue! That space could definitely be used for something more interesting.

All in all, a great trade magazine, especially for writers just starting out, or for those (like me) who need constant motivation.


Recommended:
Yes

Accepts Freelance Submissions: Yes
Primary Reason for Buying: Articles

I have been a subscriber to Writer's Digest for over two years now, which is when I first started getting serious about writing. This magazine has served as a guide book for all my stories and poetry. They interview numerous writers and many members of the staff have written themselves. They take published works and actually break them down, showing us clearly and concisely how to think and feel as a writer.

They are also realistic; they know many of us are aspiring writers and they do well in letting us know that many won't make it. The good thing about them is that they also leave it your hands, since that's ultimately where all the writing is.

They have exercises to help us better our writing and have contests that actually give us an opportunity to share our works. The advertisements are all writing based. That means a lot to me, since there is nothing worse that reading a specialty magazine and seeing, for example, an ad for viagra.

The writing is easy to understand, so even a beginner can check it out. They offer classes on writing. What else do we need? Just our handy guide book.


Recommended:
Yes

Accepts Freelance Submissions: Not sure
Primary Reason for Buying: Editorials/Social commentary

I've been reading WRITER'S DIGEST magazine for several years now, and I believe that it is well worth it to subscribe to this magazine. It is of particular interest to people who have always wanted to write, but never knew the basics of submitting manuscripts, finding suitable markets, and obtaining addresses of publishers who are open to new writers.

Another benefit of WRITER'S DIGEST magazine is that it provides basic information for the novice writer in many different genres. I believe it is important for a writer to try various types of writing early in their career, so that they may find the type of writing that is most suited to their talents. I was surprised to see how easily poetry came to me. Most of my initial successes were with my poetry. I probably would have never tried to submit poetry if I wasn't a WRITER'S DIGEST subscriber.

There is less material that is helpful to the more experienced writer, but I believe it can provide inspiration and motivation for them. This, in itself, is an important benefit. I would definitely recommend WRITER'S DIGEST to any aspiring writer.


Recommended:
Yes

Accepts Freelance Submissions: Yes
Primary Reason for Buying: Articles

I've been a subscriber to Writer's Digest off and on for many years. Where else could you find articles and interviews by and about name brand authors like Stephen King and Richard Carlson? Add to these, tips for writers of fiction, nonfiction, essays, poetry, drama - every type of writing you can think of.

Each issue also contains a list of markets in various categories. Special issues every year list the best markets for your writing.

This is a magazine that's invaluable to any writer - beginner or professional - who want to keep up on the latest trends in publishing.

Recommended:
Yes

Primary Reason for Buying: Articles
Accepts Freelance Submissions: Yes

've been a professional writer for quite a few years now; so Writer's Digest seemed the natural stop . In fact, I've been a faithful reader of the magazine for quite a while
now, and have learned quite a bit in the process.

So I jumped right into the February article as any writer would. "What exactly am I going to learn," I wondered. This particular issue promised to teach me everything,
starting with "Learning to Write About Love from the Heart."So I headed straight
there.

Hints? First, you jump right into the story. In this particular case, the article fills us
with the seeds and level of depth and emotions honest to new writers. A story written by Joan Mazza says: "Beginners back off from strong feelings of all kinds. They are
reluctant to make their character suffer."Intensive passage, but enough to make you think..

Then there's words by Scott Beth who says:"So, if you
expect to grab readers, you must get your own heart into he matter." How?, I asked..."Look into your heart and
find what makes you burn."

After reading a couple more equally interesting articles, I exit with the most important issue of all: The Romance of Being Writer. In this section , Peggy Rynk
deals with the sensitive art of writing about romance, or what she calls the love and hate of writing good romance.

Need More? Go ahead and Read it yourself. It's on the news stands ...

Recommended:
Yes

Primary Reason for Buying: Articles
Subject Matter: Mystery
Accepts Freelance Submissions: Not Sure

I love Writer's Digest for a variety of reasons. The first of these reasons are that this magazine not only provides it's reader with interesting articles, but it also gives listings of markets as well as contests. Also, it also talks to authors from different genres in order to inform writers on what they are looking for as well as providing several writing do's and dont's.

The reason I buy the magazine is simple: I am a poet and from this magazine, I not only find out what editor are taking but also how to make sure my work stands out from the rest. The other things which sets Writer's Digest apart from other writing magazines is that they also have their own writing contests in which all writers can enter and win prizes.

So in closing, I would say to anyone who wants to be a writer, is a writer, or has ever thought about becoming a writer, by subscribing to Writer's Digest you will be making a huge step in the right direction.


Recommended:
Yes

Primary Reason for Buying: Articles
Subject Matter: Poetry
Accepts Freelance Submissions: Yes

Writer's Digest is a wonderful source of information for all writers and would-be writers. I have had a subscription, on and off, for the past 10 years and have kept many of the issues for reference. That is one of the best things about Writer's Digest. Much of it's information is timeless.
Articles on the style of writing are filled with useful tips. It not only tells you how to write, but it shows you how and where to be published. I especially like the issues that deal with magazine writing.
The only reason I have not renewed my subscription in the past year is that I found it easier to buy the issues that deal with my particular kind of writing. Some issues focus on poetry, some with fiction, mystery or non-fiction.
I highly recommend this magazine to anyone who loves to write or hopes to improve their writing skills.


Recommended:
Yes

Accepts Freelance Submissions: Yes
Primary Reason for Buying: Articles

Writing for a living is not an easy way to go unless you have a friend with inside information. That's Writer's Digest. I have been using it to keep abreast of the latest in industry news for at least ten years. I can highly offer this to the beginning, intermediate and experienced writer as an assist for Writer's Block. The suggestions in it's articles are invaluable. The latest in contest's are also published in the back for those looking for an avenue of expression. Creative juices begin to stir the minute I open to the first page and by the time I put it down I am bursting with ideas. Enjoy.


Recommended:
Yes

Accepts Freelance Submissions: Not sure
Primary Reason for Buying: Articles