"The Byline Bible" by Susan Shapiro is what I've been searching for without knowing it. The introduction alone sold me on this book. I used to call myself an aspiring writer but I realized that I didn't have anything unique to say. My personal narrative feel pretty boring, but maybe the problem is I don't know HOW to write it properly.
"The best way to break into publishing is with a great three-page doublespaced
personal essay." Now, I know I just stated that my personal narrative feels boring, and that's true, but this quote from the beginning of chapter one is totally true. I wrote a short narrative online (personal blog maybe?) about banned books week that was noticed by an editor of a small magazine in my hometown. She asked me to re-write it and submit it to her for the magazine! I've been writing off and on for that magazine for 4 years now. BUT I don't know how to write elsewhere. That's why I need "The Byline Bible" in my life RIGHT NOW.
Shapio's professional advice makes sense of what is often hard to navigate. I've written a lot of articles for free (cringe) but hopefully I can do better with Shapio's advice.
"The best way to break into publishing is with a great three-page doublespaced
personal essay." Now, I know I just stated that my personal narrative feels boring, and that's true, but this quote from the beginning of chapter one is totally true. I wrote a short narrative online (personal blog maybe?) about banned books week that was noticed by an editor of a small magazine in my hometown. She asked me to re-write it and submit it to her for the magazine! I've been writing off and on for that magazine for 4 years now. BUT I don't know how to write elsewhere. That's why I need "The Byline Bible" in my life RIGHT NOW.
Shapio's professional advice makes sense of what is often hard to navigate. I've written a lot of articles for free (cringe) but hopefully I can do better with Shapio's advice.