Sol Stein's Reference Book for Writers: Part 1: Writing, Part 2: Publishing
Stein, a novelist, editor, playwright, and author of two previous books about writing, knows whereof he speaks. His book is exactly what its title says it is: an alphabetical guide to pretty much everything a writer might need to know about the business and technique of writing, from the dangers of repetition, through the basics of doing an outline, to how to avoid false notes in dialogue and what’s good (and bad) about writing workshops. The book has a separate alphabetical section devoted to the business of publishing, covering such topics as copyediting, publicity and promotion, and discounting. Stylistically, the book is nothing special—it’s nothing but brief, just-the-facts-ma’am essays—but it’s full of useful information, some of which is ignored or barely mentioned by other writers’ guides (social class in fiction and nonfiction, for example). A first-rate reference for all kinds of writers but especially for those new to the business. --David Pitt