4. February 2010 by Gore Wehner.

Author bio: Donald Maas is a literary agent. He founded the Donald Maass Literary Agency in 1980. He is past president of AAR.

Year of Publication:  2004

Still relevant?: Absolutely

Topics covered: Characterization. Conflict. How to write plots, sub-plots and plot layers. How to create an outline (worksheet included). How to up the tension in a novel. Story techniques, such as setting, the character’s inner changes, reversals and surprises.

What you will learn in this book: how to make your writing stronger and deepen your plot and its many layers.  After going through the writing exercises, you will be a changed writer. For the better. Perfect for genre fiction.

What you will not learn: How to gain a platform. Marketing strategies. How to write in  literary form. You won’t learn about symbolism or “gorgeous” writing.

Who this book is for: Someone who has come as far as they can learning the writing craft on their own. It’s like having a mentor, but one who doesn’t stop over and drink your coffee.

Personal review: This book covers almost everything there is to know about commercial/genre fiction. It needs to be read every time you feel a case of writer’s block coming on.

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9. December 2009 by Gore Wehner.

Author bio: can be found at www.elizabethlyon.com

Year of Publication: 1997 Perigee

Still relevant?: yes

Topics covered:  The ways people can get their novel into the hands of agents and publishers. How to discover what genre you write in. How to write a synopsis. In depth look at synopses, including ones written by authors such as Rainer Rey and Patricia Jean Hyatt. How to write a query. Explains the various types of queries. Contains many examples of queries in several genres including magical realism, Christian and Romance. Explanation of what is expected in your first chapter. Includes information on prologues and how to format your submission. Gives information on how to research agents and publishers. Discusses the different types of rejection letters. Gives detailed information on agents and what questions to ask a prospective agent. Also talks about what happens after an offer is made on your book.

What you will learn in this book: Everything you need to know to put together a proposal package for your novel, including how to write a query and synopsis.

What you will not learn: How to write your book.

Who this book is for: Anyone ready to see their book go into print.

Personal review: Excellent book. Packed with information, and although Ms. Lyon is an editor, she’s not taking up space trying to sell your her editing services. If you’re ready to take the next step in finding an agent or publisher, whatever the genre, this book will help you move forward.

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