- Hardcover: 284 pages
- Publisher: Riverhead Books (Mar 2000)
- Language English
- ISBN-10: 157322152X
- ISBN-13: 978-1573221528
- Product Dimensions: 20.8 x 14.7 x 3 cm
- Average Customer Review: 4.5 out of 5 stars See all reviews (4 customer reviews)
- Amazon Bestsellers Rank: 350,530 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)
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Amazon.co.uk Review
One feels for Betsy Lerner's writers. Oh, sure, Lerner must be a fabulous agent. But too bad for them that in gaining her as an agent, they lost her as an editor. How rare and wonderful it must have been to have such an advocate, adviser and, yes, admirer so firmly ensconced in publisher territory (at various times, Houghton Mifflin, Ballantine, Simon & Schuster and Doubleday). In The Forest for the Trees, Lerner reflects on writing and publishing, both from an editor's point of view. There are so many books by writers and agents promising to disclose what editors really want; here, finally, is one straight from the source. Like all experienced editors, Lerner has seen writers at their best, and she has seen them at their worst. "Like shrinks", she says, editors "have a privileged and exclusive view into a writer's psyche, from the ecstasy of acquisition to the agony of the remainder table".
To writers, particularly unpublished ones, editors can seem imposing figures determined to thwart their success. They won't take calls, they don't offer feedback--sometimes they don't respond to queries at all. Guess what: editors don't lug home hundreds of pounds of manuscripts to read each year because they aren't looking for good writing. "An editor gets off", says Lerner, "on the thrill of discovering a new writer". Editors crave "succinct, well-written cover letters", inspiration that comes from within (as opposed to from the best-seller list), and "catchy, clearly targeted title[s]". They detest unsolicited phone calls, "query letters that sound as if they were penned by Crazy Eddie", and writers who offer to "write it however I want it" (it's "like saying I'll be straight or gay; you tell me, I have no preference"). Lerner is aware of how excruciating it is for a writer to wait for feedback on his work. But she also lets writers in on a little secret of her own. "I'm always anxious about the author's response", she confides. "Will he or she take to my editing?" --Jane Steinberg
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Most Helpful Customer Reviews
14 of 14 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
If you're a writer, you must own this book,
By
This review is from: The Forest for the Trees: An Editor's Advice to Writers (Paperback)
The main selling point of this book is that its author, Betsy Lerner, is an editor turned agent, thus able to provide a true insider's perspective. And she really excells at doing this.The book is divided into two sections. The first examines the psychology of the writer. If you're anything like me, you will be amazed at how much you identify with the picture she paints of a writer. It's a fascinating read. More practical advice comes in the second section. Here she tells us about the whole process, from the initial submission of your work, right through the editing procedure, to the marketing. Everything you could ever possibly want or need to know about what it takes to turn your work into a novel is here. Lerner really knows what she's talking about and she dosn't leave anything out. Any question you could possibly have is answered in detail. It's also a beautifully written book,and packed full of anecdotes about and from literary legends, as well as own amusing, entertaining stories. It never becomes boring or too full of facts, because it is written so well and interestingly. I also find it motivates me to write. If I ever fall out of the pattern of writing or get frustraterd, this book will get me excited about writing and give me self belief. I could not say a bad word about this book, and I would urge you to buy it.
8 of 8 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
Indispensable,
By
This review is from: The Forest for the Trees: An Editor's Advice to Writers (Paperback)
If you've ever wondered what happens to your beloved manuscript when you finally drop it into the letter box, this is the book for you. Betsy is on the side of the writer, and indeed, the book buying public, as her aim is to produce enjoyable fiction. She gives constructive and sympathetic advice which would normally take years to pick up from experience alone. I have read this cover to cover and I keep it handy as a reference. She has a warm, chatty tone, but she also gives you the facts. This book was recommended on the Lisa Jewell website, and as far as I'm concerned- it was well worth it!
1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
A gem of a reference book...,
By Jan B (South London) - See all my reviews
This review is from: The Forest for the Trees: An Editor's Advice to Writers (Paperback)
What I love about this book is the way Betsy gets right to the heart of all those doubts and fears you have about your writing. Every question answered in such detail and with such care. You can tell she is someone who genuinely understands the agonies and ecstasies of the aspiring author. Such a brilliant agent/editor insight too. It certainly dismissed some of the pre-conceptions I had of them and has given me a real confidence boost.
From submitting your manuscript right through to the editing stage and beyond, Betsy covers it all, with warmth and sincerity. A really well written reference book, with lots of entertaining stories and anecdotes thrown in. A must for any budding authors out there!
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