jenniferworrell's review
3.0
Seems really behind the times, and less "advice for writers" than "essays from the other side".
londonmabel's review
5.0
One of the best books about writing I've read, though it's not a how-to. Lerner was an editor for 15 years at a few houses, and is now an agent (she was also a poet.) She says the first half of her book is meant as an encouragement to those stalled in their writing or afraid of writing; maybe because that's not my problem, I just found it to be a celebration of writers. She tells great stories both from her own career and from the lives of famous writers and their editors, and really gives you the drive to just keep pushing onward. It's full of quotable moments.
The second half is her advice about the publishing industry, step-by-step from querying to marketing. If it were only practical advice the book wouldn't be that different from others and I'd have been disappointed. But again she brings her personal stories and a wealth of anecdotes to the subject matter, so in the end it feels like you've spent a week having lunches with your new New York publishing friend.
Finally, Lerner just writes really well. Clear prose, funny, inspiring, and though her background is in literary fiction she doesn't turn her nose up at popular writing. I don't just recommend this to writers, but to people who love books and want the insider scoop on the old world of publishing (the one that's likely on the cusp of a radical overhaul.)
The second half is her advice about the publishing industry, step-by-step from querying to marketing. If it were only practical advice the book wouldn't be that different from others and I'd have been disappointed. But again she brings her personal stories and a wealth of anecdotes to the subject matter, so in the end it feels like you've spent a week having lunches with your new New York publishing friend.
Finally, Lerner just writes really well. Clear prose, funny, inspiring, and though her background is in literary fiction she doesn't turn her nose up at popular writing. I don't just recommend this to writers, but to people who love books and want the insider scoop on the old world of publishing (the one that's likely on the cusp of a radical overhaul.)
donifaber's review
3.0
This book was clear in demonstrating that getting accepted for publication is not the end, but the beginning of the journey.
debnanceatreaderbuzz's review
4.0
I love to read about writing. Probably more than I actually love to write. Although I do love to write.
This book is a new look at writing. Instead of looking at the writing process, this book starts at the end, being published, and works its way forward, all the time coloring everything with a publishing focus. The first half of the book is skippable, I think, but the last half, if you are a writer, is information you will not want to miss.
This book is a new look at writing. Instead of looking at the writing process, this book starts at the end, being published, and works its way forward, all the time coloring everything with a publishing focus. The first half of the book is skippable, I think, but the last half, if you are a writer, is information you will not want to miss.
alexctelander's review
4.0
Like a lot of English majors on campus, I want to get a book published eventually. Also, like a lot of other people, I don’t really know how to go about getting an agent, an editor, a publisher, etc. I just figured I would find answers to those questions when I got the book done.
Thankfully there is now a book that answers all these questions, and much more. The Forest for the Trees should be on every writer’s shelf, right next to Strunk & White’s The Elements of Style. The author, Betsy Lerner, is now an agent for the Gernert Company in New York, and has worked in the editorial departments at Simon & Schuster, Ballantine, and Houghton Mifflin, as well as executive editor for Doubleday.
The book is divided into two sections: one on writing and one on publishing. It does not try to teach you how to write. Lerner offers advice and information to writers who have problems. She uses categories (The Ambivalent Writer, The Natural Writer, The Wicker Child, etc.) through which writers can classify themselves, and with Lerner’s help, avoid the pitfalls and potholes that this category reveals.
The second half of the book is on publishing. Starting right at the beginning, Lerner takes you on a journey, where you are told how to get an agent, how they should be treated, and whether multiple submissions are a must or a must-not. Lerner explains how to deal with rejection, telling you that each rejection is a run on the ladder towards success. She explains what it is that editors want, and what authors want. Finally, Lerner takes you on a unique quest with what happens once you’ve signed the contract and the many steps it takes to get your manuscript into book form and out on the shelves of the bookstores.
The Forest for the Trees is an interesting and entertaining read for the writer or the reader interested in the process of writing. Find out the problems Tom Wolfe had with his editor, or how well did John Grisham’s novel do?
Betsy Learner uses a language that is simple yet detailed, packed with information that everyone can benefit from. Recently issued in paperback, this book is now only $12.
Originally published on February 18th 2002.
For over 500 book reviews, and over 40 exclusive author interviews (both audio and written), visit BookBanter.
Thankfully there is now a book that answers all these questions, and much more. The Forest for the Trees should be on every writer’s shelf, right next to Strunk & White’s The Elements of Style. The author, Betsy Lerner, is now an agent for the Gernert Company in New York, and has worked in the editorial departments at Simon & Schuster, Ballantine, and Houghton Mifflin, as well as executive editor for Doubleday.
The book is divided into two sections: one on writing and one on publishing. It does not try to teach you how to write. Lerner offers advice and information to writers who have problems. She uses categories (The Ambivalent Writer, The Natural Writer, The Wicker Child, etc.) through which writers can classify themselves, and with Lerner’s help, avoid the pitfalls and potholes that this category reveals.
The second half of the book is on publishing. Starting right at the beginning, Lerner takes you on a journey, where you are told how to get an agent, how they should be treated, and whether multiple submissions are a must or a must-not. Lerner explains how to deal with rejection, telling you that each rejection is a run on the ladder towards success. She explains what it is that editors want, and what authors want. Finally, Lerner takes you on a unique quest with what happens once you’ve signed the contract and the many steps it takes to get your manuscript into book form and out on the shelves of the bookstores.
The Forest for the Trees is an interesting and entertaining read for the writer or the reader interested in the process of writing. Find out the problems Tom Wolfe had with his editor, or how well did John Grisham’s novel do?
Betsy Learner uses a language that is simple yet detailed, packed with information that everyone can benefit from. Recently issued in paperback, this book is now only $12.
Originally published on February 18th 2002.
For over 500 book reviews, and over 40 exclusive author interviews (both audio and written), visit BookBanter.
jerenda's review
3.0
This was an awesome book. If I wasn't a writer, I probably would have thought the author was insane, but I am so it makes a lot of sense. It's occassionally funny, sometimes random, certainly odd, and generally entertaining. At some points I felt I should be taking notes- at others I wondered if there was a point to this thing at all. While I wouldn't care to own it, it makes a worthwhile read.
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