The Forest for the Trees (Revised and Updated): An Editor's Advice to Writers

"The Forest for the Trees (Revised and Updated): An Editor's Advice to Writers" is a practical and insightful guide for writers looking to improve their craft and increase their chances of getting published.The book is written by Betsy Lerner, an experienced editor with a wealth of knowledge about the publishing industry. She shares her wisdom and insights on a wide range of topics, including the writing process, the importance of revision, how to approach agents and editors, and how to navigate the publishing world.One of the standout features of the book is the way it debunks many of the myths and misconceptions that surround the writing and publishing process. Lerner is honest and candid about the realities of the industry, and her advice is rooted in a deep understanding of what it takes to succeed as a writer.Overall, "The Forest for the Trees" is a must-read for any aspiring writer. Whether you're just starting out or you're an experienced author looking for a fresh perspective, this book has something to offer. It's a valuable resource for anyone looking to improve their writing and increase their chances of getting published.

I just wrapped up my fall quarter writing classes and Betsy Lerner's The Forest for the Trees was recommended to me by my memoir professor. I'm eager to absorb all of the writing advice that I can, so I placed this book recommendation at the top of my winter reading list.PLOT - In The Forest for the Trees, Betsy Lerner brings her years of knowledge as an editor to the table and dispenses advice on a variety of subjects for the aspiring ( or even seasoned) writer. Lerner does not give advice about how to write a story. This is not a creative guide. Lerner's book is focused on giving a writer solid information on the publishing process. She explains the business side of books and gives tips on moves a writer can make to work within this ever-changing system.The first half of the book deals with different types of writer personalities that Lerner has encountered. She explains things that she suspects hinders these different personality types from achieving their writing goals and how these types of writers can maintain their focus. The second half of the book deals with the nuts and bolts of the publishing world.LIKE - I appreciate and respect that Lerner has shared her experiences in her field. There is a lot to be learned in this book and I suspect that it will be a frequent reference over the years. As a beginning writer, there was so much that I learned about publishing. I felt like I gained a completely new perspective on the process. When I finished reading, I felt like my mind was exploding from all of the info!My biggest take-aways are to have patience, work hard and follow my gut. It seems that the world of publishing moves slowly and that might be hard to swallow in our society that demands immediate gratification. I was heartened by the examples of known authors who have faced multiple rejections and failures, before finding success. Lerner's book is filled with useful information that she dispenses with wit, sarcasm and kindness. I felt like on a whole, the publishing industry is filled with book lovers, who really want to discover that next book that they will fall in love with...and then sell it and make a huge profit!DISLIKE - Does not long enough count? Seriously, this book is an invaluable tool. I couldn't put it down, because I was just absorbing all of the new information. This book was a revelation.RECOMMEND - A must for aspiring writers, even those who are considering self-publishing. I'm sure that even the established writer could find wisdom in The Forest for the Trees. Read this book sooner, rather than later.Like my review? Check out my blog!

In the first half she takes you through five different types of writers, with all the usual frustrations and neurosis, and covers each of their strengths and quirks. She's seen it all and knows not only great stories of each type, but how each type can bring out their best writing and work with others more effectively.The second half is even better, with an in-depth look at publishing from an editor's point of view. It's the best all-around, "Here's the truth, kid," wise elder intro to publishing I've read. If you hope to be published, or if you hope being published will change your life, this will tell you not only how to get published, but what to expect and how to best work with the process along the way.Even when you know the routine, Lerner brings a good deal of insight, with plenty of stories of what's worked and what hasn't. It doesn't have all the nuts and bolts of formatting guidelines other books focus on, but sits you down for a long, friendly talk with a pro who counsels you on all you need to know.What's even better is she's never arrogant, but openly shows all her mistakes and how she went from a naïve intern to a professional editor.There's also a lengthy bibliography, but no index, which makes it difficult to find that quote from Salinger, but again, it's one of those books you will go back to, and highly recommended.

The reason I'm giving this 4 stars is because the book is very distinctly divided into two sections: The front, and the back. The front section is a rather dismal, rambling view of writers which I found so disheartening and confusing that I skipped altogether (I hate stereotypes).However, the second part was, even after my several years in the writing business and lots of reading on that subject, one of the best pieces I have ever read on writing in my life! It was helpful, informative, and so full of experience that I was captivated, page after page. Nearly everything I read was applicable and full of wisdom; it was amazing to hear from the voice of an editor "What an Editor Wants" "What a Writer Wants" and also on topics such as how books are actually published. This is an eye-opening piece on the process of book publishing, and gives you a good heads up on what a writer *really* goes through when their book is published.In conclusion, this book is a must-have for new or under-published writers, even if you never read the first part and skip to the back. Don't feel bad for doing it; the last part is well worth the reward of purchasing, in my opinion, one half of a book.

I don't usually wax lyrical over reference books; neither do I normally read them from cover to cover and make a note to read them through again more slowly. There is so much advice out there, and there is a danger of being over-advised instead of just getting on and writing and finding your own voice. Basically, what I am saying is if you read this book then you don't need to listen to a whole lot of other stuff about writing. Part of writing is finding out what kind of writer you happen to be. This is a fun and scary section to read. I think I have worn one or more of those hats over the years!The reason I came across this book is that I was deliberating over whether or not to embark on yet another writing course; i.e. do I have the time, money, motivation etc etc. This book happened to be on the recommended reading list for one of those courses. So I guess I bought the book instead of the course. Getting it as an e-book would have been nice if there had been an option, but I don't want to drag myself into that old discussion again. I'll keep that for the next writing course I attend!

There seems to be a raft of books written by American authors who love to focus on the negative aspects of writing. If you are looking for inspiration and advice on writing well this is not the book for you. If you want to read about paranoid authors leading tortuous writing lives propped up by drink and drugs, then read on!

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!

Interesting insight into the world of publishing from an editor's perspective. Only negative is that it's too autobiographical with too many anecdotes about other people

Came across this book by chance on a recommended reading list for a writers course. I was enthralled, the first half is almost a psychology book on the workings of a writers brain from someone who has spent her life supporting writers.. It is very perceptive, amusing, thought provoking and honest. I lent it to a friend who is a published author, she has now bought her own copy saying it's wonderful to have a book where the author clearly understands every aspect of the writng process from the inside out.