Writer's Digest January/February 2021 Digital Edition
As Writer's Digest moves beyond the 100th anniversary celebrated in 2020, we begin a new year and a new century by looking at writing from a New Perspective. In this issue, we'll peel back the curtain on important publishing topics that are overlooked all too often, including foreign publication rights, the art of translations, how to look at your own writing with fresh eyes, and much more. This issue's articles include:
+ Writers on Writing: Peace Adzo Medie is a debut novelist, but not a debut author. She'll explore how publishing her breakout novel, His Only Wife (a Reese's Book Club pick), offers a new perspective in publishing than her academic books, and how the protagonist is the poster child for seeing life in a new way. By Peace Adzo Medie
+ The WD Interview with Viet Thanh Nguyen: The Pulitzer Prize-winning author of The Sympathizer sat down with WD editor-in-chief Amy Jones to talk about his second novel, The Committed (March 2021), how memory plays a role in his work, and why he combines tragedy with absurdity. By Amy Jones
+ Revision Advice From a Developmental Editor: After writing your manuscript the most important next step is to revise. But when you know your story so well, it can be hard to see what needs editing. Get tips for viewing your manuscript from a new perspective from three-time Hugo nominated developmental editor, Diana M. Pho. By Diana M. Pho
+ Foreign Rights 101: You've heard the term “foreign right sales" from agents and publishers, but what does it mean? Who controls foreign publication rights and how are they sold? This article breaks down everything you need to know about getting your book published beyond the U.S. By Jordan Rosenfeld
+ The Art of Translation: What happens after foreign publication rights are sold? Who translates the books to different languages and what kind of control do you, the original author, have over translations? Translation is, unequivocally, an art form when the translator works to ensure the meaning, rhythm, and cultural nuances convey the author's intention. With input from authors, translators, and foreign publishers, this article covers it all. By Griffin Suber
+ Burying the Big One: Take a look at your freelance gigs. Would you still be able to make a living if your biggest one disappears tomorrow? Jeff Somers offers tips and insights to protect your livelihood in the unfortunate, but eventual, situation of losing your biggest client. By Jeff Somers
+ Twisty Business: How to Write a Bestselling Thriller: Thriller author Sam Boush interviewed international bestselling authors Steve Berry, Blake Crouch, Alice Feeney, Simon Gervais, Greer Hendricks & Sarah Pekkanen, Gregg Hurwitz, Megan Miranda, Chris Pavone, Louise Penny, C.J. Tudor, and Ruth Ware for their best tips to write a bestselling thriller.
Plus, readers will find a profile of bestselling author Yangsze Choo and discover the seven pillars of freelance success. This issue also includes the latest regular columns from WD editors, “Notes from the Margins," by Amy Jones, a behind-the-scenes look at the book publishing industry; and “Publishing Insights," from Robert Brewer, on hot writing markets. This issue also contains all the regular columns and departments readers know and love, such as Take Two on screenwriting, IndieLab for self-published authors, Conference Scene, Poetic Asides, Meet the Agent, Funny You Should Ask, and more.
