Writers' know-how

Coming up in June: a useful conference for those who write educational materials and books.

Rather than wait until I've read books before reviewing them, I think a halfway house is to at least let people know about books and, if possible, my first impressions. My intention is to write full reviews of these in due course. I hope you find these snapshots useful and interesting.

Subscribers to my newsletter, Terry Freedman’s Books Bulletin, receive more than ‘just’ news about new books, reviews of bookshops and books, and tips concerning writing,. They also have opportunities to win books in giveaway contests!

This week I’ll be publishing details of how to enter a draw to win a copy of Alex Quigley’s new book, Closing the Vocabulary Gap.

Details of where to go to subscribe to the newsletter are in the article.

So you think you've read some atrocious writing in your life? Well, you ain't seen nothing yet.

If your initial pitch to an editor is not well-researched or well-written, you won't even make it to square one with that publication or publisher. What are the common errors, and where can you find examples of bad practice?

Here's a quick round-up of the things I'll be discussing in my next newsletter, including censorship, publishing myths and a marketing website.

Even if you are a non-fiction writer, this book is worth reading.

Another article in the 'bad writing' series, 7 Features of Bad Writing suggests some common characteristics of poor prose. Any one of these 'sins' would serve as an indicator, especially if they occur more than once or twice.

The moment that every wordsmith dreads...

A well-written and, frankly, frightening book about the benefits we get from sleep. frightening? Yes, because of the costs we pay when we skimp on (good quality) sleep.

You cannot assume that every reader will know what words like 'etc' will refer to or included.

If you can get to Shoreditch in London, be sure to visit the Brick Lane Bookshop. Thiis article tells you why.

Read on for news about my new books-related newsletter. Reviews of books and bookshops, new book announcements, writerly tips, and news about my own works.

The London Book Fair website now has seminar listings in place. This article lists my top 11 sessions so far.

This book may be thirty years old, but its advice is still pertinent. If you want to have a blitz or crackdown against, or shake-up of, bad writing (all examples of 'tabloidese'), then this is the book for you.

When should you use bullet points, and when numbers? Read on to find out.

How an experience at one of my favourite bookshops warmed me up on a freezing day.