The author included lots of excerpts from different family histories - but didn't have much information about how to do the background research, how to organize your records or how to craft stories out of a pile of dates and other records. I didn't find the book particularly useful.

I am working on my family history and this book will really help me. When you get into something new you need some kind of help and I really think this book is going to help alot.

I wish I had written this book. It is balanced and complete. I discovered it only after I had self-published a much smaller and simpler guide to writing family stories. Where my brief encouragement to older family members is intended to give them the confidence to write, Kirk Polking's 250-page summary will help even a seasoned writer in putting the family histories and memoirs on paper. My only reservation in recommending the book is that it definitely is not for the beginning writer. The writing examples are excellent and demonstrate her points well. However, one must assume that the would-be writer is well-versed in the rules of English usage and familiar with the finer concepts such as voice and tone.

I had intended to write a second guide to help my new storywriters in fine-tuning their actual writing content and individual writing stye. That is already covered quite well in Chapter 15, Self Editing Your FInal Manusctript. I especially appreciate the Twenty Rules for Good Writing, which Polking attributes to the Writer's Digest School, which she once directed.

My third book would have been intended for the more sophisticated taste and style of a good writer; exactly what Kirk Polking's manual has done for us. That is why I envy her accomplishment.

I recommend the book as a fine reference at a fair price.

Next to public speaking, I hear students tell me most often how how difficult writing is for them. But it is not only students who struggle with writing. Often doctors, college professors, and CEO's have a hard time communicating clearly as well. This little gem of a book is for those who have practical hurdles that fall outside of the scope of grammar and style questions. The authors give good advice to start writing and especially worthwhile suggestions about focusing one's writing efforts. It is a small book and the short chapters make it quite easy to read. I would recommend this to any high school, college level writers. I am presenting some of these ideas in an English as a Foreign Language composition class for Japanese students. The book addresses more of the attitudes of the stalled, hesitant, or fearful writer and presents 29 mistakes with very good insights that other writing books overlook.

The "Beginning Writer's Answer Book" is a compilation of almost 900 frequently-asked questions by 'Writer's Digest' readers. The book consists of 41 sections packed with information. Chapter titles like "How Do I Get Started?," "How Should a Manuscript Look?," and "What Do I Need to Know About Copyright?" set the tone of the book.

All types of writing are covered including fiction, non-fiction, poetry, music lyrics, articles, short stories, basic filler, puzzles and full-length novels.

Editor Kirk Polking has successfully compiled a massive amount of advice into a neat book. The light tone and beginner-friendly language make this handbook and ideal tool for aspiring writers. This publication focuses mostly on the business and politics of writing. Actual lessons on technique and style aren't here, but can be found in several other 'Writer's Digest' publications.

The "Beginning Writer's Handbook" is in serious need of an upgrade. There is no information on writing and the Internet. Unfortunately, the book is out of print so the chance for improvement is slim.

Still, the book does have a lot to offer. It would be a great asset to any new writer. Find it used or seek it out through public library loan.

Good luck in your writing endeavors.

Answers most every question you might think up from kill fees to serial rights. I found it very informative, if a little dated with respect to the typewriting references. Does anyone really use one of those anymore? Aside from that, a valuable asset to your writer's library.

This book is a one-stop gold mine for beginning writers. Presented in a question-answer format, it answers everything from "How Do I Know If I Have What It Takes?" to straight forward definitions of writer jargon such as "kill fee" and "lead time." It is especially helpful at directing writers where to get additional information, mentioning countless books and agencies. Copyright laws, agents, and manuscript formats are also mentioned. The only thing missing is the issue of electronic resources and writing possibilities--a necessary ingredient to any beginning writer's references. Perhaps an updated edition will be released soon covering such timely issues.