Title: A HANDBOOK for Emerging and Seasoned Authors
Author: M. J. Simms-Maddox
Genre: Nonfiction, Self-help, Writing Guide and Self Publishing Manual
Rating: Highly recommended
Reviewer(s): Marie Linton Umeh, Ph.D.
The Review:
“An original.
…. a gold mine for emerging and seasoned authors interested in improving their creative writing skills with the ultimate goal of publishing.
The use of the word “her” throughout the book gives women a sense of belonging and power.
The summaries of writing styles by various authors are powerful. This addition strengthens the lessons on creative writing techniques. My favorite is the example from Zora Neale Hurston’s Their Eyes Were Watching God. The vivid language helps readers picture the characters in their minds.
This handbook is an excellent classroom tool for creative writing exercises. However, we must not overlook the publishing essentials, such as copyright, ISBN, permission rights, and so forth.
The “Checklist of Publishing Essentials” reminds authors what “we” must do to succeed in the hybrid and independent book publishing arena.
Simms-Maddox’s advice to all authors about retaining legal counsel cannot be overstated.”
Reviewed by Marie Linton Umeh, Ph.D.