Based on years of teaching about commercial women's fiction, this definitive guide provides invaluable advice and step-by-step methods for writing and selling a successful chick-lit novel. This title includes features such as: the history of chick-lit; a blueprint for writing a chick lit novel; new trends in the genre; and, tips and tools for breaking into the market. Complete with a directory of agents and publishers who acquire chick lit, "Will Write for Shoes" is a must-have for all women who want to write a chick lit novel!

Reviews

These two writing manuals differ more in design and delivery than they do in content. Both guide potential chick-lit authors through the steps of writing a novel and then finding an agent and publisher. In keeping with the chick-lit attitude, all three authors do their best to keep advice on characterization, pacing, and revision light and unintimidating. Mlynowski (Milkrun) and Jacobs (former chick-lit editor, Red Dress Ink) use their distinct perspectives to their advantage, sustaining a chatty tone and periodically inserting personal anecdotes and quirky sidebars. Yardley's (Surf Girl School) take is also conversational, but it offers more detail about the history of chick lit, its characteristics, and subgenres. Both books include useful appendixes: Mlynowski and Jacobs list other recommended writing guides and successful chick-lit authors, while Yardley covers agents, publishers, and chick-lit web sites. While fans of chick lit will likely appreciate the customized manuals, the core information presented can be found in many other fiction writing guides. Libraries with large writing collections would benefit from adding at least one of these books to their collection. Of the two, Mlynowski and Jacobs's is the stronger owing to the depth of their combined professional perspective. Teen fans of the chick-lit style may also benefit.-Stacey Rae Brownlie, Lititz P.L., PA Copyright 2006 Reed Business Information.

"A clear, concise, easy-to-read (and reread) guide to writing contemporary women's fiction. Like a pair of heels you can actually dance in, this book is a keeper."
---Alisa Kwitney, author of "The Dominant Blonde"""
"If you want to write chick lit, this book is a must, primarily because Yardley breaks down what's really happening with the chick lit market and nails down what a chick lit novel must have. The author has a breezy tone that will appeal to readers and aspiring authors of chick lit books. Aspiring authors in other genres may also want to give this a try."
----"Romantic Times"""
"Writers looking for a particular kind of motivation will find it in Cathy Yardley's "Will Write for Shoes." A sound and welcome defense of chick lit . . . Yardley's advice is precise, realistic, and readable. And her insistence that you need a story, not just a 'cool idea, ' is worth the sale price alone."
---"Washington"" Post"
"If you're thinking of [writing] a chick lit novel, this is the book for you. The content is pure gold. Yardley knows what she's talking about."
---"Kingston"" Observer"
"Yardley gives a humorous but honest look at the dos and don'ts of the biz, arming writers with a valuable tool in their arsenal on the way to publication."
---Erica Orloff, author of "Do They Wear High Heels in Heaven?"
"Funny but informative . . . the literary equivalent of your best friend. Yardley knows how to ride the roller coaster of chick-lit publishing. . . . She provides excellent examples and sage advice [with] refreshing self-awareness."
---"Pittsburgh"" Post-Gazette"
"Accessible, wise, and fun. Yardley's step-by-step approach, boundless wisdom, and humorous tone make this an invaluable aid to any writer hoping to break into the genre!"
---Carren Lisner, author of "Carrie Pilby"
"I laughed, I cried, I finished my Chick Lit novel! Thank you, Cathy Yardley, for putting everything I ever wanted to know about Chi