Will Write for Shoes: How to Write a Chick Lit Novel

By Cathy Yardley

Book Overview

* What is Chick Lit exactly?* How do I write a Chick Lit novel?* What are the steps I need to take to get published? Once dismissed as a fad by the popular press and literary community, the women's fiction genre called Chick Lit is now one of the hottest growing markets for new writers. In "Will Write for Shoes, "veteran Chick Lit and romance author Cathy Yardley addresses the common questions (and misconceptions) about the genre. Based on years of teaching about commercial women's fiction, this definitive guide provides invaluable tips and step-by-step methods for writing and selling a successful Chick Lit novel. Features include: * The history of Chick Lit* A blueprint for writing a Chick Lit novel* New trends in the genre* Tips and tools for breaking into the market* FAQs and miscellanea A directory of agents and publishers who acquire Chick Lit, sample submission materials, and online resources make this fun and comprehensive manual a must-have for all women who want to write a Chick Lit novel.

• Format: Hardcover
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0312358997
• ISBN13: 9780312358990
• Release Date: September 2006
• Publisher: Thomas Dunne Books
• Length: 214 Pages
• Weight: 0.87 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.8" x 5.9" x 8.5"

Customer Reviews

This book pleasantly surprised me!

I am a writer who has been reviewed only by my friends and professors... not published yet. I was surprised by the quality of the insights and guidance included in this quick-to-read book (-no offense to the author, and I apologize for my preconceived assumptions.) Her advice seems right on. My opinion is this book is worth reading for those who want to improve their own material.

Good For Writing Any Genre

A lot of really great tips for structuring and outlining your novel. Even though chick lit is unfortunately on its deathbed, I will be referencing this book for years to come on my mainstream fiction and even on a fantasy book that I now realize can be revitalized with some basic structural elements. All this, and yet it's still written in such a pleasant lighthearted style that you don't feel like you're reading a boring instructional manual, or, on the other end of the spectrum, an over the top book that treats writing as some sublime spiritual act. "Will Write for Shoes" actually makes you want to write!

Best of the Best For Chick Lit Writers!

You can't go wrong with this book. So, much information and the appendix is priceless. Tells you list of publshers, agents, and much much more! A must!

Snared by the title...

I was pulled in by the title, but the load of information kept me reading. A great resource for anyone considering writing Chick Lit.

Memorable Title & Solid Contents

Ok, I'll admit it. This guy had to take off the pink cover to read this book but I love the title and the design of the cover. Cathy Yardley has written an excellent book which covers a broad range of topics for anyone interested in writing Chick Lit. She defines the genre, then guides the reader through the details of writing the manuscript. Finally Yardley provides seasoned and professional answers about navigating the business aspects of publishing covering topics such as query letters, synopsis, agents, networking and how to form a critique group. Her FAQ is valuable to answer common questions and even speculates about the future of the genre. The seven Appendixes contain valuable material such as a sample query letter to an agent, a sample query letter to an editor, a sample synopsis, a scene outline, current agent listings (and some of the authors these agents represent), publisher listings and even great websites to help the reader. This well-written book is highly recommended to every writer--whether you plan to write a Chick Lit Novel or not.