This handbook has been guiding writers through the writing process for many years, helping them every step of the way, from getting ideas to getting published. In 110 chapters, the revised and updated 1996 edition presents the practical side of how to write and sell novels, short stories, articles, nonfiction books, poetry, and drama. The 3,000 market listings in the handbook include information on the "who, what, where, when, and how" of manuscript submission. Among the professional writers contributing to the handbook are Barnaby Conrad, Rita Dove, Eileen Goudge, John Jakes, Ursula K. LeGuin, Madeline L'Engle, E. Annie Proulx, and Sidney Sheldon. Part I includes chapters on common writing myths, writer's block, research, reasons for rejection, and choosing a writer's conference. Part II discusses writing techniques specific to various genres: advice general to fiction covers flashbacks, viewpoints, plotting, characterization, beginnings, suspense, dialogue, and revision; advice on specialized fiction reveal techniques of writing salable mysteries, crime novels, science fiction, and fantasy. Chapters in the handbook on writing articles and nonfiction books delve into the specifics of writing interviews, biographies, science articles, profiles, true-crime pieces, book reviews, etc. Also examined is what writers in any genre need to know: editing and marketing. Part III of the handbook offers complete, up-to-date market reports for magazines and book publishers that buy all types of manuscripts. A glossary of terms used in the free-lancing world and an index to the markets conclude the handbook. (NKA)