Review of “Feature
& Magazine Writing”, 3rd edition, by David E Sumner and Holly G
Miller
I would like to
extend my thanks to Wiley-Blackwell Publishing for this complimentary review
copy.
The 3rd
edition of this extremely helpful book has been updated to include feature
writing in a digital world. With the proliferation of blogs, vlogs, digital
versions of magazines, and other online media, the rules of writing have
changed. Two new chapters have been added: “Building a Story Blog” and “Long
Form Digital Storytelling”, which explain and highlight the correct way to get
your reader’s attention in the fast paced world of the internet.
With 21 chapters
plus an appendix (a glossary of magazine lingo) this book takes you from idea,
to composing, to editing, to pitching, and finally to career advice. How to
interview someone successfully is described in detail, as is correct grammar
and punctuation, without boring the student to death over minutiae. Also noted
is how to think like a writer, debunking the popular “write what you know”
theory.
Each chapter
begins by highlighting key points to remember, and ends with in-class
activities and assignments, a great way to reinforce what was just learned.
Finally, the 3rd
edition comes with a website that includes PowerPoint presentations, handouts
and other resources. The text itself is also offered as an e-book.
Highly recommended
for any student interested in writing for magazines or the Internet.
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