See Jane Write: A Girl's Guide to Writing Chick Lit by Sarah Mlynowski, Farrin Jacobs

From the Publisher

With chick lit novels popping up on every bestseller list, millions of readers are all thinking the same thing: I could write this stuff and never go back to the office again! And here's the guide that will show you how. Bestselling novelist Sarah Mlynowski and veteran chick lit editor Farrin Jacobs cover every stage of developing and selling your novel, with chapters on:

Developing an idea
Deciding on a point of view
Making your characters likable
Learning the basics of plotting, pacing, and conflict
Finding an agent

This book also features humorous tips and advice from scores of established writers (including Meg Cabot, Melissa Senate, and Sophie Kinsella). If you've got stories to tell, See Jane Write will take care of the rest!

Library Journal

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.

School Library Journal

Gr 8 Up-Fun, inspiring, and organized in a clear and encouraging style, this book covers topics from what chick lit is to how to create believable characters, develop a plot, and set a tone. The authors discuss seeing a project through to the finish and getting it published. The writing style is quirky and the advice is sound. The main theme is that writing is difficult, but rewarding, and that one can always improve. Cartoons in shades of pink and green enhance the text, done in the same colors. Sidebars offer practical advice and quotes from published writers. The information is transferable to nearly any type of writing, making the book useful and enjoyable to a wider audience than the title suggests.-Marcie Mann, Lafayette Jr. Sr. High School, NY Copyright 2006 Reed Business Information.

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