Author Jeanette Cooper

Books Recommended for Authors

THE INSIDER'S GUIDE TO GETTING AN AGENT

By Lori Perkins

Writer's Digest Books, Cincinnati, Ohio , 1999, 244pp.

          For any writer trying to find an agent, I recommend this comprehensive book. Ms. Perkins gives the reader a look into the business life of an agent and what they do. Then she proceeds to give chapter by chapter steps toward finding the right agent, interesting her/him with a well-developed query, and offering query samples. She  lets a writer know what to expect from an agent, as well as gives interesting information into the bargaining procedures between agent and editors of publishing houses. I love this book and refer to it frequently when I am sending queries to agents.

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THE FICTION DICTIONARY

By Laurie Henry

Story Press, Cincinnati, Ohio, 1995, 325pp.

A good knowledge of the terminology used to describe fiction is a must for well-informed writers.

The Fiction Dictionary gives you a comprehensive "writer's" dictionary that teaches as well as defines and points out well-chosen examples.

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THE WRITER'S GUIDE TO CHARACTER TRAITS

By Linda N. Edelstein, Ph.D.

Writer's Digest Books, Cincinnati, Ohio, 1999, 331pp.

This book examines dozens of personality types, revealing the motivations and influences behind a range of behaviors. Hundreds of quick-reference lists, charts and case scenarios supply the psychological bacground you need to make your characters believable and engaging.

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CREATING CHARACTERS: How to Build Story People

By Dwight V. Swain

Writer's Digest Books, Cincinnati, Ohio, 1990, 197pp.

(If I have ever loved any book, it is this one. I learned more about writing from this book than any I've read. If you buy this book, I promise you will not be disappointed.)

This is the most helpful writer's book I've ever read. It is so well written, it reads almost like a novel while giving the reader one of the most comprehensive study courses there is on how to make your characters so believable that they come alive on the printed page. I highly reccommend this book to anyone who writes or wishes to start writing.