About this Blog

This is a blog of practical writing tips and career advice for writers, by me, Philip Martin, series editor of The New Writer’s Handbook (1st volume August 2007; 2nd all-new volume August 2008).

To find out more about those two books (it “surprises and satisfies” — Library Journal in a Starred Review for the inaugural edition) or to order either from Amazon.com, click here for the 2007 edition, or here for the 2008 edition (Vol. 2).

Or visit the relevant page on this blog (see links at top of right-hand column) for each volume.

My main occupation is running Great Lakes Literary, a versatile, multi-service agency for individuals and companies who wish to publish books and booklets successfully. A full bio of me can be found there at that site. As of October 2008, Great Lakes Lit also has its own books imprint, Crickhollow Books, creating quality books of nonfiction (including short booklet-length how-to guides) and fiction (including chapter books for young readers).

I also offer LitWave marketing services for easy and market-savvy blogs, websites, and brand development for writers.

Great Lakes Literary is, in a nutshell, very Midwestern: practical, results-oriented, looking for ways to help your work reach its fullest potential and most supportive audience.

My other experience includes some years as acquisitions editor for The Writer Books (affiliated with The Writer magazine), creating books for writers on craft and career advice. I also have published nonfiction and fiction titles for adults and young readers. Books have won the Banta Award, Benjamin Franklin Award (two times for nonfiction), Small Press Book Award (for fiction), and other honors.

I look forward to hearing your comments or questions on writing tips and advice – what really works for you? You can contact me via the blog or by email (I can be reached through my Great Lakes Lit or LitWave websites, see links above).

Enjoy the blog, and let me know how I can help you achieve your writing goals!