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 2007; 2nd all-new volume 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. I help writers write better, get published, and develop successful careers. A full bio of me can be found there at my Great Lakes Literary site. Great Lakes Lit also runs its own independent books imprint, Crickhollow Books, creating well-reviewed and award-winning books of nonfiction and fiction (including chapter books for young readers).

Great Lakes Literary is, in a nutshell, very Midwestern: practical, results-oriented, looking for ways to help your work and your writing career reach its full potential.

My background 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 through various independent presses; these 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? Contact me via this blog or by email (I can be reached through my Great Lakes Lit website).

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