INKWELL
Getting past PR gatekeepers writing conference etiquette quiz on plural forms of words the Blurb-O-Matic successful habits of debut authors Your Assignment #191

WRITE BETTER
Making Waves in 2005
By Chuck Sambuchino
This year's hottest new authors have a lot to say about fame, the publishing world and their personal writing practices. Seven up-and-comers share their real-world advice.

Class Act
By Teri Brown
Forget the stress and expense of another degree. Attend a community or online workshop to improve your writing in 2006. Here's how to find the best fit for you.

Fiction Essentials
By James Scott Bell
A good ending must resonate with readers and answer all their questions.

Writing Clinic
By Paul Bagdon
Be selective when revealing truths in personal essays.

Niches: Humor Writing
By Tim Bete
Wordplay is key to laugh-out-loud writing. Follow these six tips for choosing just the right word every time.

The Last Word
By Jack Clemens
Don DeLillo's fast-paced, image-laden novels examine contemporary America with intense clarity.

GET PUBLISHED
Open House
By Tom Connor
Editors at three big shelter magazines share must-know tips for freelancers who want to get their foot in the door.

This Writer's Life
By Kevin Alexander
If you really like them, don't let friends be the first to edit your writing. Your career (and mental health) will thank you.

WORK SMARTER
Notice Me!
By Loriann Hoff Oberlin
These promotional tactics that are everything but everyday can increase your nonfiction sales.

The Six-Figure Writer
By Robert W. Bly
Increase your freelance income: Focus on major projects, target rich clients and double (yes, double) your rate.

Questions & Quandaries
By Brian A. Klems
Writer's insurance, byline vs. bio note and more.

STAY INSPIRED
Breaking All the Rules
By Debra Garfinkle
Debra Garfinkle broke the 10 biggest rules of publishing. The result? A book deal and rave reviews for her young-adult novel, Storky . Follow her advice at your own risk!

The WD Interview: Michael Connelly
Criminal Mastermind
By Maria Schneider
Ex-police reporter Michael Connelly uses his investigative reporting skills to write bestselling crime novels.

PLUS:
Editor's Letter
Reader Mail
2005 Article Index

THE MARKETS
Stay out of the slush pile by knowing six tricks editors use to weed through submissions fast.

Breaking In: Pregnancy mags are in need of fresh ideas and expert medical reporting.

5 Questions for: Steve Wasserman, director of Kneerim & Williams literary agency.

December Markets
52 listings for book publishers, agents, contests and consumer and trade magazines.