INKWELL Perils of Google - Margaret Reid Poetry Contest - classic lit labels- grammar check - books to boost you past a block - successful habits of debut authors - Your Assignment #197

WRITE BETTER
Piece by Piece
By Paola Corso
Follow these steps to assemble a short-story collection that readers won't be able to put down.

From Zero to Hero
By Dawn Wilson
What do you do when your own protagonist starts getting on your nerves? Step back, regroup and make him likable again. Here's how.

Book Buzz
By Maria Schneider
Art history gets the narrative nonfiction treatment in Jonathan Harr's great painting caper, The Lost Painting .

Fiction Essentials
By James Scott Bell
Integrate setting details in a way that enriches your story without overloading the reader.

Writing Clinic
By Elizabeth Dearl
The key ingredient to a young-adult novel is having a relatable main character.

The Last Word
By Jack Clemens
William Faulkner's difficult reputation overshadows his true legacy: stories full of beautiful, evocative prose.

GET PUBLISHED
The State of the Story
By Tom Connor
Here's a look at who's buying short stories and what they're looking for.

Commence Into Print
By Chuck Sambuchino
As you leave your alma mater (high school or college), here are the best ways to get your name into print before the ink dries on your diploma.

Freelancer's Workshop
By Linda Formichelli
Fix your problems and sell more work by identifying your writing mind-set and knowing your weaknesses.

WORK SMARTER
Testing the Agent Waters
By Jenna Glatzer, with Daniel Steven
Don't get scammed by a shady literary agent--here are the red flags to watch out for.

This Writer's Life
By Kevin Alexander
Our writer wonders if getting an M.F.A. may actually hinder his goals.

Questions & Quandaries
By Brian A. Klems
Answers to your questions on verb agreement and more.

Mind Your Business
By Judy Mandell
Learn how to ask for more money without stepping on your editor's toes.

STAY INSPIRED
The WD Short Short Story Competition
A Matter of Pride
By Chuck Sambuchino
Meet the winner of this competition, who wowed our judges with fewer than 1,500 words.

The WD Interview: Po Bronson
The Tao of Po
By Maria Schneider
This author captures readers' attention by posing provocative questions--then really listening.

PLUS …
Editor's Letter
Reader Mail

MARKETS
Six secrets to scoring your first national magazine assignment.

Breaking In: Video games aren't just for kids and teens. Here's how to write for this evolving market.

5 Questions for: Christopher White, president and editor in chief of Rager Media.

June Markets
35 listings for consumer and trade magazines, book publishers, agents and contests.