title: Writing and Publishing: The Ultimate Teen Guide (It Happened to Me)
author:  Tina P. Schwartz 
description: Grade 9 UpSchwartz does an excellent job of providing teenagers with age-specific advice for becoming professional writers. She employs a conversational tone and covers myriad topics including the importance of reading, jobs for writers, finding a mentor, getting published, and marketing a novel. The layout, however, leaves much to be desired. The summary boxes that accompany each career section provide decent information, but seem to be haphazardly placed. The tips laid out in hexagonal shapes throughout the book are distracting and, at times, irrelevant. Though Schwartz includes Q&amp;A with real teenagers, many of the quotes offering their perspectives seem as if they don't really fit the questions posed. The childlike black-and-white illustrations add little. Finally, when listing books from various genres, many suggestions are out-of-date and/or unappealing to teens. The book's strength lies in its core information, its glossary of terms, and the resources it provides regarding contests and professional organizations.<i>Kelly McGorray, Glenbard South High School, Glen Ellyn, IL</i> <br />Copyright  Reed Business Information, a division of Reed Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.
zlib_text: 
  
  
  ![Image](../images/9781481423472.jpg)
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  * * *
  
  
  Thank you for downloading this eBook.
  
  
  Find out about free book giveaways, exclusive content, and amazing
  sweepstakes! Plus get updates on your favorite books, authors, and more when
  you join the Simon & Schuster Teen mailing list.
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  [CLICK HERE TO LEARN
  MORE](http://eBookNews.SimonandSchuster.com/teen/front/9781481423472)
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  or visit us online to sign up at  
  [eBookNews.SimonandSchuster.com/teen](http://eBookNews.SimonandSchuster.com/teen/front/9781481423472)
  
  
  * * *
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  ![Image](../images/title.jpg)
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  DEDICATED WITH MUCH LOVE TO THE EXTRAORDINARY CHRISTINA LAUREN (CHRISTINA
  HOBBS AND LAUREN BILLINGS).
  
  
  IT ALL BEGAN ON A BUS. . . .
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  ## ACKNOWLEDGMENTS
  
  
  My deepest thanks . . .
  
  
  To my editor, Zareen Jaffery, and the production department at S&S Books for
  Young Readers, for letting me color outside the lines (lifesavers)!
  
  
  To Marie L., for your invaluable assistance with Cajun Fren