Synopsis

A publishing guide to writing success: From first draft to building a reputation, the 4 C’s provides solid tips on how to build a literary community and a fan base. But, successful authorship does not stop with mastering craft, commitment, and even building a community. Confidence is key, and Joan tackles this sensitive subject that keeps writers unpublished and manuscripts in the drawer. With the help of Renate Stendhal, PhD, Joan defines clear steps to overcoming the lack-of-confidence demon.

The perfect gift for writers: With a splash of humor, a dose of empathy, and plenty of support, Joan Gelfand includes real life anecdotes from famous and not so famous, but successful authors. You Can Be a Winning Writer is the go-to book for writers just starting out, for writers stalled after their first or second book, and for students. Joan’s 4 C’s wisdom and stories will inspire and encourage.

This literary reference and publishing guide includes:

-Key authorship and publishing tips
-Important post-publication strategies
-Guidance on how to avoid mistakes that even the most talented, prize-winning authors have made
-How, with the help of the 4 C’s, you can enjoy greater success
-What it means to “fire on all burners” and work to develop each of the 4 C’s simultaneously

Maybe you’ve read Stephen King’s On Writing, Julia Cameron’s The Artist’s Way, Annie Lamott's Bird by Bird, or William Zinsser’s On Writing Well─now you need to read You Can Be a Winning Writer.

Advance praise

"Besides Joan Gelfand's 4 C's (Craft, Commitment, Community & Confidence), which are brilliantly holistic and helpful to any writer, published, or yet to be published--her contagious, enthusiasm seeps through every word on every page. Joan Gelfand not only is a brilliant poet and writer but is a one-woman cheerleading squad. I forewarn you NOT to buy this book unless you are prepared for a tsunami of inspiration to take you over and make a winning writer out of you."

-Kelly Sullivan Walden, Bestselling Author of It's All In Your Dreams

"I found myself nodding yes, yes, yes at every paragraph, and often stopping to jot down especially meaningful lines to share with the women and sometimes men in the Zona Rosa Writing and Living Workshops I've led for 37 years."

-From the foreward by Rosemary Daniell, founder of Zona Rosa Writing Workshops

"Wow, what a perfect voice -- a galloping joy to read! Your energy and realness as a person and wonderful teacher come through loud and clear, and I admire your research with all the beautiful quotes you found... what a work!!!
Everything written about Community seems to be written for me, especially for ME."

-Renate Stendhal: Author of the Lambda Literary award nominee, Kiss Me Again, Paris, and Gertrude Stein in Words and Pictures.

"Joan Gelfand's book on writing is a must-read for all writers. Not only will they get amazing resources, but they will learn the steps it takes to be confident and successful."

-Louise Nayer, Poet, Author of Poised for Retirement: Moving From Anxiety to Zen

"I recently had a poem published in the New Ohio Review--the first ever acceptance from a magazine on my personal "A" list that Joan taught me to aim for!"

-Erin Redfern, author of Spellbreaking and Other Skills and Poetry Society of America award-winner