Wild Ink by Victoria Hanley

What do you need to know to break in to the flourishing young adult (YA) market? With humor and a solid grounding in reality, author Victoria Hanley helps readers understand the ins and outs of the YA genre, how to stay inspired, and how to avoid common mistakes writers make in trying to reach teens. This book includes unique writing exercises to help readers find their own authentic teen voice and dozens of interviews with YA authors, blogging experts, editors, and agents to give inspiration and guidance for getting published. Chapters include writing exercises and self-editing techniques tailored to YA, along with encouraging words on dealing with self-doubt, rejection, and lack of time.
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While I have reviewed nonfiction books on Letters Inside Out in the past, Wild Ink isn’t really the sort I feel comfortable really reviewing. The recently revamped and updated, Wild Ink is fascinating as both a writer and a blogger. The first chapter of the book covers the various types of young adult – genres, what YA is considered, and goodies all book lovers need to know. She then covers writing in general and how to get your book in shape, from finding your voice to ensuring you plot correctly. (There’s also a chapter on YA Nonfiction.)

As a writer, what I loved most was the first chapter and then the “obstacles” chapter. The latter includes different types of obstacles a writer might face and tips to overcome them. There’s also a lovely chapter on resources that I definitely will find myself flipping to lots when I’m ready. (There’s even a small section on reviews and bloggers!)

There are the obligatory chapters on publishing (self and traditional), marketing, and all of that, but the next big highlight, for me, was the author interviews. There is an entire chapter of over 30 authors answering questions about their own writing – think fiction and nonfiction authors such as Joan Bauer, Stephanie Perkins, and Patrick Jones.

I think Wild Ink has sections that would appeal to anyone interested in young adult books! If anything for readers and bloggers, it’s fascinating to get a bit of a look into the world of the writing and publishing processes.

Check out an excerpt of Wild Ink.

I received my copy of Wild Ink (second edition) from the publisher in exchange for my honest opinion.