Writer's Digest Questions and Quandaries - Research

What is an M.F.A.?

Tue, 20 Oct 2009 14:55:25 GMT

Q: What exactly is an M.F.A. and how is it beneficial to writers? –Matthew G.

A: While the initials M.F.A. sound like an outer-space contraption that the government is trying to hide in the desert, it's actually a very valuable credential earned by some writers.

An M.F.A., or Master of Fine Arts, is one of the highest degrees you can earn in creative writing. Think of it as a graduate program for writers that includes workshops with other writers, instruction from dedicated faculty (including famous/successful writers) and vigorous deadlines. Typically you'll need a bachelor's degree to apply and most M.F.A. programs last about 2 years—though there are many options.

"There are large programs, small programs, full-time ones, part-time and low-residencies/long-distance programs," says M.F.A. Confidential blogger, Kate Monahan. "The key things to consider when picking a school are location, size of the program, on-campus vs. long-distance learning, available funding (many programs offer full-tuition), available faculty members, visiting authors, school’s ranking/reputation and potential teaching fellowships."

As for the benefits, the advantages of M.F.A. programs span from refining your writing skill-set to literary magazine assignments. But the most valuable jewel is that it grants you access to resources that are normally off-limits to writers, specifically research assistants, teaching opportunities and writing workshops with published authors (sometimes there are even one-on-one opportunities). These advantages helped Michael Chabon, Alice Sebold and Elizabeth Kostova—all alumni of M.F.A. programs—land book deals.

And if you're looking for a practical reason to enroll, Monahan has it: "The true importance of an M.F.A. program is finally giving yourself permission to take your writing seriously."

Amen to that.

Brian A. Klems is the online community editor of Writer’s Digest magazine.

Have a question for me? Feel free to post it in the comments section below or e-mail me at WritersDig@fwmedia.com with “Q&Q” in the subject line.

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How Do I Track Book Sales?

Tue, 16 Jun 2009 14:34:48 GMT

Q: Is there a way to find out the current sales for a given book that may (or may not) be in print? —Tony P.

A: The short answer to this is no. Due to the volume of distribution channels, there is no outlet where you can find an accurate and reliable sales figure for any book. The only one who has access to total sales numbers are a book's publisher, and that publisher typically won't share specific sales information—unless, of course, the number is so high it can be used as a promotional tool (e.g., "More than 5 million copies sold!").

Jane Friedman, editorial director and publisher of Writer's Digest and Writer's Digest Books, says it's worth noting that most publishers subscribe to the Nielsen Bookscan service, which tracks book sales through chain bookstores, independent bookstores and a handful of other retail outlets. But it is not a complete picture of book sales (as it doesn't include books sold at conferences, direct-to-consumer sales, etc.), and the service is available only to publishers and industry professionals and is extremely expensive (think five figures). In other words, it's not available to the public.

Brian A. Klems is the online managing editor of Writer’s Digest magazine.

Have a question for me? Feel free to post it in the comments section below or e-mail me at WritersDig@fwpubs.com with “Q&Q” in the subject line. Come back each Tuesday as I try to give you more insight into the writing life.

Where Do Writers Find Experts?

Tue, 04 Mar 2008 19:44:46 GMT

Q: I've read many articles in your magazine and others that advise freelance magazine writers to use quotes from experts on their given subject, but none of the articles tell writers how to go about doing that. Where do writers find experts? How do you approach them? How do you obtain permission to use quotes? This can be intimidating for a new writer. —Theresa Fort

A: Next to cold, hard facts, experts play the most pivotal role in providing journalists with information. They hold knowledgeable opinions that can verify and validate information in the article to readers. And, while at times it may feel like experts are as hidden as Waldo, they really are easier to find than one might think.

Experts are everywhere—universities, doctor’s offices, Taco Bell. But, sometimes you have to do a little digging. Don’t be afraid to hop onto Google or Yahoo and search your topic, clicking on the top 15 to 20 links that come up and keeping an eye out for anyone who could fit your needs.
Another valuable tool is Profnet.com, which is a free service that connects journalists with sources. How it works: You propose your question and Profnet sends it to more than 14,000 experts, attempting to find people who know your subject. These folks are typically happy to help because it gives them more exposure.

Now, when approaching an expert, it’s important to be upfront with her. In any phone or e-mail conversation, immediately state your name, your association (“I’m a Boise-based freelance writer”), your topic and deadline (if you have one). Also, let the expert know that you may use quotes from the interview in your article. If you send an e-mail, let the person know that you want to accommodate her and are willing to conduct the interview however she prefers—e-mail, phone, fax, in person (if local).

Don’t be intimidated by the interviewing process. It’s much easier than it sounds. And, at worst, the expert says no and you move on—or place a curse on him. Not that I’ve ever done that …

Brian A. Klems is the online managing editor of Writer’s Digest magazine.

Have a question for me? Feel free to post it in the comments section below or e-mail me at WritersDig@fwpubs.com with “Q&Q” in the subject line. Come back each Tuesday as I try to give you more insight into the writing life.

Is Wikipedia an Accurate Source? (And Can Editors Alter Sourced Material?)

Tue, 12 Feb 2008 18:06:38 GMT

Q: I'm a magazine feature writer and one of my editors changed a statistic in my story that I had attributed to Wikipedia. She maintains Wikipedia is an inaccurate source. However, if I attribute my facts properly, does she have a right to alter my statistic?— Lynn M.

A: If editors feel uncomfortable with an article's contents, they most certainly can (and should) make changes and alterations. They're supposed to vet and fact-check the information. It's part of the job.

It's important to remember that attribution isn't meant as a safety net for reporting false facts. The point of attributing information to a source is two-fold: 1) to give credit where credit is due and 2) to give validity to the information, showing it's coming from reputable person (or organization). If your source isn't reputable, your article isn't.

This brings me to Wikipedia. As journalists, we love the site because it offers an excellent starting point to our research (underline, bold, highlight and draw squiggles around the words "starting point"). With a few clicks, you can find leads on nearly anything, along with links to better articles on each subject. But you can't trust Wikipedia. It can be updated and edited by anyone; that's right, anyone—you, me, that neighbor down the street who everyone describes as "sketchy." There's no real due diligence involved to guarantee accuracy and, as a journalist, you can't accept inaccuracy.

Again, that doesn't mean that the site isn't useful. Hell, I probably check it several times a day (one can never know enough about the Back to the Future trilogy). Just use it as a starting point to find more reliable sources. Your editors (and audience) will thank you for it.

Brian A. Klems is the online managing editor of Writer’s Digest magazine.

Have a question for me? Feel free to post it in the comments section below or e-mail me at WritersDig@fwpubs.com with “Q&Q” in the subject line. Come back each Tuesday as I try to give you more insight into the writing life.