Many writers who are looking to "break into" magazines or "break out" as a published author fail to recognize the value in developing a portfolio of bylines and clips--essentially easy references for magazines, publishers, and agents who are looking for new writers and clients. And newer writers don't know how to tackle the large world of magazines, stumbling over the editorial gatekeepers, pitching to the write magazines, and knowing audiences.

With The Byline Bible, popular feature journalism professor Sue Shapiro reveals the secrets that you must know in order to get published in you favorite magazine, periodical, or website. This book brings together everything that you need to know to write and sell your story, including:

• Following proven steps--from writing to getting critiqued and developing a cover letter--that hundreds of her students have used to publish personal essays.
• Developing an excellent portfolio of varied work, with short pieces that you can sell quickly, such as op-eds (both serious and humorous), parodies and satires, how-to's, regional pieces, topical reviews, and cultural commentaries.
• How to build on your success after you've sold that first piece. No writer wants to be a flash-in-the-pan; The Byline Bible shows you how to run with that first piece and create strategies for becoming a regular contributor.

Whether you're just starting out or looking to further your career, The Byline Bible is a must-have guide filled with proven methods for writing, selling, and publishing every type of short piece of nonfiction and building a sustainable career off it.