Feature and Magazine Writing

Updated with fresh facts, examples and illustrations, along with two new chapters on digital media and blogs this third edition continues to be the authoritative and essential guide to writing engaging and marketable feature stories.

• Covers everything from finding original ideas and angles to locating expert sources
• Expanded edition with new chapters on storytelling for digital media and building a story blog
• Captivating style exemplifies the authors’ expert guidance, combining academic authority with professional know-how
• Comprehensive coverage of all the angles, including marketing written work and finding jobs in the publishing industry
• Essential reading for anyone wishing to become a strong feature writer
• Accompanied by a website with a wealth of resources including PowerPoint presentations, handouts, and Q&As that will be available upon publication: 

“"Summing Up: Recommended. Undergraduate collections." ( Choice, 1 July 2013) "It doesn't matter if the student's chosen medium is daily newsprint, a monthly glossy, or an iPad, Sumner's and Miller's approach reinforces the time-tested tenets of feature journalism: make things interesting, well-organized, market-appropriate, and reader-friendly." ( Journal of Magazine & New Media Release , 1 June 2013) "Highly recommended for any student interested in writing for magazines or the Internet." ( Cogito Ergo Sum , 20 December 2012)”

“Summing Up: Recommended. Undergraduate collections.”  (Choice, 1 July 2013)

"It doesn’t matter if the student’s chosen medium is daily newsprint, a monthly glossy, or an iPad, Sumner’s and Miller’s approach reinforces the time-tested tenets of feature journalism: make things interesting, well-organized, market-appropriate, and reader-friendly."  (Journal of Magazine & New Media Release, 1 June 2013)  

“Highly recommended for any student interested in writing for magazines or the Internet.”  (Cogito Ergo Sum, 20 December 2012)

David E. Sumner is a professor of journalism and head of the magazine journalism program at Ball State University, USA. He received his Ph.D. from the University of Tennessee and is a former ‘Magazine Educator of the Year’ in recognition of his contribution to journalism teaching. His books include The Magazine Century: American Magazines Since 1900 (2010), and Magazines: A Complete Guide to the Industry (2006).

Holly G. Miller is a working journalist and communications consultant, with bylines in numerous publications including Reader’s Digest, TV Guide, and Indianapolis Monthly. She has degrees from Indiana University and Ball State University, USA, and teaches advanced feature-writing classes across America. In addition to writing, ghost-writing, and co-authoring more than a dozen books, she has won awards from Associated Press, the Society of American Travel Writers, and the Evangelical Press Association

Avowedly practical and concise, instantly engaging and brimming with ideas and expertise, this comprehensive guide to writing - and selling - engaging features in print and for digital platforms is offered in a lively new edition. Fresh material includes new chapters on storytelling for blogs and digital media, as well as updated facts and references throughout. The authors' pragmatic approach aims to help budding writers hone their skills and launch their careers, with examples and ideas that spell out the 'ABCs' of non-fiction storytelling: accuracy, brevity and clarity. Too many articles, they say, are one draft short of an 'A' (if the writer is a student) or of acceptance, if the writer is a freelancer. The book maps out the pitfalls standing in the way of success, and provides expert tips on avoiding them. Practicing what they teach, the writing team has ensured this handbook is as entertaining as it is informative and concise as it is comprehensive. Third edition now accompanied by a website with a wealth of resources including PowerPoint presentations, handouts, and Q&As. See

Avowedly practical and concise, instantly engaging and brimming with ideas and expertise, this comprehensive guide to writing and selling engaging features in print and for digital platforms is offered in a lively new edition. Fresh material includes new chapters on storytelling for blogs and digital media, as well as updated facts and references throughout. The authors pragmatic approach aims to help budding writers hone their skills and launch their careers, with examples and ideas that spell out the ABCs of non-fiction storytelling: accuracy, brevity and clarity. Too many articles, they say, are one draft short of an A (if the writer is a student) or of acceptance, if the writer is a freelancer. The book maps out the pitfalls standing in the way of success, and provides expert tips on avoiding them. Practicing what they teach, the writing team has ensured this handbook is as entertaining as it is informative and concise as it is comprehensive. Third

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