If you don't write fiction

A practical manual for aspiring non-fiction contributors combines hands-on instruction with anecdotal sketches to guide magazine and newspaper freelancers. It explains how to recognize and develop story ideas, prepare and format manuscripts, and photograph and present material for publication; it outlines methods for finding markets, approaching editors, and selling pieces, and describes the rhythms of editorial life—including experiences in New York—while emphasizing timeliness and human-interest as keys to acceptance. The tone alternates between concrete how-to tips and personal adventures, aimed at helping beginners avoid common mistakes and improve their chances of publication.