One of the hottest markets for new writers today, the women’s fiction genre called Chick Lit is attracting new authors daily. In Will Write for Shoes, veteran Chick Lit and romance author Cathy Yardley draws upon years of teaching about commercial women’s fiction to give aspiring novelists invaluable advice and step-by-step methods for writing and selling a successful Chick Lit novel. Features include: The history of Chick LitA blueprint for writing a Chick Lit novelNew trends in the genreTips and tools for breaking into the marketComplete with a directory of agents and publishers who acquire Chick Lit, sample submission materials, and online resources, this fun and comprehensive manual is a must-have for all women who want to write a Chick Lit novel. Cathy Yardley is the author of L.A. Woman and Couch World. She has been president of the Los Angeles and San Francisco chapters of Romance Writers of America and a speaker at writing conferences nationwide. Cathy lives with her husband and son in Southern California. Visit her Web site at www.cathyyardley.com.


The women’s fiction genre called Chick Lit attracts new authors daily as it becomes one of the hottest markets for new writers today. In Will Write for Shoes, author Cathy Yardley draws upon years of teaching about commercial women’s fiction to give aspiring novelists advice and step-by-step methods for writing and selling a successful Chick Lit novel. The book includes the history of Chick Lit, a blueprint for writing a Chick Lit novel, new trends in the genre, and tips and tools for breaking into the market.


Complete with a directory of agents and publishers who acquire Chick Lit, sample submission materials, and online resources, this comprehensive manual is a necessity for all aspiring Chick Lit authors.


"A clear, concise, easy-to-read (and reread) guide to writing contemporary women's fiction. Like a pair of heels you can actually dance in, this book is a keeper."—Alisa Kwitney, author of The Dominant Blonde


“If you want to write chick lit, this book is a must, primarily because Yardley breaks down what’s really happening with the chick lit market and nails down what a chick lit novel must have. The author has a breezy tone that will appeal to readers and aspiring authors of chick lit books. Aspiring authors in other genres may also want to give this a try.”—Romantic Times


“Writers looking for a particular kind of motivation will find it in Cathy Yardley’s Will Write for Shoes. A sound and welcome defense of chick lit . . . Yardley’s advice is precise, realistic, and readable. And her insistence that you need a story, not just a 'cool idea,' is worth the sale price alone.”—Washington Post


“If you're thinking of [writing] a chick lit novel, this is the book for you. The content is pure gold. Yardley knows what she’s talking about.”—Kingston Observer


"Yardley gives a humorous but honest look at the dos and don'ts of the biz, arming writers with a valuable tool in their arsenal on the way to publication."—Erica Orloff, author of Do They Wear High Heels in Heaven?


“Funny but informative . . . the literary equivalent of your best friend. Yardley knows how to ride the roller coaster of chick-lit publishing. . . . She provides excellent examples and sage advice [with] refreshing self-awareness.”—Pittsburgh Post-Gazette


"Accessible, wise, and fun. Yardley's step-by-step approach, boundless wisdom, and humorous tone make this an invaluable aid to any writer hoping to break into the genre."—Carren Lisner, author of Carrie Pilby


"I laughed, I cried, I finished my Chick Lit novel! Thank you, Cathy Yardley, for putting everything I ever wanted to know about Chick Lit all in one place. The appendixes alone are worth their weight in chocolate."—Deanna Carlyle, cofounder of the International Women's Fiction Festival


“Light and unintimidating . . . fans of chick lit will likely appreciate the customized manuals . . . Teen fans of the chick-lit style may also benefit.”—Library Journal