Lerner, Betsy

Lerner’s fiction debut, which was longlisted for the Center for Fiction First Novel Prize, exceeds at depicting the damage that one family member’s mental illness can wreak on others, but some readers may want even more coverage of the sisters’ relationship with each other.

This group memoir is profoundly personal. Capturing the pathos of seemingly ordinary lives in an entertaining way, it should appeal to readers interested in women's issues and may inspire some to take up bridge.

Publishing executive-turned-literary agent Lerner offers advice on query letters; multiple submissions; working with editors, publicists, and agents; dealing with rejection; and writer's block...