New how-to book on philatelic writing and editing

U.S. Stamp Notes by John M. Hotchner

Many Linn’s readers helped to make my 2022 book, U.S. Philatelic Royalty of the 20th Century: Stories behind modern-era U.S. Treasures, a success. It is still available from me at $33.50, including postage, at the address at the end of this column.

So I’m emboldened to announce my new book, On Philatelic Writing and Editing, a compilation of my how-to articles written over 15 years for the American Philatelic Society’s Writer’s Unit No. 30 quarterly, The Philatelic Communicator. The book’s cover is pictured above.

The idea behind the book is to use my experiences as a writer for Linn’s (in my 47th year) and editor of several publications to encourage those who might write for club and society journals to share knowledge, studies and opinions with other stamp and cover collectors, and to provide practical tips on how to get started.

While the book is primarily intended for philatelic writers and editors, much of the content applies to all writers, regardless of subject.

I was surprised to find that there were no other how-to books on philatelic writing and editing.

As I approach my 80th birthday, I hope that in filling this gap, the book will motivate those who will become the next generation of philatelic writers and editors to start exercising their talents.

The book has a lengthy introduction in the form of an interview in which I talk about my background and development as an author and editor.

Each chapter (“Getting Started as a Philatelic Writer,” “The Craft of Philatelic Writing,” “The craft of editing,” “Exhibiting Philatelic Literature,” “Seeing into the future,” and “A personal perspective”) is introduced with my views on these subjects.

The new book is $23.50, including postage, and can be ordered from me at Box 1125, Falls Church, VA 22041-0125.

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