Is this good for a first-time novelist?

Yes. It walks through the whole process in short chapters, which suits beginners who want an overview before choosing a specialty. Experienced writers will find much of it familiar.

Does it cover short stories as well as novels?

Yes. Several chapters address short fiction directly, especially on structure, scenes and endings, though the emphasis leans toward novel-length work.

Is it up to date on publishing?

No. The book dates from 2012, so its querying and market advice predates today's self-publishing and ebook landscape. Treat the craft chapters as the durable part.

Do I need other craft books if I buy this?

It works as a survey, not a substitute for deep single-topic books. Most writers pair it with a dedicated guide on plot, character or revision once they know their weak spot.

Is it a workbook with exercises?

It includes prompts and checklists rather than a fill-in workbook. You can work through the exercises, but there is no structured space to write in the book.

Who is James Scott Bell's role here?

Bell is one of the contributing authors alongside other Writer's Digest instructors. The book is an anthology of their articles, not a single-author work.