Book briefing: varied smorgasbord from independent publishers; Editing Your Newsletter: A Guide to Writing, Design and Production, by Mark Beach. Portland, Ore.: Coast to Coast Books (2934 NE 16th Avenue, 97212). $7. 50 (paperback), $7.75 by prepaid mail order.

Newsletter veteran Mark Beach assumes no prior knowledge in these step-by-step instructions. He explains every element in ample detail, including effective news gathering, editing, graphics, layout, mailing, and dealing with printers.

He covers all styles of newsletter, from the humblest mimeograph to the most elaborate offset production. The text is laced with abundant illustrations and with helpful anecdotes from other newsletters. Also included are sample forms for planning a newsletter budget and production schedule. All t ogether, a wealth of invaluable tips.