Full Description
Learn to:
Craft a winning manuscript
Troubleshoot and edit your work
Prepare your manuscript for publication
Find a good agent to represent you
Negotiate the best possible deal
Turn your aspiration into reality with this completely updated guide
If you've always wanted to write that great novel, but never knew where to start, look no further! With a published author advising you on how to write well and a literary agent providing insight into getting a publishing deal, this updated guide gives you the inside track on the art and science of breaking into the fiction-publishing industry. Taking you step by step from concept to contract, this book provides the tools you need to tell your story with skill and approach agents and publishers with confidence.
Dive in — check out how to combine your natural talent with the writing techniques used by successful authors
Establish a firm foundation — construct your basic story, plot and structure
Examine the key elements — create characters, develop dialogue, explore relationships and insert conflict
Fine-tune and finish up — discover tips on adding detail, creativity and flair while bringing your work to a close
Get published — take the next step by weighing up your publishing options, working with agents and negotiating deals
Find out more — check out additional advice, like the most common mistakes you need to avoid, and tips from published authors
Open the book and find:
Tips for getting started
Creative ways to develop plots, storylines, characters and dialogue
The seven basic stories and how to put them to work
Tricks for crafting a great ending to your novel
How to prepare your manuscript for editing and publishing
The lowdown on the business side of publishing
Contents
Introduction 1
Part I: Getting Started with Writing a Novel and Getting Published 5
Chapter 1: Entering the Writer's World 7
Chapter 2: Meshing Your Talent and Technique 13
Chapter 3: Getting to the Writing 19
Part II: Building from the Basics 35
Chapter 4: Following the Hero's Journey 37
Chapter 5: Scheming and Plot ting: Using Stories 47
Chapter 6: Considering the Grand Concept 59
Chapter 7: Structuring the Story 67
Part III: Examining the Elements 81
Chapter 8: Creating Characters 83
Chapter 9: Exploring Relationships 105
Chapter 10: Talking about Dialogue 113
Chapter 11: Including Conflict 129
Part IV: Fine-tuning and Finishing Up 141
Chapter 12: Adding Depth and Detail 143
Chapter 13: Getting Creative 153
Chapter 14: Ending and Editing 163
Part V: Publishing 181
Chapter 15: Publishing Your Novel 183
Chapter 16: Finding an Agent 199
Chapter 17: Preparing for Publication 223
Chapter 18: Coping with the Business Side of Being an Author 237
Chapter 19: Taking Control: Self-Publishing 249
Part VI: The Part of Tens 279
Chapter 20: Ten Top Tips for Writers 281
Chapter 21: Ten Common Mistakes and How to Avoid Them 289
Chapter 22: (Answers to) Ten Questions Put to Agents 293
Chapter 23: Ten Tips from Published Authors 299
Index 303
