More writers are making money today than at any other time in history. For centuries few have been able to support themselves from the quill or the keyboard alone. Not anymore. With the rise of ebooks and indie publishing there are now more opportunities than ever for writers to generate substantial income from their work. And there is still a traditional publishing industry that needs new talent to keep growing. For years, I dreamed of being a professional writer. I believed I had important things to say that the world needed to hear. But as I look back on what it really takes to become an author, I realize how different the process was from my expectations.To begin with, you don
There's a mantra that real writers know but wannabe writers don’t. And the secret phrase is this: NOBODY WANTS TO READ YOUR SH*T. Recognizing this painful truth is the first step in the writer's transformation from amateur to professional. From Chapter Four: “When you understand that nobody wants to read your shit, you develop empathy. You acquire the skill that is indispensable to all artists and entrepreneurs—the ability to switch back and forth in your imagination from your own point of view as writer/painter/seller to the point of view of your reader/gallery-goer/customer. You learn to ask yourself with every sentence and every phrase: Is this interesting? Is it fun or challenging or inventive? Am I giving the reader enough? Is she bored? Is she following where I want to lead her?
Now updated for 2015! The best, most comprehensive guide for writers is now revised and updated, with new sections on ebooks, self-publishing, crowd-funding through Kickstarter, blogging, increasing visibility via online marketing, micropublishing, the power of social media and author websites, and more—making The Essential Guide to Getting Your Book Published more vital than ever for anyone who wants to mine that great idea and turn it into a successfully published book. Written by experts with twenty-five books between them as well as many years’ experience as a literary agent (Eckstut) and a book doctor (Sterry), this nuts-and-bolts guide demystifies every step of the publishing process: how to come up with a blockbuster title, create a selling proposal, find the right agent, understand a book contract, and develop marketing and publicity savvy. Includes interviews with hundreds of publishing insiders and authors, including Seth Godin, Neil Gaiman, Amy Bloom, Margaret Atwood, Leonard Lopate, plus agents, editors, and booksellers; sidebars featuring real-life publishing success stories; sample proposals, query letters, and an entirely updated resources and publishers directory.
WHAT IS THE STORY GRID? The Story Grid is a tool developed by editor Shawn Coyne to analyze stories and provide helpful editorial comments. It's like a CT Scan that takes a photo of the global story and tells the editor or writer what is working, what is not, and what must be done to make what works better and fix what's not. The Story Grid breaks down the component parts of stories to identify the problems. And finding the problems in a story is almost as difficult as the writing of the story itself (maybe even more difficult). The Story Grid is a tool with many applications: 1. It will tell a writer if a Story ?works? or ?doesn't work. 2. It pinpoints story problems but does not emotionally abuse the writer, revealing exactly where a Story (not the person creating the Story'the Story) has failed. 3. It will tell the writer the specific work necessary to fix that Story's problems. 4. It is a tool to re-envision and resuscitate a seemingly irredeemable pile of paper stuck in an attic drawer. 5. It is a tool that can inspire an original creation.
Transform your writing dreams into reality. Grab your copy of "The Ultimate Guide to Writing a Bestselling Novel: Step by Step" today and start your journey to becoming a bestselling author! Unlock your potential as an author with "The Ultimate Guide to Writing a Bestselling Novel: Step by Step." This comprehensive guide takes you on a journey from the spark of an idea to the final draft of your manuscript. Whether you're a seasoned writer or a beginner, this book offers practical advice, expert tips, and detailed strategies to help you craft a compelling story that resonates with readers. Learn how to develop memorable characters, create intricate plots, and use language effectively to engage your audience. With real-life examples and exercises, this guide provides everything you need to turn your novel into a bestseller.
Carrying baggage you don't need? When I was in college, I figured my life would come together around graduation. I’d meet a guy, have a beautiful wedding, and we'd buy a nice little house—not necessarily with a picket fence, but with whatever kind of fence we wanted. Whatever we decided, I would be happy. When I got out of college and my life didn’t look like that, I floundered, trying to get the life I had always dreamed of through career, travel, and relationships. But none of them satisfied me as I hoped. Like many twentysomethings, I tried to discover the life of my dreams, but instead I just kept accumulating baggage—school loans, electronics I couldn’t afford, hurt from broken relationships, and unmet expectations for what life was “supposed to be” like. Just when I had given up all hope of finding the “life I’d always dreamed about,” I decided to take a trip to all fifty states . . . because when you go on a trip, you can’t take your baggage. What I found was that “packing light” wasn’t as easy as I thought it would be. This is the story of my trip and learning to live life with less baggage.
This step-by-step guide teaches you the tricks of the trade, with advice on all you need to know to compete in the world of fiction. Whether you are seeking to hone your writing style, shape an existing work-in-progress, or begin the submission process to publishers, successfully published novelists Joyce and Jim Lavene give you all you need to know to set you on the fast track to fulfilling your writing dreams! This authoritative guide shows you how to: Turn your creative idea into a sellable premise Build a strong plot Create realistic characters Develop a first draft Find an agent Market and sell your work to publishers Whether you're writing literary fiction, a terrifying thriller, a sweeping epic, or a passionate romance, The Everything Guide to Writing a Novel is your essential reference to creating the next bestseller!
Get more words on the page with this proven and popular system The 12 Week Year for Writers: A Comprehensive Guide to Getting Your Writing Done is an easy-to-implement and practical framework for writers to get more work done in less time. You’ll answer big picture questions—What is my vision for the future? What are my writing goals?—while enacting a comprehensive system to plan and execute your writing. You’ll create a 12 Week Plan and a Model Week, collaborate with a weekly writing group, keep score, and learn to stick to a weekly execution routine. The book will also show you how to: Manage multiple writing projects at the same time Develop a prolific writer’s mindset and increase your output with the 12 Week Year system Deal with actionable specifics, like when and where to write Ideal for writers in all genres and fields, The 12 Week Year for Writers is the perfect hands-on guide for academic and business writers, authors, students, columnists, bloggers, and copy and content writers who seek to increase their productivity and get more quality words on the page.
Are you a budding writer looking to take your craft to the next level? Or perhaps you're an experienced writer seeking to hone your skills and navigate the ever-changing landscape of the publishing industry. Regardless of where you are on your writing journey, The Complete Guide to Writing is here to help. In this comprehensive guide, you'll learn everything you need to know to write compelling stories that capture your readers' imaginations. From finding your unique writing voice and developing dynamic characters to creating vivid settings and crafting memorable endings, each chapter is filled with practical advice, real-world examples, and hands-on exercises to help you build your skills and confidence. Discover the key elements of plot structure and learn how to outline your book for maximum impact. Overcome writer's block and stay motivated with tips and strategies for setting writing goals and building a consistent writing routine. Explore the differences between self-publishing and traditional publishing, and learn how to write query letters and book proposals that grab agents' and publishers' attention. Whether you're interested in writing fiction, nonfiction, or poetry, this guide covers it all. Learn how to research your subject, conduct interviews, and gather information that will help you create compelling stories that engage your readers. Collaborate with other writers, find writing partners, and join writing communities to get the support and feedback you need to improve your craft. With expert guidance on everything from contracts and royalties to building an author platform and promoting your work, The Complete Guide to Writing is the ultimate resource for writers of all levels. Whether you're looking to publish your first book or your fifteenth, this guide will provide you with the tools and inspiration you need to succeed.
Are you ready to embark on an unforgettable journey into the world of writing? Whether it’s crafting your first novel, exploring self-publishing, or simply wishing to enhance your writing skills, Unlock Your Writing Potential: Essential Tips for Aspiring Authors is your essential guide to navigating the complexities and joys of writing. In this comprehensive guide, Rae A. Stonehouse—author, speaker, and self-publishing consultant—shares invaluable insights and practical tips to ignite your passion for writing and steer you towards achieving your literary dreams. Drawing from over 40 years of experience in personal development and communication, Rae offers a blend of wisdom, humor, and effective strategies that promise to enrich your writing journey. Inside, you’ll discover: How to fuel your writing with passion and establish a productive writing routine. Strategies for embracing imperfection and the importance of feedback. The art of editing ruthlessly and staying inspired through ups and downs. The significance of community and the power of trusting your voice. Methods to define your niche, set realistic goals, and embrace the solitary yet rewarding path of writing. Insights on continuous growth, writing with purpose, and promoting your work with pride. Each chapter is crafted to address the challenges and questions aspiring authors face, offering clear, actionable advice that ranges from developing your craft to effectively marketing your work. With Rae’s guidance, learn to celebrate every step of progress, connect deeply with your audience, and ultimately unlock the full potential of your writing. Whether you’re at the beginning of your writing adventure or seeking to elevate your skills to new heights, Unlock Your Writing Potential is a treasure trove of guidance and inspiration. Embark on this journey with Rae Stonehouse as your guide and turn your writing dreams into reality. About the Author: Rae A. Stonehouse brings a lifetime of wisdom to his writing, drawn from extensive experience as a Registered Nurse in psychiatry and mental health, as well as over three decades with Toastmasters International. Known for his relatable coaching style and engaging sense of humor, Rae is dedicated to helping others achieve personal and professional growth through constant improvement.
