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Writing Tips - How to Write a Book Jacket Cover

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The saddest truth in book sales is that even the greatest story on the shelf can't sell itself without solid packaging. Book marketing is a big business, and most publishing companies have staff devoted to book design above and beyond the editorial team, including graphic designers, cover artists, and copywriters.
Typically, a copywriter will create the text that appears on the paperback cover or book jacket. A copywriter may either be on the staff at the publishing house, or the publisher may contract out, or outsource, to freelance copywriters. Either way, it's the job of the copywriter to craft a paragraph or two about your book that will sell it to readers.
Otherwise, and this too occurs more often within larger publishing houses, an overworked and underpaid editorial assistant may be tasked with crafting your book jacket copy. This is often viewed as an onerous task and is obviously less than ideal; while editors (and editorial assistants) are useful in helping to shape and enhance your story, they may not have the necessary 'sales writing' skills to entice the reader to purchase your book on the shelf.
So, while most of the time you may not be writing your own book jacket copy, it's still important for any writer to be able to do so. Here's why:
1. This provides you with the chance to concisely sum up your manuscript and re-examine the story - it's like going through a copy edit of the plot.
2. It allows you to make sure you've been writing towards your target audience, OR it can help you to determine the target audience for your book.
3. If you're sending query letters out to publishers with hopes of selling your manuscript, you'll essentially have to write a paragraph to pitch your idea anyway.
Here are some tips for writing copy for book jackets or covers that will sell your book to the reader:
-Research. Before you start to write, read ten book descriptions on the back of books that would appeal to your intended audience. Get a feel for the amount of detail and how the writer avoids spoilers in winding up the description and weaves in the themes. Look at the kinds of promises made in the copy. Can your book make similar promises?
-Sell it, baby. This is advertising copy, not editorial copy. Don't go into too many details about plot or concepts. Use strong, compelling verbs and nouns. Some of the books I have on my desk use language such as "embark," "initiate," "embrace," "address," and "achieve."
-Highlight your key ideas with a bullet point list. If yours is a work of nonfiction, think about using bullet points in your description. Start each bullet with strong words, whether verbs or nouns, pay attention to parallelism. If you have a list of nouns, be consistent and don't mix a verb into your list: "practical solutions," "advice on," and "7 strategies" should not be mixed with a bullet point that starts with a verb, such as "Learn ways to... " If your bullet points are incomplete sentences, rewrite the others to make them all incomplete for consistency. Notice the parallelism in this article: I start every tip with a strong verb phrase in boldface, and use full sentences.
-Watch the hype. Don't gush about your book or yourself to a degree that might turn off readers. The rule is "know your audience." Maybe your followers will be excited by terms such as "earth-shattering" or "truly unique" but maybe you are better off with "groundbreaking" and "original" and "fresh approach." Remember, too, that you can't qualify "unique," which means one of a kind. Nothing's "very one of a kind" or "more one of a kind," so don't use "very unique" or "more unique."
-Work your expertise into the description. Don't just give your name and any degrees you have. You might write something like "Joe Smith, a lifelong spelunker and founder of CaveExplorers.com, the #1 spelunker's site on the internet... "
-Grab 'em up front! Consider asking a question in the first line or setting up a very short example that will grab your reader's attention instantly-or, make a starting statement. You want the reader to have an energetic response rather than a lukewarm one.
-Follow a "Wow! Okay... Wow!" structure. Structure your description by grabbing the reader, then explaining what's in the book and who you are, and ending with oomph. Of course, you want your description to be engaging and energetic, too, as I've explained, but the energy of the reader naturally dips when you're listing the facts about what's in the book. Think about how a musical performance will start with an energetic song, include quieter ones in the middle, and end on an energetic note.
-Check your spelling and usage. Don't rely on the eye, I like to say. Actually use spellchecker software, and if you really want to be picky, consult Merriam Webster's Collegiate Dictionary 11th Edition (the standard dictionary in book publishing) to make sure you've styled every word correctly (groundbreaking not ground-breaking, for example). Be consistent throughout your text (for example, don't mix "soundboard" and "sound board," both of which are acceptable-choose one and stick with it). Don't use terms people might not know unless you define them (for example, people often confuse "i.e." and "e.g." so it's better to use "for example"). Have someone else who is good with grammar, spelling, and mechanics proofread your copy and look over it yourself several times to catch usage errors (such as "effect" for "affect," which spellchecker software will overlook). Be as nitpicky as you can.
A few words of caution: Like most good things, blurbs are good in moderation. A couple on the back cover by reputable authors in your field will help the sell the book. Three or four pages on the inside, unless the book is an international bestseller, is probably overkill.
Try to reach out to respected peers in your field, but be wary of those that have been termed in the industry as "blurb abusers". An author's name found too often blurbing similar publications may reduce the value of the testimonial for your book. Look for thoughtful readers willing to offer genuine reviews and comments. There's no point in misleading the reader with a testimonial; everyone knows it's what's inside that counts.
Keep in mind that while you may try to design and format your book jacket cover on your own, there are professional editors who will do it for you. An experienced editor will create a professionally written book jacket cover that will capture your audience's attention. This is short, succinct copy that sends a strong message about your writing.
Happy blurbing!


8 Tips for Business - To Start-Up Business Plan

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1- here has been so much written lately about book writing for business owners and entrepreneurs. Everyone is talking about how important it is for business owners and business people in general to write a book. What I think is MOST important is for them to understand WHY they need to write a book and HOW to get it done fast.
Most people shrug their shoulders and say, "Humph. I could never write a book, so that's that." Or, "I don't have time to shower, let alone write a bloody book!" I understand. It can be a huge undertaking but once you have a plan in place it is really do-able. I know because I wrote 7 books last year. If I can do it, you can too.
2- There are many different formats and there really isn't a "universal" length for a perfect business plan. Depending on your product or industry, it can range anywhere between 10-100, and sometimes more, pages.
The question you should ask yourself is: what stage is my company at? If you are already generating revenue and are looking for a second or third round of financing to expand, the business plan can get much more elaborate and detailed, especially on the financial analysis and projections side of things.
3- Developing and improving your business writing skills will also help to create a professional image for your company.
Emails, business plans, letters, reports and proposals are some of the items that managers may be required to address throughout the course of business. Developing effective writing skills that convey your intentions while also protecting yourself and business are imperative.
4- This does not mean you shouldn't present accurate facts, be transparent, and most importantly tell the truth; but it means that you need to package all those facts into an interesting, exciting, and fascinating story so your readers (potential investors) keep on reading and don't get bored by page 25. It's a lot to ask someone to read an entire business plan, so the least you can do is make it fun and interesting.
I have had the pleasure to be on both sides of the table (both writing and reading business plans), and here are the 7 things that are often forgotten or done wrong:
5-  8 tips for effective business writing skills
Tip #1
The most important point to remember is that anything that is written could potentially be used against you or the company in a court of law. Minimise the possibility of this happening.
Tip #2
Identify your objective before you begin to write your document. Are you writing a company update, policy, or creating a new business plan?
Tip #3
Consider the audience and their pre-existing knowledge on the subject.
The KISS principle - Keep It Short and Simple - is an excellent tool when writing. People often read the first and last paragraphs and skim the main body.
If you have multiple readers, providing a brief overview and objective allows those people who don't need to know the details enough information to grasp the key messages. The full report or technical details would cater for those readers that need more detailed information.
Tip #4
Create an outline of your key points then go back in and fill in the details and edit. Proofread to check spelling errors and the flow of the text.
Business writing skills will make you and the company either appear professional or not. It is imperative to project your professional image in a positive manner.
Tip #5
Sales managers and other professionals often use terms referred to as 'business speak'. These terms do not always translate well when written and will reduce the effectiveness and image of the email or business plan. Consider how investors, board members or prospective clients would view the document when writing.
Tip #6
Be courteous and polite at all times. Use the correct salutations and closings for business correspondence. Developing effective business writing skills requires a professional tone without lengthy explanations.
Tip #7
Include contact information and the best time to reach you if the recipient has questions.
Tip #8
Proofread one last time prior to sending. Ensure the points and objectives of the document have been met in a clear, concise manner and that the tone is what you wish to convey.
Using online tools
Word programs include a spell checking tool that is easy to use, although they may miss simple errors such as confusing the words 'to' and 'too'.
I hope that you find these 8 tips helpful and remember Great Content can really enhance your Online Business.
David H Pool is an Internet Marketer who has been published Online and in Traditional Magazines

Tips Writing a Book - Get Started With Creative Book Ideas

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Need tips writing a book? Even best selling authors got help writing a book from a book coach or other professional. Now you can expand those creative book ideas to write, finish, and market your book now.
You already know the benefits. Your book will make a difference in people's lives. It will help your target audience get their problems solved.
To get started writing your book, it's important to know your book's hot selling points before you write a word. Creative book ideas include knowing your topic first.
Follow These 10 Steps for Writing a Book to Make your Book Stand out From the Crowd:
1. List your five favorite topics you'd like to write about.
Choose the one you are most passionate about now and will be for the next two years. Do not write another book until you market the first one.
2. Define on paper your topic, title, thesis and best audience.
After you know these and have spent some time defining these on paper, take the next step.
3. Create a book chapter outline.
For each chapter topic, write 3-5 questions you will answer in it. Later add a hook introduction with benefits and a last paragraph to attract your reader to the next chapter.
4. Write a clear book title with an angle.
You have less than 10 seconds to grab your readers' attention. Your book cover and title must do that. Your working title or book title helps you focus and answer your buyer's reason for wanting the book. What number one problem will your book solve for your readers? Include your book's promise-the benefits--in your sub-title if not clear in your title. That includes the main benefits.
5. Write a personal Dear Audience Letter to Your # One Audience.
Tell them why your wrote the book and what it can do for them. It's far easier to write a book aimed at only one audience. Think a book series with your other audiences. Book sales grow when your book has an angle. You may think that everyone will want to read your book. Not true. Instead, choose your audience and solve a problem for them in your how to book. Your target audience wants particular, specific information rather than general.
6. Create your cover with your audience in mind. Personal growth people like aqua and shades of pink and salmon.
Include your book's promise-the benefits--in your sub-title if not clear in your title. It's better to be clear than clever, but the ultimate winning combination is clear and clever.
7. Write your book's thesis before you write a single chapter.
A thesis is one sentence stating the audience's main problem/challenge and how your book will solve it. Knowing the thesis before you write the book keeps you on track so you write focused, compelling, readable copy. Each book chapter must support your book's thesis. Take "Write your Chapters in Half the Time with Fewer Edits." A best book chapter title often includes your thesis as this book does.
8. Bypass the fear of low book sales: test your book's significance before you write it.
Know the ways to select a book topic that sells. Know what makes one book outsell another. Your book is significant if it has these elements: It presents useful information. It has the potential to make a difference in people's lives. It's lively or humorous. It helps answer important reader questions. It creates a deeper understanding of human nature. If your book has only two significances, it will be worth writing. With three or more, it's a potential best seller. Make your book a priority so you can express your mission helping others to a better life, and at the same time make a consistent lifelong income.
9. Write down your publishing goals for this book.
Which suits your more-- self publishing or a traditional publisher? Think about Print on Demand and whether these companies can deliver you a fair deal. Think about writing an eBook first or at the same time as your print book. You need far fewer resources and time to sell an eBook.
10. Organize your book files.
We creative thinkers need help. We waste over 150 hours a year looking for mislaid information. To get easy and fast book files retrieval do these:
First, create a master folder with your book's title. Inside, keep a separate file for each chapter. Name each chapter to make sense later. Within those, add your different notes, research, or resources. Title and date each file easily to find it later. For instance, Chapter One. Why Write a Book? -8-20-08. You will know what chapter version is the latest with new file dates.
You will now stop wasting time and money because unfinished projects that don't get shared, don't make you money and get your unique word out to your awaiting audience.
Writing a book is so much easier when you approach it in small bites. Now you can get started with these 10 tips writing a book.
Book Coach Judy Cullins helps emerging and professional authors get started writing your book. Learn from the master and join Judy for her free article mkg teleseminar on Jan 22 http://www.bookcoaching.com/article-marketing-seminar.php
Download the free ebook "20 High Octane Book Writing and Marketing Tips" available through The Book Coach Says at http://www.bookcoaching.com
Judy now enjoys networking on Linkedin, Facebook, & Twitter.

Becoming a Children's Book Writer - Basic Tips For Writing a Successful Children's Book

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Now that you have written a book where do you go from here?
The question you will need to answer is this. Where do I want to go with my book?
Do you want to reach a massive amount of people? Do you want to take your time and be hands on all the way? Do you want to submit your manuscript to a publisher? So you have decided you want to retain your rights to your book.
If you want to do the homework you can submit your own work, you can get a copyright,
you can buy isbn numbers and keep in mind if you want a hard copy, a soft copy and e-book you will need isbn numbers for each, you can edit and proof, you can submit your books to be accepted by the major e-book sights. There are people who have chosen this route. You will see many articles claiming this is the best route to save the costs of having someone else do it. You will have total control.
There are a multitude of small publishers available. The smaller publishers can do all of this work for you at a cost. I would recommend doing a thorough search on any person you hire to do work for you. Check with the better business bureau and if possible talk to the Authors and find out about their experience. Authors will talk together about their experiences. The costs are variable depending on the services you request. I have seen basic services at approximately five hundred dollars and up.
A large publisher will also do custom rates as well as some have a book buy back program. This program encourages the book stores to take a chance on you at no risk to themselves. It is a big plus. It will be a way for you to market your book. Again the fees you will be charged depends on what you would like to see happen with your book.
Again I would do as much research as possible before picking a company to do business with.
The one last comment I will make is it is vitally important that you enjoy the journey. Sometimes you may wonder why have a chosen to write books. You need to look at your finished product as an investment of your time and your money. As with any investments you will need to nurture it and how you define success is up to you.
Ruth Bruegger lives in Rockton Illinois with her Husband Hans. Ruth has been written up for Tourism ideas in a book written by the University of Wisconsin. Ruth's passion is checking out new places. Ruth's latest vision is writing children's books what she is calling adventures in accidental learning. To learn more about Ruth's journey go to http://www.creative-secrets-in-rockton-roscoe-south-beloit.com

How to write the first draft of a novel in 30 days

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Writing a novel can be daunting. But introducing structure to the process can help you maintain momentum over the course of a month without hampering creativity

For more :

http://www.theguardian.com/books/series/how-to-write-a-book-in-30-days

Mark Twain's Top Ten Writing Tips

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1- Get your facts first, and then you can distort them as much as you   please.

2- Use the right word, not its second cousin.

3- As to the Adjective: when in doubt, strike it out.

4- You need not expect to get your book right the first time. Go to work and revamp or rewrite it. God only exhibits his thunder and lightning at intervals, and so they always command attention. These are God's adjectives. You thunder and lightning too much; the reader ceases to get under the bed, by and by.

5- Substitute damn every time you're inclined to write very; your editor will delete it and the writing will be just as it should be.

6- Use good grammar.

7- Damnation (if you will allow the expression), get up & take a turn around the block & let the sentiment blow off you. Sentiment is for girls. . . . There is one thing I can't stand andwon't stand, from many people. That is, sham sentimentality.

8- Use plain, simple language, short words and brief sentences. That is the way to write English--it is the modern way and the best way. Stick to it; don't let fluff and flowers and verbosity creep in.

9- The time to begin writing an article is when you have finished it to your satisfaction. By that time you begin to clearly and logically perceive what it is that you really want to say.

10 - Write without pay until somebody offers pay. If nobody offers within three years, the candidate may look upon this circumstance with the most implicit confidence as the sign that sawing wood is what he was intended for.

Ten characteristics of an incredibly dull paper

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Rules for Writing a PRL

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The use of the casting copy rules are be described below.
The basic idea is that the work should be understandably completely in terms of the Figures and their Captions. (Occasionally Tables and their Captions are also necessary.) As with any principle it appears to have exceptions but doesn't. With this in mind, here are the rules for writing an effective PRL to the prescribed length (425 lines).
  1. Prepare the figures first; they must carry the load. Remember that they will in most cases be 3 3/8" wide, so narrow or square figures work best. All lettering must be high enough so that upon reduction it will be 2-3 mm. You can easily squeeze in much information with lettering; this will enable the figure to stand on its own. There is no limit to the number of figures. But usually it is hard to include more than four.
  2. Next do the figure captions. The editorial style of the figure captions is as follows, the first "sentence" of a caption is not a sentence but a label (i.e., no verb). All subsequent sentences must be sentences (i.e., subject, verb, and object). The Figure with its Caption should be able to stand on its own. Don't say that important things can be found in the text.
  3. Tables are the next item. Here you must pick and choose in order to prove your point(s); again the caption can help in telling the story.
  4. Equations. (This is mainly for theorists). Prepare your equations. Never redefine a symbol. Don't use more than 12 equations. Work on their form until the equations are transparent; every symbol has an obvious meaning.
  5. References. Make a serious estimate of what references you will use. Multiply by 1.40 to account for footnotes and omissions.
  6. Now "copy cast." Use the rules on the back to calculate items 1-11 (on the back). Then the number of lines available for the text = 425 - (items 1-11).
  7. If the number of available text lines is less than 100, you are probably trying to squeeze too much in. Think about removing one figure or redrawing them. Before you start writing, plan your major points; if some of them are not in the figures or tables, ask yourself if they could be.
  8. The general rule of writing is: tell'em what you are going to tell'em; then tell'em; finally tell'em what you told them. In PRL this means that within the first three paragraphs you must present, as specifically as possible, the basic results of your work. This is not the same as the abstract which is a stand-alone specific description of the paper. The summary at the end is a chance to put the work in proper context.
  9. Finally PRL requires you write a brief introduction (1-2 paragraphs) that sets your work in a context so that the general readers (i.e., not in your specialty) can figure why they should be interested in your paper. In writing, be pecific. Avoid the passive voice. Use short, single-idea paragraphs.

Tips For Writing A Great Book You Can Sell Online

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Writing a fantasy novel has its great advantages- you can make anything up- however, you have to be more calculated with your writing to make it believable. Click on the link provided to learn more on how to better your writing.
 

Five Tips To Writing A Fantasy Novel

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This post will disclose several tips about how to write a book. Options in no way written a new e-book just before, don't think that it is also daunting of a job.

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3. Recognize your current characters.

Often in writing word there's the actual area regarding the characters on the e-book. They often wish that you compose a new character draw on the man or woman. This specific usually doesn't work that properly for each and every writer.

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four. Magic

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Shiny IDE lifestyles and also writes throughout north The state of Michigan. You possibly can go through additional in regards to the publishing lifestyle and also publishing strategies at http: http://102howtowriteabook.blogspot.com/

Paula Hines Lonergan a bout write a book

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Paula Hines Lonergan, author of A Titan of a Man A Coach of the Famous '71 Titans Who Inspired Generation of Young People, recounts the true life story of her father, Paul "Doc" Hines, coach featured in the Disney movie "Remember the Titans." In Titan, she discusses the "if you don't mind, it don't matter" attitude, her father believed in and taught others. Learning from her father's example, she developed tenacity and determination in life.

Continuing her father's legacy, she started writing A Titan of a Man on June 10, 2002 and finished it just one month later on July 10. She received many letters (a total of 15) from various publishing companies refusing, albeit politely, to publish her manuscript.

In overcoming the seeming obstacles before her, in the summer of 2003, she founded her own book publishing company, PRL PUBLISHING. She published A Titan of a Man through PRL PUBLISHING. The book was released in October 2003, along with an accompanying working entitled Mind Over Matter Leadership Workbook.

As a freelance writer, Ms. Lonergan has contributed many articles on business and humanities to several newspapers and magazines. In 2003, she started Commontary On... an online news column about the common things in life.She went on to publish her second book Babies Dribble and Drool in 2004 and her third bookFelines Shed Fur and Purr in 2005. 

Later in 2005, she started The S.E.M.O.M. Newsletter. She developed and taught seminars on how to successfully pursue a writing career and publish a book to help others in fulfilling their goal of being an author.

In 2007, she started her own quarterly magazine entitled Positivity IN FOCUS (print edition, now online only) which is described as Petite Packaging with Powerful Inspiration.
In 2008, her company PRL Publishing received official certification as a small disadvantaged business. PRL Publishing is a woman-owned, minority-owned company.

In 2012, encouraged by a friend, Ms. Lonergan revised and edited A Titan of a Man. It was released on E-Book in July 2012.
Always having been a prolific writer, she started writing poetry and short stories in elementary school. Then, at age 17, she wrote and presented a commencement speaker address at her high school graduation. She has given discourses across the country inspiring audiences for many years.

Through her writing and speaking, she endeavors to inspire others and to teach persons how to improve their lives. Sharing the tools needed to develop self-awareness, an individual sense of worth, and good leadership skills. She is characterized as an engaging, outgoing, and enthusiastic speaker.

Writing Tips - How to Write a Book Jacket Cover

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The saddest truth in book sales is that even the greatest story on the shelf can't sell itself without solid packaging. Book marketing is a big business, and most publishing companies have staff devoted to book design above and beyond the editorial team, including graphic designers, cover artists, and copywriters.
Typically, a copywriter will create the text that appears on the paperback cover or book jacket. A copywriter may either be on the staff at the publishing house, or the publisher may contract out, or outsource, to freelance copywriters. Either way, it's the job of the copywriter to craft a paragraph or two about your book that will sell it to readers.
Otherwise, and this too occurs more often within larger publishing houses, an overworked and underpaid editorial assistant may be tasked with crafting your book jacket copy. This is often viewed as an onerous task and is obviously less than ideal; while editors (and editorial assistants) are useful in helping to shape and enhance your story, they may not have the necessary 'sales writing' skills to entice the reader to purchase your book on the shelf.
So, while most of the time you may not be writing your own book jacket copy, it's still important for any writer to be able to do so. Here's why:
1. This provides you with the chance to concisely sum up your manuscript and re-examine the story - it's like going through a copy edit of the plot.
2. It allows you to make sure you've been writing towards your target audience, OR it can help you to determine the target audience for your book.
3. If you're sending query letters out to publishers with hopes of selling your manuscript, you'll essentially have to write a paragraph to pitch your idea anyway.
Finally, once your dream publisher has picked up your book, you'll be able to ensure that the copy your book jacket receives is the copy it deserves. Come back next week and I'll discuss tips on how to craft top-notch book jacket copy that will have readers grabbing your books off the shelves.
Keep in mind that while you may try to design and format your book jacket cover on your own, there are professional editors who will do it for you. A professional book editor will create a professionally written book jacket cover that will capture your audience's attention. This is succinct copy that sends a strong message about your writing.
Heather Todd is full-time professional editor, published writer & marketing consultant whose passion is to help others create a letter-perfect presentation in their writing. Ms. Todd is Senior Level III Editing Consultant for http://www.FirstEditing.com

 

How To Write A Book And Get Published - What You Must Know

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Want to write a book? You can. You start writing, and you keep going. At around 80,000 words, you've got yourself a book. Now what? You sell the book to a major publisher, hit the bestseller lists, and order your new cherry-red Ferrari.
That's how writing a book and getting published works. But if you try to follow that process - just sit down and start typing - the chances that you'll sell the book are slim. To sell your book you need to know the kind of book you're writing before you start, and also whether there's an audience for that kind of book. It sounds unfair, but in order to sell your book, you have to prove to the publisher that people will want to read it.


What Kind of Book are You Writing?
Most new authors start on their book writing and publishing adventure by reading a book and getting inspired. They don't think about the kind of book they're writing, or who would want to read it.
There are basically two kinds of books: truth and lies, otherwise known as nonfiction and fiction (novels). Some hundred thousand books are published in English each year, both nonfiction and novels. You must know what kind of book you're writing before you start.
Let's imagine that you've read a Harry Potter novel, and you're so enthusiastic that you're inspired to write your own children's novel. The words pour out of you; you're on fire. You write and write and write, and the pages pile up on your computer's hard drive.
This is great. While you're writing, ask yourself: "In a bookstore, where would this book of mine be shelved?"
If you're not sure, go to a bookstore and wander around the shelves. Is your book in the nonfiction section? In the children's section? In the romance novel or mystery section?
If you're inspired by Harry Potter, you know you're writing a children's novel. Imagine your book on the shelves, right beside the rows of Harry Potters.
This isn't an idle exercise, or a fantasy. You must know what you're writing, so please visit that bookstore. "What is it?" is the first thing an agent will want to know when you contact her to represent your book. It's also the first thing an editor at a publishing house will want to know.
So, what are you writing? If you don't know, or aren't sure, think about it and visit a bookstore if you need to. You can write a book and get published if you know what you're writing, and who will want to read it.
Discover how YOU can write a book and sell it with Angela Booth’s Just Write a Book Blog at http://www.justwriteabook.com/blog/ Angela helps you with the writing process, and demystifies the publishing trade. Read Angela’s blog, and subscribe to her popular freelance writing ezine, Fab Freelance Writing Ezine at [http://fabfreelancewriting.com/ezine/fab-freelance-writing-ezine.html] Yes, you can become a published author: imagine YOUR book stacked on the shelves in bookstores. If you want to write a book, you can.

How Not To Write A Book

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nybody who has tried to write a book can tell you one thing for sure; it's not easy. The secret behind creating something imaginative is strangely enough its opposite. You need structure, schedule and discipline. Writing a novel is in its nature something creative and free. However, you have to harness this unique source of inspiration and energy. I learned these lessons the hard way. Being a writer has always been one of my lifelong ambitions, however being a highly imaginative and spectacularly unfocused person I soon ran into problems.


It's so easy to get lost in the details.
I'd spend ages creating my world and jotting down every single detail into my battered notebook. A beautiful leather-bound affair I'd received as a gift from my mother. One way to avoid this is to clearly define the plot of the story through a story board.
A simple tool used by professionals the world over, just create a short two sentence summary for each chapter and lay down the broader aspects of the plot. Include key events and their significance, it will help you get a better understanding of the story arch. Leave some space for annotations if you are going to print it. That way you can revisit it as many times as you want and add changes to it.
Set clear targets.
Set yourself clear targets that you want to achieve. For example; complete three chapters per week. Or write three pages per day. It's important to get into a rhythm and keep that rhythm going.
A good friend once gave me some great advice, I think he was paraphrasing John Greene.
He said "Writing a book is like crossing a desert. It may seem exciting at first but you'll soon realize that it's hard work. When the adrenaline fades away you'll realize that all that is left to do is to keep walking."
He was right, at the end of the day you just have to keep writing. It's better to have a bunch of raw material to fine tune and turn into a work of art then to have nothing at all.
Schedule yourself.
The only truly efficient time I spent writing was when I had only 1 hour of access to my computer per day. I knew that I would only have this short window of opportunity and that made me focus. Allowing yourself too much freedom can be harmful, we all need a certain amount of structure. Set aside a specific time each day to devote yourself entirely to your writing. Make your time of immersion and literary abandon shorter but more intense. Over time it will it will teach you to focus.
Carry a notebook with you wherever you go.
No idea is ever a bad idea. If you want to write, then I assume that you have an imagination. The tricky thing about having an imagination is that it doesn't have an off switch. Nor, come to think about it does have an on switch. Ideas come out of the blue, brief insights that just feel strangely right. Write them down immediately or you might lose them.
Make each character feel real.
Before writing or and also when writing develop the characters. Characters are everything. Imagine their backgrounds, create a story for each and everyone. Give them something unique and personal. A real person is a complex and amazing thing if you can create something like that you'll see your characters come to life in the pages you write.
Write.
Perhaps the most often repeated bit of advice. Just write. People love to romanticize the act of writing, but at the end of the day it's hard work. Sometimes it flows easily and sometimes you have to fight for each sentence. It's like pushing a heavy a load, its hard at the beginning but once you get the momentum going you'll find yourself flying down the road. You have to simply write. Writing is an act of creation. Your ideas exist only in your mind, writing is the threshold between your world and this world. So write and make your dreams come true.

Learning How to Write a Book

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Everyone has a story to tell but not many can do it with confidence. The art of writing is often a mine-field for those who think they would never accomplish such a thing; that is until they try it. Writing is easy for some who are driven by passion to put it all on paper. Many keep journals and letters for this reason. Others do it through photographs and images they may record on paper or canvas. The facts are that humans love to read or see what happens in other people's lives and that's where a good author comes in.
Telling stories is a discipline that is easily learned with the right approach. Knowledge comes first and foremost and when you know something you can tell it. If you have to dream it all up that's when stories can fall flat.
Taking notice of everyday events in and around your society and environment is a great place to start when putting a story together. Planning it out like a map from point A to point B is another way of accomplishing it. You need to know where the story is going to end up and what happens in between the opening chapter and the final page.
Photographs help to clarify scenes and a good author might always have a camera with them for that great moment that turns out to be a once in a lifetime experience. Time of day, place and characters must work together. Routines help to shape scenes and often the most mundane of all can take place in a far from glamorous setting.
With published books to my name teaching others on writing a book is good for me as well as potential authors. This quiz on writing is another way of helping out.

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