Writing my first book....any advice?

[Traci Stevenson]

Hi All

 

My name is Traci Stevenson and I am writing my first book...I just wanted some advice about getting my picture on the cover of the book, publishing advice or just any helpful information that I may need. Any help is appreciated. My book will be and inspirational book..

 

Thanks in advance

Traci Stevenson

[halli lilburn]

The first thing I did was take some on-line writing courses at ed2go.com.  Then I joined a society SCBWI.com.  I also took some workshops which really help with cleaning up your manuscript and marketing research.  Having a critique group is also very important to give you an objective opinion. Another thing that helped me was Nanowrimo.org this site is like a pep rally for finnishing your manuscript.  Good luck with your book!

[Traci Stevenson]

Hi, Halli lilburn I am getting ready to take a writing class actually..and I will check out the website thanks for the advice

 

Traci

[Lela Gwenn]

I suggest joining a writer's group. If you live in a major metropolitan area there will be a live group in your area-- if not, try online groups like Absolute Write (which is a general group) or google to find one in your niche.

[Traci Stevenson]

thankyou Lela I appreciate your help I will check that out...

Traci

[Marian Perera]

I second the suggestion to visit Absolute Write. Thanks in part to my time there, I now have a book published.

[ManOfLaBook.com]

Get an editor (even a freelance one) and thick skin.

 

Good luck.

 

http://www.ManOfLaBook.com

[Bill Cox]

Hi Traci, When writing a book or article or short story the last thing you think about is who is going to publish it.

Dig around on the Inet about writing and you will fall over the following three rules:

Rule 1 - Read!

Rule 2 - Read!!

Rule 3 - Read some more!!!

You will learn about the "how" of writing...and the grammar...and how to pace the story.  Pick long established authors...try Colleen McCullough's Roman six-book series [My favourite re-reads], try John Le Carre's Smiley's People and learn how he peels the plot, lifting bits of it like peeling an onion.

And...get words on  paper [or word processor], lots of them.  Get into the habit of writing something every day if you can.  Kep a notebook of "IDEAS" and test them out.

Teh, when you have a manuscript if the time to start thinkinh about a publisher.

The best of luck, it's a hard row to hoe.

[ManOfLaBook.com]

Even though I'm not an author I though that Stephen King's "On Writing" was THE best book for authors I have ever read.

 

http://www.ManOfLaBook.com

[Rose Knight]

Hey Traci.

Just here to wish you some luck as I'm in the same situation (part of my book, first draft, is on my page)