Several years ago, after many years of writing nonfiction, I decided to write a novel-a medical thriller in the mold of Robin Cook, Michael Crichton, and Michael Palmer. The problem was that, although I knew how to write and had received a number of awards for nonfiction works, I didn't know the how to write fiction. So, before putting fingers to keyboard I did a thorough search of the literature, which included reading numerous books and hundreds of website articles. What I discovered was that there simply wasn't one good source from which to learn the craft of writing genre fiction. "Writing Genre Fiction: A Guide to the Craft" is the book I was looking for when I set out on my quest to learn how to write fiction. It is an attempt to share what I learned from my research. It covers the six key elements of genre fiction; the various genres and subgenres; a large number of genre-fiction writing techniques; plot, subplots, and parallel plots; structure; scene and sequel; characterization; dialogue; emotions; and body language. It also covers additional information about copyrighting and plagiarism, where to get ideas, manuscript formatting and revision, and query letters and synopses. In addition, an appendix covers a large number of grammar tips.

A complete guide to writing and selling your novel So you want to write a novel? Great! That’s a worthy goal, no matter what your reason. But don’t settle for just writing a novel. Aim high. Write a novel that you intend to sell to a publisher. Writing Fiction for Dummies is a complete guide designed to coach you every step along the path from beginning writer to royalty-earning author. Here are some things you’ll learn in Writing Fiction for Dummies: Strategic Planning: Pinpoint where you are on the roadmap to publication; discover what every reader desperately wants from a story; home in on a marketable category; choose from among the four most common creative styles; and learn the self-management methods of professional writers. Writing Powerful Fiction: Construct a story world that rings true; create believable, unpredictable characters; build a strong plot with all six layers of complexity of a modern novel; and infuse it all with a strong theme. Self-Editing Your Novel: Psychoanalyze your characters to bring them fully to life; edit your story structure from the top down; fix broken scenes; and polish your action and dialogue. Finding An Agent and Getting Published: Write a query letter, a synopsis, and a proposal; pitch your work to agents and editors without fear. Writing Fiction For Dummies takes you from being a writer to being an author. It can happen—if you have the talent and persistence to do what you need to do.

Want to publish your book? Learn how--it's easier than you think! Charismatic authors and literary agents Jeff Herman and Deborah Levine Herman have successfully sold nearly 1,000 titles and learned--through trial and error--how to write a flawless book proposal that publishers can't resist. Now you can benefit from their hard work and publishing savvy. In this new edition to the bestselling guide, they offer guidance and advice that will inspire, educate, and, most importantly, give you the necessary edge to get your book published. They explain: * How to shape your idea and create a title * Ways to get to know the market and competition * Tips on writing an effective outline, query letter, and sample chapter * The art and science of fiction and nonfiction book proposals * How ten actual proposals (updated and included here) were successfully sold to publishers--and why * How to capitalize on the evolving publishing industry, including e-books and social media ""A submission from Jeff Herman always gets moved to the top . . . his new book will show you how to move to the top.""--Frederic W. Hills Vice President, Simon & Schuster ""This book will take writers to the highest level of proposal writing and success.""--Roger Cooper Quality Paperback Book Club ""If you want your proposal to ignite a busy editor's interest, read this book.""--Adrienne Hickey Senior Acquisitions Editor, AMACOM Books

Exploring writing as a practice, Boulter draws from the work of writers and theorists to show how cultural and literary debates can help writers enhance their own fiction. Negotiating the creative-critical crossover, this is an approachable book that helps students develop practical writing skills and a critical awareness of creative possibilities.

Get advice from the best in the business on every stage of the novel-writing and publishing process! In The Complete Handbook of Novel Writing, 3rd Edition, you'll learn from established writers about how to make your novel a reality. Discover techniques and strategies for generating ideas, connecting with readers emotionally, and finding inspiration you need to finish your work. This fully revised edition includes an updated marketing section for navigating the unique challenges and possibilities of the evolving literary marketplace. Inside you'll find new essays from dozens of best-selling authors and publishing professionals detailing how to: • Master the elements of fiction, from plot and character to dialogue and point of view • Develop a unique voice and sensibility in your writing • Manage the practical aspects of writing, from overcoming writer's block to revising your work • Determine the key elements for success in every genre • Find an agent, market your work, and get published--or self-publish--successfully You'll also find interviews with some of the world's finest and most popular writers, including David Baldacci, Lee Child, Robert Crais, Khaled Hosseini, Hugh Howey, Stephen King, Dennis Lehane, George R.R. Martin, Jojo Moyes, Anne Rice, Jane Smiley, and Garth Stein. Their insights on the craft and business of fiction will provide you with invaluable mentorship as you embark on your writing journey. The Complete Handbook of Novel Writing is your go-to guide for every aspect of creating a bestseller.

So you’ve always wanted to write a novel, but don’t know where to start. Or you’ve started your novel, but it stalled so you shoved it back under your bed/into a forgotten computer file. Or maybe you’re a veteran novelist, but the thrill is gone, and you can’t seem to get excited about writing again. International bestselling novelist Stephanie Bond will walk you through the process of pre-book planning, plotting a page-turner, and writing a novel around your busy schedule, all in digestible bites of advice you can draw on every day! Don’t buy into the stereotypical myths of writing—creating a great, entertaining novel doesn’t have to be out of reach, scary, or gut-wrenching. Writing a novel should be fun, inspiring, and life-enriching! The information in this book will help you get your mind around your ideas and bring the prospect of writing a novel down to a manageable, achievable, and fulfilling project. “I was once in your shoes—more questions than answers, and more ideas than time. Over the course of my writing career, I’ve learned the most successful writers are the ones with the most tricks! I’ve condensed all my tricks and tips into this book to coach you on your journey as a novelist. My goal is to make you a happier, more productive writer. You can do this!“ –Stephanie Bond, multi-published author You have lots of great ideas floating around in your head. You could write the next great novel to electrify the world. So what are you waiting for? Go, go, go!

Whether you’re a new writer or a veteran author, finding a literary agent is the best hope for getting your book published. But, as any writer with a book project will tell you, capturing the attention and interest of a literary agent is easier said than done. You need a guide. The Writer’s Relief Field Guide To Literary Agents offers industry-insider secrets, tips, and advice on how to find the best literary agent to represent your book, including: · Do I even need a literary agent? · What literary agents do—and don’t do · Identifying the right agent for your book · The ultimate literary agent lure: The irresistible query letter · Red flags to watch for and avoid · How to best handle agent requests, rejections, and uncertainties · Make-or-break questions to ask your literary agent · Literary contracts—what you must know BONUS SECTION: The how, what, and why of author platforms It’s all here! In an easy-to-use, step-by-step guide based on over 20 years of publishing industry experience. Don’t miss this opportunity to own this essential handbook and get started on your pursuit of the ultimate author prize: a literary agent and publishing contract!

A Simon & Schuster eBook. Simon & Schuster has a great book for every reader.

Unlock your creativity and choose the genre of writing that suits you best Do you have an idea that you’re burning to get down on paper? Do you want to document your travels to far-flung places, or write a few stanzas of poetry? Whether you dream of being a novelist, a travel writer, a poet, a playwright or a columnist, Creative Writing For Dummies shows you how to unlock your creativity and choose the genre of writing that suits you best. Walking you through characterisation, setting, dialogue and plot, as well as giving expert insights into both fiction and non-fiction, it’s the ideal launching pad to the world of creative writing. Creative Writing For Dummies covers: Part I: Getting started Chapter 1: Can Everyone Write? Chapter 2: Getting into the Write Mind Chapter 3: Finding the Material to work with Part II: The Elements of Creative Writing Chapter 4: Creating Characters Chapter 5: Discovering Dialogue Chapter 6: Who is telling the story? Chapter 7: Creating your own world Chapter 8: Plotting your way Chapter 9: Creating a Structure Chapter 10: Rewriting and editing Part III: Different Kinds of Fiction Writing Chapter 11: Short stories Chapter 12: Novels Chapter 13: Writing for children Chapter 14: Plays Chapter 15: Screenplays Chapter 16: Poetry Part IV: Different kinds of Non-fiction writing Chapter 17: Breaking into journalism - Writing articles/ magazine writing Chapter 18: Writing from life and autobiography Chapter 19: Embroidering the facts: Narrative non-fiction Chapter 20: Exploring the world from your armchair - Travel writing Chapter 21: Blogging – the new big thing Part V: Finding an audience Chapter 22: Finding editors/ publishers/ agents Chapter 23: Becoming a professional Part VI: Part of Tens Chapter 24: Ten top tips for writers Chapter 25: Ten ways to get noticed

THE BEST RESOURCE FOR GETTING YOUR FICTION PUBLISHED Novel & Short Story Writer's Market 2016 is the only resource you need to get your short stories, novellas, and novels published. As with past editions, Novel & Short Story Writer's Market offers hundreds of listings for book publishers, literary agents, fiction publications, contests, and more. Each listing includes contact information, submission guidelines, and other essential tips. This edition includes articles and interviews on all aspects of the writing life: • Learn how to unlock character motivations to drive your story forward. • Imbue your fiction with a distinct, memorable voice. • Revise and polish your novels and short stories for successful submission. • Gain insight from best-selling authors Chris Bohjalian, John Sandford, Lisa Scottoline, and more. You'll also gain access to a one-year subscription to WritersMarket.com's searchable online database of fiction publishers,* as well as a free digital download of Writer's Yearbook, featuring the 100 Best Markets: WritersDigest.com/WritersDigest-Yearbook-15. + Includes exclusive access to the webinar "The Three Missing Pieces of Stunning Story Structure" by writing instructor and best-selling author K.M. Weiland *Please note: The e-book version of this title does not include a one-year subscription to WritersMarket.com. "After you've written 50,000 words, there seem to be 50,000 different things you need to know to publish your novel. Novel and Short Story Writer's Market helps clarify options so you can find the best publishing home for your work." --Grant Faulkner, executive director of National Novel Writing Month "I've published more than 200 short stories, and Novel & Short Story Writer's Market has been an essential tool in my success. It's a literary bible for anyone seriously interested in marketing fiction." --Jacob M. Appel, winner of the Dundee International Book Award and the Hudson Prize