Quality Author Services discussion

Advice and resources for authors new and experienced should be posted here.

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Martyn Stanley

Hi Authors,

Question, do you love your editor? Where did you find them?

My latest blog post is about how to write the best opening to your novel. I hope it helps!

www.aimeewalkerproofreader.wordpress....

Hi I have never written a book before and i was simply wondering where do I start?

i.e do i create all the characters and there flaws first or do i make a blurb first? Alternatively do I just write the first few chapters to try and get an idear about the direction of the book.

David, there’s no one way to write a book. Some writers start with the concept or premise and create characters that fit, others create characters and build the plot around them and their flaws. Exploratory writing of the first few chapters can help you figure out the story too, as long as you’re prepared to scrap them! Try different methods and see what works for you.

Caitlin is right, there is no one way to write a book.
But I like to break it down into three main steps: inspiration, imagination, and execution.
In other words, start with an idea. What is it you want to write? What is it that is pushing you to write it down?
Then, let your imagination take over to create characters, plot, setting, etc. Some writers like to make an outline, some don't. Personally, I like to create at least a basic idea of where the story is going and the main points of conflict. It's almost like making a sketch for a painting.
After that, it's down to execution, getting the words down on paper.
Along the way, things will change, you will get new ideas, come up with plot twists, new characters.
The last, and probably the most important step, is revising. That's where you take what you've made and polish it.
It isn't simple, and it isn't easy and that's why so many writers give up.
Remember, writers write!

Christine
www.booksmith-editing.com

My first novel was an experiment, although there were specific places I wanted it to visit, I went wherever the ideas led and, along the way i experimented. It took two rewrites and two restructures to exhaust my enthusiasm for it. The hardest part was finding my writing motor - it took about 8,000 words to connect to it. Along the way I learned loads of lessons.
Now I start small - if there's a mantra it's know the objective and have an idea of the route markers (I want) to visit along the way I use, Scrivener, yWrite5 and Novel Writer as well as Word, Notepad++ and other tools. I manage progress via wordcount but I don't do a meticulous writing plan. Once it gets to first draft I begin to manage the project as a whole. Editing is a mixed bag and that's where the toughest parts become apparent. The trick here is in dealing with structurals (i.e. comments from my editor) knowing when to be creative and when to accept the point and cut (the text). I prefer to use an editor as this makes it easier on so many levels.
Hope that's of use.

Some tips in marketing your book online:

1. Create a fanbase.
Be visible to where your readers usually hangout. If you are on Facebook, make a facebook group where readers can discuss their thoughts and recommendations. Not only will it help you improve your writing, but it will also give your readers a sense of accomplishment if you manage to incorporate their suggestions. If you are hanging out on Instagram, post photos that would relate to your book and your work as an author. If tiktok is your go-to site, make some fun videos promoting your work.

2. Consistency is the key.
Now, there are different ways to measure the algorithm of different social media sites; but one thing is common: YOUR FOLLOWERS WILL GROW IF YOU CONTINUE TO SHOW UP!

3. Offer something in exchange to reviews.
Reviews are really important. You can pay for freelancers, or inquire trusted websites that can give an in-depth review of your masterpiece, but if you don't have the money, you can start by offering people a gift in exchange for reviews. A free PDF copy of your manuscript can be a good example.

Follow me or add me here in Goodreads if you want to know more marketing tactics for free.