Book tips?

Question

Do any of you have any tips on becoming an accomplished authour? Either that or do you know any websites on how to write books. I already finished writing a book manuscript but now I'm kinda nervous on sending it to a book publisher. So far I have read it to my friends and family and they LOVED it. And they were serious. I'm writing a (clean-cut) comedy and it sent them cracking-up. (I saw some tears on one of my friends.) This would be great. Thanks.

I'm homeschooled and my age is thirteen {13}.

Answer 1

I would recommend reading as many books as possible in the genres that you like to write, as well as about the craft of writing. When you are reading other fiction books, pay attention to how the authors structure their work.

Here are some of my favorites about writing:
1) "Writing Down The Bones" by Natalie Goldberg
2) "Bird by Bird" by Anne Lamott
3) "On Writing Well" by William Zinsser
4) "How to Write Science Fiction & Fantasy" by Orson Scott Card (if those are your genres, of course)
5) "On Writing" by Stephen King
6) "No Plot? No Problem!" by Chris Baty
7) "Eats, Shoots, and Leaves" by Lynne Truss
8) "The Elements of Style" by Strunk and White

Also, take a look at a few websites where authors gather. Some of them have very helpful articles and forums. Holly Lisle has a fantastic website that has articles on both the business and writing aspects:
http://hollylisle.com/fm/

Forward Motion is a wonderful, helpful community:
http://www.fmwriters.com/

Absolute Write is one of my favorite author communities, with a vast pool of resources and helpful people:
http://www.absolutewrite.com

Here are four websites that can help with the publishing process. Read them thoroughly (especially Miss Snark-- love her!) and research, research, research! These can help you determine if the agent is legit or not:
http://misssnark.blogspot.com/
http://www.agentquery.com/
http://www.anotherealm.com/prededitors/
http://www.publishersmarketplace.com

Again, read Miss Snark. She has attitude, but is a real-life agent and her archives can answer any questions you possibly have. Read, read, read. When you pick up "Writer's Market" or "Guide to Literary Agents", don't just look at the listings, read them! Agent Query is going to be a great site for you to look at, because you can search a database of agents based on genre or other features.

Write every single day. Set a target for yourself. For instance, my goal right now is to write 1,000 words a day. I get this done before I go on the internet, read, watch TV, or goof around. To begin, maybe set an easier goal for yourself-- try 250 words each day. Write in a journal as well, if you feel so inclined!

Also, never forget how important it is to edit and rewrite! When you finish a short story or novel, I suggest setting it aside for a month. Don't look at it or think about it (if you can help it). Work on another project. Once that time has passed, go back and read what you wrote. Try to be objective-- are there parts that need to be expanded? Cut out? Rewritten? How is the grammar and spelling? Editing could (and should) take more time than the original draft!

The ideas really have to come from within you. We can give you all the ideas in the world, but if you aren't passionate about it then the novel won't end up being any good IF you even finish it. Write about what you love. The rest will come!

Answer 2

So you've written a book and all your friends love it. So what do you want us to tell you? Sounds like you're just bragging, to me. You don't learn to write books from a website. And you've already done the writing part, so you say. Get a copy of Writer's Market 2007, and start sending your manuscript to some publishers. What's the worst that could happen? --they say "no" and it doesn't get published. It isn't published now. Nothing ventured, nothing gained, you know?

Answer 3

First, you don't submit directly to the publisher - this only gets you a form reject letter and your material trashed. Publishers only accept materials from agents in these modern times. So your first step is to find an agent - after that it is time to query, query, query!!

Association of Author's Representatives:
http://www.aar-online.org/mc/page.do

That's a good place to start your search for an agent. Those are agents you can trust! Beware any agent who wants to charge you a fee for reviewing your material - those are not agents to be trusted!! An agents sole purpose is to sell your manuscript - not to make financial gain from reading submissions.

Be ready for rejection letters - but keep sending query letters out!

Answer 4

The booklet that I have is Writing Fiction for Dummies (sure it is a truly booklet) by means of Randy Ingermanson and Peter Economy It taught me all I recognize approximately writing. Also, The Writer's Book of Wisdom is a different well booklet by means of Steven T. Goldsberry I kinda depend on those two books

Answer 5

It sounds like you're looking for submission information. For a novel-length book, you're better off trying to find an agent first. Most publisher don't accept unsolicited manuscripts.

Check out:
http://www.absolutewrite.com/forums/ or http://www.authorsbydesign.com

Also, the book Writers Market is a good source for formatting information and contact information for various agents and publishers.

Good luck.