Who can help me and how can i write a book?

Question

I'm only 12 years old and I have so many ideas of writing a story. The problem is:Who would pubish a twelve year olds book? and How can I make it happen?. Who ever can help me email me as soon as posible!!!!!!!!!1

Answer 1

Don't worry about publication right now. Just focus on getting your book written!

Start by deciding who your main characters are. Learn as much about them as you can (there are tons of character worksheets out there, if you google for them). Give them names and backgrounds. Make them well-rounded.

Then I would work on an outline of your story. I don't tend to have very detailed outlines when I begin (I have a one or two page plot synopsis, though), but for many writers they benefit immensely from doing a thorough outline first. It really depends on how your brain works, but give it a shot and see if it helps!

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

Here are some of my favorites about writing (your local library should have most of them):
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
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

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!

When you get ideas, find a way to record them as well. I have a spiral notebook that I keep just for that purpose. This way, when I want to begin a new project I can read through my notes and find just the right idea!

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!

When you are working on editing, you can also spend some time researching the publishing industry. Keep in mind that you are trying to enter an adult business world, and you will need to conduct yourself appropriately. Learn as much as you can first to help avoid making amatuer mistakes!

Here are some websites that can help. Read them thoroughly (especially Miss Snark-- love her!) and research, research, research!
http://misssnark.blogspot.com/
http://www.agentquery.com/
http://www.publishersmarketplace.com
http://www.absolutewrite.com/
http://www.anotherealm.com/prededitors/

And be warned of the people on this list:
http://www.sfwa.org/beware/twentyworst.html

And keep practicing!

Answer 2

Sad to say, there's no real publishers queueing up to publish any books by unknown publishers (12 years old or not). You have to do what every other writer does and send your work to publishers comprising of a chapter or two (to allow them to see your writing style) with a full outline summary of how the plot will develop and be resolved within the other chapters.

Would it be possible to attend a writer's workshop locally - when I was 14, I attended an adults writing class held at a local school and had my stories reviewed and critiqued (positively) by a group of people, including a famous romance writer. They all helped by pointing out problems and changes that could easily be made to enhance the story.

I realise you are still quite young, but if you take along examples of your work (make sure it is typed - single sided, double-line spacing) and show that you are really committed to developing and improving your writing skills, I'm sure they will help you.

NOTE: there are (I hesitate to use the term) 'publishers' who will publish your work for a fee. AVOID THESE - they charge a fortune and leave all of the work of marketing your book to you - this is a scam - they rely on writers being desperate to see their text in print and are called 'Vanity Publishers'. And if the book happens to be popular, well, what do ya know, they also keep a large percentage of the money you worked hard for. (I'm not bitter)

Also, be prepared to send your writing off and receiving lots of rejection letters.(you'll need a thick skin)

Don't forget: a writer writes

I hope this is useful to you, good luck

Answer 3

Step 1: Know your plot, characters, and settings as well as the summary.

Step 2: Write it, and re-write it after reading it through.

Step 3: Find a publisher if you want it so bad. Look in the phone book, there should be numerous names of some publishers.

Though, your only twelve years old, pending on the book your writing-say your writing one of those no picture, long chapter books- you'll have to know good English/language arts.

Check for spelling errors and so on. I'd suggest wait until you know the full expects of language arts... also known as English class.

Your only 12 years old... sixth grade I think? Wait until high school. Also, best way to check your book for spelling and grammer would be to have your parents read it as well.

Also be aware that there is something called "Writers Block", this thing is a writers/authors worst enemy.

Answer 4

Don't worry about a book. Instead write some short stories. look for free magazines distributed in coffee shops and such in your area. Send them the stories you've written and try to get them published.

Once you've been in a few of those, start to reach out to larger publications that will pay you for the stories.

While this is geared toward writing nonfiction, there are some free reports on the page below that will help you get things written and understand the process.

Answer 5

See if your library has a copy of The Marshall Plan for Novel Writing by Evan Marshall. This book is written by a book editor and details step-by-step how to write your first novel. Good luck.

Answer 6

Don't think about your age. Just write and then re-write the story until you're sure it's perfect. Have one of your parents then look at it for spelling and substance. When all that is done, then you need to make a query letter. You need to make it very professional. Don't mention your age. And send it out.

Best of luck.

Answer 7

Amelia Atwater-Rhodes was only 13 when she wrote her first book so the question wouldn't be who would, but how.