I am not going to sugar-coat the writing industry. It is tough—it is competitive. If you live in Utah, it twice as hard because everyone wants to be a writer. Writing a book is the second highest goal in a America, and there is LOTS of competition.
Whether your book gets published or not, it will become a family relic. Yours kids will love it and your parents and siblings will read it, even if they have to drink caffeine while doing so. SO, the most important thing you can ever do is write it well. There is too little time on Earth to write something that no one should read.
There are two main writing styles: Organic and Organized. Organic style is random. Some people believe that it is has more power because it seems more real. Some people insist this is the only way to right is to let the muse pour information into the writer’s head. Many people who hold to this perspective believe that they are the Author of the book, but merely the channel that the book came through. Many authors who write with the this style simply sit at the computer and begin to write, not knowing where the story will go our even how a certain dialogue will end up.
There are some definite pros and cons for an organic writing style. The first novel I wrote, was called The Bond of Two Brothers and I wrote it over a period of ten years. It has attracted a lot of interest with publishers but has never been published, unfortunately. With this first book, I used a more organic style and it became a sprawling circuitous work. It ended up being for 420 thousand words, which is a is just over 730 pages in a printed book. The typical reader does not care to read or cart around a 730 page book.
Organic writers also typically have chapters that are way to long, or way to short. They often have sufficient dialogue but come up short on character and setting descriptions.
Organized style of writing is on the other end of the spectrum. Even with this delineation, it is still a broad term, and most ever author develops their own specific style. Most publishers are looking for MS between 70k and 90k words—which is only 140-190 pages on MS word. If the book is any more than that then the book begins to represent more and more work. Writing with an organized style enables a writer to land right in their word count, which is extremely important.
Using the Organized style of writing also enables the book to have more believable twists as well as tie everything up by the end. Essentially, when someone uses an organized style, they layout the plot, the characters, the time and place, ect. while or even before they begin writing the book.
Before creating a story line, I suggest creating a dozen interesting characters. I make character cards for each of my characters, with all sorts of information that is sometimes not even used in the book. Focus on the types of person they are: their attributes, their goals and work ethic, their weakness—especially their weakness. Write about what motivates this person (this is especially important with villians). How do they act when they are stressed or relaxed? Who do they turn to for information? Basically, make these characters as real as anyone you have met in your life. Often times it is best to base a character after a person you know.
Once you have a dozen interesting people then proceed to create the world they live in. I have a saying: “If you put interesting people, in interesting places, then you will end up with interesting results.” Begin to create a world that has only been seen in dreams before—this is especially true if it is a fictional world. But even if it is not, try to look at the world in a different way, or from a different perspective. What makes your world different? What is so interesting about your world that people should read your book? The more interesting elements you have in your world, the more interested your readers will be. Create a new species of animal or add a new dynamic to the world that changes everything. Perhaps a new government, or perhaps a refreshing look at an old government. In historical books, this really means that you conduct research. Read hundreds of pages about what is going on in history at that point in time.
Then, and only then, do you begin to write the story. You need a catchy beginning. It has to pull your reader in by the first chapter. Surprisingly, enough, many talented writers have a hard time doing this. Foreshadowing is key! Your first chapter should read and feel like a short story. Most of the time a publisher or an agent will ask only for the first chapter of the book; if you are bogged down with boring information, you will have a hard time keeping your reader in the book.
And then, work on the ending of the book. You don’t need to write it, just imagine and take notes of where you want things to end. Trust me, it is difficult to finish a book—even when you have planned it out from the beginning. The more connection the end has with the beginning as you start to write, the easier it will be to finish it.
After the first chapter is written. Plan out several plot points along the book, taking good notes as you do. Plan on writing about four to five MS pages for each chapter—this will be a guideline, however, and not the rule. It will help you keep chapters to the point and punchy; it will also prevent you from making each chapter too short or lacking in detail. Break this rule often, however, because it will keep your chapters fresh. If you can, alternate between long, medium, and shorter chapters.
Have the most exciting chapters longer, with more details; while other connecting chapters should be scarce on details. Details pull a reader in. So use them wisely. Too many details will make the book drag--much like the classics often do (I love the classics by the way, but their use of flowery language can slow the storyline; that is why in this ADD society, few people read the classics). The best place to use lots of details is at the most emotional parts; this will effectively, engage the reader into the situation--even if the detail has nothing to do with what is going on.
For example, refer to The Sea Kings of Rome: Champions of the Naumachia page 125-126.
And then write--really write. I can’t tell you how many people I have met that have 30 pages of a novel written but nothing more. Many people introduce themselves as writers, but they never write. On a good solid day of writing, I can write about 10 pages; on my best day, I can write 20. On an average day, I can write 2 or 3 and thats is after working another job. I promise you, that if you have interesting characters and place them in interesting situations, the words will flow from your hands. Your goal is only 150-190 pages—that’s all. If you write 10 pages a day, it will only take you 15 days to complete your novel.
Now, I will be honest with you, it typically takes me about 2 and half months to finish a book, so I am not writing 10 pages a day either. But, it is important that you finish within six months of starting. After six months, your writing style will beginning to change, you will forget about important elements in your book that you were going to flush out, and your motivation will significantly drop. I've read dozens of books that took less than six months and a dozen that took more; trust me, there is a difference.
About Me
- S.B. NIXON
- S.B. Nixon has a Bachelor’s of Arts in English, and is an avid student of ancient cultures and regions. Traveling is one of his main hobbies and, consequently, he has spent much time outside of United States. He is fluent in the Spanish language, and conversant in several more. He has moved more times then is old, and has lived on the East coast almost as much as the West Coast. Above everything, he is most passionate about the art of writing.
Tuesday, September 21, 2010
Publish a Novel
Publishing a book is the second highest goal in America. There are many writers out there--and many individuals who are trying to publish their book. Unfortunately, with the shear number of manuscripts even a good one has a very low chance of being published. Most the time, the MS will be put in a slush pile, which is in very close proximity to the trash can. For a first time author, and in this economy, getting published by a major publishing house is akin to purchasing a winning lottery ticket.
The stories that are most likely published are women’s fiction—since this represents the largest readership. But, just because it is most likely published, it does not mean it will be successful. With the abundant amount of women's fiction out there, it is hard to make a name for oneself unless you have a unique idea (like vampires?). If you’re a male, think about using a female penname. Times have changed. It is no longer a male dominated profession, but rather one dominated by females.
Publishers are looking for a sure thing—something that will sell at least 10,000 copies. Even if you have the best query letter, the best book idea, and the best 'go getter' attitude, they won't be likely to pick up your book unless you have a platform. A platform is a large amount of individuals that are interested in the things you write—such as a blog or a youtube following.
Like all platforms, in order to have viability, the creator needs to produce value (value in this sense in good, free information that makes your blog interesting). A good level of value is to have 3 quarters value to 1 quarter advertisement. That means for everything you try to get your readers to do or buy, you should have add at least 3x the value with good information.
If you've tried establishing a platform, but only can get a few uninterested relatives to join. Then you need to impress the publishers with your publishing experience—or as they call it publishing credits. Essentially, what other publishers have taken a chance on you in the past? To meet this end, it is important to take every opportunity to publish anything you can--such as an article in a church newsletter, or a letter to the editor in the local newspaper. Make attempts to publish in every small newspaper or magazine in your area. Usually small papers will be more than delighted to publish a well written article—especially if it means they don't have to write it themselves. The publishers will want to know pertinent publishing credits; so be sure to wright articles that establish you as an expert in the field that your book is being published—this is especially true for a non-fiction.
Establishing a platform is a life long pursuit, so don’t worry if things don’t get off to a quick start, and don’t feel like you have to shove stuff down your friends and families throat. This approach may work initially, but it will not have the long term effect you are hoping for. To this end, talk to other writers, go to book writing seminars, rub elbows with all the authors you meet, join their blog, and invite them to join yours.
Find out what is popular and read what is out there. Begin to turn several ideas around in your head and test which one is the most palatable. Write a few chapters and show them to the age group you want to reach. If their reaction is not estatic, put the book aside and look for something else. Once you’ve become a popular author, you can write the kind of books you want to write. But before you become a popular author, you first have to become an author. So diversify your projects. If something is getting a better reaction, put more energy into that one.
Edit, edit, edit. The less work a publishers sees they have to do in a MS, the more likely they will publish. I can’t tell you how many young authors who have dozens of typos in them. A publisher will very likely be turned off by book that is full of errors.
When you get something that is ready to publish buy the book Writer’s Market. This will have all the addresses you will need to begin submitting you MS. Before you do, however, look up each publisher and see if they publish the stuff you write. Google query letters. If you want a good idea for a querry letter, look at the back of any best selling book. Most likely, what is on the back of a best seller, is a good portion of what the author had in the query letter.
The stories that are most likely published are women’s fiction—since this represents the largest readership. But, just because it is most likely published, it does not mean it will be successful. With the abundant amount of women's fiction out there, it is hard to make a name for oneself unless you have a unique idea (like vampires?). If you’re a male, think about using a female penname. Times have changed. It is no longer a male dominated profession, but rather one dominated by females.
Publishers are looking for a sure thing—something that will sell at least 10,000 copies. Even if you have the best query letter, the best book idea, and the best 'go getter' attitude, they won't be likely to pick up your book unless you have a platform. A platform is a large amount of individuals that are interested in the things you write—such as a blog or a youtube following.
Like all platforms, in order to have viability, the creator needs to produce value (value in this sense in good, free information that makes your blog interesting). A good level of value is to have 3 quarters value to 1 quarter advertisement. That means for everything you try to get your readers to do or buy, you should have add at least 3x the value with good information.
If you've tried establishing a platform, but only can get a few uninterested relatives to join. Then you need to impress the publishers with your publishing experience—or as they call it publishing credits. Essentially, what other publishers have taken a chance on you in the past? To meet this end, it is important to take every opportunity to publish anything you can--such as an article in a church newsletter, or a letter to the editor in the local newspaper. Make attempts to publish in every small newspaper or magazine in your area. Usually small papers will be more than delighted to publish a well written article—especially if it means they don't have to write it themselves. The publishers will want to know pertinent publishing credits; so be sure to wright articles that establish you as an expert in the field that your book is being published—this is especially true for a non-fiction.
Establishing a platform is a life long pursuit, so don’t worry if things don’t get off to a quick start, and don’t feel like you have to shove stuff down your friends and families throat. This approach may work initially, but it will not have the long term effect you are hoping for. To this end, talk to other writers, go to book writing seminars, rub elbows with all the authors you meet, join their blog, and invite them to join yours.
Find out what is popular and read what is out there. Begin to turn several ideas around in your head and test which one is the most palatable. Write a few chapters and show them to the age group you want to reach. If their reaction is not estatic, put the book aside and look for something else. Once you’ve become a popular author, you can write the kind of books you want to write. But before you become a popular author, you first have to become an author. So diversify your projects. If something is getting a better reaction, put more energy into that one.
Edit, edit, edit. The less work a publishers sees they have to do in a MS, the more likely they will publish. I can’t tell you how many young authors who have dozens of typos in them. A publisher will very likely be turned off by book that is full of errors.
When you get something that is ready to publish buy the book Writer’s Market. This will have all the addresses you will need to begin submitting you MS. Before you do, however, look up each publisher and see if they publish the stuff you write. Google query letters. If you want a good idea for a querry letter, look at the back of any best selling book. Most likely, what is on the back of a best seller, is a good portion of what the author had in the query letter.
How to Find an Agent
Most of the big publishing house will not accept any MS unless it is through an agent. Agents also act as an advocate for the author, protecting them from shady publishing deals. If you can land a good agent, it is well worth the trouble.
Finding the right agent is difficult--it can even be down right disheartening. When looking for an agent, it is good to switch between mailing in and sending query letters by email. Sometimes writers only prefer to send letters by email--since it is quicker and costs nothing—but because it is an easier medium, it is usually used more. Several struggling writers will basically send out their query letters like spam until they find an agent. Consequently, agents are inundated with query and MS submissions that they can't possible ever get around to. So, it can sometimes be your advantage to print out the query and mail it.
The best thing to do is decrease the quantity of letters being sent, and increase the quality. Many agents prefer exclusive submission anyway. It is a good idea to really research the agent and find out if their goals are in line with yours. Find out what other books that have dealt with and why? Find out publishing house the agent usually pitches to. Look into the publishing house; find out if that publishing house matches your goals or your genre.
This might seem like more work, it might even seem like a waste of time, but it will make the difference in getting an agent or not. Take for example, if a door to door salesperson came to your door, asking you to listen to a long presentation about how their product could benefit your life. Unless you are extremely interested in exactly what they have, you'll probably just shut the door. But, wonder if a well acquainted neighbor came over and said I noticed you’re missing "this" from your life. The effect is almost the opposite: Even if you really don't need what they are offering, you will at least listen to what they have to share.
If you can just get a Literary agent to seriously consider your work, and if your story fills a niche in the market and is well written, you just might have a chance.
Once you find an agent that is interested in your work, don't rush into anything. Again, do your homework. There are such things as bad agents who won't help you further your goals of being an author—they might even prevent them. Ask for some references. Talk to people. Look at the success of the books the agent represents. Remember, this agent will become your business partner—so be sure they are a good one.
Finding the right agent is difficult--it can even be down right disheartening. When looking for an agent, it is good to switch between mailing in and sending query letters by email. Sometimes writers only prefer to send letters by email--since it is quicker and costs nothing—but because it is an easier medium, it is usually used more. Several struggling writers will basically send out their query letters like spam until they find an agent. Consequently, agents are inundated with query and MS submissions that they can't possible ever get around to. So, it can sometimes be your advantage to print out the query and mail it.
The best thing to do is decrease the quantity of letters being sent, and increase the quality. Many agents prefer exclusive submission anyway. It is a good idea to really research the agent and find out if their goals are in line with yours. Find out what other books that have dealt with and why? Find out publishing house the agent usually pitches to. Look into the publishing house; find out if that publishing house matches your goals or your genre.
This might seem like more work, it might even seem like a waste of time, but it will make the difference in getting an agent or not. Take for example, if a door to door salesperson came to your door, asking you to listen to a long presentation about how their product could benefit your life. Unless you are extremely interested in exactly what they have, you'll probably just shut the door. But, wonder if a well acquainted neighbor came over and said I noticed you’re missing "this" from your life. The effect is almost the opposite: Even if you really don't need what they are offering, you will at least listen to what they have to share.
If you can just get a Literary agent to seriously consider your work, and if your story fills a niche in the market and is well written, you just might have a chance.
Once you find an agent that is interested in your work, don't rush into anything. Again, do your homework. There are such things as bad agents who won't help you further your goals of being an author—they might even prevent them. Ask for some references. Talk to people. Look at the success of the books the agent represents. Remember, this agent will become your business partner—so be sure they are a good one.
Sunday, September 19, 2010
Just came from book signing in Orem
I just finished up with my book signing in Orem at the Barnes and Noble Authorpalooza (I hope I am spelling that right).
There were 45 authors there--which was amazing. Also there was Brandon Sanderson and Dan Wells, two well known and very talented writers. It was tons of fun getting to know them as well as seeing their passion for writing. Dan and Brandon even invited me to be one of their special guests on a their podcast, which would be quite an honor. I will keep you guys updated with information about when. Hopefully, it will be soon.
There were 45 authors there--which was amazing. Also there was Brandon Sanderson and Dan Wells, two well known and very talented writers. It was tons of fun getting to know them as well as seeing their passion for writing. Dan and Brandon even invited me to be one of their special guests on a their podcast, which would be quite an honor. I will keep you guys updated with information about when. Hopefully, it will be soon.
It was tons of fun seeing all of the local authors and the books they have to offer. Provo/Orem are very unique in that they have a lot of local authors. I also met a lot of inspiring authors. My advice to them would be: Be persitant. Most authors writer and publish 3 to 10 books before one of them gets big.
Tuesday, June 29, 2010
Exciting News
We will start doing book signings in Utah:
On the 17th we will be in Barnes and Noble at 6 North Rio Grande St., Salt Lake City, UT 84047
On the 24th we will be in Barnes and Noble at 1720 East Red Cliffs Dr., St. George, UT 84790
Thanks for all of your support.
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