Writing a Novel and Getting Published For Dummies UK

Learn to:

• Craft a winning manuscript
• Troubleshoot and edit your work
• Prepare your manuscript for publication
• Find a good agent to represent you
• Negotiate the best possible deal

Turn your aspiration into reality with this completely updated guide

If you’ve always wanted to write that great novel, but never knew where to start, look no further! With a published author advising you on how to write well and a literary agent providing insight into getting a publishing deal, this updated guide gives you the inside track on the art and science of breaking into the fiction-publishing industry. Taking you step by step from concept to contract, this book provides the tools you need to tell your story with skill and approach agents and publishers with confidence.

• Dive in — check out how to combine your natural talent with the writing techniques used by successful authors
• Establish a firm foundation — construct your basic story, plot and structure
• Examine the key elements — create characters, develop dialogue, explore relationships and insert conflict
• Fine-tune and finish up — discover tips on adding detail, creativity and flair while bringing your work to a close
• Get published — take the next step by weighing up your publishing options, working with agents and negotiating deals
• Find out more — check out additional advice, like the most common mistakes you need to avoid, and tips from published authors

Open the book and find:

• Tips for getting started
• Creative ways to develop plots, storylines, characters and dialogue
• The seven basic stories and how to put them to work
• Tricks for crafting a great ending to your novel
• How to prepare your manuscript for editing and publishing
• The lowdown on the business side of publishing

George Green is a senior lecturer in creative writing at Lancaster University and the author of two novels. Lizzy Kremer is an agent at David Higham Associates, one of the UK’s leading literary agencies.

Introduction 1

Part I: Getting Started with Writing a Novel and Getting Published 5

Chapter 1: Entering the Writer’s World 7

Chapter 2: Meshing Your Talent and Technique 13

Chapter 3: Getting to the Writing 19

Part II: Building from the Basics 35

Chapter 4: Following the Hero’s Journey 37

Chapter 5: Scheming and Plot ting: Using Stories 47

Chapter 6: Considering the Grand Concept 59

Chapter 7: Structuring the Story 67

Part III: Examining the Elements 81

Chapter 8: Creating Characters 83

Chapter 9: Exploring Relationships 105

Chapter 10: Talking about Dialogue 113

Chapter 11: Including Conflict 129

Part IV: Fine-tuning and Finishing Up 141

Chapter 12: Adding Depth and Detail 143

Chapter 13: Getting Creative 153

Chapter 14: Ending and Editing 163

Part V: Publishing 181

Chapter 15: Publishing Your Novel 183

Chapter 16: Finding an Agent 199

Chapter 17: Preparing for Publication 223

Chapter 18: Coping with the Business Side of Being an Author 237

Chapter 19: Taking Control: Self-Publishing 249

Part VI: The Part of Tens 279

Chapter 20: Ten Top Tips for Writers 281

Chapter 21: Ten Common Mistakes and How to Avoid Them 289

Chapter 22: (Answers to) Ten Questions Put to Agents 293

Chapter 23: Ten Tips from Published Authors 299

Index 303

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