If only it were that easy!

The process of writing any story is exactly that, a process. And whether you are tackling a novel, a short story, an essay or a non-fiction book, you need to begin by planning your story.

This is the most ignored point in the writing process, and yet it is by far the most important. JK Rowling spent five years planning the Harry Potter novels. And that for certain paid off, didnt it?

The key to writing any story well, is to find the story that only you can write. This story carries your own emotional truth, and as you progress through the story writing process, your character will take you on the journeying of emotional growth just as they will your readers once its published.

The Deeper Character Journey

The deeper character journey is the most important expression of any story. It is what your readers will remember and it is what makes the process of writing a story so worthwhile for the writer. Every time you take your character on a journey, you go on that journey yourself.

So how do we find that deeper character journey? Where do we begin?

We begin with this simple exercise:

Without thinking too much to the highest degree it, finish this sentence:

I am interested in writing a story where the main character discovers the importance of

Write for 5 minutes, preferably in long hand, allowing whatever comes up to just flow onto the page.

When you have finished you will find that you have written a lot of different values into your answer. Values are universal qualities of human experience, either positive or negative. Take a few moments to divide these values into their positive and negative groups. Youll find that a few similar ones in each group will stand out, so isolate these and then decide on the most important ones from each group.

Once you have done this you can now write your deeper character journey in one simple sentence.

 I am interested in writing a story about a character who goes from being.. to being..

What is your characters weakness?

Every character has a weakness  something they need to apprise to have a stop life. Your characters weakness should now be pretty clear to you, as it is strongly connected to what they need to learn the importance of from the above exercise. With your characters weakness in place, you can now begin to put them and their weakness under squeeze and suddenly your story is off and running.

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Stephen King says he starts a story with a character in a predicament and watches them to see how they get out of it. So at the start of your story your main character must be in some sort of predicament or stuck in some way. The predicament your main character is in should be a symptom of their weakness. They are aware of their predicament, but they are not aware of their weakness.

For example, a character who needs to learn the importance of patience, is stuck underground on a broken down train. He becomes more and more exasperated and angry as the minutes tick by as he needs to be at an important face-off. As hes underground his mobile phone has no signal, and he also cant just jump off the train, as the doors are electronically sealed, and besides hes underground so he cant just wander off up the tracks in the dark.

So we know our characters predicament will give way his weakness, which is impatience. The head? for you to answer is, what does he do? How does he respond? What choice does he make? And he will make that choice based on his personal values.

Values in Conflict

Conflict lies at the sum of all powerful stories. It is a well worn adage in story writing that nothing moves forward in a story leave out through conflict.

But a good story also isnt just a sequence of random conflicts, things that happen with no plain pattern or meaning. It is a series of events, putting your character(s) under more and more pressure, forcing them to respond. This then shows us their true character.

Values underlie our choices, our decisions, and in storytelling they drive the story through the characters being forced to make difficult decisions where their values are challenged. A value is a belief schema based on what is important to the individual. A value represents something in your characterÂ’s life that they are unforced to fight for. So if you have a married woman who is attracted to another man, her choice of whether to go with the other man or stay with her husband will be based on the values of motor hotel versus fidelity or loyalty.

Once you have nailed the values underlying your characters choices, you will have connected strongly with your characters deeper journey. This in turn connects you to your readers, who will recognise similar conflicts in their own lives.

And you also have the essence of the story that only you can write.

Your book needs to be in a final draft stage before you consider showing it to a publisher. Once this is complete, you can start researching publishers and considering which one’s to approach. Unfortunately, this is a step that many hopeful published authors do not take. Many simply just send copies of their books off to publishers that they already know of. This approach is okay, but it limits your chances of getting a book published. Instead, you will want to examine as many book publishers as possible. Compared to the creative process, this may seem like a difficult or wearisome process, but it is necessary to increase the chances of having your book published.

A good resource for finding publishers is to consult printed resource guides for authors. These manuals come in a selection of various types. Quite a few are grouped by genre, such as children’s books, Christian books, and so forth. What they typically do is outline publishers that accept manuscripts, as well as other detailed information and facts. These printed resource manuals are usually updated often; therefore, if you do make a purchase, be sure to buy an updated guide. Speaking of making your purchase, you can find these publishing guides for authors available for sale online and in most bookstores.

As previously explained, there are a variety of printed reference guides for authors that you can use to go about discovering publishers to submit your manuscript to. One guide that comes highly ranked and recommend is that of the Writer’s Market. The Writer’s Market books include a number of styles and they are updated on a yearly basis. Information that is included tends to include themes that book publishers are looking for, requirements on submitting a manuscript, the address to which the manuscript must be submitted to and much more. The Writer’s Market books are also well-known for their expert tips and tips, which is typically provided by experienced authors.

Although most Writer’s Market books and other similar printed resource guides for authors can often be purchased for under $20, many authors do not like having to pay for something that they can find for free online. If you are looking to use the internet to find book publishers, you will find that you do have a number of different options. For starters, you will want to perform a standard internet search with the phrase “book publishers.” If you are targeting a specific genre, such as children’s books, be sure to include that in your search phrase. Your standard internet search is likely to produce a number of different results.

Another good source for finding publishers, is to do an internet seach. This will give you a list of name and their websites which are full of great information about the companies. These websites may either list publishers with detailed information or you may be provided with a link to a publisher’s website. Speaking of publisher websites, these websites can also be found mixed in with your standard internet search.

If you would like to directly find the online websites of book publishers, a standard internet search with the publisher’s name should produce the results that you are looking for. The publisher You may also find authors guide books available at your local book store or library. These publications will be very useful. Finding other books in your genre and noting the publishers’ names, will also help you form a targeted list of potential publishers.

As a reminder, it is important to find the publisher that you think will be the perfect fit for you and your book. Therefore, look for publishers that are seeking just what your book has to offer.

Book Cover Examples
Book Cover Design for Self Published Authors

The interest in online books has quickly developed during the past years.  Lots of consumers are not simply finding it handy to obtain them, but inexpensive.  In most instances, online books are very easy to browse using the pc, but they  can also be  but you can also print a hard copy.  Seeing as more and more buyers are thinking about buying e-books, there are correspondingly more individuals who are trying to earn money from them. If you can do this, you might achieve success; but, that potential will not likely come about without diligence.

In case you have not created an e-book before, it’s difficult to realise exactly the amount of effort it requires.  To be worth the investment, most e-books are at least one hundred pages long; although, some are still longer.  If perhaps you’re considering  producing an e-book, it could require a few months in order to finish it. Together with effort, you should also have experience of writing and familiarity with the issue that you’re talking about. This kind of know-how and experience isn’t automatically essential; however, it’s important to the success of your project.  It is a reality that buyers choose not to buy poor quality products.

In addition to producing an excellent e-book, additionally, you will have to find ways to market it. Jointly, these can require a large amount of energy. For most individuals, this can be a serious discouragement.  Having said that, one can find alternatives.  If you are interested in creating online books, for profit, you do not necessarily have to create your own.  Alternatively you can buy a PLR eBook.  Acquiring the resale rights for an e-book allows you, most of the time, to identify the writing as yours, modify the content material, and retain the money from each transaction.

The most significant downside to buying the resell rights to an e-book is how much money which you’ll need to commit.  Depending on where you buy, the charge for acquiring private label rights could be fairly expensive. Because most freelance authors spend a large amount of energy developing their e-books, as earlier mentioned, they hope to be suitably compensated. The cost of resell rights for a book continues to be deemed a disadvantage of this unique business opportunity, but it may also be considered a positive.  E-book authors that charge more money for work as a rule have fashioned a better product; a well-written and well-researched product is easier to sell.

No matter whether you choose to come up with your personal e-book or pay for the resell rights to someone else’s, you will still have to find a means to promote the work to the general public.  This, according to what method you use, is likely to take time. This is why a large number of people have a preference for buying the resell rights to an on-line which is already available.  This allows them to spend more time on promoting, which will in turn result in sales.

For anyone who is doubtful whether or not you want to produce an e-book of your own or gain access to the re-sell rights to someone else’s, you’re not by yourself. There are a bunch of others with the same dilemma. PLR rights amount to a real business opportunity for some, but it’s not for everybody. All online business opportunities take time to find rewards.  If you possess the financial backing necessary to obtain the rights to a quality e-book, I would urge you to try this out.  You are not guaranteed results, yet you may well be pleasantly surprised with what you find.

In the event you try out acquiring the resell rights to an e-book and the experience just isn’t what you had in mind you can start to compose an ebook of your own or abandon it for another business opportunity.  Unlike many other businesses, PLR rights allow you to escape when you need. Right after you’ve obtained the resell rights to a book, then  it’s yours to do whatever you like with. Consequently it is possible to give up whenever you like and proceed to something more productive, if you wish.

The most significant factor for a copywriter to think about is the target audience. Your job is half complete once you really understand your audience and their essentials. It is vital for any writer to grasp the audience they are catering to and the subject as well as the writing style that should be applied according to their preferences and tastes. Do remember at each point, that you’re writing for your audience and not yourself.

Write to a person. Rather than chatting to massive audience, speak to one individual at a time. This may make your write up more personalized. Make note that personalized write-ups find more audiences as compared with the common ones. The person reading the article should feel as if the tract was written for him and not for any one else. Stop using phrases like some of you. This will take away the personal appeal and cut down the interest of the reader.

Many copywriters make the typical mistake of writing ‘down’ to make their copy more understandable. However, this must be completely dodged. Of course, you need to make your copy straightforward and easy-to-read but this doesn’t imply you need to bring down your writing levels. Write in a style that’s inherent to you, while attempting to keep it easy at the same time. More than frequently the standard of the copy suffers if the copywriter makes an attempt to write it down.

Stop overusing words. We all have words that we like and tend to use almost everywhere. This holds more than true for copywriters. They have got a bent to employ a particular word every now and then. However, if you wish to be a successful writer, you must avoid this. You must understand that the reader gets bored of reading the same word over and over again.

Focus on the first sentences. It is the first sentence that makes or breaks your copy. Your copy may possibly not be that interesting but if the 1st sentence is enticing enough, possibility is that the reader will go through the whole copy. On the other hand, if you have written a decent enough copy but the first sentence is loose, you may not be able to hold your audience for long.

So, put aside all your troubles. Simply utilize the given tips and be certain that you will soon climb up the ladder of copywriting.

The vast majority of publishing in the United States is done through many large publishing companies that will not really accept unsolicited manuscripts, specifically from new authors. There are however, a number of small, legitimate publishing houses that continue to work directly with authors. It is very important to do your research before submitting your manuscript.

An area of focus in regards to how to get a novel published is to make an effort to find out which companies are appropriate to your particular work. There isn’t any benefit to sending your fictional novel to a company that specializes in childrens’ books, non-fiction, or educational books. At a costs of around $30.00, The Writers Market is an excellent resource for any author. It is published annually, available in most bookstores, and contains invaluable information on many different publishers. Make sure that you are targeting those houses that publish works within your genre. It is also very important to present the work to a potential publisher in the manner requested.

More often than not, the publisher will be looking for a high quality query letter. This is the initial contact with the publisher so take your time drafting your letter. It should contain the title of your novel, the genre, a word count, your contact information, and a brief synopsis of your work. It is also very important to note that the publishing industry moves very slowly. Traditional publishing houses can take six to eight months to respond to your submission, if they respond at all. It can be discouraging, especially when you are sending your letter to a publishing company that will not accept simultaneous submissions.

Do not limit yourself to the large publishing houses. A lot of first time authors discover that smaller, independent publishing companies are much more accessible and quicker to respond to submissions. Regardless of the direction you choose, research will save you time and money as you begin the process of how to get a novel published.

Visit http://www.mountainvalleypress.com to submit your manuscript.

Writing a proposal is often the most enjoyable component to penning a book because at this stage, everything is open to change and you need to use your full creativeness to shape and organize the book however you wish. You will find, however, some things a proposal must consists of-and that job is to sell your concept first to a literary agent after which to an acquiring editor.

The fundamental elements of how to write a book proposal includes the following sections:

o Overview
o Marketing
o Promotion
o Competing Books
o About the Author
o List of Chapters
o Chapter-by-Chapter Summaries
o Sample Chapters

Your overview begins the book proposal by presenting us to your subject matter in a appealing way, making us desire to read more. The marketing section describes who you believe will want to buy your book. The promotion section summarizes how you can help a publisher promote the title. The competing books section provides additional books on your subject and quickly makes clear why yours will be better, newer, or very salable regardless of comparable books available. The about the author section explains, in more depth than your query letter, why you are the best person on the planet to write this book. The list of chapters is really a table of contents for the book, and it is followed by the chapter-by-chapter summaries in which you summarize each chapter so that an editor can get a better feel for how your book covers the material. Finally the sample chapters illustrate your ability to write, and so they give an editor a sample of your style.

When you finally learn how to write a book proposal you will be beaming. Now you are prepared to market that proposal for an advance which in turn could range anywhere from around $10,000 to… well, the sky’s the limit nowadays – based upon on just how good your concept is, a six-figure advance for a first book isn’t out of the question.

Make sure you sign up to my email list for free tips and resources. Also, visit www.mountainvalleypress.com to submit a manuscript! They are very helpful.

Information from How to Write a Book Proposal Effectively

First, it is axiomatic in the world of literature that the best works are produced by authors who are knowledgeable in the area about which they are writing. This does not mean that you need to be a spy before you know how to write a manuscript involving espionage, or that you need to be in law enforcement before writing a murder mystery. It does, however, mean that you need to be well researched in the areas in which you choose to write. Editors are invaluable in the writing process and the production of the final manuscript, but do not rely on the editor to do your research for you. Taking the time to fully research and understand the subjects involved in your work will ultimately produce a higher quality manuscript, and will give you a much greater chance of catching the attention of a publisher.

When I review a manuscript for possible publication with our company, it is done, in part, from a marketing perspective. In doing so, I determine whether the manuscript is actually written for its target audience. Thus, the second key element to keep in mind as you begin your manuscript is that once you identify your target audience, make sure your writing remains consistent. I have seen numerous manuscripts for children’s books that were either much too advanced for the age or far too simple. Whether picture books, books for teens, or books for young adults, it is important to keep your writing consistent with your target audience.

The different approaches used by authors in preparing a manuscript can vary as much as the writings themselves, but the key elements necessary to produce a manuscript worthy of publication remain consistent. The focus should not be so much on identifying a specific format for how to write a manuscript, but rather the fundamental elements necessary to produce the final work.

To submit your manuscript, please visit http://www.mountainvalleypress.com. To learn more about how to write a manuscript and receive a FREE valuable writing e-book, visit http:firsttimeauthors.org.

Information from Steps on How to Write a Manuscript

1) Should I get copy editing or proofreading?
Why not both? Some editors cost less for ‘proofreading only’ as opposed to content editing. The particular distinction is that proofreaders fix mistakes only, while copy editors make many more substantial modifications. I know that you think your book is perfect and also you don’t want anybody to mess it up, but trust me…a book (especially one just completed, and doubly a first novel) needs a whole lot of tender loving and care. A fantastic editor will look for plot inconsistencies, poorly written dialog, lack of character motivation, chapters that don’t move the plot forward, unusual word choice and more. Spending money on an editor who knows what they are doing is similar to getting a private writing tutor. You will get back a much stronger manuscript.

2) Costs. Just how much should you pay for proofreading and editing?
Costs can vary considerably. It is based on length of the project, expertise of the editor or simply quality of the editing. Don’t expect a cheap cost and never look for a ‘deal’. With that being said, a lots of proofreaders overcharge. Shop for the most qualified editor who has dealt with similar projects before, and see if they fit in your ‘budget’. Editing a novel is usually between $500 to $1500, however it’s a great and much needed investment.

3) Pick an editor with a background in literature
Many professional editors never studied English or editing. Find out what their background and credentials are. Some editors can very good at fixing mistakes and formatting, however can they recognize ‘poor’ writing and improve it? Is he/she themselves good writers?

4) Look for a native speaker, from the country you want your book to be successful in.
Proof of address isn’t any guarantee that they’re a native speaker. There are a lot of people that are excellent at English, although not all English is actually the same. Several countries speak blends of English which is not the same as the US/Canadian English, which is also different from UK English. Generally, US English is international English.

5) Where should you locate an editor?
First of all, search ‘novel editing/edit my novel’ in Google and see what comes up. Remember that the sites on the first page of Google are usually more established (have been around longer) and more expensive, but there are plenty of small companies with less advertising budget if you look past the first page results. I, personally had great experiences with smaller companies. Some of the companies are publishing companies as well that will also proofread and edit your book. This is the route I highly recommend.

Don’t rush when finding a good novel editor. You’ll be more successful if you take your time and do research. Visit http://firsttimeauthors.org to learn of a great publishing company that also provides excellent editing services and to also receive tips and a FREE valuable e-book on book writing for first time authors.

When it comes to publishing a novel, one of the most important things to remember before you submit your story anywhere is that you have a great work that will interest a publisher and make them want to buy it. Make sure you carefully examine your manuscript, being sure to edit it so that your work is the best it can be. It must also be professional.

It is important to be aware of the quality of your writing and what you can do to improve your writing skills. You want to be sure that you are creating vivid images with your words and that they are going to entice your readers and encourage them to continue to read and enjoy your story! If you have problems achieving this goal, read works from other authors to get tips and ideas of how to fine-tune your own writing into a true, grammatically correct work of art.

It is also important to remember that any manuscript that is not good quality or is poorly written will be easily rejected. It has nothing to do with whether or not you are an amateur, writing your first work or if you are already an established professional. You want your work to stand out from everyone else’s.

In addition, some writers are only content going after or targeting the biggest and highest paying publishers. These companies are also the most difficult to get into and coincidentally, they are the hardest on a new writer’s career. Furthermore, agents are not easy to get representation in these days anymore. Lastly, self-publishing is a route I would only recommend for writers who already have a solid experience and background in business.

To learn more about publishing a novel for unpublished writers, visit http://mountainvalleypress.com.

Thus far, you have completed your literary masterpiece and sent it out to every possible publisher and agent that may be interested in signing unpublished writers. Ideally, since several months have passed, you should be receiving some sort of feedback. Or, in a perfect world, a contract to publish your work could come and make your dreams come true!

Unfortunately, for many of us unpublished writers, although we probably do get feedback, we do not typically receive contracts to publish our works. As a matter of fact, according to Writer’s Digest, less than 5% of the estimated total number of manuscript submissions are published at all. Of that 5%, only 15% accepted are for debut books.

I know that these statistics can be very discouraging. Don’t give up!

Typically, despite popular belief, many publishing houses and literary agencies like to find new authors. The problem that you find is that when you are looking at traditional publishing companies, the sheer volume of submissions is a stumbling block to any new author. Many companies will not accept manuscripts from unpublished authors; many companies will not accept unsolicited manuscripts; and, several others refuse to accept manuscripts that are submitted by authors that are not represented by literary agents. Reading through the various requirements of the publishing companies can be both frustrating and very time consuming. That is why it is good to find a publishing company that is truly interested in publishing good writing, regardless of where it is coming from.

Make sure that your writing is grammatically correct. Make sure that it flows well and will be marketable. The last thing that you want is to submit a manuscript to someone that is just going to look at it as a mess.