The Fast Track Course on How to Write a Nonfiction Book Proposal - by Stephen Blake Mettee, 2001
According to Stephen Mettee, a book proposal, like a woman’s skirt, should be “short enough to be interesting, but long enough to cover the subject.” The same could be said for a book about writing such a proposal. Mettee’s Fast-Track Course on How to Write a Nonfiction Book Proposal, checks in at a mere 113 pages. He doesn’t hold your hand, because he presumes that you’ve tried to write a proposal before. But he provides a clear, concise, and workable solution to selling your nonfiction book. His idea of a book proposal is a 10-page to 50-page document consisting of a synopsis, a table of contents, a chapter-by-chapter outline, a few sample chapters, and supporting material. Mettee provides simple descriptions of each, as well as a sample query letter, a book proposal, and a contract. Since Mettee’s a publisher himself (at Quill Driver Books), the user feels confident following his lead when he recommends sending the proposal along with the query (giving the editor one less chance to say “no”) and making multiple submissions (even to publishers that claim not to accept them).
Posted by beanybabe at 9:24 PM PST
No Comments »
The Romance Writer’s Handbook: How to Write Romantic Fiction & Get It Published - by Rebecca Vinyard, 2004
C’mon - you know you want to do it. Write a romance, that is…Besides, romance fiction makes up more than half of all mass-market novels sold, with over 2,000 new titles released each and every year. And unlike other fields of fiction, romance truly welcomes new writers, as editors search through queries and conference appointments for the next Nora Roberts or Barbara Delinsky. In 49 chapters, The Romance Writer’s Handbook takes aspiring writers through a quick course in writing romantic fiction for today’s markets. Here is “from-the-ground-up” advice on how to begin to climb romance writing’s ladder of success, a method that even charms Patti Fleishman, the book reviewer for www.romancejunkies.com.
Posted by beanybabe at 8:46 PM PST
No Comments »
How to Write a Great Story: A Fiction Writer’s Handbook - by Othello Bach, 1999
Do you want to publish your fiction? Bach will show you how with clear and concise examples and practical writing exercises. More than a “how to” book, this handbook is a reference manual that you won’t want to part with. Ever.
Posted by beanybabe at 8:41 PM PST
No Comments »
Schaum’s Quick Guide to Writing Great Short Stories - by Margaret Lucke, 1998
Quickly and simply, this concise guide gives you clear explanations, proven tips and techniques–plus dozens of examples from well-known authors that show you how to: come up with dynamic ideas; create living, colorful characters; develop a unique plot. This simulating guide will help you to start confidently, write freely, finish strongly, and make the most of your talent. Look to Schaum’s Quick Guides for: step-by-step guidance to help you move quickly through the essentials; do’s and don’ts for avoiding common errors; clear explanations and practical how-to’s; checklists and exercises for fast skill-building.
Posted by beanybabe at 8:36 PM PST
No Comments »
How to Write Fiction Like a Pro: A Simple-To-Savvy Toolkit for Aspiring Authors - by Robert Newton Peck, 2006
A simple-to-savvy toolkit for aspiring authors, celebrated author Robert Newton Peck provides emerging writers with the power tools they need to start building their own books. Readers will learn everything from pacing a story and writing dialogue that flows to molding the tangible “stuff” of life into characters and storylines of fiction. HOW is written in the straightforward, earthy, and humorous voice that fans of Rob’s fiction have come to know and love. Informative but not preachy, HOW’s lighthearted style immediately engages readers, inspiring them to take up the tools and write from their own lives and their own strengths. What’s wrong with laughing while you learn?
Posted by beanybabe at 8:32 PM PST
No Comments »
