|
|
| Writing Information |
|
|
|
|
Time-Saving Skills to Get More from Your Writing
As you set out to create your first niche non-fiction book (and hopefully your first bestseller), you will be supported by a strong motivation to keep your mind focused on the essential business at hand i.e. complete the project, achieve publication, and hit the bestseller lists. Before that can happen though, you'll need a plan to get you underway. MANAGING YOUR TIME TO SPEED THE PROCESS The only time constraints are those of your own making. This is not a race and you are not competing with anyone else, so don't rush. - Make out an action list for every day of your new adventure but don't overload it. - Never start on tomorrow's work today. Tomorrow will be time enough. - Take a break when hit a snag. Rest, go for a walk, watch a movie ? and come back refreshed. - You will work best during your most creative time of the day or week. We have already established that for some people, that is very early in the morning; for others, late at night or over the weekend. Try to discover when your creative moments occur and capitalize on them. - Don't work when you're tired or jaded. You run the risk of turning out garbage and opening the door to disillusion. - When you're surfing the Net for information, always be on the lookout for items of relevance to your project. These could be in the form of articles and reports. They are in the public domain, so incorporate extracts if you feel they would enhance your content. If you need author consent, ask for it; permission will not be unreasonably withheld. OPENING SEPARATE FILES FOR EVERY ASPECT OF THE PROJECT You will have many matters to attend to (often simultaneously) in the process of writing up your material, converting it into book format, and preparing your output for publication. Make the job easier and cut down dramatically on your workload by creating separate computer files of every aspect of the project; files you can refer to instantly. o Research findings Coordinate your activities this way right from the start and the production of current and future produce will look after itself. It will flow off the assembly line like honey dripping from a spoon. WHY THOSE WORKING NOTES ARE YOUR STOCK-IN-TRADE Your various researches will have provided you with an ever-growing batch of working notes (stuff you have copied to a computer file or pulled down from web sites and printed out); notes that you should always have readily to hand when working on every aspect of the overall project. These notes are the stock-in-trade you will refer to frequently in the fulfillment of your sundry assignments. WHY GOOD AUTHORING RESOURCES ARE ESSENTIAL If you are to produce information products worthy of publication, products that people will want and be willing to pay for, you need access to as many efficient authoring resources as you can locate. You'll want to be able to visit a comprehensive cyberspace library for additional information? and perhaps even acquire some help with your creative writing. Here are some other online places you can visit. LITERARY LEAPS BOOK MARKET PUBLISHING RESOURCES HOW MANY WORDS? - HOW MANY CHAPTERS? It's never that easy to estimate the eventual length of your first work but (as a rough guide) if you are planning on turning out 10/12 chapters your word count should be somewhere between 30,000 to 35,000 words; for 12/15 chapters allow for 35,000 to 45,000 words. Do not set firm targets at the outset though because as your list of contents develops so too will the potential number of chapters in the final draft. Some material will merge with other data, some will expand, and some will disappear altogether. HOW DRAFY COPY HELPS TO SHAPE THE FINAL PRODUCT Even with a fully structured outline to work from (which we'll discuss in the next chapter), committing the first paragraph to your word processor can often prove problematic. When you've accomplished the opening salvo and it is to your liking, press on with the composition but stop now and again to review what you have written. Doing it this way, your output operates much in the same way as a fountain; ideas spill out presenting you with new angles and twists in direction. This will continue to happen every time you return to work on your draft copy ? and all to the betterment of the final product. DEVELOPING A DISTINCTIVE TITLE FOR YOUR BOOK The title of your book depicts the very first words that anyone reads; it is the catalyst that determines whether anything else is read. As such it is an instrument of ultimate consequence. When the title is plumb center, it hits the bull's eye; when it's off center, it's off the wall. Treat the development of a distinctive title as essential work that you cannot start on too soon, but never settle for the first suggestion that springs to mind, no matter how brilliant it strikes you at the time. Keep working on it, polishing it, developing the power words that will transform it into a masterful catch phrase that compels the prospect to turn the pages. Even when you have done all this to your satisfaction, you may find that a publisher alters it. Don't balk or consider the change as interference. Publishers know better than authors do what constitutes a winning title. Remember too that a powerful sub-title that sells the title itself is of equal necessity. In my new course I discuss how to wrap both into a commanding double-edged designation. Your ability to plan for fulfilment will hinge largely on how effectively you manage your time. If this is a problem for you, draw down my complimentary e-report at this website http://1st-creative-writing-course.com/makemoney.html Jim Green is a bestselling author with an ever-growing string of niche non-fiction titles to his credit. 'Make Money Writing Part Time' is his latest dynamic creative writing course and is available for immediate download at http://www.1st-creative-writing-course.com/makemoney.html
|
|
|
|
RELATED ARTICLES
Top Seven Ways to Select a Book Topic That Sells Authors need to write their book according to their target audiences' needs and wants. You can sell many more copies when you address these seven ways to select a topic that sells. The Importance of Writing Clearly for Business Creating written documents reveals so much about you and your business skills. Your writing tells the reader about your educational background, pride in your work and business expertise. The emergence of the paperless office, e-mail, the internet and web pages only increases the power of the written word. Any company with employees who can write clearly and concisely has a competitive edge over others who are still struggling to communicate. To Transcribe or Not To Transcribe Interviews? 11 Secrets from an Experienced Interviewer How to Avoid the 11 Biggest Mistakes of First Time Authors "If you want to change your life," Harry Beckwith wrote in The Invisible Touch, "write a book." But writing a book can also be tremendously frustrating and unrewarding. Four Easy Ways to Get a Book Written (Especially If You Dont Like to Write) Becoming an author is probably a lot easier than you think. It's time to get that book out of your head and onto the printed page. Ready? Boot out your excuses. Here's how to do it. Interview with Suspense Author Peter Abrahams Peter Abrahams is the author of thirteen novels, including "The Tutor," (Ballantine Books) "A Perfect Crime," (Ballantine Books), "The Fan" (Fawcett Books), and most recently, "Their Wildest Dreams" (Ballantine Books). A Mode of Transportation Great writing transports one vicariously to realms that the reader would not otherwise experience. To Outline Or Not To Outline Ah, the age-old writer's debate--to outline or not to outline? Freelance or Staff There is no doubt that a staff writer enjoys advantages not availed by the freelancer. However, there are benefits available to the freelancer that a staff writer can never expect. 8 Tell-Tale Signs That Forecast Writing Success! 'Talent is cheaper than table salt. What separates the talented individual from the successful one is a lot of hard work." -Stephen King Boost Your Income With Trade Journals Why would anyone want to write for trade journals? Aren't the topics are dry? Don't they require specialized knowledge? Not necessarily. You may want to consider trade journals to increase the potential market for your articles ? and for the money. Trade publications make up a significant portion of the hidden source of funds for professional writers. Breaking in can be surprisingly easy ? when you know the tricks. 5 Ways to Break the Story Spell You sink back into your favourite chair with a new book in your hand. With a barely perceptible sigh of anticipation, you turn to the first page. Ah, there's nothing like starting a brand new novel... Five Common Errors to Correct Before Submitting a Letter or Report First impressions count in writing too! So it is always a good idea to carefully check documents such as letter, reports, and proposals before submitting them. Below are five of the most common errors. Starting a Freelance Writing Career (or How I Sifted Through the Muck and Found My Way) So, the decision is final. I am a writer. What you Dont Know About Book Publishing Can Cost You Dream that your book can be a number one best seller? Read books or visit Web sites that say they have your answers? -- All you need to do is get their program, follow their advice, and the world is yours. Or, you think I'll write it, but someone else can market and promote it. And that would be who? Publishers certainly don't promote unknown authors. Make Your Mark Upon Humanity The greatest gift you have to give to yourself and humanity is the book, the song, the poem the artwork or invention that is locked away within your consciousness. That Cute Lil Ol Apostrophe Have you ever had a student write to tell you they've achieved Grade A's at exams? I have, and one of them was a grade A in English! Is Someone Plagiarizing Your Work? About two weeks ago I received an article submissionthat immediately attracted my attention. The title wasidentical to the title of an article I wrote and whichwas published in 'WebProNews' in May 1999. Get Your Writing Reviewed by Major Publications for Free All Writers need the press, especially new writers. As a new novelist, I know I need name recognition. The best way for me to get the public to learn about my novel, The League, I figured, was to get some reviews in major magazines and newspapers. Does The Title Reflect The Story? Short Story Writing Tips ?
|
| home | site map |
| © 2005 |