The First Draft
When we write, we begin by writing for ourselves. Our focus tends to be on the writing process itself and how to accomplish our goals. I might wonder how a busy parent or grandparent finds time to write a book. Other common questions include the following: Should I outline first or plunge right in and organize later? Should I write my middle-grade novel in first-person POV or third? What are some self-editing strategies?
Revising to be Read
Once we’ve completed a draft, we often shift our attention to our prospective readers. Our questions might look more like these:
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- Who will want to read what we’ve written?
- How will it be received?
- Should I workshop my manuscript or attend a writi retreat?
- How can we ensure that our writing secures a publisher and an audience?
And if we can’t find a publisher, we might wonder:
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- How much does it cost to self-publish?
- How do I market my books?
The Useful Resources listed below should help you find answers to at least some of your questions.
Need Some Useful Feedback?
Are you in delete-and-start-over mode? Seattle Editing’s coaching services might be exactly what you need to get started. Call us at 206-784-7070 or email [email protected].
If you’re ready for an assessment or developmental editing (or any other level of editing), please fill out the sample edit form below to get started.
Some Useful Resources for Writers
Copyright:
https://www.copyright.gov/engage/writers/
Podcasts:
Blogs:
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- LitReactor
- Rewrite, Reword, Rework—Rebecca Miller’s blog
- SlushPile Hell
Websites:
Books:
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- On Writing by Stephen King
- Bird by Bird by Anne Lamott
- Write, Publish, Repeat by Sean Platt and Johnny B. Truant
- Writing Tools by Roy Peter Clark
- The 90-day Novel by Alan Watt
- Characters & Viewpoint by Orson Scott Card
- Story Physics by Larry Brooks
- The Elements of Style by William Strunk Jr. and E.B. White
- Smashwords Book Marketing Guide by Mark Coker
- Writing Fiction by Janet Burroway
- Writing for Story by Jonathan Franklin
- Save the Cat by Blake Snyder
Tools:
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- Scrivener
- yWriter—Novel-writing software
- WikidPad
- Ommwriter
- LibreOffice Writer
- CeltX
- Quoll Writer
- FocusWriter
- Hemingway App
Self-Publishing:
https://publishdrive.com/8-best-free-self-publishing-sites.html—Eight Best Self-Publishing Sites
Craft:
Sell Your Stuff:
Useful Links:
- https://rewriterewordrework.wordpress.com/resources/
- quickanddirtytips.com/grammar-girl—Grammar guide
- https://debbieohi.com/—For children’s book authors and illustrators
- adventuresinagentland.blogspot.com—A literary agent’s blog
- querytracker.net—Search for an agent or publisher and track your query letters
- thrillerwriters.org—International thriller writing. Apply for free to join the community.
- scbwi.org—The Society of Children’s Books, Writers, and Illustrators.
- https://www.writingclasses.com/toolbox/articles/six-tips-for-writing-young-adult-novels—For writers of young adult fiction
- sfwa.org—Science Fiction and Fantasy Writers of America
- https://litreactor.com/columns/how-to-write-horror—For writers of horror fiction
- https://www.jungleredwriters.com/—For crime fiction writers
- https://mysterywriters.org/—For mystery writers
- rwa.org—For romance writers.
- thrillerwriters.org—International thriller writing.
- https://writingcenter.unc.edu/tips-and-tools/transitions/—For using transitions correctly
- https://www.sarahpenner.com/diy-writing-retreats—DIY Writing Retreat