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| Blogs > gavinLS > Intelligent Design |
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So You Want to Write a Book? If you are one of those who thinks you’d like to write a book, here’s an approach that worked for me: Start by using a word processor that has a word counter on it. You’ll want to be able to keep track, cos most books should run between 100 and 200 thousand words. But there’s a more important reason too. That’s for getting it started. First, just start writing the opening paragraphs. Keep writing until you just start to feel a bit confused about details, or where your writing is going. For me, this usually happens around 5000 words, which really isn’t that much. Here’s the trick: Then, stop working on the text, and do an outline of the remainder of the book. It doesn’t have to be real complicated, but the more detail you put in here the better. Don’t worry about whether you’re doing a “proper” outline. Nobody is ever gonna read it. It’s just there to act as a guide for you, so don’t stress about it. It has all the value of a series of “post-it” notes. You’re gonna scrap them soon enough. They r just reminders. Keep working on it until each listed chapter covers every point you need to make. I like to let my outline be a part of my book, in the same word processor document. Tnen I just delete it slowly and gradually as I complete each item it has listed. Now, go back to where you left off on the text. From here on out you’re more a typist than a writer, cos the book will take on a life of its own and write itself. I’ve told several aspiring writers about this approach, and a few of them have come back and thanked me later. I cant’ say this approach will work for everyone, but it does for me. GBU all Gavin |
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Racefan, never pay a penny to get published. Reputable publishers won't charge a fee, and you can find plenty of publishers online who will do it for free. I've used online publishers twice. The first time I was a sucker and paid for it. Never again. Second one I used an online publisher that did it for free. As to the rest of ur questions, I guess it's up to u. I should mention that if you really hope to become a major author, stay away from the online publishing services completely. Instead, get a copy of Writer's Market (It's an annual publication that lists publishers and agents). Get an agent to sell ur book to the major traditional publishing companies. In my case, I'm at a phaze of life where I just didn't feel ambitious enough to do all that. So I was happy just to get my books published any way I could, just to c them in print and know they were available if any soul out there ever wanted to read one. I bet you have a great book in you just waiting to get out. GBU, Gavin
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Something else occurs to me that I think I should add here. Turn off BigChurch. Part of the drive I've found for writing, is from a need to feel like I'm expressing myself. If I come into chat or the blogs every day, this urge gets satisfied and then I feel no desire to work on a book. But that's just me.
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Sorry Kywoman, but I guess that's just part of the writing game. I think it's a fickle business. (One more reason that I didn't care to go the traditional route, and chose to use an online publisher instead.) As I understand it, u just have to keep plugging away, sending it to more publishers. (Probably best to get an agent instead, and let them sell it to a publisher.) The method I mentioned in my first response to Racefan, about getting a copy of Writer's Digest is probably your best bet I think. Good Luck!
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Anyone can get published easily today. The question is whether u want to make a lot of money or do you just want to see your book in print? Traditional publishers don't offer their services on line, and don't charge a fee. They also distribute, and ADVERTISE your book to the mass market. Most today only publish books that agents have brought to their attention too. This is the route to go if u want to be rich and famous. Be prepared to wait years for success, if ever. If you go with an online publisher, don't expect to get rich unless YOU can advertise, sell, and distribute your book to the masses. However, you can still get the gratification of seeing your book in print and knowing it's available to anyone who might decide to read it.
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Correction to the comment I made for Kywoman: The publication you should get is Writer's Market, not Writer's Digest.
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Ty Roxxy!
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hey Gav thanks for dropping in and have a God filling day my friend Jesus Christ is Lord 
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By the way, you can often get the newest Writer's Market at the Library. It also includes publishers for periodicals and what various editors are looking for and how much they are willing to pay for freelance pieces.
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Thank you Lily, Melody, and Overcaff!
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I so need to change that old pic but I am usually behind the lens instead of in front of it. (Keeps me from breaking the camera! LO I am far more blessed than I deserve despite myself and joining the ever growing ranks of the unemployed. But God just keeps providing just what we need when we need it! I pray you are doing well and God's blessing are pouring down on you!
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I am so sorry to hear about your cancer scare. I can only imagine how frightening that can be but if I know you, you used it to draw closer to Him!! I know how that light checkbook feels!! LOL But God has blessed me with coupons. I know it sounds weird but you would not believe how much I save now and how many items I get totally free. God provides in some strange ways but He does provide!!!!
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2/9/2012 3:49 pm |
Rediculous
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