Category Archives: Writing and Editing

Long Sentence, II

In tenth grade, my English teacher handed out a standardized test of punctuation that included an item I argued could be correctly punctuated two ways. Here’s the sentence (without any punctuation since that’s the way I first saw it): Mr Brown the postman will see you I argued that, in addition to the period afterContinue reading “Long Sentence, II”

Long Sentences

One of the best ways I’ve found to figure out where commas belong, don’t belong, or are optional is to look at works of other writers who have had to figure that out for themselves when they wrote long sentences. The sentence above, from an English translation of Leo Tolstoy’s Anna Karenina, is 123 wordsContinue reading “Long Sentences”

I want to be a writer. Where do I start? Redux

Here’s the post that started this series, with content for each question, a starting point to review all the content. Most important—Don’t be fooled into thinking there is only one way. There is no single guaranteed path to producing a best selling book. Asking yourself a few questions before you start, after you start, onceContinue reading “I want to be a writer. Where do I start? Redux”

#16 Do others consider you an expert on the topic for your nonfiction book?

Yes. Your recognition as an expert may make publishing through a traditional publisher possible. One disincentive for this route is the length of time it will take to complete the project. Go to #5. No. If you plan to use the book to market your business or as gifts for current or potential customers, theContinue reading “#16 Do others consider you an expert on the topic for your nonfiction book?”

#15 Do you have a marketing plan for the continued promotion of the book?

Yes. Congratulations. Follow your plan. Adapt it where necessary. You might think you are done, but you should write another book or put together auxiliary products or services to share or sell to the readers of your book. No. Consider hiring a publicist, or do your own research to learn more about after-publication marketing. CheckContinue reading “#15 Do you have a marketing plan for the continued promotion of the book?”

#14 Has the book been published?

Yes. Continue to #15. No. Continue working with your agent, publisher, and publicist or do you own research, to learn what you will have to do for marketing the book before and after publication. Review the Pre-Publication Reviewer Resources. Review the Independent Publishing Requirements. Featured image credit: Photo by NeONBRAND on Unsplash

#12 Has your agent sold the publishing rights for your book?

Yes. Continue to #13. No. Depending on how much time your agent has had to sell the rights to your book, consider whether a different agent may be a better fit for your book. Be sure you have identified which rights you want your agent to represent you in any sale. The author’s bundle ofContinue reading “#12 Has your agent sold the publishing rights for your book?”

#11 Do you have an agent?

Yes. Continue with #12. No. You can reach out to publishers and editors without an agent, but you must do the work of an agent, including learning what’s involved in writing a query letter. Research agents to find those who handle the type of book you’re writing. Follow the guidelines for what the agent wantsContinue reading “#11 Do you have an agent?”