Do You Want to Write?
It is said that everyone has a story in them. That should be an encouragement to you right there! But if that wasn't enough, hold on.
Writing novels sounds overwhelming. And to be honest, it has its moments. But here are a few simple steps to follow that will make your writing much easier.
1) Use Microsoft Word - There are other fine programs available, but most publishers accept Word docs.
2) Use Times New Roman 12 as your font
3) Double space and have margins of 1 inch on either side.
4) Save your work frequently.
5) Don't worry about the title until later, just use a working title.
6) Start writing - Get started writing your story; let it flow. If you're a beginner then I recommend you don't edit until after your first draft.
7) Take breaks - Writing is like a habit. It will draw you in and you will become so focused that all else fades away. Take breaks, read other books, garden, whatever it takes.
8) While the minimum word count for adult novels is 80,000 (range of 80,000 to 99,999) don't worry. This is a goal.
9) After the first draft, you go back and rework the novel. Now you are striving for that range of 80,000 to 99,999. As you rework, strive to create pictures with words.
10) Edit
You may eventually want a professional editor, but at first do-it-yourself using the following plan:
a - proofread the novel & edit it yourself.
b - invite someone else to proof the book.
c - Using their comments/suggestions edit.
d - Redo items b and c.
e - Once finished editing, decide whether you want publisher to edit. Just remember that the publisher may remove or change things you want. And they may not give you enough time to catch all their changes and make corrects.
On the other hand, publishers act as another set of eyes to catch your mistakes.
Writing is a challenge, but those 10 steps will get you started.
Writing novels sounds overwhelming. And to be honest, it has its moments. But here are a few simple steps to follow that will make your writing much easier.
1) Use Microsoft Word - There are other fine programs available, but most publishers accept Word docs.
2) Use Times New Roman 12 as your font
3) Double space and have margins of 1 inch on either side.
4) Save your work frequently.
5) Don't worry about the title until later, just use a working title.
6) Start writing - Get started writing your story; let it flow. If you're a beginner then I recommend you don't edit until after your first draft.
7) Take breaks - Writing is like a habit. It will draw you in and you will become so focused that all else fades away. Take breaks, read other books, garden, whatever it takes.
8) While the minimum word count for adult novels is 80,000 (range of 80,000 to 99,999) don't worry. This is a goal.
9) After the first draft, you go back and rework the novel. Now you are striving for that range of 80,000 to 99,999. As you rework, strive to create pictures with words.
10) Edit
You may eventually want a professional editor, but at first do-it-yourself using the following plan:
a - proofread the novel & edit it yourself.
b - invite someone else to proof the book.
c - Using their comments/suggestions edit.
d - Redo items b and c.
e - Once finished editing, decide whether you want publisher to edit. Just remember that the publisher may remove or change things you want. And they may not give you enough time to catch all their changes and make corrects.
On the other hand, publishers act as another set of eyes to catch your mistakes.
Writing is a challenge, but those 10 steps will get you started.
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