How To Write A Book And Get Published (Updated)

Title: How to Write a Book and Get Published (Updated)
Author: Craig LocknCategory (key words): Writing, writing books, Publishing, Book Publishing, Writing Course, Creative Writing
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Publishing Guidelines:
We hope that the following article, which is an extract from our online creative writing course may be informative and helpful to your e-zine readers, or on your web site. This article (as with all my articles) may be freely published, electronically or in print. If it helps others "out there" in any way, then we're very happy. n n "We share what we know, so that we all may grow."n *
HOW TO WRITE A BOOK AND GET PUBLISHEDn (extracted from Online Creative Writing Course)

This short extract is from my booklet 'How to Write a Book and
Get Published' and was written for the "off-line" world ofnpublishing many years ago. Although it's a very brief look at this huge subject,
I hope these pointers may be helpful to aspiring* authors.n n * What's the definition of an aspiring author?
A waiter!n *
Me write a book! What!!! A "pipedream" or possible?

Nothing is impossible, but the hardest part is getting nan acceptance from a publisher. Hope these tips may nbe helpful in submitting your manuscript (hardcopy)...

PRESENTATION OF YOUR "WORK OF ART":

Not how YOU dress, but how you "dress up" your work.

Some points to help you:n n * All text should be double spaced. (When I started writing Indidn't know what "double space" meant. "Dumbo". Come a long way then, "Sonny boy"!) n n * one side A4 at least 25mm margin on either siden n * in black ink. Use a new ribbon. Must remember that one...whe

I can afford it.n n * consistent styles regarding bibliographic references should benusedn n * don't use pins or staples. Use a rubber band or a paper clipnto avoid inflicting serious injury on the editor with an"dangerous weapon"n n * on your final page write the words 'copy ends'n n * put in an approximate word count (I don't do it "naughty, lazy boy"!). Send you
manuscript together, so it arrives on the editor's desk as one.
Don't send in sections (after writing or checking). Bits andnpieces are then more likely to be mislaid (sounds disgusting!).

And it happens quite often - misplaced (better word) bynpublishers, I mean. If you do your work on a word processor usingna computer disc (I do), also send the work on paper. That is thennon-technical term for "software". Not tissue paper please!

NB: Keep a COPY of everything.

All mail should have a return address. Always send a coveringnletter with your manuscript. Multiple submissions: OK, butnalways remember to withdraw an offer, if publication is acceptednby another publisher. Write immediately.

I find multiple submissions save a lot in finding a publisher, asnpublishers are often extremely tardy in replying to you
unsolicitated* (big word) submissions.n n* that's not standing on unlit street corners at night lookingnfor a publisher for your manuscript!

Finally, always try to give your work a 'real professional' look,nas befits the effort put into your work of art.n n Thenn BE PATIENT (very)nn * n A few final words...

Writing a book may seem extremely daunting ...and perhaps evennimpossible to you, as I felt when I started out writing (likenflying to the moon); but if you believe you have some writingntalent just DO IT. As with eating an elephant ("hephelump"),nbreak it into "small chunks". No only joking! Please treat all animals with great care. My point simply:
The key is taking that FIRST STEP in writing that first sentence...then one just gets involved in your "work of art", nas writing becomes a daily habit. One wordnsimply flows into the next...then one chapter just leads on tonthe next one. PERSIST

Try different publishers and don't be afraid of rejection.

Look at this....

The following are actual rejection notices received for these famous and incredibly successful books...nn# "It is impossible to sell animal stories in the USA."
The book: 'Animal Farm' by George Orwellnnn# "The girl doesn't, it sems to me, have a special perception or feeling, which would lift that book above the 'curiosity' level."

The book: 'The Diary of A

Frank'nn# "It does not sem to us that you have been wholly succesful in working out an admittedly promising idea."

The book: 'Lord of the Flies' by Wiliam Goldingnnn# "For your own good, do not publish this book."

The book: 'Lady Chatterley's Lover' by DH Lawrencennn# "A long dul novel about an artist."
The book: 'Lust for Life' by Irving Stone

THE CRYSTAL BALL CRACKED for those authors. Some hope for you and I then too!

So as the Nike ad says,

Just DO ITn
Then hopefully one day I'll see your name in print or on the www.

Eureka!

Good luck* and happy writingn
Craig Lock (Eagle Productions)nn* Wasn't that once defined as where 'preparedness meets opportunity'

About the author:
Craig believes in sharing information and insights to make a difference in this world: to help and especially encourage people along life's magical jou
ey ... and that brings him the greatest joy.

Books by Craig are available at: http://www2.webng.com/write
z http://www.craiglockbooks.com nand www.lulu.com/craiglockn
THIS ARTICLE MAY BE FREELY PUBLISHEDn n