Productivity Tools for Writers


Gwen Hernandez - 2013
    Can't find that amazing idea in your pile of sticky notes? Distracted by blog posts, social media, and email? Looking for an easy way to keep track of your research?This booklet (about 30 pages) introduces handy--and often free or inexpensive--computer-based tools to help you eliminate distractions, track your progress, organize your research, capture new ideas anywhere, streamline your writing process, and safeguard your hard work.Lessons in this booklet are based on a week-long class Gwen taught for the Romance Writers of America in June 2013.

Short Story: From First Draft to Final Product


Michael Milton - 2013
    I spent time looking for a book which would show me how a "raw" story was developed through drafts, with comments received and the changes made. Struggling to find such a work, I decided to create my own, being transparent and honest in the details. Using the story that gained me an offer of a place on a Master's in Creative Writing, SHORT STORY will take you through three drafts of the work.The book details not only the major revisions, feedback given by a professional novelist and an academic, but also has a bunch of tips from my writers toolbox condensed between the drafts. I hope that the process provides something useful for you, be it a tip from the writing toolbox, a look at the editing process, or motivation in knowing that you can do better than I did!

Zen of eBook Formatting: A Step-by-step Guide To Format eBooks for Kindle and EPUB


Guido Henkel - 2014
    Formatter to New York Times bestselling writers and indie authors alike, Henkel makes the process understandable and easy to follow for anyone.Whether you want to create an eBook for Kindle, or you want to format your manuscript as an ePub file, "Zen of eBook Formatting" is the perfect companion for the task.“Zen of eBook Formatting” covers the entire process from basic clean-up of the manuscript to basic HTML tagging, all the way to advanced features, and error-checking, teaching you the skills necessary to give your own eBooks the professional polish they deserve.Here is a look at the Table of Contents, to give you an impression of the breadth of subjects covered in the book. Table of Contents Preface Introduction 1 - The Road to Right 2 - Data Structure 3 - Cleaning Up the Manuscript 4 - From Word Processor to Programming Editor 5 - General Techniques 6 - Advanced Techniques 7 - eBook Generation 8 - eBooks Outside the Box Parting Thoughts Appendices Note:I would like to point out that the “Look Inside” preview is currently garbled and the formatting is off. Amazon is aware of the problem and working on it, hopefully rectifying the error in their previewer as soon as possible. I think it is important o point out that the formatting in the actual eBook is working correctly and does not suffer from the same flaws.

Beginnings, Middles & Ends


Nancy Kress - 1992
    Keep them tight and crisp throughout. Conclude them with a wallop.Is the story or novel you've been carrying around in your head the same one you see on the page? Or does the dialogue suddenly sound flat and predictable? Do the events seem to ramble?Translating a flash of inspiration into a compelling story requires careful crafting. The words you choose, how you describe characters, and the way you orchestrate conflict all make the difference--the difference between a story that is slow to begin, flounders midway, or trails off at the end--and one that holds the interest of readers and editors to the final page.By demonstrating effective solutions for potential problems at each stage of your story, Nancy Kress will help you...hook the editor on the first three paragraphs make--and keep--your story's "implicit promise"build drama and credibility by controlling your prose Dozens of exercises help you strengthen your short story or novel. Plus, you'll sharpen skills and gain new insight into...the price a writer pays for flashbacks six ways characters should "reveal" themselves techniques for writing--and rewriting Let this working resource be your guide to successful stories--from beginning to end.

Writer's Doubt: How You Can Overcome Doubt and Create Work That Matters


Bryan Hutchinson - 2014
    As a child, he had to take a remedial reading and writing class because he could barely write a full sentence. One editor told him his book would never be published.And yet Bryan is now a bestselling author whose books have been read by over 100,000 people and the book the editor said would never be published has been praised publicly by the foremost experts in the field.All writers doubt their ability. But Bryan's story shows doubt doesn't have to define your writing future.

Steering the Craft: Exercises and Discussions on Story Writing for the Lone Navigator or the Mutinous Crew


Ursula K. Le Guin - 1998
    Le Guin generously shares the accumulated wisdom of a lifetime's work.

The Anatomy of Story: 22 Steps to Becoming a Master Storyteller


John Truby - 2007
    As a result, writers will dig deep within and explore their own values and worldviews in order to create an effective story. Writers will come away with an extremely precise set of tools to work with--specific, useful techniques to make the audience care about their characters, and that make their characters grow in meaningful ways. They will construct a surprising plot that is unique to their particular concept, and they will learn how to express a moral vision that can genuinely move an audience.The foundations of story that Truby lays out are so fundamental they are applicable--and essential--to all writers, from novelists and short-story writers to journalists, memoirists, and writers of narrative non-fiction.

The Complete Handbook Of Novel Writing: Everything You Need To Know About Creating & Selling Your Work (Writers Digest)


Writer's Digest Books - 1992
    Discover techniques and strategies for generating ideas, connecting with readers emotionally, and finding inspiration you need to finish your work. This fully revised edition includes an updated marketing section for navigating the unique challenges and possibilities of the evolving literary marketplace. Inside you'll find new essays from dozens of best-selling authors and publishing professionals detailing how to:—Master the elements of fiction, from plot and character to dialogue and point of view—Develop a unique voice and sensibility in your writing—Manage the practical aspects of writing, from overcoming writer's block to revising your work—Determine the key elements for success in every genre—Find an agent, market your work, and get published—or self-publish—successfullyYou'll also find interviews with some of the world's finest and most popular writers, including David Baldacci, Lee Child, Robert Crais, Khaled Hosseini, Hugh Howey, Stephen King, Dennis Lehane, George R.R. Martin, Jojo Moyes, Anne Rice, Jane Smiley, and Garth Stein. Their insights on the craft and business of fiction will provide you with invaluable mentorship as you embark on your writing journey.The Complete Handbook of Novel Writing is your go-to guide for every aspect of creating a bestseller.

Character Reactions from Head to Toe (Indie Author Resources Book 1)


Valerie Howard - 2019
    As an author, are your characters always sighing and nodding? Did you just sigh and nod? If so, this book is for you! Jam-packed with 1,000 physical reactions a character can have, organized by body part from head to toe to internal organs, you'll never be left scratching your head when you need a unique way to describe your character's reactions!

Why Authors Fail: 17 Mistakes Self Publishing Authors Make That Sabotage Their Success (And How To Fix Them)


Derek Doepker - 2014
    Even just one missing link in an otherwise perfect plan can kill your results. The easiest way to avoid these mistakes is to learn from those who have made the mistakes for you, found a way to overcome them, and can take you by the hand to show you the principles you need to follow to guarantee long-term success. Can Anyone Become A Successful Author? I was once a broke valet parker and struggling writer. Through years of study, experimentation, and a lot of mistakes, I eventually cracked the code to becoming a multiple #1 bestselling author. My own experience combined with coaching students from all over the world has revealed the hidden mistakes most authors don't even realize they're making. I hate seeing passionate authors missing out on their chance for success simply because no one took the time to share these insights. I wanted to write the book I wish I had when I first started my journey of self-publishing that would have saved me endless headaches and frustration. What All Authors Must Know This is not strictly a book on marketing strategies, how to write a better book, or a technical guide to self-publishing. Instead, this book gives you what you really need to succeed - the real world principles all successful authors follow. Inside you'll discover... • Why struggling authors sabotage any chance of success before they write a single word… and how to virtually guarantee you’ll have a bestselling book, before you even begin. • Why struggling authors spend countless hours and hundreds of dollars publishing their dream book, only to find it gets lost among all the other self-published “wannabe” books… and how you can make sure your book stands out from the competition. • Why struggling authors can have the best written book on a topic... but still fail to make it a best selling book. • Why struggling authors often never get their book or series finished… and how you hack your motivation and creative inspiration to get your book done fast. • Why struggling authors’ creativity can be what leads to their failure… and how you can combine one simple thing with creativity to give you an edge no one else has. • Why struggling self publishing authors turn off potential readers before they’ve even had a chance to read their book… and how you can utilize simple psychological tactics that practically force browsers to purchase your book. • Why struggling authors can’t create a long-term business… and how you can set things up from the start to ensure you’re thriving off of book sales for years to come. You can either unknowingly make these mistakes and wonder why you're not seeing the results you want as an author, or you can learn from a #1 best selling author and publishing coach saving yourself countless hours and headaches. After getting your copy of "Why Authors Fail," you'll never again have to worry you don't know what it takes to become the successful author you were meant to be. “If failure is not on your author's checklist then this book is a must read! A powerful, business-saving wealth of knowledge for the serious, result driven author.

5,000 Words Per Hour: Write Faster, Write Smarter


Chris Fox - 2015
    5,000 Words Per Hour also has a companion app available for iPhone, iPad and iPod touch! The fastest way to succeed as an author is to write more books. How do you do that with a day job, family, school or all your other time commitments? The secret is efficiency. 5K WPH will help you maximize your writing time by building effective habits that both measure and increase your writing speed. - Create an effective writing habit - Track and improve your Words Per Hour - Stop the endless editing and tinkering so you can finish your draft - Use voice dictation software to dramatically increase words per hour. It’s time to shift your writing into high gear.

Scrivener Superpowers: How to Use Cutting-Edge Software to Energize Your Creative Writing Practice


M.G. Herron - 2016
    It's an entertaining, easy-to-read, and deeply helpful guide to take your story from concept to completion using the most cutting-edge writing program available.Yes, it will teach you how to use many of Scrivener's features with screenshots and illustrations. More importantly, however, it will show you how each feature can be applied to the creative writing process to maximize results, increase your productivity, and help you finish your books faster.The tutorial is packed with advice from other successful authors, so you can pick and choose what works for you, and leave the rest alone.If you're ready to gain access to your writerly superpowers, get the sample and try the book today.

Mastering Book Hooks for Authors: How to Capture Reader Attention and Book Sales in 30 Words or Less


Rob Eagar - 2017
     That's the power of a hook. And, it just worked on you. A book hook is a statement or question designed to generate immediate curiosity and entice readers to want more. Why is a hook important? Language is the power of the book sale. As an author, you don’t sell books to machines. You sell books to human beings. A book hook uses powerful language that naturally piques a person’s interest. Book marketing expert, Rob Eagar, has coached over 450 authors and worked with several New York Times bestsellers. In this concise guide, he skillfully explains: • How to create a book hook • The difference between fiction and non-fiction hooks • Where to use a book hook to maximize sales Mastering Book Hooks for Authors will teach you how to create attention-grabbing language for your book, regardless of the genre. Capture more reader interest for free by using the power of a hook. Also includes free access to “The Ultimate Book Marketing Plan Template for Authors” by Rob Eagar that takes the guesswork out of launching your new book.

Book Publishing for Beginners: How to publish and market your book to a #1 bestseller and grow your business


Paul G. Brodie - 2018
     What if a few new habits could dramatically improve your book sales? What if you could grow your business and increase your revenue with a few simple steps? Imagine making passive income 24 hours a day, 7 days a week while having the opportunity to be your own boss, set your own hours, and achieve your life-long goals. Eleven-time Amazon bestselling author, Paul G. Brodie, covers how to become a #1 bestselling author and grow your business. Here are a few things that you will get out of Book Publishing for Beginners. In this book, you will learn how to: • Edit Your Book • Proofread Your Book one final time with a method that Paul uses exclusively with his books • Utilize Freelancers to have an Outstanding Book Cover created for a low price • Get your book Converted from a Manuscript to Kindle format • Convert your Book Description into Sales Copy that will Increase Book Sales • Get honest Reviews for your book from your first book launch and future launches • Learn about different Book Launches from Case Studies • Utilize a Free Launch Strategy to generate Thousands of potential Downloads while your book is free • Take advantage of your Book Price Conversion from free to 99 cents and get enough downloads to launch your book to #1 in its category • Maximize your Earnings with converting the price from 99 cents to either $2.99 or $3.99 at the right time • Record your Audiobook by doing it yourself or having someone narrate it for you • Convert your Manuscript to Paperback for CreateSpace • Get your Kindle book cover converted to CreateSpace • Build your Email List • Utilize different Lead Magnets • Offer different Back End Products to generate significant income • Maximize multiple Revenue Streams to Grow Your Business including Public Speaking, Coaching, and Book Signings •BONUS: Invitation to book a 15-minute call with Paul to get help with your book •BONUS: FREE Online Training to help you Get Published •BONUS: Invitation to join FREE private Facebook Community to help you Get Published •BONUS: FREE Audiobook Scroll up to the top of the page and click on the BUY NOW button and start your journey towards becoming a #1 bestselling author today!

The Frugal Book Promoter: How to get nearly free publicity on your own or by partnering with your publisher


Carolyn Howard-Johnson - 2011
    It has been expanded to include simple ways to promote books using newer technology--always considering promotion and marketing techniques that are easy on the pocketbook and frugal of time. It also includes a multitude of ways for authors and publishers to promote the so-called hard-to-promote genres. The award-winning author of poetry and fiction draws on a lifetime of experience in journalism, public relations, retailing, marketing, and the marketing of her own books to give authors the basics they need for do-it-yourself promotion and fun, effective approaches that haven't been stirred and warmed over, techniques that will help rocket their books to bestselling lists. You'll also learn to write media releases, query letters and a knock 'em dead media kit--all tools that help an author find a publisher and sell their book once it's in print.