If you dream of becoming a children's author -- or even if you're well on your way -- this handbook can help you in writing sellable stories, getting them published, and promoting your books. Topics include common myths about children's writing, children's book categories, elements of successful stories, manuscript format, submission strategies, contract negotiation, the publishing process, career building, and children's writer resources. Also included are specialized subjects such as querying for multiple manuscripts, promoting a first book, and self publishing. Read -The Business of Writing for Children- to learn the secrets you might spend years discovering for yourself. ///////////////////////////////////////////////// Aaron Shepard is the author of -The Legend of Lightning Larry, - -The Baker's Dozen, - and sixteen more picture books and early readers, along with several chapter books for middle grades, extensive resources for storytelling and reader's theater, and a graphic novel. His publishers have included Atheneum, Scribners, Clarion, Lothrop, Dial, and HarperCollins, as well as Cricket and Australia's School Magazine. Aaron's work has been honored by the American Library Association, the National Council for the Social Studies, the American Folklore Society, The New York Public Library, and the Bank Street College of Education. He has been a judge for the Golden Kite Awards of the Society of Children's Book Writers and Illustrators. ///////////////////////////////////////////////// -BRAVO! I thought it had pretty much all been said, but I was wrong. All the nuts and bolts are here as well as rules that bear repeating, PLUS insights not usually found in how-to books. Clearly and concisely written, this is an invaluable resource for both beginning and more accomplished writers.- -- Susan Pearson, Editor-in-Chief, Lothrop, Lee & Shepard Books -Aaron Shepard has written one of the most comprehensive guides available to anyone wishing to enter the competitive field of children's books. It's all here, from initial idea to successful sale, and then beyond to the essentials of contracts, promotion, and the ABCs of building a successful career. If you're starting out, start out here.- -- Stephen Mooser, children's author -Here's clearly-written, no-nonsense help for children's writers by a craftsman. Every fledgling author should own this book.- -- Stephen Fraser, Executive Editor, Aladdin Paperbacks -Aaron Shepard's The Business of Writing for Children is a wonderful resource. His experience-based insights into the art and business of children's writing will save beginning writers years of wasted effort -- and help published writers achieve long-term success.- -- Kathleen Duey, children's author -The Business of Writing for Children is a one-stop shopping center, a complete how-to-do-it guide for the writer who wants a jump-start on looking professional even though he/she may be turning out a first book. Editors will love you if you do it Shepard's way.- -- Audrey Baird, Editor, Once Upon A Time -I carry around a file folder of materials which I share with unpublished writers and illustrators. This book is so comprehensive, I plan to replace my file folder with it. Whether you are a novice or a professional, The Business of Writing for Children needs to be in your library. DON'T write a book without it!- -- Leslie Tryon, children's author/illustrator

    From adjectives and exclamation points to dialect and hoopetedoodle, Elmore Leonard explains what to avoid, what to aspire to, and what to do when it sounds like "writing" (rewrite).Beautifully designed, filled with free-flowing, elegant illustrations and specially priced, Elmore Leonard's 10 Rules of Writing is the perfect writer's—and reader's—gift.

    In "Will Write for Shoes, "veteran Chick Lit and romance author Cathy Yardley addresses the common questions (and misconceptions) about the genre. Based on years of teaching about commercial women's fiction, this definitive guide provides invaluable tips and step-by-step methods for writing and selling a successful Chick Lit novel. Features include: * The history of Chick Lit* A blueprint for writing a Chick Lit novel* New trends in the genre* Tips and tools for breaking into the market* FAQs and miscellanea A directory of agents and publishers who acquire Chick Lit, sample submission materials, and online resources make this fun and comprehensive manual a must-have for all women who want to write a Chick Lit novel.

    For over half a century, the MLA Handbook is the guide millions of writers have relied on.The seventh edition is a comprehensive, up-to-date guide to research and writing in the online environment. It provides an authoritative update of MLA documentation style for use in student writing, including simplified guidelines for citing works published on the Web and new recommendations for citing several kinds of works, such as digital files and graphic narratives.Every copy of the seventh edition of the MLA Handbook comes with a code for accessing the accompanying Web site. New to this edition, the Web site provides- the full text of the print volume of the MLA Handbook- over two hundred additional examples- several research-project narratives--stories, with sample papers, that illustrate the steps successful students take in researching and writing papers- searching of the entire site, including the full text of the MLA Handbook- continuous access throughout the life of the seventh edition of the MLA Handbook

    For without first considering the experience of reading stories--seriously, thoroughly, the way Sexton does--you can't possibly write one worth reading. --Tara McCarthy, author of Love Will Tear Us ApartMany writers believe that if they just find the right teacher or workshop, their writing will reach new heights of skill. But why not learn from the best? In his popular workshops in New York City, creative writing instructor Adam Sexton has found that the most effective way for any writer to grasp on the elements of fiction is to study the great masters. Master Class in Fiction Writing is your personal crash course in creative writing, with the world's most accomplished fiction writers as your guides.You will learn:The art of characterization from Jane AustenStyle and voice from Ernest HemingwayDialogue from Iris MurdochDescription from Vladimir NabokovThe timeless techniques of plotting in the work of Joseph ConradThe ingenious structure of James JoycePoint of view from Toni MorrisonOver the course of just ten chapters you can master all the components of great short story and novel writing. These are the most important lessons any writer can learn--a truly novel approach to writing that will enrich, inform, and inspire.

    And once you've got an idea, what then? Ideas without a plan, without a purpose, are no more than pleasant thoughts. In The Writer's Idea Book, Jack Heffron, former senior editor at Writer's Digest Books and Story Press, will help you find the answer. Utilizing over 400 prompts and exercises, you'll generate intriguing ideas and plumb their possibilities to turn them into something amazing. The Writer's Idea Book will give you the insight and the self-awareness to create and refine ideas that demand to be transformed into greater works, the kind of compelling, absorbing writing that will have other writers asking "where do you get those ideas?"

    Of course, he has given us glimpses in his aphorisms, short essays, articles, and speeches. But, never before has an entire book been devoted to Kurt Vonnegut, the teacher. Here is pretty much everything Vonnegut ever said or wrote having to do with the art and craft of writing - Plus - a wonderful, healing/nourishing expedition, of which McConnell has outfitted us for the journey, and in these 37 chapters, covers the waterfront of how one American writer brought himself to the pinnacle of the writing art; and the result only serves to benefit us.Kurt Vonnegut was one of the few grandmasters of American literature, whose novels continue to influence new generations about the ways in which our imaginations can help us to live. Few aspects of his contribution have not been plumbed - 14 novels, collections of his speeches, his essays, his letters, his plays - so this fresh view of him, written by a former student, is a bonanza for writers, readers, listeners and Vonnegut fans everywhere.©2019 Trust u/w of Kurt Vonnegut Jr. (P)2019 Highbridge, a division of Recorded Books

     “It truly is the best time in history to be a writer. The are no longer any boundaries. You can work with whomever you want to, at your own speed, get paid monthly, write about anything you want, do very little marketing, and still reach readers.” ~ J.A.Konrath Kick Procrastination in the Butt and Create a Daily Writing Ritual In this book, I will show you how to avoid procrastination and create a daily writing ritual. I will reveal to you the same tools I used to write thirteen #1 best selling books in one year, while still maintaining my busy job as the chief commercial officer for a multimillion-dollar company. Yes, these tools even work for people who are extremely busy, have families and have full-time jobs. The reason I know these tools work is because they are based on simple techniques that are backed by hundreds of hours of intensive scientific research as well as my experiences as a writer. Double Your Word Count Using the anti-procrastination and productivity techniques in this book, I believe that you will not only be able to double your word count but also be able to create a consistent, daily writing habit. No more putting off writing your book till tomorrow! It’s time to kick procrastination and laziness in the butt and start fulfilling your potential as a writer.

    Award-winning writers such as John Barnes, James Patrick Kelly, Norman Spinrad, Connie Willis, and Jane Yolen reveal some of their secrets of crafting believable stories, while Grand Masters Isaac Asimov and Robert A. Heinlein provide timeless advice for beginners and veterans alike. The editors also provide valuable insights into the process by which stories get published and they offer helpful hints on getting your story out of the slush pile and into print. Contents Seeing Your Way to Better Stories • essay by Stanley SchmidtYou and Your Characters • essay by James Patrick KellyLiving the Future: You Are What You Eat • (1976) • essay by Gardner DozoisDialog • [Asimov's Editorials] • (1985) • essay by Isaac AsimovPlotting • [Asimov's Editorials] • (1989) • essay by Isaac AsimovOn the Writing of Speculative Fiction • (1947) • essay by Robert A. HeinleinTurtles All the Way Down • essay by Jane YolenLearning to Write Comedy or Why It's Impossible and How to Do It • essay by Connie WillisGood Writing is Not Enough • essay by Stanley SchmidtThe Creation of Imaginary Worlds: The World Builder's Handbook and Pocket Companion • (1974) • essay by Poul AndersonThe Creation of Imaginary Beings • (1974) • essay by Hal ClementHow to Build a Future • (1990) • essay by John BarnesBuilding a Starfaring Age • essay by Norman SpinradThe Ideas That Wouldn't Die • essay by Stanley SchmidtThe Mechanics of Submission • essay by Sheila WilliamsRevisions • [Asimov's Editorials] • (1982) • essay by Isaac AsimovWriting for Young People • [Asimov's Editorials] • (1986) • essay by Isaac AsimovNew Writers • [Asimov's Editorials] • (1987) • essay by Isaac AsimovAuthors vs. Editors • essay by Stanley SchmidtMarket Listings • essay by Ian Randal Strock

    Whether your manuscript is an advanced draft or you are just starting out, whether you are working in fiction, film and TV, or creative nonfiction, you will learn a new approach to structure that will transform the way you look at your writing. Along the way, Horwitz offers detailed, concrete examples that reveal how the Book Architecture Method works with everything from literary classics to blockbuster films. And you won't have to resort to using a formula--which may seem risky! But it can be done.

    Monsters are lurking in the woods, beneath the waves, and within our favorite books, films, and games--and there are good reasons why they appear so often. Monsters are manifestations of our fears and symbols of our society--not to mention they're a lot of fun--but each should serve a purpose and enhance the themes and tension in your fiction. In Writing Monsters, best-selling author Philip Athans uses classic examples from books, films, and the world around us to explore what makes monsters memorable--and terrifying. You'll learn what monsters can (and should) represent in your story and how to create monsters from the ground up. Writing Monsters includes: In-depth discussions of where monsters come from, what they symbolize, and how to best portray them in fiction Informative overviews of famous monsters, archetypes, and legendary creatures A Monster Creation Form to help you create your monster from scratch An annotated version of H.P. Lovecraft's chilling story "The Unnamable" Whether you write fantasy, science fiction, or horror, your vampires, ghouls, aliens, and trolls need to be both compelling and meaningful. With Writing Monsters, you can craft creatures that will wreak havoc in your stories and haunt your readers' imaginations--and nightmares.

     Imagine if you could use Scrivener for Windows like a seasoned professional, knowing the keyboard shortcuts, what the tools on the toolbar do; flying through the application and creating an amazing story without being distracted by having to look up how to use a feature every time you want to use it. In the back of your mind you know that the Scrivener software you bought is going to simplify your writing process and help you become more productive. You have heard about the cool split screen views, virtual cork boards and the collections feature where you can process all instances of a document at once even though you have it in several different collections. But best of all you’ve heard that you can export your content to multiple platforms without having to change the original draft document! Imagine the time you are going to save. Not to mention that if you can format your own work for export you will no longer be held hostage to the whims and schedules of anyone else. The problem is, before you can do all that, you have to learn how to use the Scrivener software. This can be time consuming if you try to learn from the Scrivener users manual which is highly technical and includes every conceivable function and feature of the software. Don’t get me wrong. The Scrivener users manual has every bit of information you will ever need regarding Scrivener because it is supposed to be like that, but it sure is difficult to weed out the bits that pertain to the project you want to write. I know because that is the way I had to learn it. What I would have liked was a Scrivener essentials guide with: Plenty of pictures, so that you can instantly recognize the regions of the user interface. Arrows pointing right at the buttons mentioned in the instructions, making them easy to find. Instructions embedded into the images they refer to so that they don’t drift onto the next page because of the personal settings on your Kindle. No distracting instructions for Macintosh users that send you on a wild goose chase after functions that are not supported by Scrivener for Windows. So I wrote a guide just like that. In it you will learn to: Open a project and customize your workspaces. Toggle between normal Text Editing Mode, Cork Board Mode and Outlining Mode and how to use each of them as well as how to use the distraction free Full Screen Mode. Split your screen to have two documents or two versions of the same document open at once. Manage your files and folders, whether you are starting from scratch in Scrivener or want to import your content from another writing application pre-sorted into chapters or sections. Make use of Scrivener’s editing tools like collections and snapshots (which takes a snap shot of the current state of a document so that you can revert to it if you don’t like your subsequent edits.) Compile your work for export to your agent, as a paperback or as an eBook. How to download some tools so that you can preview your content before you send it out. If you are ready to improve your writing process, scroll up, click the buy button and start making the most of your Scrivener Software today!

    It is a book for everybody who wants to learn how to write or who needs to do some writing to get through the day, as almost everybody does in the age of e-mail and the Internet. Whether you want to write about people or places, science and technology, business, sports, the arts or about yourself in the increasingly popular memoir genre, On Writing Well offers you fundamental priciples as well as the insights of a distinguished writer and teacher. With more than a million copies sold, this volume has stood the test of time and remains a valuable resource for writers and would-be writers.

    Filled with memories, self-reflection, ideas, inspiration, creativity, experiences, achievements, gratitude, short stories, photographs, goals and direction. Unlock the potential of your journal and enjoy some time for yourself. Inside you will find:JOURNAL WRITING TIPS & TRICKS. Learn how to beat the blank page to start your journal writing practice, how to make the time to write, how to organize your journal/diary, find ideas on how to add visual interest to your journal, a collection of alternative journal prompts, a photography challenge checklist and more.365 JOURNALING PROMPTS & QUESTIONS. Enjoy a years-long guided journal writing course for self exploration through daily writing prompts. To help you use your journal/diary as a place to remember where you have been (memoir), appreciate where you are now (gratitude) and decide on where you are going (goals). Not only helping you gain clarity, closure and purpose but also resulting in your very own mini memoir or life journal keepsake. Mixed in amongst the reflective journal writing questions are creative writing prompts, light hearted questions and short story writing idea generator tables to help get your creative writing juices flowing and to have some fun with your journal.52 WEEKLY ACTIONS. Feel like you are stuck in a bit of a rut? Looking to boost your self confidence by expanding your comfort zone? Or do you want some new experiences to write about? Along with your trusty journal, complete one action each week over the 365 days to make the next 52 weeks of your life just that little bit more interesting. For example: Week 30 - Send someone a gift without them knowing it is from you. Report back to journal.***BONUS***OVER 400 QUOTES. A quote collection of over 400 quotes and proverbs ordered by subject, from adventure to writing. To be used as an extra source of inspiration, wisdom and starting points for your journaling practice. After all, who doesn't love a quote collection? IS THIS JOURNAL WRITING BOOK FOR YOU?Are you intimidated by the blank page?Is your journal writing becoming repetitive?Are you looking to find some direction and start setting goals?Are you a writer or blogger who wants to knock the wind out of writer's block?Have you found it difficult maintaining a journal writing practice?Do you want to create a record of your life in a life journal?Are you looking for a creative outlet?Do you enjoy creative and short story writing?Do you feel a need to clear out and process some mental clutter?Have you built up a collection of blank journals because you are scared of ruining them?Have you googled ‘how to write a journal?’ or ‘how to write a diary?’ but still don’t know where to start?If so, this book is for you. Let's get journaling...NOTE: The journal prompts & actions in this book are not dated so you can start from journaling prompt No.1 & weekly action No.1 at any point in the year. You can also pick and choose the prompts at random if you are looking for an occasional resource to help beat writer's block.NO KINDLE? NO PROBLEM. You don’t need a Kindle to read Kindle books, you can buy 365 Journal Writing Ideas today to enjoy it instantly on the FREE Kindle app for PC, Mac, iPhone, Android, Windows Phone and Blackberry. So you could use this book with your journal to do some journaling curled up in bed, on your lunch break at work, at a coffee shop or even learn how to journal at the beach (lucky you).10% of proceeds from 365 Journal Writing Ideas are donated to The Make-A-Wish Foundation.

    Peterson comes a creative guide to language construction for sci-fi and fantasy fans, writers, game creators, and language lovers. Peterson offers a captivating overview of language creation, covering its history from Tolkien’s creations and Klingon to today’s thriving global community of conlangers. He provides the essential tools necessary for inventing and evolving new languages, using examples from a variety of languages including his own creations, punctuated with references to everything from Star Wars to Michael Jackson. Along the way, behind-the-scenes stories lift the curtain on how he built languages like Dothraki for HBO’s Game of Thrones and Shiväisith for Marvel’s Thor: The Dark World, and an included phrasebook will start fans speaking Peterson’s constructed languages. The Art of Language Invention is an inside look at a fascinating culture and an engaging entry into a flourishing art form—and it might be the most fun you’ll ever have with linguistics.