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"You are never given a wish without also being given the power to make it true." — Richard Bach, writer
Do you spend hours dreaming at a bookstore or in front of a blank page? Do you talk yourself out of your talent and push your passion into "just a dream"? Your passion may be controlled by fear, lack of time and money. Here's how to get past those obstacles.
Steps for Writing a Book
Life coach Cheryl Richardson offers some tips for struggling writers.
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Brainstorm. Gather your thoughts through brainstorming or keeping an "idea journal." Start a journal now. |
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Write a top-notch book proposal. Think of it like a business plan. Include things like an overview, outline, sample chapter and marketing plan. Check out Write the Perfect Book Proposal: 10 Proposals That Sold and Why for ideas. |
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Hire a freelance editor. This person should have past experience working for a publishing house or be someone you can trust. |
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Find an agent. Choose 10 that represent your kind of book and follow their submission instructions carefully. Check out A Writer's Guide to Book Editors, Publishers, and Literary Agents, 1999–2000 for ideas. |
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Expect to receive rejection letters. Receiving rejection letters is a part of the journey. Do not let anyone else deter you from your desire to publish a book. Simply smile, turn away, and get back to writing. |
A Literary Agent Gives Advice
Lynn Nesbit, a top New York literary agent, shares some secrets from the publishing world.
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Take a writing course. |
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Meet other writers to network and share your work with. |
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Submit short stories to the literary quarterlies and magazines—top agents do not accept unsolicited materials. |
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Keep writing—write in a journal, for yourself and for your family history, regardless of whether or not you get published. |
More Writer's Resources
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A single mother learns to face her biggest fear and pursue her literary passion. |
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Writers on Writing: Some of our favorite Oprah's Book Club writers share insights into the writing process. |
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Find an editor: Visit the National Writer's Union at www.nwu.org. |
 How has a particular book or author inspired you?
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