Even the most renowned novelists began their journey somewhere. This guide offers a successful pathway to writing your first novel and achieving publication. Literary agent Oscar Collier and freelance writer Frances Spatz Leighton provide practical advice through 100 expert tips. You'll receive solid writing instruction on selecting your novel's type, crafting characters, dialogue, and plot to engage readers, determining the right number of characters, establishing a productive writing routine, and revising your manuscript for submission. In addition to writing guidance, the book covers essential marketing advice, including the pros and cons of working with an agent and self-representation, contract negotiations, and basics of publicity and self-promotion. It also features enlightening conversations with five newly published authors, offering valuable insights into their working methods, attitudes, and strategies that led to their success. This resource is designed to inspire aspiring writers to take action, providing tactical, down-to-earth information on novel writing and navigating relationships with agents and publishers.
