Getting Started on Your Novel

Stuff that's useful if you are trying to write a novel.

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·5y

Graeme Shimmin

three books sitting on top of a wooden table next to each other with the title revolution

Make A Book Cover

Writing Science Fiction

Revolutions 2: More Speculative Short Stories set in Manchester

a heart shaped cut in the middle of logs

Logline Examples: Movie, TV, Game and Novel Loglines

Several years ago, I invented the Killogator logline formula . It’s been incredibly popular, because, well, it works. But people who’re trying to use the formula often ask me for logline examples to help them generate loglines for their own stories. Luckily, I also write book, movie and game reviews and they all include a logline, so I have dozens of logline examples ready and waiting.

a cell phone sitting on top of a keyboard

How to Use an iPhone for Writing

How to Use an iPhone for Writing your Novel I decided to experiment with using my iPhone for writing, see how practical it is and pass my experiences on to you.

two different types of words that are in the same language, and one has red writing on

Copy Editing - a Guide for Authors to Copy Editing Symbols

Copy Editing Here’s a handy reference list of copy editing marks.

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Novel Editing

Successful Writer

Common Grammar Mistakes

Grammar: Editing Your Novel to Fix Your Grammar and Sell Your Novel

Novel Editing: Fix Your Grammar Editing— one of the critical distinctions between a successful writer and an unsuccessful one — is sadly neglected by many beginning writers. This article looks at some of the common errors of grammar made by beginning writers. I made all these mistakes when I started as a novelist, and so do lots of writers.

an illustration of a man's head with red eyes and the word love written on it

The Art of the Novel: a Textbook of Creative Writing Advice

The Art of the Novel I was recently commissioned to write a chapter for a new creative writing book, called The Art of the Novel. My chapter is about how not to bore your reader – a subject I think I’m qualified to write on as people have accused A Kill in the Morning of many things, but being boring is not one of them!

the word 100 % written in black on a white background with an empty rectangle

How to Proofread your Story So it Has a Chance to Sell More Copies

How to Proofread your own Work You know what happens if you don’t proofread your novel? Your writing will have spelling, punctuation and formatting errors, and will look scrappy. And then you’ll get one-star Amazon reviews that say, “Typical self-published book – riddled with spelling and grammar mistakes.” Too many reviews like that will destroy your sales prospects. Instead, you need to give yourself a chance to sell more copies – by proofreading.

the words what if are written on a black background

Writing Prompts

Writing Prompts Creative

Creative Writing Inspiration

Creative Writing Prompts

My Career

Writing Inspiration

Writing Prompts: Creative Writing Inspiration from a published author

Here’s my selection of some of the best creative writing prompts I’ve come across in my career as a professional writer.

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How to Network Your Way to Publication: Networking Tips for Authors

Book publishing runs on connections and networking, from end to end. It’s a relationship business. So, you’re going to have to learn how to network in order to break in and see your book on the shelves.

an orange and white book with the title how to choose a title for your novel

How to Choose a Title for Your Novel: A Title Generation Process

How to Choose a Title for Your Novel My book title generation process can help you take some of the guesswork and reliance on luck out of choosing a title.

an orange and black circle with text on it that says, how did you get your first novel polished?

How to Get Your Book Published - Myths and Reality

I asked published authors how their books really got published. The results were not what you'd expect.

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Writing A Novel

A Novel

False Documents: Adding Authenticity to your Novel

False Documents: Adding Authenticity to your Thriller

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Public Speaking Tips for Authors - how to give author readings

If you're struggling with public speaking and author readings here's some great tips to help you read well and so help sell your writing.

How to Self Publish on Createspace in Three Easy Steps

As well as self-publishing on Kindle you can self-publish a paperback - here's how.

a woman sitting at a table with an old typewriter

Novel Writing Software: free and cheap tools for writers

Novel Writing Software: the tools you really need