Have a great idea for a book? Marvelous! Here are some tips to keep in mind before and after writing your manuscript.
Points to consider before starting to write your story:
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Decide what you want to write about. Know your audience. Is your book intended for adults, youth, children, or all age groups?
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Research the number of pages that contain the best-selling books, in their genre. This gives you an idea of how many pages your book might have.
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Decide if you want to make an outline. This can help you with the formatting of the chapters. Note that not all authors write an outline.
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Research the elements of a good story. These elements are the character, setting, plot, conflict, and theme. Within the plot are the introduction, the ascending action, the climax, the descending action, and the resolution. The Harry Potter books contain these elements. This information can be easily found on the Internet.
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Have fun with the elements of the story. Let’s say you know how you want the story to end. Then start writing the ending. Who says you have to start at the beginning! The main thing is to start writing.
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Write every day.
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Write because it makes you happy.
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Please note that your first draft is not your final draft.
Points to consider when your manuscript is finished:
a) Edition
Readers can stop reading a book full of errors. Have your manuscript professionally edited.
There are three types of editing
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Substantive (developmental) editing: This type of editing looks at the structure and organization of the story.
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Text editing: This type of editing looks at grammar, word usage, and repetition.
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Correction: This type of edit analyzes spelling errors and punctuation.
If you are not sure what type of editing your manuscript requires, consult a professional.
b) Type of publisher
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Traditional Editor – Most traditional editors will only see your manuscript if it is delivered to them by a literary agent. It is often difficult to find a literary agent. Do some research and contact literary agents who work with books in your genre. Please note that they are very busy.
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Self-publishers: Not all self-publishers have the same level of experience. If your own publisher wants to publish your manuscript (for a fee) without the manuscript being free of spelling errors, etc. do not use them. They just want your money. Get in touch with some desktop publishers and talk to them. Look at their reviews.
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Desktop Publishing eBooks – Find out how you can use Amazon Kindle Direct Publishing. Is there a cost involved?
c) Importance of professional coverage
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The book cover is what makes your target audience want to pick up your book. Make it stand out.
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If you are planning to write sequels, consider how you can make your book covers similar but with different titles.
Above all, enjoy the process! Readers are waiting to read your story!