|
|
Note to New Authors Congratulations!
Writing a book is a tremendous undertaking, and it is a great accomplishment to complete the first draft. Now that you have achieved that milestone, you are probably considering your next step. Whether you are planning on traditional publishing or self-publishing, your endeavor to see your work in print will be enhanced by the expertise of a professional editor. Herriott Editorial Services specializes in working with new authors to strengthen their writing mechanics and their storytelling. Our mailing list is also a great resource for info on writing and publishing. Honing Your Craft
The more you write, the better your writing will become. Here are a few tips to help you continuously improve your writing ability. Write every day. If you're not working on your next book-length project, keep a journal, write an essay about a current event, or use something you hear on the radio as a prompt for a short story. Your everyday encounters can be a great source of inspiration for your writing. Take a writing class. Check the offerings at a community college or a writing center in your area. Work to improve your grammar, or take a creative writing course to enhance your storytelling. Join or start a writing community. This is a great way to stay motivated and to get valuable feedback from like-minded individuals. If you don't know any other writers, you can join an online group like Writing.Com.
Editing Your Own Work
Freewriting is a great way to purge your thoughts. And sometimes it takes that kind of wild abandon to move your ideas out of your head and onto paper. Whether you use this method or a more disciplined approach, it's always a good idea to review your manuscript to make improvements and to check for common pitfalls like the ones listed below: Telling instead of showing. Instead of writing Marcus was upset, try Marcus stomped up the stairs, threw his bookbag on the floor, and pounded his fists against his bedroom wall. The action creates visualization and is more interesting to read. Using cliches. When you use common expressions, you miss an opportunity to captivate your reader with a fresh perspective. Overusing expletives. Reserve these powerhouses for moments of great magnitude and their impact will be greater.
|
|