How to Write a Book and Get Published

Title: How to Write a Book and Get Published (Updated) Author:


Craig Lock Web Sites: http://www.bridgeniche.com and


http://www.craiglock.com/books.html





Publishing Guidelines: We hope that the following article, which


is an extract from our online creative writing course (formatted


to 65 characters) may be informative and helpful to your e-zine


readers, or on your web site. If it helps others "out there" in


any way, then we're happy. This article (as with all my


articles) may be freely published, electronically or in print.


"We share what we know, so that others may grow." * HOW TO WRITE


A BOOK AND GET PUBLISHED by Craig Lock





This short extract is from my booklet 'How to Write a Book and


Get Published' and is written for the "off-line" world of


publishing. Although it's a very brief look at this huge


subject, I hope these pointers may be helpful to aspiring*


authors. * What's the definition of an aspiring author? A


waiter! * Me write a book! A "pipedream" or possible?





Nothing is impossible, but the hardest part is getting an


acceptance from a publisher. Hope these tips may be helpful in


submitting your manuscript (hardcopy)... PRESENTATION OF YOUR


"WORK OF ART": Not how YOU dress, but how you "dress up" your


work. Some points to help you: * All text should be double


spaced. When I started writing I didn't know what "double space"


meant. Come a long way, "Sonny boy"! * one side A4 at least 25mm


margin on either side * in black ink. Use a new ribbon. Must


remember that one...when I can afford it. * consistent styles


regarding bibliographic references should be used * don't use


pins or staples. Use a rubber band or a paper clip to avoid


inflicting serious injury on the editor with a "dangerous


weapon" * on your final page write the words 'copy ends' * put


in an approximate word count (I don't do it). Send your


manuscript together, so it arrives on the editor's desk as one.


Don't send in sections (after writing or checking). Bits and


pieces are then more likely to be mislaid (sounds disgusting!).


And it happens quite often - misplaced (better word) by


publishers, I mean. If you do your work on a word processor


using a computer disc (I do), also send the work on paper. That


is the non-technical term for "software". Not tissue paper


please! NB: Keep a COPY of everything. All mail should have a


return address. Always send a covering letter with your


manuscript. Multiple submissions: OK, but always remember to


withdraw an offer, if publication is accepted by another


publisher. Write immediately. I find multiple submissions save a


lot in finding a publisher, as publishers are often extremely


tardy in replying to your unsolicitated* (big word) submissions.


* that's not standing on unlit street corners at night looking


for a publisher for your manuscript! Finally, always try to give


your work a 'real professional' look, as befits the effort put


into your work of art. Then BE PATIENT * A few final words...


Writing a book may seem extremely daunting ...and perhaps even


impossible to you, as I felt when I started out writing (like


flying to the moon); but if you believe you have some writing


talent just DO IT. As with eating an elephant ("hephelump"),


break it into "small chunks". The key is taking that FIRST STEP


in writing that first sentence...then one just gets involved in


your "work of art", as writing becomes a daily habit. One word


simply flows into the next...then one chapter just leads on to


the next one. PERSIST... and as the Nike ad says, Just DO IT


Then hopefully one day I'll see your name in print.





Eureka!





Good luck and happy writing Craig Lock Eagle Productions





"Eagles may fly high, but weasels don't get sucked into jet


engines." "What you can do, or dream you can do, begin it;


boldness has genius, power and magic in it." - Johann von Goethe


"Do what you love, then you'll never have to do a day's work in


your life." About the author: Craig Lock is following his dream


of touching many lives in the "vast unchartered world of


cyberspace". Craig believes in the great potential of every


human being in the journey of life and loves to encourage people


to live more fruitful, prosperous and joy-filled lives... to


come all that they are capable of being and have fun. Eagle


Productions Books * are available at:


http://www.craiglock.com/books.html and


http://www.bridgeniche.com





* Hard copies and e-books - fiction and non-fiction: self help,


personal growth, inspiration, travel, humour, novels and money


books. All proceeds go to needy and underprivileged children -


MINE P.S: Don't worry about the world ending today... it's


already tomorrow in "little" scenic and tranquil New Zealand


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