So you think you have a really cool idea for your first novel but don’t know where to begin with the writing?
Firstly, here’s a question. Is your novel going to be a mainstream novel or a category novel? A category novel fits into in a category – romance, science fiction, historical, crime saga, suspense, etc.
A mainstream novel has a unique style and theme. They are novels that cannot be put into any category. They are difficult to write, and even more difficult to sell. They are the type of novel we call literary – the type that wins the Booker prize.
Before you start your writing journey, read lots of novels that have been published recently in your chosen category. Choose the publishing houses that are publishing work similar to yours, and send for guidelines and a current catalog. The length of the novel will depend on the category. Light romances vary from 50,000 to about 55,000 words. Historical romances and sagas are often 100,000 words or more.
Have a clear idea in your mind of the sort of person who will buy your novel. Make sure that each chapter in your book as a hook – that is a paragraph that raises a question in a reader’s mind, and one that can be answered only by reading further.
Your novel must have a character with a problem, and that difficulty should be presented at the beginning of your book. If it helps, write out your story on a sheet of paper. If this is your first novel it is best to use a background that is familiar to you.
PLANNING AND PLOTTING
Don’t rush into your writing. It is essential that you write regularly or you are in danger of losing the thread of your novel. Plot comes from characters, but remember that plot and character must fit perfectly together.
Don’t forget, every incident in your plot – like every word in the narrative, should be there for a purpose.
A novel should start with a problem at the beginning of your story. Make sure your plot has that plus factor – make it different, lift it out of the ordinary. Somehow make the publisher want to buy it! Most of all enjoy writing.
Timothy Mitchell is a Director at RedRok Media, which publishes a range of downloadable MP3 lessons.
How to Get Published http://www.redrok-media.com/tutorialDetails.asp?ID=9&ID1=36
Wendy Hughes is an author. She has had numerous books and articles published over the years.
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