How to Write, Publish, and Promote a Novel
I got a rather late start in life writing novels, and I wrote my first one without the benefit of any training, planning, or knowledge of the publishing industry. That was when self-publishing was still an unfavorable method of getting published, so when I finished writing the book, I conducted an exhaustive search for an agent. After being rejected by numerous agents and advised to have the manuscript professionally edited, I found someone willing to take a look at it, and she enlightened me to the fact that I had violated just about every rule on writing fiction known to man.
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Not to be discouraged, I enrolled in classes at The University of Chicago and read every book and article I could find on how to write fiction. I rewrote my novel (it actually became two) and self-published them in 2012. What an eye-opener that was!
After putting in all that effort, there wasn't any way I was going to accept my book was not worthy of publishing.
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After successfully writing several more novels, I published How to Write, Publish, and Promote a Novel to help new and aspiring writers avoid all the costly mistakes I made when I first started out. My advice to all of you is to read this book before you start writing. I promise you that it will save valuable time and effort in the long run.
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Table of Contents
Preface
Introduction
Part 1: Before You Start Writing
1. So, You’re Thinking about Writing a Book
2. Story Structure
3. Character Development
4. Point of View and Narrative Tense
Part 2: Writing Tips
5. Story, Plot, and Hook
6. Beginning, Middle, and Ending
7. Active Versus Passive Voice
8. Show, Don’t Tell
9. Conflict, Crisis, Drama, and Tension
10. Narrative Exposition
11. Moving the Story Forward
12. Descriptive Writing
13. Setting, Tone, and Mood
14. Body Language
15. Dialogue
16. Scene Development
17. Transitions
18. Adjectives, Adverbs, and Clichés
19. Theme
Part 3: The Final Stretch
20. Budget
21. Editors
22. The Publishing Process
23. Book Titles, Covers, and Innards
24. Elevator Speeches, Blurbs, and Synopses
25. Reviews, Assessments, and Testimonials
Part 4: Marketing and Promotion
26. Fundamentals of Book Marketing
27. The Book Launch
28. Marketing Plan
29. Websites and Blogs
30. Amazon, Goodreads, and Social Media
31. Online, Press, and Face-To-Face Exposure
32. Discounts, Freebies, and Promotional Items
33. Contests and Awards
34. Brand and Platform
35. Paid Advertising
36. Distribution and Sales
Part 5: Conclusion
Additional Resources
Appendix A: Checklist - Things to Do Before, During, and After the Writing of Your Book
Appendix B: Self-Editing Checklist
About the Author
Index
Testimonials
A must read for novice and veteran writers, Ms. Osmund lays out a path with personal and professional clarity on how to write, publish and promote a marketable book! As I was getting ready for my 3rd book to release, I found the information so helpful. Sharing the pitfalls and advantages of lessons she had learned are generous tools for every author's toolbox.
​ --CJ Fosdick, author
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I'm a new writer looking for help in writing and publishing a book. And Florence Osmund is a savior. Her knowledge and advice has no wasted words. Every chapter is brief and to the point. Each page is loaded with important tips necessary to write a successful novel.
​ --James O'Brien, author
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I have written 4 successful books and am starting on two others and I love this book. It is professionally written and shares all the hard-learned secrets of self- publishing and book creation that I wish that I would have known years ago.
​ --Richard Schickel, author
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Novelist Florence Osmund’s how-to book is a great example of “paying it forward” to aspiring fiction writers. Rather than leaving them to flounder alone trying to figure it out for themselves, Osmund generously shares her experience and knowledge about writing, publishing, and promoting a novel to help them avoid the myriad pitfalls of this oh-so-complex industry. If you are writing or publishing your first novel, this guide is a great tool to bring you up-to-speed without wasting a lot of time, effort, and money in all the wrong places.