How to Write Fiction Books--Really!

The process of publishing a fiction or non-fiction book follows basically the same guidelines. However, the composition of the two can be very different. As many of you are aware, I am a non-fiction writer and multi-genre book publisher. To date, my attempts at fiction writing have been “limited” to say the least. But of recent, I have reconsidered. Why? I think I may have found the instructor I need to complete my great story (which has been inside my head for years!).

A few weeks ago, I was contacted by Writer’s Digest, a division F+W Media, Inc. and asked if I would review one of their upcoming releases. Yes, they also publish books. To put it mildly, I was honored; don’t we all love Writer’s Digest? I accepted of course.

I receive so many requests from writers of fiction seeking advice on how to develop characters, plots, and organize their story, and frankly speaking, I don’t know what to tell them! I’m simply not a fiction writer—not yet anyway.


I don’t often recommend books to my Blog visitors (except my own of course), but I read The Breakout Novelist: Craft and Strategies for Career Fiction Writers by seasoned author Donald Maass, and I must admit, it hyped up my interest in making another attempt at my book idea—my fiction book. It may just do the same for you.

Fiction writers who have the “advantage” are often the ones who are most capable of working through their story without losing direction and focus. How do you develop interesting characters? How do you keep the reader’s attention? Where will you find an agent? How will you write your query letter? All difficult questions answered in simple English by author Donald Maass. The Breakout Novelist is an important addition to the personal library of all writers, new and seasoned.

About the Author:
Donald Maass heads the Donald Maass Literary Agency in New York City, which represents more than 150 novelists and sells more than 150 novels every year to publishers in America and overseas. He is a past president of the Association of Authors Representatives, Inc., and is the author of several books of interest to fiction writers: The Career Novelist (now available as a free download from his agency’s Web site), Writing the Breakout Novel, and Writing the Breakout Novel Workbook. His website is www.maassagency.com. He can also be found on Facebook and on Twitter @DonniMaass.

Get your copy at Amazon.com/The Breakout Novelist or wherever fine books are sold; you won’t be sorry. The Breakout Novelist: Craft and Strategies for Career Fiction Writers

I’ll certainly let you know when I’m ready to release my first fiction novel!

How Long Should You Wait For a Publisher to Respond?

I get lots of emails from writers who have submitted their manuscripts to traditional publishers and ask me how long they should wait for a response before giving up and submitting to other publishing houses. My answer… not long! Most publishers need two or more months to review your work and respond—some never do. Meanwhile, your work may become outdated (non-fiction), or you might miss a golden opportunity with another house.

Personally, I believe you should carefully choose the top five most likely to pick up your book and stop there. Send a complete and professional package to those five and wait at least 10 weeks for a response.

More tips to query a publisher:

*Research the publishers to learn which ones are “presently” looking for your genre.

*Follow up on-line at the publishers Website to confirm instructions for submissions (current addresses, requirements, complete packages?).

*Call the publisher and ask who the submission editor is—and the correct spelling of their name. Then address your correspondence to that person only.

*Send “only” what is requested (no pictures of you and your dog!).

It’s okay to follow up with a phone call to the editor, but do so only once you know they have received your package and before they have had time to throw it out!

Be prepared and have thick skin. More than 90% of manuscripts are tossed without consideration. Don’t take it personal. Rejection letters are often impersonal form letters addressed to “Dear Author.” This does not mean your writing is bad. Many famous authors have been rejected multiple times. Richard Bach’s Jonathan Livingston Seagull was rejected 140 times and Margaret Mitchell’s Gone With the Wind 38 times.

A Book Inside, How to Write, Publish, and Sell Your Story includes detailed information on how to query a publisher as well as other publishing methods you might be interested in.

I appreciate all comments and additional suggestions from published authors.