Careers: Writing/Writing career

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Expert: - 3/17/2009


Question
How many drafts do you write for an average story before it is published?

Answer
Hi, Jake!

I'm afraid I'm the wrong person to ask. I'm not a "normal" writer. I write one draft and turn it in. In other words, I type in final form. But that's because I'm a "plotter." I plot out the whole story/book in my head---including all emotions, all movements and all character traits, and then type it out.

However, I can tell you that my co-author is a "pantser" or someone who writes by the seat of her pants, in no particular direction. She needs at least four drafts. One is the base story, that's very rough and just gets the "concept" down (a 100K final novel might be 50K on the first draft.) Then comes a draft to add depth of character, then another to handle descriptions of the setting and body language. The final draft is for plot holes and logic gaps.

From what I've heard, her way is the "normal" way, but I know published authors who might revise ten or twelve times before it's done. There's no right or wrong way.

Does that help?

Cathy

Careers: Writing

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Cathy Clamp

Expertise

I'm happy to answer questions about any aspect of writing articles, short stories and novels, from the beginning kernel of an idea through completion. I can help with writing a query letter and synopsis to an agent or editor. I can explain publishing terminology and acronyms. I can also assist with questions about verifying the credentials of agents/publishers and how to proceed once you've been accepted for publication. I can teach the rules of formatting a manuscript, creating viable plots, characterization and flow in the following genres: romance, science fiction, fantasy, thrillers, suspense, horror, women's fiction, mainstream and mystery. I can also answer questions about writing for major print magazines in the outdoor genre (hunting/fishing/boating/travel.)

Experience

I'm a USA Today bestselling author of urban fantasy and paranormal romance for Tor/Forge Books . Along with a co-author, I've published fifteen mass market novels since 2004, and have contracts for four more books through 2011. I've also published more than two dozen feature articles in leading outdoor magazines.

Organizations
Romance Writers of America, Science Fiction & Fantasy Writers of America, International Thriller Writers, Western Outdoor Writers, Horror Writers of America, National Association of Legal Assistants.

Publications
Magazines--Guns & Ammo, Fur-Fish-Game, Rocky Mountain Game & Fish, Deer & Deer Hunting. Many others. Novels/Anthologies--Tor/Forge Books, Western Reflections Publishing, BenBella Books, Running Press, Wild Child Publishing. Many others.

Education/Credentials
Published Author. Published Freelance Writer. Certified Paralegal with specialities in intellectual property (copyright, trademark, patent) and real estate.

Awards and Honors
USA Today bestseller, Waldenbooks Mass Market Paperback Top 20 bestseller, Nielsen BookScan Top 20 bestseller, Romantic Times Career Achievement Award, 2009, Write Touch Readers Award, EVVY Award, The Lories Best Paranormal. Many others.

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