| Subject | Date Asked |
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| book sales | 9/20/2009 |
Q: Is there a website that shows how many copies of a particular book an author has sold? Thanks ...
A: It depends on the type of book, but 250,000 copies would certainly be severely optimistic, ...
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| book sales | 9/19/2009 |
Q: Is there a website that shows how many copies of a particular book an author has sold? Thanks
A: Although I don't know of a site that tracks book sales, http://www.titlez.com allows you to track ...
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| co-writer | 9/1/2009 |
Q: When publishing a book, how do you list the authors when you have a co-writer? The book arose out ...
A: You paid her to write the book, so unless you signed a contract that states otherwise, she works for ...
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| Publishing first novel. | 8/25/2009 |
Q: I've read on here that most publishers won't publish a novel over 90000 words or so from a first ...
A: The figure I keep hearing is a maximum of 100,000 words for a novel from a first-time author, but ...
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| inspiration | 8/6/2009 |
Q: This may seem like a silly question, but how do writers keep from running out of ideas for books? ...
A: The only silly question is why you think you have a silly question! Every question and answer is ...
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| Plotting | 8/5/2009 |
Q: When i start to write my first draft, would be best to plot before, or just write, and then make ...
A: The answer lies within the writer. Each writer must follow the path that works best for him or her. ...
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| Writing currency in dialogue | 7/18/2009 |
Q: What are the guidelines for writing currency in dialogue? Example: "They vary from fifty thousand ...
A: Chicago Style, which most book publishers use as a guideline, says that numerals one through one ...
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| Any opinion or advice for me? | 6/28/2009 |
Q: Greetings, I have posted samples of my work online. I would greatly appreciate any feedback you ...
A: As a full-time editor who gets paid to read manuscripts and evaluate them, I don't read manuscripts ...
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| publication | 6/16/2009 |
Q: My name is Eleanor Cole, and I am currently working on writing my own poetry book. It is 100-120 ...
A: Congratulations on working on your own poetry book! My first response to you if we were meeting ...
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| First Novel | 6/11/2009 |
Q: I am 18 years old and just passed out of high school. I am currently working on a novel and I have ...
A: Although I have never heard of a writer who successfully wrote the last chapter first and then wrote ...
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| how best to handle characters traveling in countries where they do not speak the language | 5/20/2009 |
Q: i'm working on a novel in which the characters travel to a country where they do not speak the ...
A: You're on the right track to think in terms of moderation and balance. An occasional foreign word or ...
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| proof reading | 5/12/2009 |
Q: I am getting very close to sending out my memoir book proposal. Soon I will have to clean up my ...
A: Before I address pricing, let me explain the job of a proofreader versus the job of an editor. A ...
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| first-person | 5/7/2009 |
Q: Hey Bobbie I had a quick question I'm currently writing a book from the point of view of one ...
A: Although you can have someone telling your main character what was said outside his presence, ...
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| agent locations | 4/28/2009 |
Q: I am ready to contact agents. I have Jeff Herman's book loaded w/ names. 1. Is there a limit on how ...
A: Congratulations on being ready to find an agent! At one time getting a New York agent was ...
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| writing a book | 4/26/2009 |
Q: We are writing a fictious story and are using fictious names for out characters but want to know if ...
A: Feel free to use city and street names or even famous landmarks, such as the Eiffel Tower, but use ...
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| Sharing Stories | 4/6/2009 |
Q: I am in the process of writing a book about domestic violence. I am looking for women who will share ...
A: Yes, even if people voluntarily send in their stories, you need their signed permission to use the ...
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| book sales | 4/5/2009 |
Q: As you know I am working on my book proposal. From my research, a prospective agent would like to ...
A: I have never known an agent or publisher to expect a writer to crack the code for sales volume of ...
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| Front matter | 3/24/2009 |
Q: I'm helping an author write his autobiography. We want to use at least two well-known persons to ...
A: A foreword is usually written by only one person, but hey, why not two? The foreword could be titled ...
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| info about a basic book | 3/23/2009 |
Q: I need to know what the page is called where you could find where an author thanks a person for ...
A: I know why you are confused about what to title that page. You want to know whether to title the ...
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| proposal | 3/21/2009 |
Q: I have my story written. It’s time to prepare the book proposal. I have researched and found many ...
A: I'm not aware of a template specific to memoir, and I'm not sure what templates you've seen, but my ...
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| memoir | 3/7/2009 |
Q: I have finally gotten my book in shape to approach agents. I have noticed that the submission ...
A: In short, memoir is a nonfiction category. It is to be expected that some of the dialogue will be ...
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| titling a book | 2/26/2009 |
Q: I am chairing a project to write a 90 yr. history (1917 – 2007) of a nursing home that has cared ...
A: I will be glad to help. I have a $75 minimum for a consultant fee, which would cover it. You can pay ...
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| ghostwriters | 2/22/2009 |
Q: Iam writing a none fiction book and need the assistance of a ghostwriter. My problem is since this ...
A: Personal ethics, first of all, keep ghostwriters from stealing ideas from their clients, plus no ...
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| ghostwriters | 2/21/2009 |
Q: Iam writing a none fiction book and need the assistance of a ghostwriter. My problem is since this ...
A: Each ghostwriter is different, so I’ll give some general advice. Of course you must choose a ...
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| English help | 1/27/2009 |
Q: I like English, and it has always been my best subject. I'm trying to find which area of writing I ...
A: I don’t know your age, but if you’re still in school, I’ll assume you are under thirty, and with ...
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| Writing Laws | 1/26/2009 |
Q: Is it illegal to write a sequel to someone else book? I would like to write a book as a sequel to ...
A: I'm not an entertainment attorney; I'm a book editor. The question is whether it is illegal or ...
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| WRITING | 1/13/2009 |
Q: I am writing a book on relaxation. There are many books that give techniques and steps to relax, or ...
A: Before I respond, let me make sure you plan to use the expertise of an editor before you submit your ...
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| writing | 1/11/2009 |
Q: Can you tell me what is a good way to begin to write a book? Thanks
A: If you really mean a book—that is, a nonfiction book—then in my opinion the best way to begin is to ...
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| The "Inaugural But" | 12/31/2008 |
Q: "Bobbie", I'm confident that I write well. BUT, because I obey the rule never to begin a sentence ...
A: If you read my book (Write In Style), you know my opinion on sticking your "But" out. A well-placed, ...
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| Using names | 12/12/2008 |
Q: I want to write a book about my life and something could shed some light on some of the people of my ...
A: Assuming the reason you don't want to use their real names is to avoid a lawsuit, let me give you a ...
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| how to introduce characters | 11/24/2008 |
Q: I'm writing a book and my first chapter is action, then the 2nd chapter I want to introduce the main ...
A: Let me address a separate issue first, and that is that readers assume that the characters in the ...
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| Writing Books | 11/7/2008 |
Q: I started writing books this summer, when family problems started. My books are interesting, or so ...
A: You pose an interesting dilemma; should you write to impress your reader or entertain your reader? ...
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| ghostwriters | 10/29/2008 |
Q: I have great ideas, great story lines, and endings. My problem is in dialogue. Is it possible to get ...
A: Most ghostwriters write nonfiction, not fiction. If you want to write fiction, good fiction, learn ...
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| Publishing | 10/18/2008 |
Q: I am 14 years old and have been writing stories since third grade. Of course, since this time I ...
A: Congratulations on being a writer and being determined to keep getting published. Your note says you ...
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| Question | 10/6/2008 |
Q: Am an author living in Nigeria,i desire to be on New York Times Best Selling list.Pls give me tips ...
A: I haven't researched the background of every best-selling author; I can only speak of the authors I ...
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| Question | 10/3/2008 |
Q: Am an author living in Nigeria,i desire to be on New York Times Best Selling list.Pls give me tips ...
A: First, American writers have only a 1% chance of getting traditionally published, and out of about ...
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| Publishers | 9/4/2008 |
Q: OK, I give. What is the difference between Chicago style vs. business English?
A: The answer is too long to explain in full, but some of the big differences include the serial comma, ...
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| Copyright | 9/4/2008 |
Q: A title I'm considering for my novel is Blood of the Lamb. Amazon.com says that title is already in ...
A: As I understand the law, titles are not eligible for copyrights the way longer works are; however, ...
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| Prologue | 9/3/2008 |
Q: I recently read a prologue in a thriller and Chapter One coordinated with the prologue's description ...
A: By its very nature, a prologue is something that takes place before the main action of a novel ...
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| Writing a book with outside submissions | 9/1/2008 |
Q: I have two ideas for books that involve others contributing their stories. This would be my first ...
A: Before you do anything, get to know the legal ramifications of acquiring the works of others. I’m ...
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| Publishing | 8/19/2008 |
Q: I wrote on and email to a publishing group, a short note about my book. It was a rough out line of ...
A: It’s true that it’s difficult to get a legitimate publishing house to look at your book without the ...
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| Letters into book? | 8/15/2008 |
Q: I have a Bachelors degree (major History). I am 54 year old woman. I have many letters written by my ...
A: It's very possible, but without seeing the material, it would be hard to say where to start, and as ...
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| purchase stock photos or wait till . . . | 8/12/2008 |
Q: I am publishing my third book and this one is more intense than the others. This is a 98 page + ...
A: First, agents donut represent your publishing business. They represent manuscripts in an attempt to ...
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| Editing/ Genre | 7/10/2008 |
Q: I am in the process of editing my fiction book. I have given it to some people to edit and one ...
A: I haven't seen the manuscript, so I can't be specific, but each genre has specific attributes that ...
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| questions | 7/4/2008 |
Q: whats your opinion about someone analyze all things around him , usually searching for trunth , ...
A: Those behaviors are a good start on the path to visual or literary arts, but it takes much more than ...
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| Starting to write | 6/21/2008 |
Q: I am currently embarking upon scribbling down my frustrations about false aspirations given at ...
A: The question is much too broad, as I'm sure you know, but the general answer would be simply to ...
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| query with sample pages. | 5/30/2008 |
Q: If it says "query with 3-5 pages of first chapter and synopsis with SASE" Does this mean for the ...
A: There is a big difference between a cover and a query letter. A cover letter accompanies a full ...
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| inquiry: How to sell articles to magazines | 5/29/2008 |
Q: Good day! I need information on the following questions. 1) What is the correct format in writing ...
A: Your questions are valid and worthy of answers, but the answers are much too complicated to answer ...
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| Sports Book Writing | 5/19/2008 |
Q: A Publisher recently approached me to write a book on cricket. It deals with some of the most ...
A: 1. You may want to read some books on the steps necessary to write a nonfiction book, because the ...
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| rights | 5/16/2008 |
Q: What does it mean when publishers say they buy first world rights?
A: You are wise to check thoroughly before selling your rights or signing any contract. Always be sure ...
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| Manuscript formatting...and stuff | 5/15/2008 |
Q: My local critique group (now dissolved) insisted that formatting for submission be done 12 pt. ...
A: Those lengthy methods were necessary when we used typewriters (although the figure I learned was 250 ...
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| 1st time author | 4/18/2008 |
Q: Do i need an agent? Should i get 1? what should i do because i write more then books?
A: You need an agent if you write fiction. If you write nonfiction, you may not need one. Look for a ...
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| English Assessment | 4/1/2008 |
Q: At the momment, Im doing an assessment task on a book i read earlier this year, and i can't seem to ...
A: Look in books on literature about point of view or see ...
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| POV | 3/4/2008 |
Q: Can you explain POV in a simple manner? The more I read about the subject the more confused I ...
A: Although entire books have been written on point of view, I will answer as quickly as I can by ...
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| mention song names | 2/13/2008 |
Q: If all I do is mention a song could i get in trouble. like if all the sentence is is ...
A: Titles cannot be copyrighted, so as I understand the law (and I’m not an attorney), you can ...
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| based on a true story and word count | 2/9/2008 |
Q: my first question is where would i or would i put that the book is based on a true story and that ...
A: 1. That information should be in the front of the book. In the manuscript, I’d put it either on the ...
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| chapters | 2/9/2008 |
Q: When doing the manuscript, do you indicate new chapters?
A: Absolutely, the author should indicate each new chapter, and each chapter should begin on a fresh ...
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| Manuscript Binding | 2/6/2008 |
Q: I know that most manuscripts submitted should not be bound in anyway other than a paper clip, but ...
A: You said it yourself; manuscripts should not be bound in any way, other than a paperclip. If a ...
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| book | 11/30/2007 |
Q: I am writing my memoirs from the 60’s and want to understand a few things about writing a book ...
A: Congratulations on getting started with your book. I can certainly understand that you want to ...
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| FOLLOW UP | 10/24/2007 |
Q: Someone asked for a detailed query. I have written one with a hook, second paragraph briefly ...
A: It’s hard to read an agent’s mind, but in my opinion the only other things you need to cover are the ...
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| query letters. | 10/24/2007 |
Q: Someone asked for a detailed query. I have written one with a hook, second paragraph briefly ...
A: It’s difficult to say without reading the actual query, but it sounds like it’s a good start. You’re ...
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| writing | 10/23/2007 |
Q: Do you think it is out of the question for me to write a self help book - similar to Deepak Chopra ...
A: Most writers of self-help books have a platform already; that is, they are already speakers with a ...
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| 23 Days | 10/4/2007 |
Q: I had brain surgery 12 years ago and post-surgery I was diagnosed as hypomanic/bi-polar/manic. As ...
A: Any story that shows triumph of the human spirit as well as an unusual outcome from dire ...
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| titles | 9/13/2007 |
Q: I have a title for my first book. But, how do you know if someone else has not already used this ...
A: Titles cannot be copyrighted, and at times titles are duplicated, usually unintentionally. I ...
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| contact company to sell book idea | 8/25/2007 |
Q: I recently started writing a book that involves the rapper 50 cent its not about hood life or ...
A: First you have to have excellent credentials to pitch a book idea to someone as well-established as ...
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| Writer's Voice | 6/22/2007 |
Q: I have often heard people speak about the 'writer's voice.' What exactly is it and how can I find my ...
A: First let me say that voice applies to two potential ways of writing. You can use your own voice ...
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| Finding an Agent | 6/21/2007 |
Q: I am planning on writing a book, it's real life, but fictional, and it's a novel, not a biography or ...
A: You're correct that if you plan to write a novel (a book of fiction) you will need an agent; ...
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| Biography | 5/21/2007 |
Q: I am ready to make a biography about one of these authors: Arthur Conan Doyle, Lord Byron, Oscar ...
A: The answer is much too long for an e-mail. I sold my book based on a proposal I wrote by following a ...
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| Biography | 5/21/2007 |
Q: I am ready to make a biography about one of these authors: Arthur Conan Doyle, Lord Byron, Oscar ...
A: The first place to start is to research libraries and bookstores for any biography that has already ...
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| non fiction writing critique | 5/11/2007 |
Q: I am a first time author seeking a non -fiction writing critique to evaluate my manuscript. Could ...
A: I'm not sure if you are searching for a free critique or a professional evaluation. Because I edit ...
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| Do short stories sell? | 5/10/2007 |
Q: Do collections of short stories sell these days? During my academic work on gender issues I've ...
A: While collections of short stories may not be the hottest seller today, they are selling moderately, ...
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| Copywrite | 4/30/2007 |
Q: My question is after a book is written how do I go about protecting my work with a copywrite before ...
A: Lisa. According to current law, you own the rights to your copy—hence copyright, rather than ...
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| book design | 4/18/2007 |
Q: I'm writing what I call a book or at least I hope it'll be one. It's finished being edited and ready ...
A: You are wise to be concerned about the cover. The cover often is the only thing that sells a book. ...
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| manuscript formatting | 4/7/2007 |
Q: I have written a short story in which the two characters alternate, i.e. one is listening to the ...
A: First think seriously about the wisdom of using thoughts at all, because thoughts always tell, ...
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| Childern's book - self publishing & use of museum, famous painting | 3/2/2007 |
Q: Self-publishing, seems to be my way forward as I understand from the local bookstores, my book is ...
A: Some publishers specialize in specific or regional books, so I wouldn’t give up just yet with the ...
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| First novel | 2/9/2007 |
Q: Intro. I'm an Allexpert from the South African department (and with the crazy questions I get, ...
A: 1) First let me say that many Christian publishers do not require that you approach them through an ...
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| Written Book | 2/8/2007 |
Q: The main problem I have is even finding an agent. Others in the publishing industry have read the ...
A: Ah, I more clearly understand, now. I thought you had signed with agents who later said they could ...
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| getting published | 2/8/2007 |
Q: I'm one of those people who enjoys writing but who finds the publishing end daunting. I have a few ...
A: The problem is that writing takes one skill set, and promoting our work to an agent or publisher ...
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| Writing Books | 2/8/2007 |
Q: Bobbie, Thanks for volunteering here. You will find it to be one of the most rewarding things you ...
A: I saw it and didn't know how to access my information to repair it. Turns out it was a breeze. I'm a ...
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| publishing: getting over the slush pile | 2/8/2007 |
Q: Let me lead up to my questions by telling you about my most recent life experiences and writing ...
A: I’ll address one question at a time. 1. Should you try to sell things today that you wrote years ...
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| publishing | 12/22/2006 |
Q: Im 15 and i just finished writing a short story. I really have no experience whatsoever in the ...
A: This question is far too broad for me to answer in a simple way. Entire books have been written on ...
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| publishing / profits | 12/1/2006 |
Q: how would i go about publishing an original 100 page poetry book? and generally how much would the ...
A: You have quite a few options and potential paths when it comes to self publishing, and there is much ...
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| editing a scene | 11/27/2006 |
Q: I just finished by first draft of a paranormal romance and now I need to go back and edit it. What ...
A: This question falls within the category of being too broad to answer in a simple e-mail, but I’ll ...
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| Writing a book | 11/2/2006 |
Q: I'm thinking about writing a book about drugs. I believe the title would be Legalizing Drugs in the ...
A: Obviously the subject goes against popular thinking, which means one of several things can happen. ...
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| musical | 10/25/2006 |
Q: ok, i am only 16, but i am attempting to right a play/ musical. and this is sort of strange for me ...
A: Congratulations for undertaking your new endeavor. Please remember, though, that the first time you ...
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| Using He/She instead of the character's name | 10/14/2006 |
Q: Bobbie, Thank you for your quick response. I still have one area that I want to make sure I ...
A: Creative writing rarely has absolutes. Ask ten editors and you might get ten opinions. Ask ten ...
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| Using He/She instead of the character's name | 10/14/2006 |
Q: I've been in a critique group and I'm terribly confused about when it is appropriate to use he/she ...
A: Let me clearly state that point of view does not always have to be internal dialogue, and good ...
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| help | 10/11/2006 |
Q: i have considered starting a book for a long time and i have come up with ideas on the plot the ...
A: Congratulations on creating a good plot and character development! Idea creation is one area where ...
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| English Borrowings | 10/6/2006 |
Q: Greetings!! America is often called a "melting pot", and this is reflected in American English as ...
A: Your question is one for a specialist in etymology, the study of the origins of words and how they ...
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| Would you read a sample? | 10/3/2006 |
Q: I'm a youngish poet with a Ph.D. in creative writing and some fairly good publications in my ...
A: I understand your plight, and I hope you understand mine. Because I edit manuscripts for a living, I ...
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| how do I get a book published? | 9/30/2006 |
Q: ------------------------- Followup To: Thank You So Much for your help. I have another ...
A: First let me say that having poetry accepted by a company that may not be as honest as another does ...
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| how do I get a book published? | 9/29/2006 |
Q: I have written some poems, not many but when I have enough of them, how do I go about getting it ...
A: First, don't put the cart before the horse. If you do not have enough poems to make up a book, write ...
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