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Writing Books/Questions Answered by Expert Bobbie Christmas
| Subject | Date Asked |
| editing | 9/29/2011 |
| Q: Since I am new to this business, I threw the question out there to see what would stick. I have ... A: so I could give a clear answer. Your letter to potential manuscript editors sounds perfect, with ... | |
| ebook | 9/13/2011 |
| Q: my new book is in pretty good shape. My writing coach has suggested a strategy for my novel. It ... A: Congratulations on finishing your book to the point that you can even ask these questions! Way to ... | |
| footnote | 7/29/2011 |
| Q: If a person mentions the phone number of the American Board of Medical Specialists as a place to ... A: Footnotes or endnotes reveal the source of information or facts. Because the source is the board ... | |
| Using real military aircraft in fiction | 6/8/2011 |
| Q: I am writing a fictional novel about a rogue group and use throughout the book real military ... A: First let me address the aircraft names. If we writers had to get permission every time we ... | |
| titles | 6/7/2011 |
| Q: Assume the following title(subtitle?) on a book. A TEACHER'S PERSPECTIVE Tips for Your Class ... A: I’m not quite sure of the question, but I’ll try to answer as best I understand it. If both those ... | |
| new book | 6/3/2011 |
| Q: how are you? I am writing my first book which is a biography. I am not sure of how many words for ... A: Excuse me for not understanding, but I thought I did answer your question. It's fine to make the ... | |
| new book | 5/26/2011 |
| Q: how are you? I am writing my first book which is a biography. I am not sure of how many words for ... A: No standards exist regarding chapter lengths. Make them as long or as short as necessary, in ... | |
| the president | 4/23/2011 |
| Q: I have asked you several questions before with nice results. Here is one that I have asked other ... A: The reason you’re confused is that the answer depends upon what you are writing. If you were writing ... | |
| writing a thriller | 2/25/2011 |
| Q: When writing a thriller do you begin the first chapter of the story with action from your ... A: The protagonist (main character, who wants something or wants to do something) and the antagonist ... | |
| cover letter | 2/23/2011 |
| Q: I will send a manuscript submission to a publisher for a picture book and I was wondering if it were ... A: A query letter asks permission to send a manuscript or proposal. A cover letter includes a ... | |
| word length | 2/22/2011 |
| Q: Ive just finished my vampire story. It's 60,000 words. Is this too short? If so, what next? Thanks A: Congratulations on completing your vampire story. Sixty thousand words is fine; most publishers ... | |
| Writing non-fiction | 1/24/2011 |
| Q: Can you tell me please if I can use real names and places when writing my non-fiction book or if I ... A: Although I'm not an attorney, which is the type of expert who should be answering this question, I ... | |
| Aspiring author! | 11/30/2010 |
| Q: Aii~~ I used to live in Atlanta! I actually just moved from there 3 weeks ago to live with my ... A: The answer sounds easy, but it’s not. Get out of your own way. Turn off the critic and just write. ... | |
| online critique groups | 11/19/2010 |
| Q: I have concerns about online critiquing groups. I would like my writing critiqued but…. Can you ... A: I don’t much about any specific groups, but I’ll say this: If you want to be absolutely sure to ... | |
| whats it all about? | 9/28/2010 |
| Q: can you give me a basic rundown on what it takes to get a small published article and then to move ... A: First, let me address your question about what material is best suited for selling manuscripts. The ... | |
| Can't find a model for doing this! | 9/17/2010 |
| Q: As my first ever book project, I'm working away on my own here trying to write a non-standard type ... A: My first piece of advice is to create an outline. I know, most of us hate outlines, so it can be as ... | |
| Integrating Nonfiction | 9/12/2010 |
| Q: I would like to add a bit of culture to my writing by mentioning Mozart, Mary Shelly, Shakespeare, ... A: The mention of a historical figure poses no threat of libel or plagiarism. A problem could arise, ... | |
| Book trailer | 8/19/2010 |
| Q: Creating a trailer to promote a book online seems to becoming more popular. I’m currently exploring ... A: I can only give you my opinion, not based on many facts I can locate, but you asked for my opinion, ... | |
| Formatting Text | 7/8/2010 |
| Q: I always place the opening sentence of a chapter or section, flush with the left margin. However, ... A: Ah, a definitive answer. If only! In truth when I edit manuscripts for publishers, the publisher or ... | |
| title punctuation within fiction | 6/28/2010 |
| Q: What is the correct punctuation for mentioning titles (movie, song, book etc.)within a work of ... A: When a thought is set in italics (or underlined) and something such as a movie or book title appears ... | |
| Adverb use | 6/27/2010 |
| Q: I’m having a problem with adverbs in short stories. (he said, shyly.) I want to enter some of my ... A: I’m so glad you asked me this question, because I have an answer you probably would not expect. ... | |
| Comma Confusion | 6/23/2010 |
| Q: Hope this note finds you well. I consulted you last December about hyphenating a particular ... A: Without quoting the rules for commas, let’s look at the sentence in an objective way. If the wording ... | |
| title punctuation within fiction | 6/23/2010 |
| Q: What is the correct punctuation for mentioning titles (movie, song, book etc.)within a work of ... A: The answer depends upon the style of the publication where the piece will appear. Newspapers, ... | |
| Can a fiction writer write a movie script easily? | 5/23/2010 |
| Q: My question is: Can a fiction writer write a movie script easily? From what I read, few ... A: A novelist with good story ideas can certainly concoct good movie ideas; however, no one is born ... | |
| Formatting | 5/8/2010 |
| Q: What is the current accepted practice for spaces at the end of a sentence? In college, I was taught ... A: Chicago Style (preferred by book publishers) dictates one space after a period. This spacing differs ... | |
| Grammer/Puncuation | 4/25/2010 |
| Q: What are the rules for capitalizing government and military titles? For instance, would I write: ... A: Sorry for the delay in answering your question; I was in Central and South America on vacation. ... | |
| Book editting/revising | 4/20/2010 |
| Q: I've been writing books for some time now, but recently I've been convinced that it's ridiculous for ... A: I apologize for being late in responding. I've been on vacation in Central and South America for a ... | |
| memoir/ nonfiction | 4/10/2010 |
| Q: In memoir writing, Writing chapter by chapter outline should the writer show or tell what happens ... A: A chapter-by-chapter outline does not tell everything in the chapter. It can be a one-paragraph ... | |
| coauthorship | 3/23/2010 |
| Q: I recently finished a book that is written through my husband's perspective. Because we have a ... A: I don't know the status of the design of the cover, but if it were me, I would put his name and mine ... | |
| dialog | 3/14/2010 |
| Q: I have questions about dialog. First here is what I believe I know. Use double quotes for standard ... A: The punctuation of dialogue (note the more conventional spelling of dialogue here) depends upon ... | |
| novel writing | 3/7/2010 |
| Q: I am wondering to know if I can use only first 'names' for my characters- both protagonist and ... A: There is no absolute rule on names of characters in fiction, but usually first and last names are ... | |
| novice | 3/6/2010 |
| Q: i want to write a children collection of books, with rhyming stories, i love rhyme and i love ... A: My best advice? Educate yourself about writing, about books for children, about the typical age ... | |
| Any Advice.... | 2/24/2010 |
| Q: "Hi, I really don't know if you can help, but Thank you for the time you take to read this. I am a ... A: Manuscript editing and evaluation is what I do for a living, but frankly it’s always better to ... | |
| Contracts | 2/12/2010 |
| Q: In your experience, have you ever encountered any disaffected writers under contract with a major ... A: No, I haven't, and I'm surprised to hear of it. Obviously the publisher thought the manuscript ... | |
| Contracts | 2/12/2010 |
| Q: In your experience, have you ever encountered any disaffected writers under contract with a major ... A: I’ve known one who was under contract with a less-than-major publisher, and he created so much ... | |
| writing a book and using real names | 2/7/2010 |
| Q: Can I write a book and use real names or do I need to use false names? Is it Ok to write a book and ... A: I am not an attorney, and an attorney may say people have a right to sue for any reason, and only ... | |
| Writing book | 1/19/2010 |
| Q: I've had a challenging life and have turned it around. I have had several people tell me I need to ... A: First, just so you will know, a biography is a book written about someone else’s life. A book about ... | |
| A quick editing question | 12/11/2009 |
| Q: Bobbie - Greetings. I'm in the final stages of editing a manuscript, and my editor and I have ... A: Technically speaking, when all three words are used as an adjective to describe a noun (as in ... | |
| Book | 11/23/2009 |
| Q: Ms. Christmas, I'm going through a situatin in my life that would love to write about. I would ... A: : You are not going to like my answer, but I will be straightforward and honest. The quality of the ... | |
| 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, ... | |
| 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 ... | |
| 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 ... | |
| 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 ... | |
| 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 ... | |
| 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. ... | |
| 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 ... | |
| 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 ... | |
| 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 ... | |
| 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 ... | |
| 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 ... | |
| 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 ... | |
| 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, ... | |
| 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 ... | |
| 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 ... | |
| 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 ... | |
| 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 ... | |
| 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 ... | |
| 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 ... | |
| 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 ... | |
| 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 ... | |
| 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 ... | |
| 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 ... | |
| 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 ... | |
| 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 ... | |
| 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 ... | |
| 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 ... | |
| 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 ... | |
| 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, ... | |
| 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 ... | |
| 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 ... | |
| 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? ... | |
| 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 ... | |
| 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 ... | |
| 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 ... | |
| 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 ... | |
| 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, ... | |
| 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, ... | |
| 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 ... | |
| 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 ... | |
| 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 ... | |
| 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 ... | |
| 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 ... | |
| 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 ... | |
| 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 ... | |
| 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 ... | |
| 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 ... | |
| 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 ... | |
| 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 ... | |
| 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 ... | |
| 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 ... | |
| 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 ... | |
| 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 ... | |
| 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 ... | |
| 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 ... | |
| 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 ... | |
| 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 ... | |
| 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 ... | |
| 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 ... | |
| 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 ... | |
| 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 ... | |
| 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 ... | |
| 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 ... | |
| 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 ... | |
| 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 ... | |
| 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 ... | |
| 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; ... | |
| 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 ... | |
| 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 ... | |
| 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 ... | |
| 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, ... | |
| 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 ... | |
| 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. ... | |
| 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, ... | |
| 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 ... | |
| 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 ... | |
| 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 ... | |
| 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 ... | |
| 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 ... | |
| 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 ... | |
| 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 ... | |
| 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 ... | |
| 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 ... | |
| 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. ... | |
| 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 ... | |
| 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 ... | |
| 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 ... | |
| 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 ... | |
| 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 ... | |
| 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 ... | |
| 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 ... | |
| 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 ... | |
Writing Books
Answers by Expert:
Bobbie Christmas
Top Expert on this page
Expertise
Book Doctor Bobbie Christmas owns Zebra Communications, a book-editing firm in metro Atlanta. She not only edits books, she also helps writers power up their prose to increase their chances of success. She is the author of Write In Style (Union Square Publishing), a creative-writing guide that won three awards.
Experience
Bobbie has spent more than 40 years in the publishing and communications industry and has run Zebra Communications, a book-editing company, since 1992. The editor of many publications and periodicals, she has worked with book publishers and trade magazine publishers as well as working in marketing communications and corporate communications.
Organizations
Past president, Georgia Writers Association; past vice president, South Carolina Writers Workshop; charter/lifelong member, Florida Writers Association; Southeastern Writers Association; Atlanta Writers Club; Society for the Preservation of English Language and Literature (SPELL); International Guild of Professional Consultants
Publications
Write in Style (Union Square Publishing), A Cup of Comfort (Adams Media Corporation), A Cup of Comfort for Friends (Adams Media), A Cup of Comfort for Mothers and Sons (Adams Media), Haunted Engounters (Atriad Press), Remembering Woolworth's (St. Martin's Press), First-Time Home Buyer magazine, HomeBusiness Journal, Apparel Industry Magazine, Edge Magazine, Atlanta Jewish Times, Time Travel Australia, American Writers Review, Points North, That's Entertainment, Atlanta Parent, Agnes Scott Alumnae Magazine, etc.
Education/Credentials
Journalism: University of South Carolina plus four decades of working in publishing, marketing, communications, advertising, newspaper and magazine production, book publishing, etc.
Awards and Honors
First Place, nonfiction, Georgia Writers Annual Contest, 2005; First Place, education, Royal Palm Literary Award, 2004; Best in Division, Georgia Author of the Year Awards, 2005; Finalist, Best Books 2005, USA BookNews
Third Place, nonfiction, Georgia Writers, 1999; Nominated for Georgia Author of the Year, 1998; plus many other awards
Past/Present Clients
Capital Books, Sourcebooks, Olin Frederick, The Writer's Machine, Russell Dean & Company, Outskirts Press, and hundreds of writers.
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