| Subject | Date Asked |
|
| Publishing a book | 10/23/2009 |
Q: I have finished writing a book in Spanish about personal growth and meditation and would like your ...
A: It's funny you have the exact genre of book that I just finished editing last fall, which is now in ...
|
| Compiling a book of quotes | 10/19/2009 |
Q: I have two questions: 1. Over the years I have compiled hundreds of quotes on various subjects. ...
A: Using any quote has to have credit given to the author- otherwise, it is plagiarism. You can see ...
|
| characterisation | 10/18/2009 |
Q: I am writing a fiction book that I hope will be popular with younger children and also older ...
A: First I'd like to tell you that you can not write a book that is popular for young children, older ...
|
| I am writing my first book | 10/4/2009 |
Q: How do I start a book that supposed to be about me?
A: I'm sorry I don't have the tools to teach you how to write an autobiography- but starting it can ...
|
| When to publish | 10/1/2009 |
Q: Is there a right time to publish? Like, should I push to get my book published before Christmas? ...
A: You might be under the impression that most hopeful writers are- that you can just get published and ...
|
| liability - non fiction writing | 9/30/2009 |
Q: I am a young teacher who is just starting my second year of teaching special education teacher. I ...
A: No, you won't have a problem. When you refer to one of your students that said this or did that, ...
|
| To end quote or not to end quote... that, is the question... | 9/29/2009 |
Q: I'm writing a baseball scene as described through the voice of a radio broadcaster. My character is ...
A: You don't begin with an opening quotation mark unless you've ended with one. Even though he is an ...
|
| names | 9/28/2009 |
Q: 1. I am writing a true story of events that happen to me. Can I use fictitious names that sound like ...
A: 1. Yes, you can create fictitious names that sound like their real names. It's done all the time. ...
|
| editing a manuscript | 9/21/2009 |
Q: How much writing/rewriting does an editor do when it comes to manuscripts? Are they there to just ...
A: Danielle, There is no set "how much" of editing and rewriting is required to edit a manuscript ...
|
| freelance editing | 9/17/2009 |
Q: I'm curious, how do people get into freelance book editing? Thanks ANSWER: Actually, there is no ...
A: That I would have no idea. There is no way to know that data. What a profession earns depends on ...
|
| freelance editing | 9/17/2009 |
Q: I'm curious, how do people get into freelance book editing? Thanks ANSWER: Actually, there is no ...
A: I don't know. It is a good question. You can check your local area for editorial companies and go ...
|
| freelance editing | 9/16/2009 |
Q: I'm curious, how do people get into freelance book editing? Thanks
A: Actually, there is no such thing as "freelance editor." Freelance writer, yes. If you want to book ...
|
| Company names/Peoples names | 9/14/2009 |
Q: I am writing a book that is based on a true story though will be marketed as fiction. I have ...
A: If it is based on your life, then it is an autobiography and is non-fiction. But you stil can't ...
|
| promotional tours | 9/12/2009 |
Q: When a new author is promoting a book do they have the right to refuse to do certain interviews if ...
A: That's usually outlined in the publishing contract between the publisher and author. There are ...
|
| 2nd liability question | 9/11/2009 |
Q: I need some guidance. I am writing a book rgarding my experiences behind the scenes at the Home ...
A: Off-hand I cannot think of any books that are based on true life stories; but there are a lot. I am ...
|
| liability | 9/11/2009 |
Q: I need some guidance. I am writing a book rgarding my experiences behind the scenes at the Home ...
A: Unfortunately, being a "whistle-blower" is opening yourself up to liability. You will be sued. No ...
|
| Company names/Peoples names | 9/10/2009 |
Q: I am writing a book that is based on a true story though will be marketed as fiction. I have ...
A: You cannot use real company names or real people's names without expressed written consent through a ...
|
| trade shows | 9/2/2009 |
Q: What is a book editor's role at trade shows? Thanks
A: Usually, trade shows are for publishers, editors, and authors, writers, and the newer author to ...
|
| Copyright considerations | 9/1/2009 |
Q: I have a couple of potentially stupid questions...(forgive me if this is the case). I am wondering ...
A: No, it's not a stupid question- it's a responsible one for a writer. When it comes to a song title, ...
|
| Specific University Names in fiction | 8/31/2009 |
Q: I have a fictional character who is a Psychology professor in a book I am writing. Is there ...
A: Using the real identity of a university, when a character is employed there, is a liability. If a ...
|
| Using people's names in nonfiction | 8/31/2009 |
Q: Jamie. I have written a biography of a large period of my life, during which I was a Zoo Keeper at a ...
A: It sounds delightful. In order to use people's real names, you would need their legal permission- ...
|
| real life issues | 8/26/2009 |
Q: I have lived abroad now for 20 years, and would like to write a book about my experiences working ...
A: Jaqueline, No one can tell someone how to begin and where to start writing a book. You are a ...
|
| promoting a book | 8/23/2009 |
Q: When a writer is promoting a book, are they usually doing one on one interviews or are they ...
A: To promote the book, a writer must do it all. Anything and everything. If it is not a self-published ...
|
| book sales | 8/20/2009 |
Q: I'm not sure if you can answer this or not, but what is considered a successful book, for a ...
A: That's kind of a generic question because what do you personally feel and measure "success" and your ...
|
| Using Real Events in a Novel | 8/12/2009 |
Q: I am attempting to write my first novel and I want to open it (and use throughout the book, ...
A: Using Yankee player's names and any reference to the Yankees is a copyright infringement. The ...
|
| Legal standing? | 8/10/2009 |
Q: For a long time I have been thinking about compiling a collection of ghost stories and spooky ...
A: No, you cannot use stories you have heard or read-- you must get permission by the person to reprint ...
|
| Getting over the hump... | 7/2/2009 |
Q: I was wondering if you have any advice for getting "over the hump?" I have several novels begun, ...
A: If you have "several" started, then you aren't committed and don't like the stories you have begun. ...
|
| 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: From what I assumed from the web site, you have two published novels already. You also had a ...
|
| How to format two accounts of story | 6/19/2009 |
Q: I am copy editing a memoir that switches back and forth between a husband and wife telling the ...
A: Never italicize anything in the book exept maybe a thought, or some type of empathize. Use normal ...
|
| Thriller writing. | 6/19/2009 |
Q: Im 17 and I'm really interested in writing either a thriller play or a thriller book. At my school ...
A: I recommend joining a writers workshop group. Google them and see. Then pick one. But, I highly ...
|
| Non fiction Crime Novel | 6/15/2009 |
Q: I am interested in writing a crime novel that involved two homicides. What are the legal ...
A: If you really want to write this story, from whatever angle, if you can get his permission, and ...
|
| Disclaimer | 6/15/2009 |
Q: I have written a fiction. The story is based on a true story. To be exact, it's the fascinating ...
A: You can copy the disclaimer that appears on the television show Law & Order or the like. Something ...
|
| I'm interested in writing and publishing a book | 6/14/2009 |
Q: I am a teen and I love to write. I have an anxiety disorder and I'm interested in writing a book to ...
A: You can not just simply "publish" a book, unless you self-publish, which does cost $1,000's. In ...
|
| Copyright Page | 6/12/2009 |
Q: I'm self publishing a book that I had copyrighted with the Library of Congress a few years ago. Of ...
A: On the inside- first page to the left is the original copyright date, the publisher and publishing ...
|
| How do I get published? | 6/8/2009 |
Q: I am a 17 year old girl who's been dying to write a novel since the age of 8. I remember sitting ...
A: Kayla, It takes years and years and years to become a writer. Join an Online writers group and ...
|
| The use of historical characters in fiction | 5/30/2009 |
Q: My book is in production with a publisher. Since this is my first novel, I want to make certain that ...
A: If the information is history-- then it belongs to anyone to source and use. It's our own heritage. ...
|
| How to become an Editor? | 5/30/2009 |
Q: ! This is not about publishing a book, but please advice as this is regarding your profession. I ...
A: You can send out your cover letter and resume to prospects, but since you have no professional ...
|
| The use of historical characters in fiction | 5/30/2009 |
Q: My book is in production with a publisher. Since this is my first novel, I want to make certain that ...
A: Your publisher's editors advise on these things and ask you, the author, to make changes. Have ...
|
| How do you publish a book? | 5/24/2009 |
Q: How long does it take to publish a book? ANSWER: Once the publisher's editors and author have ...
A: What? What a\on earth makes you ask that question? You can not just publish a book-- you have to ...
|
| Plagiarism? | 5/23/2009 |
Q: Well I am going to do a bibliography.And I did reword it,a lot,a whole lot actually.So is it still ...
A: A "bibliography" is the study of the bible, and there would be either quotes from a verse or ...
|
| Plagiarism? | 5/22/2009 |
Q: Well I am going to do a bibliography.And I did reword it,a lot,a whole lot actually.So is it still ...
A: As long as you have reworded it, you should be fine. But you can still cite your references from ...
|
| Plagiarism? | 5/21/2009 |
Q: If you have a report to do and you have to research articles online for it and you reword the ...
A: I'm sorry, I can't do that. Not only because if I do for one, everyone will ask, I am a ...
|
| Plagiarism? | 5/20/2009 |
Q: If you have a report to do and you have to research articles online for it and you reword the ...
A: Paraphrasing without giving credit citing the source can still be considered plagiarism. Run the ...
|
| fiction about politics and government | 5/8/2009 |
Q: I've read some of your answers regarding the use of real names of people and organizations. Lots of ...
A: I would not use the title/name of the real event. This is a fiction genre, and any "real and true" ...
|
| required permission for locale | 5/7/2009 |
Q: First, thank you for your valuable time. I am currently writing a fiction novel about a girl named ...
A: Using the real name of a school is a liability. They have patented their name and mascot. IF you ...
|
| what publishers are looking for | 5/1/2009 |
Q: As a first time writer with lots of book ideas how do I get advice from agents on what publishers ...
A: A good place to be sure of an agent is: http://www.anotherealm.com/prededitors/pubagent.htm ...
|
| what publishers are looking for | 4/30/2009 |
Q: As a first time writer with lots of book ideas how do I get advice from agents on what publishers ...
A: You do not "get" advice from agents-- you hire them, or rather, they accept you. Once an agent ...
|
| Okay - so no copyright infringement but... | 4/27/2009 |
Q: What about if I wanted to use characters that no one has claim to creating - like Greek Gods - ...
A: If you are creating Greek gods, it sounds like fantasy/sci-fi genre and most anything you create is ...
|
| Would you be willing... | 4/26/2009 |
Q: Balliett, I was wondering if you'd be willing to look over the first six chapters of my book? I ...
A: I clicked the link, read your reviews, and clicked the first chapter. The opening is too ...
|
| writing a book | 4/26/2009 |
Q: We are writing a fictious story and are using fictious characters but want to know if you can use ...
A: You CAN use real towns and cities; but not actual companies and businesses. That would be liable. ...
|
| co writers and copyrights | 4/24/2009 |
Q: I wrote a fiction short story that I developed with another aspiring writer friend - we copyrighted ...
A: Derek, Since you and the co-author only copyrighted the "story" that is all the co-author is ...
|
| Well.. | 4/24/2009 |
Q: I want to write a novel, but in it I want to mention a few characters from other pieces of writing. ...
A: Mentioning characters in other works, real names, real companies, etc. is copyright infringement and ...
|
| What happens at the publisher's house? | 4/22/2009 |
Q: I recently submitted a Science Fiction manuscript for publishing. Now that the manuscript is out of ...
A: Generally it is generic. Like "however good, we are not currently accepting that genre right now." ...
|
| copyright infringment | 4/22/2009 |
Q: would it be copyright infringment if your book had a similar title to common famous names ie, What ...
A: Go to: http://www.copyright.gov Read things on the government's copyright web site. Yes, you can ...
|
| What happens at the publisher's house? | 4/22/2009 |
Q: I recently submitted a Science Fiction manuscript for publishing. Now that the manuscript is out of ...
A: I hope the publisher is a traditional publisher. The editor(s) will read the MS and make side notes ...
|
| My Fantasy Novel | 4/20/2009 |
Q: my name is Rhiya, I'm 15 and i have been writing my fantasy novel Andradar for just over a year. I ...
A: Take your characters and create a Character Profile: list every detail of them-- likes and dislikes ...
|
| publishers | 4/5/2009 |
Q: Who would be a good children's book publisher to send my book to. I would like one that will not ...
A: It's not that easy to list a million children book publishers. And legitimate traditional ...
|
| Novel | 3/28/2009 |
Q: I am 14 years old and I am currently writing a novel. This is a piece of it and I was wondering if ...
A: I'm sorry, I do not do readings at no charge. I am a professional editor as well as writer and can ...
|
| 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: No, there is no difference. A proposal, a query letter, whatever the case may be-- are the same. ...
|
| Using a famous person's name. | 3/18/2009 |
Q: I'm a medium, and I've written a book which mentions John Edward (he did a reading for me). I've ...
A: No, you can not use his name. You have a letter telling you not to. Abide by it- it means he will ...
|
| Quoting other authors | 3/17/2009 |
Q: 1. Is there a limit to how many words I can quote from an author's non-fiction book? 2. Is it a ...
A: There is no "limit" on how many words. To quote an author and give him credit (references: author ...
|
| writing | 2/20/2009 |
Q: I have a couple of questions. First, what are the requirements for getting a literary agent? Also, ...
A: Advertise on the web at the free ad sites. Create a web page advertising editorial services, ...
|
| aesthetic | 2/19/2009 |
Q: Maybe you could help me to understand the passage below? The song "Mofo" is really the dance ...
A: Pretense means: 1: a claim made or implied ; especially : one not supported by fact2 a: mere ...
|
| writing | 2/18/2009 |
Q: I have a couple of questions. First, what are the requirements for getting a literary agent? Also, ...
A: To be a freelance editor? Or to hire the services of a freelance editor? Follow-Up To get ...
|
| writing | 2/17/2009 |
Q: I have a couple of questions. First, what are the requirements for getting a literary agent? Also, ...
A: If you intend to write in different genres, then it would be best to get an agent that represents ...
|
| WRITING | 1/29/2009 |
Q: I know this is not your specialty but maybe you know. I am creating a website on anxiety. Many ...
A: You can cite a medical source in quotes and then credit to the author, journal, or the resource of ...
|
| Actual places with fictional characters | 1/24/2009 |
Q: I am writing a novel based on a true story. I have changed the names of all the characters to ...
A: You can not use real towns, streets, places with a true story. Yes, people will recognize the true ...
|
| Using the name of a famous person | 1/19/2009 |
Q: I am writing a fictional novel slightly based off my life. In the novel I would like to reference ...
A: In order to mention or reference a real person, you must use the reference in a positive light and ...
|
| FOLLOW UP QUESTION | 1/14/2009 |
Q: One agency states that it wants in the query: 1. A paragraph about yourself, 2. Publishing credits, ...
A: The public never sees any author's "writer's resume" and that is just a term. A "writer's resume" ...
|
| 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: I wouldn't use the exact wording that you've read in another book explaining these steps. I would ...
|
| FOLLOW UP QUESTION | 1/12/2009 |
Q: One agency states that it wants in the query: 1. A paragraph about yourself, 2. Publishing credits, ...
A: New writers are writers that do not have any books published. This would be your very first- so you ...
|
| literary agent question | 1/12/2009 |
Q: One agency states that it wants in the query: 1. A paragraph about yourself, 2. Publishing credits, ...
A: The publishing credits do not have to be paid credits, but anything that is published. I will say ...
|
| Setting -- Using a real place | 1/12/2009 |
Q: I've been writing on again and off again for years. I keep coming back to stories that take place ...
A: A lot of authors write the location that they are from. This is okay. but IF you by accident pick a ...
|
| question on genre | 1/11/2009 |
Q: I am writing a middle grade novel in which I conjecture that Magellan didn't actually die and went ...
A: There are so many new genres now, that it could probably be marketed in a bunch of different ones, ...
|
| tips please | 1/9/2009 |
Q: I've been through a lot of things and I've decided to start writing a story about it. I've got the ...
A: The first step would be to organize the story. Make a journal of ideas of the opening chapter, ...
|
| Getting Started (Writing a Novel) | 1/7/2009 |
Q: I am a huge book worm, I love to read. I had a dream one night and decided I wanted to write a ...
A: Since you haven't written before, and at a loss on how to begin, I suggest you join a writer's group ...
|
| Writing and Publishing | 12/30/2008 |
Q: Jannie, I am a college student and have been doing a lot of pleasure writing over the last few ...
A: Jenna, There is no price to quote you. Each agent charges a different fee, percentage of sales, ...
|
| Writing and Publishing | 12/30/2008 |
Q: Jannie, I am a college student and have been doing a lot of pleasure writing over the last few ...
A: I know every author was at one time, a new, first time author. So how did they get published? A ...
|
| Agents | 12/20/2008 |
Q: How hard is it to get an agent? I have gone through so much information on the web, I am not sure ...
A: Agents are as hard to hire in contract, as a publisher. The agent has to want to get your book ...
|
| Use of real names | 12/19/2008 |
Q: I've written my first short story about playing baseball in my 50's. It's basically for laughs. ...
A: Yes. You can not use the real names of people without their written consent. Even if you did not ...
|
| writing a book | 11/28/2008 |
Q: I am writing a book on our traditional owners of our country, the aboriginals of Australia. they ...
A: Yes, as long as you reference the source giving credit. If you use word for word, you must use ...
|
| a novel idea plot | 11/13/2008 |
Q: I'm writing a novel about a girl who fell in love with a guy who si eleven years older then she was. ...
A: The plot of the age difference and breaking up-- and he stalking her, is no winning story. It is ...
|
| Freelance | 11/11/2008 |
Q: Would you know how I could get started with freelance work? I have tried contacting some magazine ...
A: CJ, Freelance is a particular market where certain entities need freelancers for articles on ...
|
| writting books | 11/7/2008 |
Q: I would like to write a fictional novel with lots of suspense and action with a love story imbedded ...
A: Unfortunately, you are expecting a miracle solution that would be "forced." By forced, I mean, ...
|
| critiqueing | 11/4/2008 |
Q: I have written a children's book about a talking parrot. I need it to be critiqued so I can send it ...
A: You hire an editor to critique it, proof it, recommend changes, checking for everything from A to Z. ...
|
| inspiration | 10/31/2008 |
Q: Sir, Please treat my question with politiness even if it looks irelivant,I have a problem drawing ...
A: Ntata, Inspiration is not something you can obtain outside of yourself. Someone else can not give ...
|
| writing books | 9/30/2008 |
Q: I've always wanted to be able to write books, especially fantasy, but I can never get any ideas. How ...
A: To "be able" to write books indicates that you need to join an Online writers group. Search the MSN ...
|
| writing a novel | 9/30/2008 |
Q: I am 11 years old, for years I have wanted to be an author, but I never had ideas, now that I ...
A: I don't normally do this kind of request since I spend most my time as a professional editor and ...
|
| creating a world | 9/7/2008 |
Q: In a book I have planned I need to create my own sort of imaginary world, and I wanted to know what ...
A: This can not be taught or explained or answered. No one can answer, "how I would be able to develop ...
|
| Sources of Information | 8/11/2008 |
Q: I have gathered a lot of information and I want to put togehter this in a book that will be useful ...
A: I presume this novel is non-fiction. Therefore, you can use real cases as in the media and ...
|
| Legal Issues - Real Organization | 8/9/2008 |
Q: I'm interested in using a real, existing organization as a secondary villain in one of my novels. I ...
A: The legalities of the organization, corporation, company, etc. is trademarked and registered and CAN ...
|
| writing tools | 8/8/2008 |
Q: Saw Dick Schlueter's note to you about the difficulties of negotiating Microsoft Word (I have Word ...
A: I prefer MicroSoft Works to any other program. There is no pre-setup problems, unless you are ready ...
|
| Writing my life | 7/29/2008 |
Q: I am about to begin writing a book about my life (which has been very eventful). I want people to ...
A: To write a biography, you have to change the names and places of the real people and cities. Unless ...
|
| Length & Content | 7/18/2008 |
Q: im having trouble with the length of my stories, i have been suggested to add more description, but ...
A: Length i irrelevant. Why bother worrying about "length" such as word count, pages, etc.? Stories ...
|
| writing | 7/17/2008 |
Q: im thinking that writing might be the thing for me since im a bigginer and don't have alot of ...
A: I've been there today and posted and done some minor changing around. It's: ...
|
| writing | 7/17/2008 |
Q: im thinking that writing might be the thing for me since im a bigginer and don't have alot of ...
A: I founded MSN's Writers Cick 101 at http://groups.msn.com/writersclic101 I have not been there in ...
|
| writing | 7/16/2008 |
Q: im thinking that writing might be the thing for me since im a bigginer and don't have alot of ...
A: Hon, join a writers group Online. MSN has a lot of good ones. Learn from other writers although most ...
|
| New Author | 6/17/2008 |
Q: Salutations, how are you. I am a new author. I write books based on Christianity and how I am called ...
A: Get with reality. Chances are all the good ideas you have thought up will not be any the publisher ...
|
| Second Edition | 6/11/2008 |
Q: Are there any rules associated with publishing a second edition of a given book? My first edition ...
A: Are you self-published? Your publisher can answer and handle all of the second edition ...
|
| Writing a Book - Getting started | 6/6/2008 |
Q: I have taken classes to help advance my writing career. The company is Long Ridge Writing Assoc. My ...
A: I know nothing about the school, and do not recommend schools because of liability issues. Any ...
|
| Advice needed | 5/18/2008 |
Q: All right, I'm trying to get a book going, and I know my characters well, but whenever I start ...
A: You might have an idea for the climax, but the ending is not created as yet. Why? Because a good ...
|
| question please | 5/18/2008 |
Q: 1- when I writing stories , how can I get a reference for my work to evaluate my work ? 2- whats ...
A: That's too many questions for a writer. Apparently, you are just beginning without any research or ...
|
| Advice needed | 5/17/2008 |
Q: All right, I'm trying to get a book going, and I know my characters well, but whenever I start ...
A: If you get bored writing it, then think how your potential readers are going to be. Don't write all ...
|
| rights | 5/16/2008 |
Q: What does it mean when publishers say they buy first world rights?
A: That means if the book gets an offer to print in China, Japan, the UK, etc. the original publisher ...
|
| Writing a book | 5/13/2008 |
Q: I wish to write a book on my family and interesting events that surround them, as well as the ...
A: Difficult, yes. Impossible, no. As far as publishers go, no traditional publisher reads or accepts ...
|
| Writing a book | 5/12/2008 |
Q: I wish to write a book on my family and interesting events that surround them, as well as the ...
A: It will be difficult since you have no experience or knowledge that you need to write a book. ...
|
| Young writer incorporating romance in novella | 5/3/2008 |
Q: I am a young writer, working on a historical fiction idea (hoping to make it into a YA novella). A ...
A: The first rule of a writer, is to write about what you know, and in the location you know. If you ...
|
| writing my first fiction | 4/9/2008 |
Q: i have been wanting to write a book for a few years now. i am always interested in cultural ...
A: Since you have started already and didn't pre-plan with an outline: just go ahead and write. When ...
|
| External Conflict | 4/6/2008 |
Q: Hey Jannie! My name is Cassie and I need some help. I am working on a novel right now that calls ...
A: Cassie, use "real life" incidents, verbal exchanges (words and sayings) and draw from your own ...
|
| BOOK TITLES | 4/4/2008 |
Q: Can one use a bastardization of a word or phrase with impunity? For example if I wrote a book about ...
A: Yes you can, however when you write about someone, you open yourself up to slander and defirmation ...
|
| topic | 4/2/2008 |
Q: I feel kind of embarrassed as I write this. See, I am a 10 year old, but I do want to start writing ...
A: 10 years old is a difficult age to grasp topics to write, but if you keep your stories to your age ...
|
| Getting started | 3/16/2008 |
Q: I am always hearing that you should write the type of book that you love to read. I enjoy cozy ...
A: There's nothing to loose, or anything wrong with writing in a genre that is popular and now, ...
|
| Querying a self-published book | 3/10/2008 |
Q: If I have a book that I have self-published (or am in the process of self-publishing), should I ...
A: I'm not sure why you would need an agent if you are self-publishing. If you have an already ...
|
| a too long idea incubation | 1/28/2008 |
Q: I'm a published writer here in Indonesia. I'm currently on the making of my second novel, and I have ...
A: Follow Up: I would suggest carrying a notepad and pen everywhere, and a cassette recorder ...
|
| a too long idea incubation | 1/27/2008 |
Q: I'm a published writer here in Indonesia. I'm currently on the making of my second novel, and I have ...
A: Congrats on being "hot" right now and for the writing award! That's every writer's dream! I ...
|
| book | 1/17/2008 |
Q: I have been plugging along. Have about 250 hand written double spaced pages written so far. Turns ...
A: Have you tried a word processor like MicroSoft Works or Word? You can type and spell check to ...
|
| Trouble finishing what I start | 1/16/2008 |
Q: I have been writing fiction stories for the last ten years now. I have so many because I get ...
A: Your dilemma is a very common one. Not to worry, don't distress but rejoice in it... it means you ...
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| COpyright of collected stories | 12/8/2007 |
Q: . I have collected 15 TRUE stories written by others for my book......DO I COPYRIGHT IT ALL IN MY ...
A: Let me explain copyright. As long as you have your copyright symbol and date, name on each story- ...
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| My First Book | 12/5/2007 |
Q: i'm 13 from UK, i'm writing my first story, well short story. it's about 15 pages long so far but ...
A: So young to be writing- I am impressed. You have a good head start on the craft. Stories are two ...
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| short story | 12/4/2007 |
Q: i like your idea about short stories to get noticed. easier to manage and feedback should be good ...
A: Short stories fall under a few categories. Flash fiction: 500-1000 words (usually) Regular ...
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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: Dick, you have your hands full. An interesting idea. Average number of words for 250 pages is ...
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| kind of stuck... | 11/25/2007 |
Q: I was wondering if you had any practices to help with getting rid of writer's block or how to ...
A: I wrote a humorous article about writers block located at http://jannieballiett.net/ForWriters.html ...
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| agents and characters | 10/28/2007 |
Q: Any tips on how to make characters both believable and likeable? Also, I am curious about the ...
A: Concerning believable characters: If necessary, create a character profile of the character(s) with ...
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| Character Deaths | 10/25/2007 |
Q: Without getting into too much details, I plan on ending my book by killing...well...everyone. It ...
A: No, it wouldn't turn readers off-- not all stories have a happy ending. You might leave a twist ...
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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: Al, it is not out of the question to write a self-help book, especially from an "average" person ...
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| Can I have legal issues for a true story novel? | 10/21/2007 |
Q: I've being thinking for quite a while to write the story of my life, in particular my youth. ...
A: Good question-- and the answer is a touchy one. When any author uses the real identity of people in ...
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| Real Settings | 10/16/2007 |
Q: My question is relatively simple, however it is one for which I have no answer. Does an author have ...
A: David, that is an excellent question. The answer is yes and no. Each university has their own and ...
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| How many words on a page | 10/11/2007 |
Q: How many words are on a page of a novel's text? How many chapters make a good novel? How do you ...
A: Generally, a novel has approximately 250 words per page. Chapters can be as short as 20, and as long ...
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| preface/roman numerals | 10/11/2007 |
Q: As a reader, not a writer, and it may be a "no brainer" that I'm not aware of, but, I was just ...
A: The preface presents the purpose and scope of the book. In it, an author explains why he wrote the ...
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