Some issues addressed in this book are dialog, overused words, adding texture, information overload, using contractions, parallel construction, and more.
The Fiction Writer’s Handbook is not another grammar book, as if we need any more of them. This is the only book addressing overlooked writing problems which are killers when you seek publication and sales. Taking the time to fix these issues will make you a stronger writer. There is no sure formula to becoming successful. There are, however, many editing problems you can address to increase your success. If you're a self-publisher, The Fiction Writer's Handbook: 10 Minute Edits is a must-have item in your toolbox. Use it before you publish to polish your book and make shine.
Some of the issues addressed in this book are dialog, overused words, adding texture, information overload, using contractions, parallel construction, and more.
Excerpt
Years ago, I smiled and pounded my fist in the air when I got my first book contract. My editor challenged me every step of the way until we deemed the book finished, and then I waited for it to be published. However, my dreams were dashed when the publisher folded. With a little effort, I contacted a few authors, and eventually one of them sent me a lead to another publisher.
I have since written a few books and many short stories, collaborating with editors of varying abilities. While working on one of my novels, the owner of the publishing company asked if I would freelance edit for them. I agreed and between then and now, learned more about fiction writing than I expected. Throughout my freelance editing, I collected some common errors, which is what I used as the basis for The Fiction Writer’s Handbook.
Writing fiction is a solitary endeavor, spending many hours crafting a story, characters, themes, and plot. In fact, consider it an invisible performance art, where the artist is absent and the public experiences the art only after the artist publishes their book. The time between getting an idea and publishing is a journey starting with the first draft and editing multiple iterations until it’s done (see the topic “Writing the Ending).
The topics in this book address a another side of editing, but not the in-depth grammar and spelling found in many other writing guides. In my years of writing and editing, I’ve seen common problems which, when corrected, make for better reading.
Whether you submit your manuscript to a publisher or self-publish, the goal is to sell books. Today, anyone can be an author and it doesn’t depend on ability or quality. Most authors I know thought their first published book would sell in unprecedented numbers, and they could quit their day job. It rarely happens. This is not to say it doesn’t, but don’t write a book with a best-seller in mind.
Professional Reviews
A Great Reference Book
This review will be a bit more in-depth than normal. In Dennis Hays presents clear and concise reasons why not to do many of the things writers are told all the time not to do. Going over such editing issues as passive voice, showing vs. telling and filler words he goes over “rules” most writers know, but at times flagrantly bend or break. For beginners, it is good to know why we shouldn’t do these things and for vets, it never hurts to be reminded the trauma we put out editors and proofreaders through. A quick and easy read, you should knock it out in a few hours, and it is set up for easy reference.
This review is based on a copy gifted to me, with no requirement of a review. I give this review out of gratitude of the free gift. Keep up the good work!
Editing in simple to understand steps!
Dennis Hays has written a wonderful and easy to understand reference guide for the fiction writer. Over and above the simple rules of grammar (which still seem sadly lacking in much fiction writing today) are the tools of the good fiction writer. Without the use of these simple tools, your work will be cumbersome. With these tools, your readers will breeze through your stories, barely aware it's being communicated in the prose you spent hours agonizing over. So, what do you want? If it's to submerge your reader in the experience and help them forget the real world, use what you'll learn in this little book. It makes for work your reader can't put down. I recommend it as a an aid to even the most experienced writers, and a must have for new writers!
recommend that you buy this extremely good value book.
Reviewed by Jennifer Benfield
1/19/2018
Excellent book that does what it says on the cover. It has a number of editing tips, clearly explained, to make your writing better. I have read a terrifying amount of creative writing books, so many of these sort of book are more like revision reading of what I already know, but need to implement. While this book in parts covered old ground, I believe it always offered me new ideas, for instance, I know not to repeat vocabulary but I had never thought to worry about words such as pronouns. If you have written your first draft of a novel, short-story or you are on a creative Writing course, I recommend that you buy this extremely good value book.
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Reviews for "The Fiction Writer's Handbook: 10 Minute Edits"
KISS! Yes, Dennis Hays treasure of a book boldly punctuates the basics and then some of writing fiction; he writes simply yet profoundly giving wannabe authors necessary information that will take their work from an average read to a memorable story that mesmerizes the reader.
Want websites to support you to do your best writing? Bingo! Seek to know how to create characters, set scenes, write believable dialogue, create tension that grabs the reader, be adept at making transitions, and tell a story with a solid beginning, middle, and end? Bingo!
In Author Hays words, “Write with fire. Cut with ice.”
This book delivers and then some. The Fiction Writer’s Handbook: 10 Minute Edits not only told me but showed me how to write to involve readers and hold onto their interest keeping them in the flow of the story. I love the brevity of the book and find invaluable the compilation of basics outlined in an easily understandable format. This book is one to have in your library as a best-used reference and necessary resource!
Reviewed by LISA BrownGilbert
2/14/2018
Among the bevy of reference books for writers, this straightforward book, held my attention for its entirety. Moreover, the information presented holds applicability not just for fiction writers, but writers of any genre. Instead of being overwhelmed by meandering details, I found myself held rapt by its concise contents, and cogent examples, which overall, provided simple methods to critiquing and self-editing my own writing. Written in a comfortable yet edifying tone, author Hays expounds on the many essential elements for writers to hone their craft, some being; Publishing, Creating tension and release, Overused words, Misused words, Painting characters, Unwanted Repetition and Parallel construction and much more.
Whether you are an established or neophyte, writer there is much to be gleaned from this book to help with enhancing the impact that your novel makes in an already, heavily stocked market, and I heartily recommend it.
Reviewed by Jennifer Benfield
1/19/2018
Excellent book that does what it says on the cover. It has a number of editing tips, clearly explained, to make your writing better. I have read a terrifying amount of creative writing books, so many of these sort of book are more like revision reading of what I already know, but need to implement. While this book in parts covered old ground, I believe it always offered me new ideas, for instance, I know not to repeat vocabulary but I had never thought to worry about words such as pronouns.
If you have written your first draft of a novel, short-story or you are on a creative Writing course, I recommend that you buy this extremely good value book.
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