With 'The Writer's Primer', multi-award winning author Roland Allnach presents a practical guide for aspiring authors seeking publication.
'You know, I have a great idea for a story..'
Rapid changes in the publishing world have opened the doors to many writers who wish to pursue the adventure of publishing. What will one experience as an author? How does one seek publication, and what paths should be followed for marketing?
With 'The Writer's Primer', multi-award winning author Roland Allnach shares his knowledge and experience and offers a cohesive, pragmatic guide to those new to writing and publishing. For both new and experienced writers, 'The Writer's Primer' illustrates the spectrum of possibilities in today's publishing world.
Excerpt
Part 1: Regarding the Literary Craft
...A brief introduction to the publishing world
...It’s never too late to start a publishing adventure
...How to develop a publishing strategy
...The necessity of perseverance and patience
...The necessity of time structure and time discipline
...Realistic expectations and the “overnight sensation” myth
...Join a local authors group
...Economic and expense considerations
...Research, research, and more research
...Train your creativity: write all you can
...Copyright: how it protects an author’s work
Part 2: Basic Writing Mechanics
...Basic writing mechanics: are you ready to submit?
...Point of view: differentiating 1st, 2nd, and 3rd person narrative
...Characterization: summoning life within a story
...Writing dialog: giving characters their voice
...Plotting: getting from beginning to end
...Setting: story environment and world building
...Levels of editing: copy, line, and content edit
...When enough is enough: working with explicit content
...Developing a narrative voice
Part 3: Regarding the Short Story Marketplace
...Before sending out that first submission …
...Not every word is sacred
...Respect the playing field
...A word about query/cover letters
...Manuscript formats
...Word counts and story lengths
...Selecting markets
...Time to submit: a final checklist
...Evaluating editorial comments
Part 4: Regarding Novels
...A brief history of self-, small, and large publishers
...The big question: self-, small, or large publisher
...How large publishers leverage books to win in the marketplace
...Book economics: price points, expenses, and royalties
...Considerations for book design
...Considerations for book length
...Distribution acronyms: ISBN, ASIN, UPC, EAN and LCCN
...Book production services
...A few words on audiobooks
...Literary agents: some pros and cons
...Preparing a book submission/query package
...The book is published—now what?
...Considerations for book reviews: a first step after publication
...Be brave—enter an award contest!
...A bigger picture: have your own publishing imprint
...Summation: the book world, in a nutshell
Part 5: Regarding Marketing
...Marketing fundamentals, part one: author branding and author platform
...Marketing fundamentals, part two: media marketing materials
...Pundit recommendations: how to keep them in perspective
...Marketing realities of self-, small, and large publishers
...Make the most of what’s free
...Virtual book tours and blog promotions
...Claim your own corner of cyberspace: build a website and/or blog
...Meet your audience: book signings and interviews
...The fine print on press releases
...Economic considerations for marketing
...To charge or not to charge: gifts and giveaways
...A simple, sample marketing plan
...Moving forward: be the proverbial rolling stone
Introduction:
“You know, I have a great idea for a story …”
For many authors, this single thought is the start of a complex journey. Today’s publication world offers more opportunities than perhaps any previous time, thanks in large part to the Internet and the open accessibility of numerous self-publishing outlets. Online journals exist alongside print journals, small publishers and self-published authors are listed beside large publishers and A-list authors, and a wide array of bloggers and reading communities are looking for the next great author to follow. Nevertheless, with so many options and variables, the marketplace itself can be daunting.
The intention of this book is to introduce aspiring writers to the rich landscape of the publishing world. Whether you’re looking to publish a story or book, or have yet to put a single word to paper—or keyboard—I’ve assembled this primer as a practical guide to the realities that await you. From basic considerations of how writing can find a place in your life to rudimentary mechanics of proper literary technique; from short story publication, book publication, and finally to marketing, this primer aims to provide you with a walking guide. Consider it a source of things you might wish to have known in hindsight, which is the perspective I took when deciding on the sections for each part of this book. The information shared in these pages would have been a very welcome companion when I took my first steps—or stumbles—into the publishing world.
In regard to semantics, I use the words ‘primer’ and ‘guide’ in the title and subtitle of this book for specific reasons. As a primer it’s meant to introduce those unfamiliar with the publishing world to the situations they will most likely encounter; as a guide it’s meant to give fundamental and practical advice on taking the first steps into that world. There are numerous books on writing and publishing, many of which claim to be definitive guides. Unfortunately, given the dynamic nature of the publishing world, any “definitive” publishing guide is most likely obsolete within a year of its own publication.
This primer is different from other how-to books in that I present material from the perspective of a fellow author in the trenches of the publishing industry. While there are many volumes offering advice from the upper reaches of success, few books address the pragmatic demands of fledgling authors who enter the publishing world without the benefit of a Masters in Fine Art and who have to balance their literary pursuits, family, and an existing career.
Professional Reviews
'The Writer's Primer': reviewed by Emily-Jane Hills Orford for Readers' Favorite
Becoming a writer is one thing, but becoming a published author? It’s a lot of work and dedication. There are so many pitfalls and disappointments along the way. The main thing is that writers/authors must be dedicated to their craft, no matter what the critics say, no matter how many rejections they receive. It’s a ‘tough skin’ line of work.
Author Roland Allnach has considerable experience as a writer, as an author, and in the realm of publishing and promoting books. With his expertise, he leads the would-be as well as the established writer through the mire and confusion of the world of writing and publishing. His book, The Writer’s Primer: A Practical Guide to Aspiring Authors Seeking Publication, looks at the entire spectrum of being a writer, being an author, being a published author, from the very basics of writing a short story to the final and very time-consuming aspects of promoting and marketing the published book.
With the firm belief in the old saying that “there’s a good book in every person,” Roland uses this guide to encourage as well as coach writers to hone their craft. Each chapter addresses a different aspect of writing, and is, in itself, a mini-course, complete with useful anecdotes and amusing scenarios to help writers understand and appreciate each vital aspect of the world of writing. His section entitled Basic Writing Mechanics may seem very ‘basic,’ but it’s well presented in a comprehensive manner that not only makes the beginning writer understand, but also helps the established writer improve his/her craft.
Since all writers, beginners and established, are continually ‘aspiring’ to improve their craft, this book, a guide to ‘aspiring authors,’ applies to us all. A very informative and interesting presentation of the creative art of writing. Well done!
'The Writer's Primer': reviewed by Faridah Nassozi for Readers' Favorite
The publishing world is an open entry field that embraces hopefuls from all walks of life. However, many of these hopefuls do not know what the journey really entails. Through The Writer's Primer: A Practical Guide for Aspiring Authors Seeking Publication, award-winning author Roland Allnach seeks to prepare these aspiring authors for the journey ahead. Drawing from his own experience, Roland Allnach shares valuable insights on what to expect and how to navigate the waters for those seeking to become published authors. Whether you want to write short stories or novels, familiarize yourself with the entire field from start to finish to ensure that you are adequately prepared.
Roland Allnach gives you a 360-degree view of the publishing world; from what to expect, how to get started, all the way to ensuring that your book reaches its intended audience, and everything in between. If you are looking to be sufficiently prepared for your journey into the publishing world, reading The Writer's Primer: A Practical Guide for Aspiring Authors Seeking Publication by Roland Allnach is definitely the right place to start. This book sheds light on the entire process from beginning to end so you know what you are getting yourself into as you take your first step into the publishing world. For those already in the field, it will help push you in the right direction. Whether you are an aspiring author looking for valuable insight on what to expect in the publishing world or an already existing author looking to polish your skills, you will find this book a worthy read.
'The Writer's Primer': reviewed by Janelle Fila for Readers' Favorite
The Writer's Primer: A Practical Guide for Aspiring Authors Seeking Publication by Roland Allnach is a non-fiction book that aspiring writers and authors can use as a guide into the publishing world. If you don't know the difference between a writer and an author, then this book will explain! It covers a wide range of topics, from new writers who want to write one story to those interested in a long, expansive career over many years with many published books. The book is full of personal inspirational stories from the author's experiences, and gives multiple real life examples that support the text. It is a deep, in depth explanation of the complicated publishing world and covers information that will appeal to a number of people who are interested in publication, regardless of the genre in which the person writes.
The Writer's Primer is a much needed book because, as most aspiring writers know, publishing is a hard world to manage. Having another writer share their experiences is not only educational but also inspiring! Allnach does a good job of personalizing this non-fiction work to make it more than just a book about publishing. It is a writer's first glimpse into the publishing world. It tells readers what options are available and what it takes to accomplish those goals. And Allnach always follows his suggestions with real examples. That was something I really appreciated about this book. I liked reading Allnach's personal story and how it related to the publishing world.
With the new and exciting world of Kindles and Print-on-Demand (POD), Independent Publishing is becoming an enticing choice and a viable alternative to traditional publishing.
Essays dedicated to the new media, doing business on the web, digital content, its creation and distribution, e-publishing, e-books, digital reference, DRM technology, and other related issues.
With the new and exciting world of Kindles and Print-on-Demand (POD), Independent Publishing is becoming an enticing choice and a viable alternative to traditional publishing.
