Manuscript Makeover
Revision Techniques No Fiction Writer Can Afford to Ignore
authors
data
Product: Book
ISBN-10: 0-399-53395-8
ISBN-13: 9780399533952
Publisher: Perigee Trade
Country:
Year: April 1, 2008
Size: 13.46 x 19.81 x 2.79cm
Number of pages: 368
Weight: 295gr
Binding: Paperback
ISBN-10: 0-399-53395-8
ISBN-13: 9780399533952
Publisher: Perigee Trade
Country:
Year: April 1, 2008
Size: 13.46 x 19.81 x 2.79cm
Number of pages: 368
Weight: 295gr
Binding: Paperback
order
description
Product Description
Professional editor and author Elizabeth Lyon offers aspiring novelists the guidance and instruction they need to write and edit well-crafted and compelling stories that will stand out from the competition and attract the attention of agents and publishers, including:
– Stand-out style techniques, from accessing an authentic voice to applying techniques of »wordsmithing« that transform prose
– How to rewrite characterization for dimensionality, a universal need, and theme
– Adjustment suggestions to match the prose style and structure of specific genres
– Correct grammar, punctuation, spelling, and style
– Strategies to strengthen story beginnings and endings
– Methods for increasing plot stakes, creating movement, and adjusting pace for maximum suspense
Professional editor and author Elizabeth Lyon offers aspiring novelists the guidance and instruction they need to write and edit well-crafted and compelling stories that will stand out from the competition and attract the attention of agents and publishers, including:
– Stand-out style techniques, from accessing an authentic voice to applying techniques of »wordsmithing« that transform prose
– How to rewrite characterization for dimensionality, a universal need, and theme
– Adjustment suggestions to match the prose style and structure of specific genres
– Correct grammar, punctuation, spelling, and style
– Strategies to strengthen story beginnings and endings
– Methods for increasing plot stakes, creating movement, and adjusting pace for maximum suspense
reviews
A Godsend for Writers at Any Stage 
Elizabeth Lyon is a wonderful writer and editor. I have several of her books and have met and spoken with her many times at the Central Coast Writer's Conference in California. I couldn't wait to get this book once I read the description and reviews. I was just about to start another draft of what I believe is a novella, and after reading only the first two chapters in Ms. Lyon's book, I already had more than enough ideas and information about the revision process to proceed with the second draft. Who knows, by the time I'm done, I may have a good draft of my first novel. Being a short story writer, I made »stretching as a writer« one of my writing goals for the year, and with this book, I just may succeed. Buy this book. It's a must for every writer at any stage, beginner or seasoned. You can't lose.
Elizabeth Lyon is a wonderful writer and editor. I have several of her books and have met and spoken with her many times at the Central Coast Writer's Conference in California. I couldn't wait to get this book once I read the description and reviews. I was just about to start another draft of what I believe is a novella, and after reading only the first two chapters in Ms. Lyon's book, I already had more than enough ideas and information about the revision process to proceed with the second draft. Who knows, by the time I'm done, I may have a good draft of my first novel. Being a short story writer, I made »stretching as a writer« one of my writing goals for the year, and with this book, I just may succeed. Buy this book. It's a must for every writer at any stage, beginner or seasoned. You can't lose.
manuscript makeover:revision techniques no fiction writer can afford to ignore
The book is very informative and is helpful to writers in all stages of their writing career.
The book is very informative and is helpful to writers in all stages of their writing career.
Must have
I'm a newby writer so this was a very necessary purchase for me, but I found my writer friends who are more seasoned and published found this book to be very valuable. It's the kind of book you could read cover-to-cover or as just a reference, and is written in an easy style that makes it a quick read so my limited time is not wasted on long-winded explanations.
I'm a newby writer so this was a very necessary purchase for me, but I found my writer friends who are more seasoned and published found this book to be very valuable. It's the kind of book you could read cover-to-cover or as just a reference, and is written in an easy style that makes it a quick read so my limited time is not wasted on long-winded explanations.
Manuscript Makeover: Review Techniques No Fiction Writer Can Afford to Ignore
»Manuscript Makeover' is by far the best book I read on the subject. Simple to use, easy to understand, full with examples. I recommend it to anyone who is about to contact an agent or publisher. Do not look any further. Robbert Snyders – author of 'A Mere Detail«
»Manuscript Makeover' is by far the best book I read on the subject. Simple to use, easy to understand, full with examples. I recommend it to anyone who is about to contact an agent or publisher. Do not look any further. Robbert Snyders – author of 'A Mere Detail«
Tells you what to do next with your manuscript
I finished the NaNoWriMo challenge and have a manuscript that needs a lot of work. The first revision was easy. Any novel written in a month will have obvious errors: grammar, inconsistency, dead end side tracks and so on. Catching those cleaned the story up a lot but it still needs a lot of help with structure and plot flow before it's ready to send out. I'm working through the second revision using this book and find it extremely helpful. What I really appreciate is that Elizabeth Lyon recognizes that different authors have different styles and she offers advice that should work for most. This isn't a rigid, follow my instructions or else cookbook. However, it does offer real and specific guidelines that are more than vague ideas. Considering how many how-to books don't achieve this nice balance, I find this one a treat. Her 'deep listening' concept that invites really paying attention to the sound and flow of the words has been especially helpful. I also appreciate that the novel as a story is emphasized. A story is more than the sum of its technical parts and each of us has our own way to tell our unique story. Ms. Lyon encourages that unique voice throughout the book. I'm using it along with »Self Editing for Fiction Writers«, which is also an excellent book. While both cover much of the same ground, reading the advice from different viewpoints makes both more effective.
I finished the NaNoWriMo challenge and have a manuscript that needs a lot of work. The first revision was easy. Any novel written in a month will have obvious errors: grammar, inconsistency, dead end side tracks and so on. Catching those cleaned the story up a lot but it still needs a lot of help with structure and plot flow before it's ready to send out. I'm working through the second revision using this book and find it extremely helpful. What I really appreciate is that Elizabeth Lyon recognizes that different authors have different styles and she offers advice that should work for most. This isn't a rigid, follow my instructions or else cookbook. However, it does offer real and specific guidelines that are more than vague ideas. Considering how many how-to books don't achieve this nice balance, I find this one a treat. Her 'deep listening' concept that invites really paying attention to the sound and flow of the words has been especially helpful. I also appreciate that the novel as a story is emphasized. A story is more than the sum of its technical parts and each of us has our own way to tell our unique story. Ms. Lyon encourages that unique voice throughout the book. I'm using it along with »Self Editing for Fiction Writers«, which is also an excellent book. While both cover much of the same ground, reading the advice from different viewpoints makes both more effective.
keywords
related products
Renni Browne, Dave King, George Booth (illustrator)
Collins; 2004
Paperback
James Scott Bell
Writer's Digest Books; 2008
Paperback
© 1994–2010 Sascha Hendel
last update: 3/16/2010
URL: http://www.book-info.com/isbn/0-399-53395-8.htm
- search