Three Deadly Mistakes Novel Writers Make

Writing a novel is hard work. If you have ever wished for a foolproof way to be sure your novel sells when you finish it, there isn't any. There are some common "mistakes" writers make, however, that almost automatically guarantee rejection. Understanding and not making them puts you on a faster path to a sale.

Mistake #1: Not fully developing the idea

How To Write A Sonnet

More manuscripts are rejected because they aren't different enough from all the others agents and editors read than for any other single reason. Too many writers get their "great ideas" and begin writing or outlining immediately. This usually leads them right into Mistake #1.

Three Deadly Mistakes Novel Writers Make

All great ideas need to be explored and expanded to become plots that capture an editor's attention. Editors read huge numbers of queries, manuscripts and books as part of their jobs. What seems new and different to you may not be new or different to them.

Unless you challenge yourself to examine and develop your "great idea" into a solid storyline that holds surprises for an editor, its chance of becoming a published novel are slim.

Never make the mistake of accepting an idea in its original form. The first step in writing a novel that sells is exploring and expanding each of the essentials of plot, character and setting to make them unique in some way. Librarians, book club members and internet search engines can supplement your own reading knowledge of these essentials.

Mistake #2: Not developing a plan

Beginning to write a novel without a plan is like starting to cross the ocean without maps, charts or navigation tools. It's just plain foolish and most likely won't get you where you want to go.

Many novels fall apart or don't get finished because the writers didn't plan ahead.
Writing a novel is a big undertaking. Starting without a plan means you have no guidelines to make sure every scene has a purpose and that the dramatic tension and suspense build steadily right to the finale.

A plan doesn't necessarily mean an outline, though you can outline if that works for you.
If outlining doesn't fit your creative pattern, a good plan will work as well or perhaps better.

The purpose of a plan or outline is twofold. First, it gives you a good idea whether or not you have enough action to write the scenes your novel needs. Second, but equally important, the plan helps you arrange the action so the dramatic tension increases steadily as the story moves forward. The most dramatic scene of any novel must come at the finale. It's what the editor or agent has been waiting for, and you can't disappoint him.

Mistake #3: Not having a platform

Getting a novel published involves more than writing a salable book. Whether you publish with a prestigious New York house, a small press or self publish, an important part of your success depends on your working diligently at marketing the book when it's out. You need a strong platform to accomplish this.

A general definition of platform for the writer is his background or plan for promoting and marketing his book once it's published.

While not a specific marketing plan, it tells the editor and publisher how you can help the company sell copies of your novel. It shares contacts, possible promotion places, publicity or promotion ideas, etc.

Publishers these days expect you to do your part in raising interest in and selling your book. Your past history and future plans show the publisher what you can do on your own and where the company can work with you.

Avoiding these three mistakes will greatly improve your chances of selling your novel. Avoid mistake #1 as soon as you decide to write a novel. Don't fall into the trap of mistake #2 when you sit down to write. No matter where you are as a novelist now, start eliminating the possibility of making mistake #3 by building on the platform foundation you already have and watching for opportunities to add new planks.

If you need more help with any of the three mistakes, they are explained and illustrated in detail in Writing A Novel That Sells, available on my website.

Copyright 2007

Three Deadly Mistakes Novel Writers Make I Love You Jesus Video Clips. Duration : 3.52 Mins.

So, after a bajillion recordings, a sleepless night, and other stuff..I got an okay video of this song. I wrote it last night, and like..I don't play the guitar..But He really inspired me to write something. Song in the "Sonnet" Form: I maye feel unworthy Yet you say I'm deserving Cuz of Your mercy, divine mercy You are the king Holy immortal one Your love's immense You've given Your only son To cleanse all sins All I want is to serve You To take up my cross of burden Because it's the least I can do As I wait for you to return again Jesus, Savior, Giver of Life I lift Your name on High

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