Your First Novel Revised and Expanded Edition: A Top Agent and a Published Author Show You How to Write Your Book and Get It Published

by Ann Rittenberg and Laura Whitcomb

Book Overview

In this revised and expanded edition of Your First Novel, novelist Laura Whitecomb seasoned literary agent Ann Rittenberg, and her knowledgeable assistant, Camille Goldin, team up to provide you with the essential skills needed to craft the best novel you can-and the savvy business know how to get it published. Complex with updated references, analysis of new best-selling novels, and the same detail instruction, Whitcomb will show you how to: Practice the craft of writing, using both your right- and left-brain, Develop a flexible card system for organizing and outlining plot, Create dynamic characters that readers love-and love to hate, Study classic novels and story structure to adapt with your ideas, Featuring two new chapters on choosing your path as an author and understanding the world of self-publishing, Rittenberg and Goldin dive into the business side of publishing, including: What agents can-and should-do for your future, Who you should target as an agent for your burgeoning career, How the mysterious auction for novels actually goes down, Why you should learn to work with your agent through thick and thin, Guiding your first novel from early words to a spot on the bookshelf can be an exciting and terrifying journey, but you're not alone. Alongside the advice of industry veterans, Your First Novel Revised and Expanded also includes plenty of firsthand accounts from published authors on their journeys, including Dennis Lehane, C.J. Box, Kathleen McCleary, David Kazzie, and more.

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 1440351902
• ISBN13: 9781440351907
• Release Date: February 2018
• Publisher: Writer's Digest Books
• Length: 320 Pages
• Weight: 1.00 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.9" x 5.9" x 8.9"

Customer Reviews

Your Key to the Doors of the Publishing World

Finishing my first novel was a long, often painful, often exciting journey. But when it was done, what came next? I really had no idea. Having accomplished one of my life's major goals, I was thrilled just to complete the darn thing. But would it ever get published? Would anyone ever read it? I felt like Peggy Lee singing "is that all there is?" I needed help. After taking a look at many of the resources out there, I settled on Ann Rittenberg's and Laura Whitcomb's excellent Your First Novel as my primary guide. I'm so glad I did. Now, to be honest, since my book was already done, I didn't read Ms. Whitcomb's chapters, which focus on the writing process. Instead, I hungrily jumped to Ms. Rittenberg's sections on how to sell it. And sell it I did. Following Ms. Rittenberg's very clear and logically organized advice, I was able to obtain an agent and a publisher. I knew what questions to expect, what objections I'd have to overcome, and how best to package and present my work. I've looked at many books of this sort, and Your First Novel was the most helpful for me. In fact, now that I'm writing my second novel, I've started to read Ms. Whitcomb's writing advice. Hopefully, it will be as rewarding as Ms. Rittenberg's contributions were, and it will help me avoid the dreaded sophmore slump. Good luck to you in your journey! Scott Sherman, author, First You Fall: A Kevin Connor Mystery

Practical and inspiring

I write for children and found this book extremely useful. The introduction by Dennis Lehane was inspiring. I was moved to tears by his generosity, of his exposing his own struggles and dreams of writing. The rest of the book demonstrated what he had written. Laura Whitcomb not only inspires, she provides practical, easy to use methods for contacting and using your "muse"--creative powers. In the second half of the book, Ann Rittenberg is honest and straight forward in the advice she gives about the business aspect of the writing business. After the first read of the book, I felt more confident and motivated as a writer. The second read of the book was like a workshop for me. I highly recommend this book.

Unforgettable....

I've read a lot of books about writing and this is easily one of the best. There's a chapter entitled, "Being Unforgettable", that demonstrates why this book should be in every writer's tool chest. What do you say about a book that effortlessly makes you a better writer...is a joy to read and sparks your muse on the spot? I say buy several copies, have a wonderful read, then write the next great American Novel! If you want a double dose of inspiration, read this book, then read L. Whitcomb's novel entitled "A Certain Slant Of Light". But be warned -- which ever book you pick up, you won't be putting it down. Scott Cervine/Los Angeles, CA.

Enlightening, encouraging, and practical advice for writers

Reading this book is like having two wise and supportive friends take you aside and really dish about what it takes to successfully write and publish a novel. Laura Whitcomb offers inspiring and practical advice on the writing side: everything from how to prepare your right brain for the creative process, to how to end a chapter. Ann Rittenberg demystifies the entire publishing process and offers a rare look at what happens when (not if) you sell your novel. Her examples of bad query letters are hysterically funny and make you realize you really can do better than THAT. Both authors are generous with their references and honest in their suggestions. Regardless of how far you are in your own novel writing process, you will find something useful and enjoyable in this book.

An empowering read

Dennis Lehane is winningly honest as he dishes out tough love in his inspiring foreword, leading into the first half of the book (written by novelist Laura Whitcomb) which focuses on the craft of novel writing and is filled with helpful hints, book recommendations, and exercises. The second half of the book (written by agent Ann Rittenberg) focuses on the business side of publishing your novel. I devoured this section. Even though I had what I thought was a clear understanding of how things worked on the business side, I was not comprehending it as clearly before I read this book, as I am now that I have read it. This section also offers reading recommendations, web site links, and much insider knowledge. If you are writing your first novel (or your second, third, fourth, fifth, and even if you have already published a novel) this book is for you--as it leads you from inception to publication and beyond. You might find--as I did--that after reading this book you feel better about your work because you realize how much you are doing right by yourself and your work in the potentially intimidating writing life. In short, where in the past I might have felt anxiety, after reading this book I feel empowered. And that is the strength of being informed.