The question we hear most from new writers is, “How do I get published?”
And the answer is: Respect your dream.
So I had the privilege of run a business a book recently…and I had to remind myself to check for typos and such, because I wanted to whip out a piece of paper and take notes.
Jill Williamson and Stephanie Morrill teamed up to write the guide for teen writers looking for that extra oomph to nudge them from incognito to on-their-way.
They lead you step-by-step through the process of building your book and preparing it for an agent or editor’s eyes. With chapter titles like “Why Bother?”, “Your Character’s Past”, “Behave Like a Pro Before You Are,” and my personal favorite, “The Publishing Industry Decoded,” this book screams insight. The authors pull no punches and treat teens like adults, respecting them as fellow writers (a big plus).
With a writer-to-writer tone and step-by-step method, Jill and Stephanie present a comprehensive overview of everything a teen writer needs to know about writing and becoming an author. I recommend this book to teen (and new non-teens) writers who are looking for the answer to the “How do I get published?” question.
About the Authors
Jill Williamson is a chocolate loving, daydreaming, creator of kingdoms and the award-winning author of several young adult books including the Blood of Kings trilogy, Replication, the Mission League series, and the Safe Lands trilogy. She lives in Oregon with her husband and two children and a whole lot of deer. Visit her online at her blog, where adventure comes to life.
Find Jill on Facebook // Twitter // Pinterest // Goodreads
Stephanie Morrill is a twenty-something living in Kansas with her husband and two kids. Her only talents are reading, writing, and drinking coffee, so career options were somewhat limited. Fortunately, she discovered a passion for young adult novels and has been writing them ever since. Stephanie is the author of The Reinvention of Skylar Hoyt series and is currently working on other young adult projects. She enjoys encouraging and teaching teen writers on her blog. To connect with Stephanie and read samples of her books, check out her website.
Find Stephanie on Facebook // Twitter // Pinterest // Goodreads
The Giveaway
I’m giving away an e-copy of Go Teen Writers: How to Turn Your First Draft into a Published Book this week. Since the prize is an e-book, this giveaway is open internationally! Yay! Enter using Rafflecopter form below.
Disclosure: The authors asked me to proofread this book, so they sent me a copy. This post also contains affiliate links. Read my full disclosure here.
This book looks like it could be VERY useful! I am halfway through writing my first novel.
I would like to ask both these fine authors this: "What is it that you feel a young person, (in this case teen, but any near age will do) what have they got to offer that can be used as an "edge" instead of a lack?" The older a person gets the more experience, the more experience the more to draw from to deepen fiction…<br /> So what can a young author really latch on to,
I don't really have any questions for them, but I'm really excited about this giveaway! :) I've always wanted this book, but never had the chance to get it. Thanks, Rachelle!<br /><br />Blessings,<br />Esther<br />(jewelsofjesus.blogspot.com)
Ok, now I'm following your blog, for some reason I thought that I already was! But it is fixed now :)<br /><br />I love Ms. Williamson and Ms. Morrill's advice, they have been so helpful to me in the past few years.
Heard so many excellent things about this book. How wonderful that there is a helpful and insightful book like this out there that looks at writing and publishing on a "deeper" level. :)
Sounds like a great book….especially the chapter about publishing. That is something I don't understand much about yet…which isn't good for someone who wants to be an author! I'll definitely be getting a copy of this! :)<br /><br /><br />www.everydayencouragements.wordpress.com<br />www.heartsforpurity.wordpress.com
I just finished reading Stephanie's soon-to-be-released book The Revised Life of Ellie Sweet, which has stirred up my interest for publishing, agents, and writing in general. I'd love to read Go Teen Writers and, hopefully, find some answers to my many questions.<br /><br />Okay, but this is what I'd really like to ask now: what are the pros and cons of writing under a pseudonym?<br /
Don't really have any questions. The book sounds interesting for a hopeful writer. You never know how it could turn out to be useful someday… <br /><br />Thank you, Rachel.
I hope I can read this soon. Our library just hooked up with a bigger system, so if I don't win it maybe I can request it. :) Thanks for the giveaway!
I really need to read this book! It sounds great!
I can't wait to read this book! Thanks for hosting this giveaway Rachelle!
Book looks awesome!!
I would love to read this book! I still have the draft of my first book sitting in my computer, and I would love to know what to do with it from there.
Looking forward to this one. I coach several teen writers, and I'm always looking for more ways to inspire them!<br /><br />~Debbie
I have heard a lot of this book and can't wait to read.<br /><br />My question:<br /><br />Have you ever seen a photograph (of anything) that spoke a story idea to you? If so, did you ever write anything about it?
Hi! I hope to get my hands on this book someday (probably book form though, because I like physical books). It looks like it would be soooo helpful!!
Yay! I love this book!<br /><br /> What is your advice for when you're a little cautious about treading the waters of editing- you're feeling afraid, like you're book won't be very good even with revisions, or you won't know how to do it properly?
I am going to go this book the very first time I see it somewhere. It's going to be like having them right beside me walking me through stuff :) They are two of the smartest, nicest ladies I know! Or sorta "know" anyway… <br /><br />I would ask them what was the hardest moment in their writing career. Getting published? Finishing the first draft? Balancing writing and life?<br /><
This is great! I've been excited since I heard of this book but after your review I can't wait to get my hands on it (be it for fiction writer's or not!). ;)<br /><br />My question would be: What was the hardest part of getting started for you when you decided you wanted to be a published author? Was it the learning to write well, finding the in's and out's of publishing, or..