Doreen McGettigan - Realize your Writing Dreams: Actionable tips on writing, publishing and marketing

Copyright 2020 Doreen McGettigan

PRINT ISBN: 9781647181758
EBOOK ISBN: 9781647181765

All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system, or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic, mechanical, recording or otherwise, without the prior written permission of the author.

Published by BookLocker.com, Inc., St. Petersburg, Florida.

First Edition

Library of Congress Cataloging in Publication Data

McGettigan, Doreen

REALIZE YOUR WRITING DREAMS: Actionable Tips on Writing, Publishing and Marketing by Doreen McGettigan

Library of Congress Control Number: 2019921017

DISCLAIMER

This book details the authors personal experiences with and opinions about writing, publishing and marketing books. The author is not a licensed attorney, accountant or medical professional.

The author and publisher are providing this book and its contents on an as is basis and make no representations or warranties of any kind with respect to this book or its contents. The author and publisher disclaim all such representations and warranties, including for example warranties of merchantability and writing, marketing or publishing books. In addition, the author and publisher do not represent or warrant that the information accessible via this book is accurate, complete or current.

The statements made about products and services have not been evaluated by the U.S. government. Please consult with your own legal, accounting, medical, or other licensed professional regarding the suggestions and recommendations made in this book.

Except as specifically stated in this book, neither the author or publisher, nor any authors, contributors, or other representatives will be liable for damages arising out of or in connection with the use of this book. This is a comprehensive limitation of liability that applies to all damages of any kind, including (without limitation) compensatory; direct, indirect or consequential damages; loss of data, income or profit; loss of or damage to property and claims of third parties.

You understand that this book is not intended as a substitute for consultation with a licensed medical, legal or accounting professional. Before you begin any change your lifestyle in any way, you will consult a licensed professional to ensure that you are doing whats best for your situation.

This book provides content related to writing, publishing and book marketing topics. As such, use of this book implies your acceptance of this disclaimer.

So; you want to write a book. Congratulations! I hope this book informs, encourages and motivates you to get started on that first blank page. Holding your published book in your hands for the first time and seeing it listed for sale online or seeing it on an actual bookstore and library shelf is indescribable.

Dedication

To my reading, writing and author friends thank you for your continued inspiration, shoulders to cry on and unwavering support.

Thank you especially to Camille, Susan, Kelly, Kate and J.D. for your years of critique and support. Your friendship is a blessing that I treasure.

To my husband and best friend John I thank you for supporting me with all your heart. I appreciate you and love you more every single day.

For my grandchildren, your love and support for me and your enthusiasm for my writing melts my heart and encourages me to always do the best work I can. I am so proud of and love you all more than words can say.

To Allyson Nocito and Marianne Kirby Rhoads for editing, Jeremy Zaleski-Schoell for the cover artwork and Grace Gardler for the illustrations, thank you. Your talents amaze me.

To all who have a story to tell, its time to sit down and write because its never too late to Realize Your Writing Dreams.

Table of Contents

I know the price of success: dedication, hard work and an unrelenting devotion to the things you want to see happen.

Frank Lloyd Wright*

When I was finally serious about wanting to write a book, I thought I would write it, hand it over to an agent and a few weeks later I would be an author. I had no clue how the business actually worked. I made a lot of mistakes and wasted a lot of time. After floundering for a few years, a very kind author took me aside and schooled me on the business of all things writing, publishing and marketing. I listened to her and a year-and-a half later I was a published author. I promised myself I would pay that kindness forward and always be willing to share everything I learned with others.

One of the most important things you should know before writing a book is to back up your work and to back it up often. Use Drop Box, email the manuscript to yourself, use a flash drive all three or whatever method available to you. I can tell you from experience the pain of turning on your laptop to find a black screen is excruciating. Have a backup plan and use it faithfully!

The second piece of advice I want to give you is to start collecting business cards and email addresses from every single person you meet. Start and keep a detailed list. Once your book is released, with one email you will be able to announce its launch to many!

When I made the switch from writer/journalist to wanting to author a book I was so confused by the writing lingo. I had no idea what word counts, beta readers, query letters, pantsers, critiques and blogs were. In this first chapter I give a brief description of many of these words, a sort of dictionary for writers. I will expand further on many of the definitions and include the actual how to in later chapters.

Alliteration - The repetition of sounds used at the beginning of a list of words or a story.

Antagonist - The character that opposes your hero.

Anthology - A book compiled of essays or short stories each written by a different author based on a similar theme.

ARC - Advanced reader copy. Usually used by publishers to acquire pre-book release reviews.

Back Story - Either your characters or the story settings past, or both.

Beta Readers - They may or may not be writers themselves. They offer to read your work and give honest feedback.

Book/Author Coach - A professional knowledgeable in all things writing, publishing and marketing books that works with and encourages you and provides hands on assistance as needed throughout the process.

Clip - A small sample of your published work.

Copy Editor - An editor that suggests corrections to the grammar, spelling, punctuation, style and accuracy used in your manuscript.

Conflict - Opposition against your main character, characters or the setting in your manuscript.

Character Arc - This shows your characters personal growth.

Content Editor - An editor that works on the structure, style and content of your story.

Critique Partner or Group - A person or a group of people that are also writers. They serve as a sounding board to identify discrepancies and weak portions of your manuscript. They inform you of what works in the story and what doesnt in return for you doing the same for them.

Dialogue - The discussion between characters.

Dramatic Structure

• Problem
• Definition
• Conflict