“I swear
if I had read this book twenty years ago I would be on a book tour right
now … Write to Publish is a cornucopia of tips, tricks of
the trade, and insights gathered by the author over his past twenty years
as a writer and educator. … a must read for every yet to be published
writer.” —Book Crazy Radio
“… other
books tend to not be as thorough in covering all of the aspects of
writing and publishing.” —The Midwest Book Review
An
Experienced Author Guides You
from Idea to
Publication
is the award-winning author of four highly praised novels, one young adult novel. He is the senior editor of and
the chair of the for Books and Prose . His popular seminars on writing
and publishing are attended by hundreds along the east coast. In his
lectures on fiction and memoir techniques, he reveals effective ways for
reaching editors, agents, and ultimately readers.
“Write to Publish is not a fad or a book-in-two-weeks program.
It’s two decades of winning lessons. It reveals the tools used by writers
of enduring stories. Write to Publish holds the crucial information that
agents and editors have no time to tell you.” – Christopher Klim,
speaking on CBS New Radio
“His passion is
contagious … This is one of the best handbooks I’ve come across, fun to
read and full of useful information.” —Writers
World
In Write to Publish, Christopher Klim outlines
story craft and provides vivid examples and lessons for the emerging
writer in a competitive book market.
—
Emerging
Author Mentor Program
On the
road to publication, many authors are mentored by successful authors and
skilled teachers of the writing craft. Take your work to the next level
and inquire about Mr. Klim’s highly-rated author .
“The guidelines and
working structure are so clear even the most jaded fiction writers would
benefit.” —The Compulsive Reader, reviewing Write to
Publish
Excerpts
from Write to Publish
“I’d
like to dispel the charlatan advice often found in writers groups,
workshops, and manuals on the craft. Among these are ‘find your voice’ and
‘write what you know.’ There are specific tools to any art form. Emerging writers
can and must learn these techniques.”– Christopher Klim, speaking at Princeton University
Build Story Structure
Effective stories
have a basic framework: engaging openings, at least one empathetic character
with a compelling desire, intriguing settings, sustained drama, and a
satisfying conclusion. These are the basic precepts of character,
setting, and plot. They apply to modern memoir just the same, and I will
make the case that they work for in-depth journalism, where the main
thrust resembles a biography. It is best to consider each aspect of the
framework, before committing a single word. This information, along with
research and revision, is the craft of storytelling. Writers spend most
of their time doing the latter. Developing the patience and determination
of a working writer accelerates the learning curve and promotes good
stories.
Write to Publish
outlines the craft and process of creating stories …
Craft Engaging Openings
Agents and editors won’t tell you that the
battle for a reader’s attention is won or lost on the first page. Story
openings have beenlikened to a contract with the reader. The framework
proposed from the outset builds reader expectations for the ensuing
pages. So why not be honest, as much as a storyteller can, and set the
stage for your tale from the start. It will go a long way to clarity and
the possibility of getting noticed.
Write to Publish includes
a checklist of items to look for in a story opening. …
“Write to Publishis a
more-than-you-bargained for look at the publishing world, honed to
meat-of-the-matter perfection by Klim.”—The Boox Review
For
most writers, the query letteris
their initial missive to the industry. Craft the most concise, direct,
and clean letter possible. Give the agent or editor a reason to look at the
prose. This is accomplished by understanding your work and professional
history and then delivering that information in a compelling manner.
Follow a handy outline and view examples of query letters that led to
successful relationships and publication …
Create Vibrant
Characters
A good story begins with a character. It is why
readers sign up to follow a story. We are human and want to view a little
of ourselves in the drama. The main character of a story must garner reader
empathy, or the reader will never follow that character through the
story, no matter how terrific the plot, no matter how compelling the
events thrust upon that character. The reader must first care.
Once you have an idea
for a story, try sketching the major characters for clarity. As in real
life, a particular person needs to function by their rules. Have you ever
done some-thing that, although not particularly bad, doesn’t feel right
for you? You were acting out of character, operating against your innate
sense of who you are in this world. We each carve a unique path in life.
The right course for one person may not satisfy another.
Will your characters be
useful to your stories? Write to Publish shows you how to
outline effective characters for your story …
$17.95,
free
US shipping!
“Storytelling
is the oldest art form, dating back to the Stone Age, before written
language. This has changed little over time, and the necessity for a
relevant story is as vital to humans as food and water. A story forms a
metaphor for life experience, delivered in an infinite variety of styles,
contexts, and mediums. It is how we make sense of the highs and lows and
everything in between. A good story holds a mirror to our lives. A great
story changes our lives.” – Christopher Klim, speaking on WOR-Radio
Energize Scenes &
Plots
Some writers bog down their characters with
problems, yet the story holds little drama. Problems
are annoyances and hindrances beset upon the character. They are complications
or situations to be solved, but they present no urgency, doing little to
increase the tension in the story. Does a flat tire or chipped tooth
create a gripping scene? Not typically, but they might inspire drama in
the right circumstance. Problems provide methods for conflict, but
conflict is a different animal. Conflict is essential for compelling
scenes …
Research Settings
Researchis
the real work of setting, journalism, and any writing that requires
factual verification. An unwritten codeexists among writers to get the information correct in
the story.Be a hero of the
reference section. Libraries, book-stores, and a writer’s own bookshelf
burgeon with reference material. Americans take for granted the wealth of
free information at their fingertips. Discover where and how to look at
the world around you for story ideas …
$17.95,
free
US shipping!
Contact the Publishing
Industry
Every business has standard methods of
communication. A writer develops four basic tools for contacting the
publishing industry, and throughout the writer’s career, this varies
little. These are the query letter, synopsis, manuscript, and most
overlooked, the writer of the work. Write to Publish shows
you these important tools and how to use them …
Boost Creativity
Nothing accelerates the writing process better
than regular practice. This is true of any art form. A writer devotes his
best hours to writing every day. He makes it his daily ritual, but that
is only the tip of the iceberg. Consider the variety of meditation
methods in Write to Publish. Some are so obvious that you
may be overlooking them right now. Train yourself to explore the unending
interior landscape of your mind …
$17.95,
free
US shipping!
“The process of creating a story is in large part
an attempt to prove the validity of your inspiration and ensuing thought.
It is the idea in motion, the dramatic turn of events. Reach for universal
connections to character and reflections of humanity. The story serves as a
proof of your basic idea.” – Christopher Klim, speaking at the Philadelphia
Library
Complete Revisions
All fine writing is the result of rewriting. I don’t know who coined that phrase, but it
is certainly a fact. The first draft is the art of writing. It should be
accomplished as uninhibited as possible, held apart from the unforgiving
conscience of the self-editor. The style of draft work varies between
authors, from a bare bones outline to pregnant prose. Revising the draft
involves the craft of writing. Prose is expanded and contracted, and
elucidation is achieved. Writers spend most of their time rewriting. They
make up for their perceived deficiencies in talent and level the playing
field.
Write
to Publish outlines a four step revision process that drives your
work toward completion. The easy to follow steps are used by the novice
and expert alike …
Search for Drama
What is drama? To paraphrase Alfred Hitchcock, drama is life
without the boring bits. He understood drama. Did you ever see a boring
Hitchcock movie? He sketched storyboards – sequential depictions of
characters in action. He left nothing to chance, maintaining an eye on
the dramatic core of each scene. Some accuse Hitchcock of being
calculating and manipulative. Yes indeed, and we thank him for it …
$17.95,
free
US shipping!
“It
comes down to the stories inside of you. What stories do you need to tell?
You’ll find authors returning to same themes, over and over again.” – Christopher
Klim on NBC-TV, Pittsburgh
Reveal Story Theme
Theme
represents the author’s interpretation of life, as dramatized by the
story. It is demonstrated through character, setting, objects, actions,
tone, commonly held beliefs, or any device that symbolizes the overall
message of the story. The title often suggests the theme. After
character, theme is the next important item that a reader takes away from
the story, but it is not a lecture aimed at readers. It is what the
characters experience and learn, and it is closely tied to character
change or a character’s inability to change. Readers may not be able to
articulate the theme, yet fully enjoy the story …
Reach Agents &
Editors
Look for people
who represent work similar to yours. People who sell and publish
children’s books know mostly people in that genre. The same is true for
every category. If an agent sells murder mysteries, she knows the people
who buy them. The guides to the literary markets and agencies list the
titles bought and sold by various entities in the business. Create a
target list for your work, but don’t stop there. A variety of
opportunities, such as networking and reverse searches can be very
effective, and that’s just the start …
$17.95,
free
US shipping!
“I am confident that by
following his very detailed advice from point A to Z, there is no way that
you could prevent your work from finding its way into the printed world
society.” –MyShelf.com
