Non-fiction / writing tips
This little volume doesn't cost much and won't take long to read
(I finished it on a long car journey) but that small investment is very worth while.
It should be compulsory reading for every aspiring writer. Like the diamond in
its title, it's compact but valuable, drawing on many years' first-hand
experience before the empty page. Although Helen Hollick is now a successful
and popular novelist, she's not too proud to share mistakes that she's made in
the past and generously allows us to learn from them - and from her triumphs
too.
Although primarily aimed at novelists, this book contains many
pointers relevant to non-fiction writers. All the advice is imparted in a
friendly, supportive manner that make it very easy to access and absorb. Even
the most defensive authors who bridle at the thought of anyone editing their
work will be gently persuaded to hone their work until it shines.
I love the title and its implication that underneath your rough
rock of a book there is a diamond lurking, if only you are prepared to spend
long enough polishing it. Discovering the Diamond will soon become dog-eared on
many an apprentice writer's shelf through constant reference. It is in itself a
gem, and a polished one at that.
Debbie Young
`Discovering the Diamond' is an excellent, easy to read,
well-structured guide, which allows for the novice writer to hone the base
material of their manuscript into a polished gem which will knock the
publishers' eyes out (hopefully).
In this short book, multi-published author, Helen Hollick pulls no
punches in stating that becoming a published author, either at the hands of a
reputable publishing house, or through assisted publication outlets, or by pure
self-publishing, is not an easy task. Even the perfect manuscript is not
guaranteed a place on the bookshelf.
What this informative guide does is to lay down the ground rules
which, if followed, will place the novice writers' work in a competitive place,
towards the head of the queue for assessment.
One must remember that literary agents and publishing house
editors are human beings, and the amount of time they can allocate to each
manuscript submission is limited. Unlike the budding author (and published
authors too), they cannot dwell for hours over a couple of pages, tweaking a
word or phrase here or there, trying to polish the work to perfection. If you
are lucky, they will read the first paragraph or perhaps a page of a
submission, before either accepting it for further reading, casting it to the
slush pile, or most likely, dropping it into the reject basket.
`Discovering the Diamond' lifts the lid on the transgressions of
all authors - both published and novice. For example, too much tedium will bore
a reader to death, and obvious errors in spelling, tense and syntax, along with
obvious anachronisms, provide an instant no-go.
Hollick strongly advises writers to treat their work to the
services of a professional editor and not to rely on a family member who will
say he/she loves it despite all its errors.
Hollick also advises honesty in the way new writers look at both
their own and other people's work. And to illustrate each new section, she
provides examples using scenes from her own books. My only comment here is that
I found some of the passages a little over-long, and would have preferred more succinct
examples.
Then there is discussion on layout and cover design, the use of
contractions, and more, plus a timely warning about the pitfalls confronting
new writers including those companies who bubble with enthusiasm to publish
your first book - at a cost!
Personally, as a published author both in mainstream and
self-published outlets, I could relate to all that is contained in `Discovering
the Diamond'. And though the information was not new to me, reading it was a
timely reminder of the grammatical traps I can, and have fallen into, through
complacency, when writing my novels.
I would recommend `Discovering the Diamond' to any budding author
seeking publication. Some real gems of writing wisdom are contained within its
pages.
Margaret Muir
... Next Review: will be posted 1st January 2017 >
... Next Review: will be posted 1st January 2017 >
Wow! Didn't realise (until I visited) there's a new book too! Fabulous idea, and I love a diamond or 3 ~ Fabulous Graphics AvalonGraphics - Cathy Helms... such a hidden Gem!
ReplyDeleteVisited today by @CazsBooks
Caz
aren't Cathy's designs fantastic! Thanks for dropping by Caz
DeleteI thoroughly recommend this book. I bought it a few years ago and learned so much from it. It is a diamond in itself, and I always suggest it to every would-be author who asks me for advice. It's a great place to start learning about so many aspects of writing, from the difference between 'show' and 'tell' to the correct way to format your book. Helen really cares about indie authors, and it shows.
ReplyDeleteThank you Loretta, its proved helpful to several authors now, Jo and I get a lot of pleasure knowing we're helping a few new or novice authors along.
Delete