HOT OFF THE PRESS! We love to share our information with writers, and we’re happy to pass some of these INSIDER’S SECRETS along to you. This FREE newsletter may help improve your writing and your acceptance rate! Feel free to print these articles to use as references. These posts are packed with great information this month. DEADLINE-DATED lists of anthologies, theme issues, and contests are included at no charge!
 
In This Issue:
 
* * We’ll help you finally get to the end in TAMING THE BEAST—REVISING YOUR NOVEL.
 
* * Lose or loose; i.e. or e.g.? Answers to these and other quirky word and usage questions in ODDS ’N’ ENDS, PART TWO.

* * WANT US TO CREATE YOUR COVER/QUERY LETTERS? We know writers hate to create cover/query letters, so we have created a new A La Carte PLUS service just for you. Find out more: http://WritersReliefBlog.com/post/Want-Us-To-Create-Your-CoverQuery-Letters.aspx. 
 
* * Read about our NEWEST E-book, entitled UNTANGLING WEB SUBMISSIONS: ESSENTIAL GUIDE TO PUBLISHING YOUR WRITING ONLINE. http://www.WritersReliefBlog.com/post/Untangling-Web-Submissions-Essential-Guide-To-Publishing-Your-Writing-Online.aspx  
 
* * LOTS OF HELP for CHILDREN’S BOOK AUTHORS—100 CONTACTS and Everything You Need To Know To Submit Your Children’s Book. Click this link to get our insider's tips and tricks: http://www.WritersReliefBlog.com/post/For-Childrens-Book-Authors.aspx.    
 
* * We’re giving away a FREE REPORT that outlines industry-standard Manuscript FORMAT Guidelines when you order our E-book entitled REJOICE IN REJECTION. Go to: http://www.WritersReliefBlog.com/post/Rejoice-in-Rejection-e-book.aspx.  
 
* * THIS ISSUE'S WRITING PROMPT may help you create a glass half full from a glass half empty.
 
* * If you haven’t put the finishing touches on your Web site (or haven’t even started one) and want a great author’s Web site, read PROMOTING YOUR WORK—CREATING THE ULTIMATE WEB SITE.

* * You won’t find a better list anywhere (AND IT’S FREE!) of upcoming ANTHOLOGIES, SPECIAL-THEMED JOURNALS, and CONTESTS. Visit: http://WritersReliefBlog.com/post/Anthologies-Contests.aspx.

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A good novel is often revised several times before it makes its way to publication. As daunting as this seems, revision is simply part of the process of taking that first draft and turning it into a polished and coherent novel and, hopefully, one that will make you a star.

If the process seems intimidating, break it down into manageable steps. Some writers make one thorough sweep, and others make multiple passes, concentrating on different areas each time (characterization, plot, theme). However you work best, take the time to find those weaknesses that could halt the flow of your plot or take credibility away from your main character.

Set a date. Give yourself a firm deadline, and break down what steps you need to take and when. Stick to your deadline.

Take a break. Now, walk away from your masterpiece, and let it sit untouched for at least a week or two, longer if you can stand it. Give your brain some time to remove itself from the process for a more objective view.

Print it out. Have a double-spaced copy of your manuscript in hand, with two-inch margins for note-taking. A spiral-bound notebook and a few pens of different colors can help you stay organized. For example, use a red pen for deleting words or sections, a blue pen for additions, and use the notebook for more detailed revisions or notes to yourself.

Revision. As you go through your novel chapter by chapter, ask yourself the following questions:

1) Story line
• Is my plotline solid all the way through?
• Are there any holes that leave the reader confused?
• Is the story set in an appropriate time, place, season?
• Is my theme resolved at the end?

2) Point of view
• Is the point of view effective in telling my story?
• Is the point of view consistent throughout?

3) Characters
• Do my characters stay consistent throughout the story? If not, have I developed situations that account for any changes in personality?
• Are my characters flat or one-dimensional, or are they believable and richly developed?
• Are my characters unrealistic or stereotypical, or are they realistic, with flaws and idiosyncrasies?
• Do my characters evoke emotional responses from the reader?

4) Scene
• Are my scenes predictable?
• Do I provide concrete details or vague generalizations?
• Do they contain a good mixture of dialogue, action, narration, and introspection?
• Is each scene relevant to the story (moves the story forward) or could it be considered filler?
• Are my scenes bogged down by too much narrative (“telling”)?

5) Dialogue
• Is my dialogue practical and does it accurately reflect the character speaking?
• Is the dialogue essential to the scene?
• Is my dialogue weighed down by “he said, she said” construction?

Line-by-line editing 
 
Once you’ve resolved plot, character, and scene issues, make a final pass through your manuscript with an eye toward the basics: punctuation, grammar, word choice, and sentence structure. Run a spell-check and keep an eye out for embarrassing typos as well. (At this stage it is often helpful to have a well-versed grammarian and objective reader take a stab at this.)

• Have I repeated a favorite word or phrase too often?
• Is my sentence structure varied and interesting, or do I use the same length and phrasing throughout?
• Do I rely on clichés?
• Have I used gender-neutral language?
• Have I stayed consistent regarding hair color, age, dialect? Are my characters’ names spelled consistently throughout?

And, finally, once you’ve made these revisions, take a little break and then reprint your masterpiece (with one-inch margins). One more pass through should reveal how effectively your revision strategy has worked. When satisfied take time to revel in the moment. You’ve accomplished a monumental task.

Mantel or Mantle?

Use “mantel” when referring to the shelf above a fireplace. Use “mantle” to refer to a cloak or loose garment worn over other clothes. “Mantle” can also be used as a verb, as in to cover with (or as if with) a mantle.

Lose or Loose?

Use “lose” as a verb. You can lose a bet, lose the game, or lose your mind, but you can’t “loose” any of your faculties or possessions. “Loose” can be used as a verb too, as in “Use the hook to loosen the knot,” but, for the most part, use “loose” as an adjective. You can have a loose tooth, a loose screw, and loose change; you can have loose pants and loose morals, but don’t worry, it won’t make you a “looser.” 

For example…i.e. or e.g.?

The abbreviation e.g. stands for the Latin exempli gratia, which means “for example.” It must be followed by one or more examples. However, using e.g. does not mean that the list is a complete one.

We have several breeds of puppies available; e.g., Hounds, Labs, and Poodles, and there are several mixed breeds as well.

The abbreviation i.e. stands for the Latin id est, meaning “that is.” It should be followed by an explanation rather than a list of examples.

Don’t forget to attend the greatest match of all times. Come support the pride of Utah; i.e., the Howlin’ Huskies, on Saturday afternoon.

• Don’t forget to use a period after each letter; both are abbreviations.

• Use a comma after i.e. or e.g.

• You may use either abbreviation at the beginning of a sentence or in a parenthetical statement.

• If either abbreviation is used within the body of the sentence, use a semicolon before the expression and a comma afterward.

Hopefully (adverb)
 
 1) in a hopeful manner
 2) it is hoped; I hope; we hope
 
Hopefully, this drought will end soon.
 
According to Merriam-Webster’s online dictionary:
 
In the 1960s the second usage of hopefully underwent a surge in popularity and was then followed by a flood of criticism. But the word in question belongs to a class of adverbs called “disjuncts,” which serve as a means by which the author or speaker can comment directly to the reader—usually on the content of the sentence to which they are attached. Many other adverbs are used in a similar fashion, such as frankly, luckily, unfortunately, but “are so ordinary as to excite no comment or interest whatsoever.” The second usage of hopefully is considered to be standard.

In the heat of the moment, do you find the right words hard to come by? After an argument or disagreement with your significant other, boss, or parent, do you find yourself going over the conversation but adding the words you should have said? Have you decided that “Yeah…well…you’re wrong!” was perhaps not the best response? Can you rewrite your part of the dialogue? Outline a conversation but add what you would like to have said instead of your less-than-perfect, heat-of-the-moment words. Perhaps you can move some of the negative thoughts and words to a more positive outcome.

First of all, don’t be intimidated by this task. It is no longer necessary to be a Web designer to create a classy, interesting Web site to showcase your work. A great site can also help you sell books, gain readership, and create a Web presence. There are several hosting programs that are inexpensive, professional, and user-friendly. And, if you get stuck, there are always computer-savvy college students willing to help out for a few bucks.

Some tips:

Choose a domain name that accurately reflects you and your work. Use your own name or your pen name. If your name is very difficult to spell or pronounce or if it’s already been claimed, you may want to use the name of the work you’re promoting.

Keep it clean. One of the quickest ways to lose a reader’s interest is to force him or her to scroll through miles of text, navigate blinking graphics and pop-ups, and struggle to turn down the volume of your favorite techno beat just to get to the heart of the matter—you and your work. If your content is simple, keep it all on a single page, in an easy-to-read format. (By easy-to-read, we mean no white text on black backgrounds.) Additional content? Create and post links on the (front) home page; for example, one can click on Publication Credits and Educational Background, which will lead readers to this information about you.

Speaking of keeping it clean… Unless your site is promoting colorful picture books for children, stay away from using too many font styles and sizes or bright-pink and purple backgrounds. Don’t let your graphics and layout distract the reader from the important stuff. However, feel free to use a nice, large, and prominent font when displaying your name on your home page. Being shy won’t help your readers remember your name.

YOUR HOME PAGE:

Contact information.

Make it a snap to contact you. At the very least use a professional-sounding e-mail address with your name or pen name (no cute monikers, please). Some writers include a phone number, but you can decide what other contact information to post.

Ordering information.

If you have books to sell, make it as easy as humanly possible for people to buy them. If you aren’t set up for credit card processing and your books are only available through Amazon, for example, provide a link directly to it. Feature a picture of your book’s cover, a very brief summary, and a great review or recommendation if you’ve got one.

Make sure links to additional pages are prominently displayed.

ADDITIONAL PAGES:

Samples of your work.

If your site is dedicated to promoting your published work, be sure to post excerpts from your work as text. Choose scenes that are sure to pique the reader’s interest. You may also want to include excerpts from other as-yet-published work, either as text or as downloadable files. You may also use this section to promote future projects.

Bio page.

Include a page that describes who you are. Describe your background, interesting facts about your life, your professional credentials—anything that ups your credibility as an author. Include a professional photograph to make it more personal.

Do you give motivational speeches? Organize workshops? Provide editing or mentoring? List any other services you provide here.
 
Blog or journal entries.

If you write a regular blog or journal entry, keep your audience in mind, and give them relevant information—or make them laugh or cry or identify with you in some way. Keep the content new and fresh and update frequently.

Testimonials.

Let ’em fly. Do not hesitate to fill the entire page with glowing praise about your work.

Media room.

If members of the press wish to contact you, make it easy for them. Use this page to display your contact information (again), and include downloadable photographs, press releases, a bio page, and a link to the testimonial page.

OVERALL:

Keep your audience in mind when designing your site. Instead of creating a sales site (Buy now! You won’t regret it!), let your personality shine through, and hook your readers with what makes you and your work unique. Give them something to take away from your site. For example, you can share some of the publishing pitfalls you’ve run into and how you dealt with them. Offer links to sites that have helped you with grammar or finding a literary agent or that inspired you on days when the muse flew the coop or the rejection letters overwhelmed you.

Above all, have fun with it. Your readers will notice!

REMEMBER TO CHECK OUT OUR LIST OF WRITING CONTESTS and ANTHOLOGIES! You won’t find a better list anywhere (AND IT’S FREE!) of upcoming anthologies, special-themed journals, and contests. Find it by visiting:
http://www.writersreliefblog.com/post/Anthologies-Contests.aspx