Lots of kids want to write a novel, but there are steps to follow as you write. Writing a book can be difficult, and many people feel bad when they don't reach their goals. With the right advice, your dream could come true!
Steps
Part 1 of 6: Finding Ideas
Step 1. Brainstorm
Brainstorm]. Watch your favorite movie, read a book or write a dream that inspired you. Think about the things that motivate you or ignite your passion - they could be topics for your book and you will be happy to put them on paper.
- Take note of how the writer of one of your favorite books describes things and balances descriptions and actions.
- Make a list of possible themes for your novel, and choose the one that inspires you the most. Sometimes, when you want to write a book, the first thing you do is choose a title. Well, it doesn't have to be. The best way to choose the title is to write the story first, and then find one that fits. Don't write a story that fits the title.
Part 2 of 6: Planning and Writing Your Book
Step 1. Choose the way to write the book
You can write it on your pc, or in a diary. Choose the method that makes you most comfortable. In the end, however, you will have to write it down on your computer.
Step 2. Think before you write
Don't write down the first things that come to your mind. Make a lineup of what you will describe in the book and the direction in which it will go. If it has characters, develop them on paper first. If it's a novel, what's the plot or the plot?
- Thesaurus can be of great help in avoiding repetition or overly trivial words.
- Never use words you don't know the meaning of, check them first in the dictionary. Nothing will happen if you write the first chapter with words you don't even know!
Step 3. Write the story
Take the time to write regularly and be consistent until you finish it. If you need to do some research, give it some extra time.
You can do research online, through interviews with people you know or experts, or by going to the library and consulting books on the topic you will be covering
Step 4. Don't be in a hurry
Writing a book is not a race, you don't have to be the fastest. Take your time, especially to rework the ideas for the next paragraph.
If you get stuck, it's best to take a break from writing and come back when you feel fresher. A few days, even a week, can help you at times
Step 5. Once you start writing, the worst thing you can do is procrastinate (postpone until the next day)
You can start writing the book at 15 and finish it at 45 if you fall into this trap! It's easy to get tired of working on a book you're proofreading, and want to start a new one, but don't! You'll feel great once you're done, and satisfied (which won't happen if you put it aside).
Part 3 of 6: Editing
Step 1. Once finished, move on to editing (revising) the book and making all necessary changes
The story you wrote at the beginning will not be the same one that will be published - now is the time to refine the work and eliminate anything that does not value the story, correct any grammatical errors and make sure that there is internal consistency.
- Read your work aloud. It works better than mind reading when you need to find errors and can make the necessary best quickly and efficiently.
- Try to balance long and short sentences. You will prevent the reader from getting bored and your writing will be smoother. Do it often, until it is close, indeed, until it is perfect!
Part 4 of 6: Asking for Reviews
Step 1. Have a teacher or adult review the work to make sure everything is okay
You could ask several people you know to get a consistent number of opinions on what you wrote. Ask for tips and tricks to correct your novel or work.
If someone doesn't like what you wrote, never mind, many people won't like it. Handle it quietly and follow his advice on how to make changes. Sometimes it's frustrating when you've worked hard to write something and then all your friends and family tell you you've made a lot of mistakes, but try to see them as constructive criticism. Use them to improve your work
Step 2. Make decisions to determine what remains and what will be cut
After considering the comments and advice of others, you are still the author, and you have the last word on what will go into the book and what will be discarded instead.
Part 5 of 6: Making Copies of the Book
Step 1. Add images, backgrounds, colors etc
to your story. Use your favorite image editor and manager.
Step 2. Print your story in color
You could use a printer that prints on both sides of the paper; in this way your story will look like a real book. However, check the requirements of any publisher first, as they may prefer plain printing
Step 3. If you want a copy for yourself, make a hard cover (you can make it with cardboard)
Assemble the book by sewing it or using a stapler (better to sew it).
Step 4. Make a PDF or eBook to email it to publishers
If you are sending hard copies, make sure they are in the format required by the publisher and that you meet any other requirements.
Part 6 of 6: Publish the Book
Step 1. Follow all publishing house guidelines before submitting your manuscript
Step 2. Keep submitting the manuscript to the publishing houses until you get a positive response
You will receive a lot of waste. But don't give up - just one yes is enough to get published.
Advice
- All writers are wrong, don't be mad if this happens to you.
- Perseverance is a virtue! J. K. Rowling, "Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone" was rejected 12 times before finding a publisher who fell in love with it.
- When you have to decide the title there are changes and also the advice of other people. It is better to finish writing the book and then decide on the title, so that it can give an idea of the plot.
- Make sure you write an interesting opening that entices the reader to continue reading. If you are a little known author, the publishing houses will probably not find you particularly interesting. The secret to publishing a book is to write an engaging opening that encourages the publisher to continue reading.
- Usually publishers choose the title and cover, so don't waste too much time.
- If you are very young you do not have many chances to publish, but don't be discouraged! Try talking to someone, like your Italian teacher: if he / she likes it then other people might like it too.
- Be prepared for a disappointment. Things in life don't always go smoothly. Maybe a publishing house rejects your book, or you won't sell many copies etc.
- Always keep an open mind, you may have a great idea but maybe there is something even better in some corner of your head!
Warnings
- Remember that once the book is published, you will not get a lot of money right away. It takes time for these things - publishers and bookstores keep a percentage of the profits.
- Don't rely on Google to find publishing houses! You risk running into some scam. Do the research as accurately as possible and don't fall into the paid publishing trap.
- Always do research on the topic, title etc. If you are not careful you risk an accusation of plagiarism.
- Writing a book takes time. If you are a procrastinator, now is a good time to work on this bad habit.
- Do not write the book in a hurry to become a writer at a young age; you will end up having a half-finished novel in your hands. Take the time to perfect it; it may take years, but you'll sell more books like that, even without the free publicity that would come with being a 15-year-old writer.
