Book Review: Writing and Selling the Great American Novel by Janice Thompson
When it comes to writing how-to books, I admit I start to gloss over when I hear there is a new one.
I’m a voracious reader and I’ve read them. Of the stacks and stacks I’ve finished, only a few stand out as ones with new information and help I find amazing and worth telling others about.
And Janice Thompson’s newest offering, Writing and Selling the Great American Novel is one of them.
This book gives the aspiring novelist everything needed to start, plot, write, edit, complete, sell, and market your work. I’m literal when I say everything. There are acronyms that help break down tips. Exercises to help you practice and flesh out what you read. Quotes from authors and agents emphasizing Janice’s points. Books and links she recommends. I can’t think of a single thing she didn’t think of, and it’s presented in easy to find, read, and refer back to fashion.
I’m not quite at the beginner stage, but I’m not yet published. Writing and Selling the Great American Novel is a reference I plan to have nearby when I’m plotting, editing, working on a query letter…honestly, it works for any aspect of writing. I’m in a couple critique groups (another subject Janice writes about) and when I read something that needs more than I know how to help with, I always recommend Susan May Warren/Rachel Hauck’s From the Inside…Out:discover, create, and publish the novel in you. For someone wanting to know about writing romance, I also tell them to get ready to dog ear Gail Gaymer Martin’s Writing the Christian Romance. Now I have a third command because Janice includes all the genres and tips on writing for each one, and that makes this a resource that stands apart.
I can’t recommend Writing and Selling the Great American Novel enough. Janice included everything for our benefit. Buy the book, read and keep it close by, and get writing. You won’t have any regrets.
To purchase Writing and Selling the Great American Novel by Janice Thompson, click here.
Note: it is available for a reduced rate September 13-15. After that, the book will sell at $8.99 (worth every penny, but hey, don’t you love a sale?)
I received a download of this book from the author in exchange for an honest review.
