The Marshall Plan for Novel Writing by Evan Marshall

This book, based on the author's national writing seminars, presents the first step-by-step program guaranteed to take a writer from idea to completed manuscript. Editorial Reviews From the Publisher By following this 16-step program, any writer can fulfill the dream of completing a novel that is ready to submit to agents and editors. No matter what type of novel the reader wants to write -- western to romance to literary to fantasy -- this program will work. It breaks down the novel-writing process into small, manageable tasks that even the most inexperienced writers can achieve. Readers will learn how to find a hook, create a conflict, develop a protagonist and set her into motion. Formerly an editor and now a successful literary agent, Marshall knows the marketplace. His expertise illuminates every subject, from insightful advice about choosing the right story to strategies for building that story with an eye toward publication. He includes plenty of diagrams, charts and section sheets to make following the program easier, and there's even a section with proven advice and information for writing effective query letters and submitting manuscripts for publication. From the Author In my work as a literary agent and in my writing seminars, I have used this program to help hundreds of writers achieve success. Beginning writers bursting with ideas but unsure how to turn them into novels have found guidance in this methodical, left-brain process. Published writers who always wrote instinctively, discovering their novels as they went along, have used this method to diagnose and repair ailing manuscripts. In all cases, these writers have been rewarded with compliments from editors on the writers' mastery of their craft -- and with publication. I hope The Marshall Plan for Novel Writing does that for you. From the Author In my work as a literary agent and in my writing seminars, I have used this program to help hundreds of writers achieve success. Beginning writers bursting with ideas but unsure how to turn them into novels have found guidance in this methodical, left-brain process. Published writers who always wrote instinctively, discovering their novels as they went along, have used this method to diagnose and repair ailing manuscripts. In all cases, these writers have been rewarded with compliments from editors on the writers' mastery of their craft -- and with publication. I hope The Marshall Plan for Novel Writing does that for you. From the Inside Flap You now have at your disposal the means of finishing not just one novel but many. The Marshall Plan is not the only way to write a novel, but this way works every time. Even if, as you advance in your writing career, you try new methods and new techniques, maybe judiciously break a few rules, this system will always be here to fall back on as a proven way to get those books finished. -- Evan Marshall Never before has the complex craft of novel writing been explained in such clear, practical terms. Evan Marshall draws on his years of experience as a literary agent, editor and published novelist to perfect this methodical, effective approach to planning, plotting, writing -- and most importantly -- finishing a truly great novel. In 16 basic steps, you'll learn to view novel writing in a new way. Rather than attempting to dive straight into writing, haphazardly trying to connect plot, characterization and other narrative elements as you go, you'll realize that successful novel writing is actually a linear, calculated process anyone can follow. This plan works because it shows you how to map out your entire novel -- characters, subplots, conflicts and all -- before you write one chapter. Following The Marshall Plan you will: -- Lay the groundwork for a solid novel by targeting a genre for your story idea and developing your narrative and characters around the unique conventions of your chosen genre -- Use basic guidelines and section sheets to determine an ideal story length and plot your novel's events, including main and subordinate story lines, surprising twists and dramatic conclusions -- Confidently write the novel you've plotted as you master viewpoint writing and discover techniques for linking your novel's sections with seamless connectors -- Create a compelling, readable pace by using the five fiction modes -- action, summary, dialogue, thoughts/feelings and background -- Bulletproof your story and perfect your language with the Novelist's Manual for Self-Editing, a guide for editing and revising your completed manuscript -- Successfully market your novel following Evan Marshall's expert instruction for creating a powerful synopsis, targeting the right agents and editors, and getting your work the full attention it deserves. He even includes a sample synopsis that actually led to a sale. Throughout this hands-on guide, Marshall includes templates you can copy, easy-to-follow charts and end-of-chapter recaps that reinforce important points and help you stay focused. More than a basic schematic, The Marshall Plan for Novel Writing is an inspiration. Follow its 16 steps to a completed novel you can be proud of. From the Back Cover Imagine writing with the skill of a published author, the knowledge of a seasoned editor and the savvy of a New York literary agent . . . you'd have all the know-how it takes to transform your story idea into a great novel worthy of praise and publication. In this unique guide, agent, editor and novelist Evan Marshall does give you everything it takes to write your novel. Drawing on his extensive experience, Marshall has perfected a simple and methodical approach to novel writing. His clear-cut, 16-step Marshall Plan breaks down the complex novel-writing process into a series of parts you put together one piece at a time. You'll have your whole story planned and plotted before you actually begin writing, so there's no chance of working yourself into a corner or making critical mistakes in pacing and plot. In short, The Marshall Plan for Novel Writing works. Use it, and watch your story masterfully develop into a completed manuscript ready to get the full attention of readers, agents and editors alike. Praise for The Marshall Plan for Novel Writing A comprehensive manual to writing a novel for all writers -- from the beginner to the more advanced looking for polishing tips. Savvy and concise. -- Bill Contardi, William Morris Agency The Marshall Plan for Novel Writing is the bible for every aspiring novelist. More than an essential tool, Evan Marshall's definitive, step-by-step guide strips away the secrets of character, plot and content. In short, he gives you the recipes for writing a novel that'll sell. He'll have you cookin' in no time. -- Judith Gould, New York Times best-selling author of Sins, Second Love and Till the End of Time Finally, a practical how-to manual for all aspiring authors, written with wit and wisdom. A delightful read! -- Maureen Walters, vice president, Curtis Brown, Ltd. Brilliant. The Marshall Plan for Novel Writing presents a fail-safe approach to a first novel, providing the building blocks and the polishing tools an inexperienced writer needs to produce a salable manuscript. -- Candace Robb, best-selling author of the Owen Archer mysteries Like the Marshall Plan of 1948, this Marshall Plan offers hope! The manual is a simple and effective road map for all new and aspiring writers. Definitely user-friendly. -- Lori Copeland, best-selling author of With This Ring and The Courtship of Cade Kolby A clear and extremely readable guide to writing. While The Marshall Plan may not be able to guarantee a sale, it will certainly put a writer on the right track. -- Jennifer Sawyer Fisher, senior editor, Avon Books The Marshall Plan for Novel Writing is a master plan for aspiring novelists. Evan Marshall is brilliant. -- Bobbi Smith, best-selling author of Outlaw's Lady An invaluable tool for the aspiring novelist. An upbeat, easy-to-follow guide that takes the mystery out of writing. -- Alicia Condon, editorial director of Leisure Books/Love Spell About the Author Evan Marshall is the president of The Evan Marshall Agency, a leading literary agency that specializes in representing fiction writers. A former book editor and packager, he has contributed articles on writing and publishing to Writer's Digest and other magazines. He is the author of Eye Language and a forthcoming series of mystery novels. He lives with his wife and two sons in Pine Brook, New Jersey. From the Back Cover Imagine writing with the skill of a published author, the knowledge of a seasoned editor and the savvy of a New York literary agent . . . you'd have all the know-how it takes to transform your story idea into a great novel worthy of praise and publication. In this unique guide, agent, editor and novelist Evan Marshall does give you everything it takes to write your novel. Drawing on his extensive experience, Marshall has perfected a simple and methodical approach to novel writing. His clear-cut, 16-step Marshall Plan breaks down the complex novel-writing process into a series of parts you put together one piece at a time. You'll have your whole story planned and plotted before you actually begin writing, so there's no chance of working yourself into a corner or making critical mistakes in pacing and plot. In short, The Marshall Plan for Novel Writing works. Use it, and watch your story masterfully develop into a completed manuscript ready to get the full attention of readers, agents and editors alike. Praise for The Marshall Plan for Novel Writing A comprehensive manual to writing a novel for all writers -- from the beginner to the more advanced looking for polishing tips. Savvy and concise. -- Bill Contardi, William Morris Agency The Marshall Plan for Novel Writing is the bible for every aspiring novelist. More than an essential tool, Evan Marshall's definitive, step-by-step guide strips away the secrets of character, plot and content. In short, he gives you the recipes for writing a novel that'll sell. He'll have you cookin' in no time. -- Judith Gould, New York Times best-selling author of Sins, Second Love and Till the End of Time Finally, a practical how-to manual for all aspiring authors, written with wit and wisdom. A delightful read! -- Maureen Walters, vice president, Curtis Brown, Ltd. Brilliant. The Marshall Plan for Novel Writing presents a fail-safe approach to a first novel, providing the building blocks and the polishing tools an inexperienced writer needs to produce a salable manuscript. -- Candace Robb, best-selling author of the Owen Archer mysteries Like the Marshall Plan of 1948, this Marshall Plan offers hope! The manual is a simple and effective road map for all new and aspiring writers. Definitely user-friendly. -- Lori Copeland, best-selling author of With This Ring and The Courtship of Cade Kolby A clear and extremely readable guide to writing. While The Marshall Plan may not be able to guarantee a sale, it will certainly put a writer on the right track. -- Jennifer Sawyer Fisher, senior editor, Avon Books The Marshall Plan for Novel Writing is a master plan for aspiring novelists. Evan Marshall is brilliant. -- Bobbi Smith, best-selling author of Outlaw's Lady An invaluable tool for the aspiring novelist. An upbeat, easy-to-follow guide that takes the mystery out of writing. -- Alicia Condon, editorial director of Leisure Books/Love Spell About the Author Evan Marshall is the president of The Evan Marshall Agency, a leading literary agency that specializes in representing fiction writers. A former book editor and packager, he has contributed articles on writing and publishing to Writer's Digest and other magazines. He is the author of Eye Language and a forthcoming series of mystery novels. He lives with his wife and two sons in Pine Brook, New Jersey. About the Author Evan Marshall is the president of The Evan Marshall Agency, a leading literary agency that specializes in representing fiction writers. A former book editor and packager, he has contributed articles on writing and publishing to Writer's Digest and other magazines. He is the author of Eye Language and a forthcoming series of mystery novels. He lives with his wife and two sons in Pine Brook, New Jersey. Excerpt. ® Reprinted by permission. All rights reserved. From Step 1: Many people, when they decide to write a novel, have no idea what to write. They just want to get published, so they choose what looks easiest or is currently hot. Some, for example, choose romances. Why, they follow a formula; anyone can churn out one of those, right? Wrong. Romance is impossible to fake. Editors and readers can spot an insincere effort a mile off. Other would-be novelists have their own ideas of what looks easy; they turn out books they shouldn't be writing because they are not familiar enough with the genre and have no passion for it. These insincere efforts are inevitably inferior and therefore don't sell. At this point, these people turn in frustration to some other kind of book that looks easy, hoping it will open the door to publication. And on it goes. In good writing, nothing's easy. Once you accept this fact, you're ready to make an informed, intelligent decision about the kind of book you should write. You should hone your craft on this kind of book instead of splashing about directionless in a sea of genres. It's this kind of book you'll have the best chance of selling. So what should you write? It's been right in front of you all the time: what you love to read. Why should you write what you love to read? First, because you've read books in a specific genre for so long, you're aware of the kinds of stories that have been written in it. You also have a good idea of what works and what doesn't. Second, your passion as a reader will translate into passion as a writer. So what do you love to read? What kinds of novels do you gravitate to in the bookstore or library? Who are your favorite authors? If, like many avid readers, you enjoy more than one genre, which is your favorite? You may be unsure what genre your favorite books fall into. Maybe you choose more by author--you enjoy a writer's work and haven't given any thought to its genre. Nevertheless, you as a novelist must know exactly what genre or subgenre you're targeting. Editors think in terms of genre when they acquire books, mostly from agents, who think the same way when they take on books from authors, who need to think this way too. Many writers resist categorizing their novels, insisting it will stifle their creativity. But a novel written without a genre in mind can be difficult if not impossible to sell. Challenge yourself to be creative within your genre's conventions. What if you read in a genre that is no longer being published because it has gone out of fashion? Two examples are the gothic and the family saga. Fans of extinct genres like these buy books that were first published years ago and are still in print, or they buy old used books, or they borrow old books from the library. If you're one of these people, you may be unsure whether your favorite genre is still being published. To find out, you'll need to do some research. First, go to a large bookstore and check the shelves for new titles in this genre. Next, visit the library and scan the new fiction section. Then check the general shelves. If, at either the library or the bookstore, you find books in this genre that have been published within the past two years (check the copyright page), you're in good shape. This is the genre you should write in, because you love reading it and publishers are buying it. If, on the other hand, you find nothing in your genre that's been published within the past two years, you have some adapting to do. There's no point in writing what you love to read if no one's publishing it anymore. In order to write -- and sell -- what you love to read, you must change what you love to read. You can do this in either of two ways: 1. Switch to the genre's currently popular form, if one exists. 2. Switch to a similar genre that is still being published. Here's how it works. Let's say you love horror novels -- the paperback-original, category kind, with covers featuring things like skulls and ferocious dolls. You buy these books used, and your research tells you this kind of horror isn't being published these days. What do you do? Start with option #1. Visit a large bookstore and your library, looking for recently published horror. You discover that horror is still being published, but the novels are longer and more sophisticated. Read a few of these books. If they appeal to you, switch to this currently popular form of horror as your target genre. If they don't appeal to you, try option #2. Now you're looking for a live genre you like as much as the one you've been reading. The genres likeliest to fit the bill are those that share characteristics with the genre you're switching from. So you ask yourself what you like most about the horror novels you've been reading. You decide it's that they're (1) gory and (2) scary. So look for a live genre that is gory and scary. How about serial-killer thrillers? They're certainly gory and scary. Read a few. If you like them, read more, and if you still like them, make serial-killer thriller your new target genre. If serial-killer thrillers don't thrill you, repeat the process until you find a genre you like enough to switch to. If you do switch, keep reading. You're trying to bring yourself up to speed as quickly as possible, so you can't read too much. Stick with your target genre. When people ask you what you write, say, I write ______________s. Period. You're no longer splashing about in the sea of genres. You're happily aboard ship and ready to set sail -- or should I say sale?