I'd been looking forward to reading Revision & Self-Editing by James Scott Bell for quite some time. Like he did in his previous how-to book, Plot & Structure, Jim has crafted a solid entry in the Write Great Fiction series from Writer's Digest Books.My review has just been posted on TitleTrakk.com. Here's an excerpt:
Speaking of writing conferences, that’s what reading this book felt like—attending a break-out session presented by a skilled wordsmith who knows of what he speaks. Like a caring English Professor, Jim hovers over your shoulder pointing out the problems and dishing out the fixes. He pulls no punches, and you can tell he wants those who read this book to succeed. With lots of sweat, burning desire, and these techniques in your back pocket, you truly can.
Read the whole review here.
Guess what? I have an extra copy of this book to give away! And I do mean extra. There's no way I'd give up my own personal copy! :)
So leave me a comment, and I'll draw a name from everyone who does to win a free copy of this great how-to book. Deadline will be next Monday, the 14th of July.
14 comments:
Oh, I'll thrown my name in the hat. Have you read "Self-Editing for Fiction Writers" by Browne & King? I'd be curious to hear how it compares, if so.
Brandon--thanks very much for the comment. It's been so long since I read Browne & King's book, several years. I really don't remember a lot about it, so I couldn't tell you how they compared. Maybe someone else commenting will be able to help. I'll send some writing friends over who swear by Browne & King! :)
Brandon, Self-Editing for Fiction Writers is good, and it's one of the first books a new writer should get. But Jim Bell's book goes deeper.
Self-Editing is how I learned good guidelines, like avoiding passive, search and destroy "that"s etc.
Revision & Self-Editing looks for more than just those items. It goes into characterization and plot structure, finding plot holes, etc.
If I had to compare them, I'd call Self-Editing for Fiction Writers the 101 course and Revision and Self-Editing the next level.
Both are on the list of good craft books I give new members of Penwrights and any writers I mentor.
Hope that helps!
If I dash off a quick comment now, to get in the drawing, can I come back to revise and self-edit it later?
C.J. and Ane, Thanks for replying. Ane, I like that comparison. I just finished Self-Editing a few months ago, so bring on Jim Bell! :D
I could sure use this book. Please enter me in the drawing. Thanks.
I'd love to win the book!
Wahooo! I'm still in time to throw my name in the hat!
I haven't read the book, but lately editing has been heavy on my mind. I'm not an author myself, but I wish there was a way to really get this into everyone's heads before they try to self-publish a book or give it to a lesser quality publisher: their work needs to be edited over and over again. I have read several books revently that could definitely use further editing, but they have unfortunately been published already. What ould have been a truly good story is marred. I do hope lots of writers will get this book and take its lessons to heart.
I'd love to win this book, even though I'm still working my way thru Bell's "Plot & Structure".
Thanks for the info about "Self-Editing" too.
Blessings,
Becca.dowling[at]yahoo[dot]com
Great review! I have Self-Editing for Fiction Writers, but I've already applied the information to my writing. Sounds like I should add Revision and Self-Editing to my reference collection, especially since I'm struggling in the midst of revisions.
Please enter my name in the drawing for Revision & Self-Editing. It sounds like a must-read. Thanks!
And the winner is ... Brandon Satrom! Congrats, Brandon! I've sent you a message through your website.
Awesome! Thanks C.J! I'm really looking forward to this one!
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