December 29, 2007
If, on the other hand, you ignore the advice, or skip steps, you risk entering the arena of ideas poorly armed and at a great disadvantage.
-- Audrey Owen, proud author of Get Your Writing Fighting Fit
In this issue:
1. Pre-launch Sale
2. Comma Use #8 Clarify Meaning
3. Writing Goals
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1. Pre-launch Sale
I'm so proud my buttons quiver for fear of flying off in all directions.
I've finished Get Your Writing Fighting Fit! Well, I'm as finished as I can be at this point. I'm waiting for the illustrations and I have to write a great sales page and set up distribution.
I know this book will help writers.
I moderate a site review forum. While I've finished up the book, I've used bits of the information from the forum in my review comments. Here's what Cathy Campbell from http://www.inspired-personal-development.com said. "Thanks for the technical explanation of reading longer words. It makes sense, and gives me something to aim for."
Here's what the book offers:
- A systematic way to go through your text looking for common problems.
- An explanation of why you need to make changes.
- Lists of words to avoid, and lists of confusing words most writers struggle with. (I sort out the confusing bits.)
- A special section on writing for the screen -- the computer screen that is.
- A chapter on the verb that will send your reader swiftly to sleep.
- A way to find -- and tame -- the dreaded passive voice.
- A chapter on how to write leads that compel your readers to stay with you.
- A way to discover what your readers are looking for when they read your book -- and how to write so they know you are meeting their needs.
- The answer to the question, "What does a Big Mac have to do with writing?" (I just know you've been staying up nights wondering about THAT one.)
- An appendix with further writing resources.
All this and much more comes wrapped in a memorable metaphor.
Yes, for now, I'm finished. But remember that I promised you a pre-launch price.
When I have all the selling bits in place, the book will cost $30.
Until the official launch date, January 20, subscribers to Editor's Notes can buy this $30 book for $15.
You also get my promise that if I add anything between the time you buy your pre-launch copy and the launch date, you'll get it for free in a subsequent attachment.
There is a catch. I'll have to send you a personal invoice and then send you the file as an email attachment. This won't be instant like it will be when the book is officially launched because I'll be filling pre-launch orders by hand. But I will be at my computer most of the time until the official launch, so you won't have to wait too long.
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2. Comma Use #8 Clarify Meaning
We are continuing with the series on the uses of the comma. To see the uses we discussed previously, click on the link below to the newsletter archive.
Use a comma to clarify meaning. This happens when word order could cause confusion.
Example: Without the butter, cookies taste flat. (The comma prevents misreading butter cookies as a unit.
Before boiling, water should be filtered. (The comma prevents the misreading before boiling water.)
I made ham and eggs, and sat in the sunshine. (The comma clarifies the sentence structure related to the two uses of and.
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3. Writing Goals What are your writing goals for 2008? You can post them at http://www.writershelper.coim/writing-goals-2008. Whether you want to make your goals public or you just want motivation to keep going to reach those goals, you'll receive regular reminders to keep moving toward your goals.
My best wishes to you as you continue your writing into the new year.
If you know a writer who would appreciate receiving Editor's Notes, forward this issue.
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