I tell just about all of my clients, students and friends who are working on books that they must get to know their competition. Whether you are writing a period novel, a self-help book, a recipe book, a memoir or a children\u2019s storybook, for example, study other books like yours. Read similar books before you start writing and refer to them often during the process of writing. <\/p>\n
I don\u2019t mean for you to copy another author. It\u2019s important that you are true to your voice, your style and your story. But you also want to present your story or material so that it is understandable, a pleasure to read, consistent, accurate and so that it follows the basic rules of good writing. The more familiar you are with the works of excellent writers in your genre, the more apt you are to create works of value to your readers.<\/p>\n
What aspects of other books should you pay attention to before you start writing? Here are a few:<\/p>\n
\u2022\tWhat techniques do other authors use to draw the reader into the book?
\n\u2022\tHow do these authors hold the readers\u2019 interest?
\n\u2022\tWhat methods do they apply for ending their books?
\n\u2022\tDo these authors write in first, second or third person\u2014present or past tense?
\n\u2022\tDissect what makes these books work.
\n\u2022\tLook at the way other nonfiction books are organized.<\/p>\n
When you are ready to design your book, study other books to determine:<\/p>\n
\u2022\tWhat makes the cover design work?
\n\u2022\tWhat page layout design is most appealing\/workable?
\n\u2022\tHow do other publishers of such works handle the back cover copy?
\n\u2022\tDoes this book require an index, glossary, etc. and why?
\n\u2022\tHow is their table of contents organized?<\/p>\n
Study books written by your competitors in order to learn what to do and what not to do. Use these books as examples and models. Refer to them in order to create the best product you can produce. If you can keep an open mind while using the best of books similar to yours, the more likely you are to succeed. Close yourself off from your competition, criticize other authors and refuse to conform and you might just find yourself with a garage full of books you can\u2019t sell.<\/p>\n
For more tips, techniques, resources and how to do it, order your copy of The Right Way to Write, Publish and Sell Your Book<\/em><\/strong> today. http:\/\/www.matilijapress.com\/rightway.html<\/a><\/p>\n And if you love kitty cats, we have finally perfected the new photos in the book of cat stories. Order one or more copies of Catscapades, Tales of Ordinary and Extraordinary Cats <\/em><\/strong>here: http:\/\/www.matilijapress.com\/catscapades.html<\/a> <\/p>\n