Professional editor and author Elizabeth Lyon offers aspiring novelists the guidance and instruction they need to write and edit well-crafted and compelling stories that will stand out from the competition and attract the attention of agents and publishers, including:
- Stand-out style techniques, from accessing an authentic voice to applying techniques of "wordsmithing" that transform prose
- How to rewrite characterization for dimensionality, a universal need, and theme
- Adjustment suggestions to match the prose style and structure of specific genres
- Methods for increasing plot stakes, creating movement, and adjusting pace for maximum suspense
Customer Reviews
Average Customer Review
Strong addition to reference shelf, December 13, 2008
By
David B. Schlosser (Flagstaff, AZ USA)
This is an excellent book for someone considering undertaking a novel or with a complete first draft. I like to take a break between drafts and read a couple of craft books to clear my head and consider where I might tweak/improve my manuscript; I would have found this book more helpful after the first draft than the third, but it was a good primer and - unlike many books of this kind - dedicated to conveying useful information in a productive way.
The author does an excellent service to readers by explaining what she will cover in each chapter and suggesting which readers will find it useful and which readers should look to other chapters for a particular tool or technique. The checklists at the end of each chapter are a perfect shortcut for readers to find out if they're going to find what they're looking for in a particular chapter.
The only thing that keeps me from offering a fifth star in this review is a few too many instances of the author reminding readers to "make sure to do enough of this, but not too much." Readers of a basic/introductory reference, as this book is, probably need more "showing" of examples than "telling" of what to do and what to avoid.
The BEST writing book on Rewriting a manuscript ever, December 5, 2008
By
K. Torpey (Los Angeles, CA)
Lyon's Manuscript Makeover is a must for any writer who is about to embark on the wild rollercoaster ride of rewriting a manuscript. It's a huge task even for prolific writers and Lyon's breaks it down brilliantly into a step-by-step process that helps the writer get to the core of their story. She tackles every aspect of storytelling and rewriting on a basic, understandable level. She addresses structure, movement, pacing, character, style, voice, tense, grammar and even some elements of marketing. Her end of the chapter summaries are a great quick reference guide to have by your side as you dive into your rewrite.
I am a working screenwriter / filmmaker and this book is a MUST for all writers of any format or genre. If you're a writer, this book belongs on your book shelf. Buy it.
C+ For Effort, November 27, 2008
By
Vance (buffalo, new york United States)
There is certainly alot of information packed into this book, useful perhaps for the beginning writer. But like all writer's self-help book, it ultimately fails. The only way to get better at writing is TO WRITE! Stop wasting your time reading these books. Plus, this one is packed with too many "helpful" hints. A far better book in this regard is Steven Pressfield The War of Art.
Other books are better., September 17, 2008
By
A. LucasI have to admit. I was disappointed with this book. Do you remember how your elementary school teacher made English way more difficult that it really is by using proper terminology? Predicates, conjuctions, adverbs etc.
This book does the same thing. It takes the simple parts of fiction, like plot, characterization and movement, and essentially makes it more complicated than it needs to be. Much of what is described in long-winded chapters is common sense to the average writer.
I won't say I didn't learn anything, but I reccomend Self Editing for Fiction Writers as a much more useful and easier book to understand.
Terrific book for any writer, August 6, 2008
By
P. Durant (New Mexico)
This is a great book for someone who has written a screenplay and now needs help making it better.
