Help - Writers Forum

johnlucy · 02-28-2006, 08:09 AM

I have about six months off work and to pass the time I am trying to write a novel. The problem I have is that although I have an active imagination I have no writing experience; my punctuation is not 100% either.
If I ever get to finish this book does anybody know where I can go to get it read through and the punctuation and spelling corrected?

Oasis Writer · 02-28-2006, 10:27 AM

A good way is too send it to an edittor. It may be costy, it may not. I'm not exactly sure, but it's a good way. Another way is to post sections of it here. If you are aiming to get it published, then you do not want to put it all on here. If you just want to write to write and don't care either way to share it all, then you may. If you post short subscripts into this site in threads. Maybe three pages at a time, with spaces between the paragraph, then usually people will take a look at it. Sometimes though, you need to do them the favor first before they will be willing enough to see yours. Depends on the person. I hope that helps. Welcome to the Forums and have fun with your novel.

johnlucy · 03-01-2006, 07:33 AM

thanks

Sindy · 03-01-2006, 09:08 AM

The best advice is to send it to a professional editor or a corrector. Though, I guess it will be too expensive.

If you want to save money, you'd better start polishing your writing skills. Buy some good book with smart tips on how to quickly and efficiently to polish writing and bring it to perfection. Visit amazon.com. There you'll find everything you need at a reasonable price.

Another good advice is to read more and to write every single day.

Mike C · 03-01-2006, 12:56 PM

Just write it. Worry about the rest when you've finished.

::Saint:: · 03-01-2006, 01:06 PM

I agree with whoever said it depends what you are planning to do with it. If you are just writing for yourself and you want to improve your skills, take a creative writing or basic english course at a local college or something - that will help a lot with editing, proof-reading, etc.

As far as getting published is concerned though, I've never heard of a professional author worth their salt who didn't hire a professional editor to go through their work BEFORE sending it off to publishers, so it is well worth the cost. I happen to have a friend who is a professional editor - not terribly expensive either I don't think - http://members.tripod.com/emeraldelf21-ivil/id11.html

FloridaJay · 03-01-2006, 02:27 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Mike C

Just write it. Worry about the rest when you've finished.

What he said. Also, before you write this novel, pratice by writing short stories. Hell, just practice by staring down the blank page and hammering a sentence, a paragraph or a even a page out of defiance to writer's block! The point I'm trying to hit home is: PRACTICE. Write every day for a month, whether it be a home-made weather report or a sci-fi paragraph about Mars - write! Another piece of advice I've been given here: read outloud what you've written. If it sounds good and has good flow, then you're on the right track, if not, then guess what - practice.

About your punctuation not being 100%, there are a multitude of online reference sites that can help you out in that area. I'd suggest, if you have the money and the time, in taking a writing/grammar course online. Of course, there is so much free advice out there, you may not have to spend your hard-earned wages. The Writing Forums is an excellent example.

Which leads me to this suggestion: Feel free to post some of your writing on this forum. There are more than enough folks here willing to lend a hand (so to speak) and help you on your way to becoming the novelist you know you can be.

johnlucy · 03-16-2006, 05:42 AM

Thanks for all your help

Mike C · 03-16-2006, 12:04 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ::Saint::

IAs far as getting published is concerned though, I've never heard of a professional author worth their salt who didn't hire a professional editor to go through their work BEFORE sending it off to publishers, so it is well worth the cost.

Really? I can name dozens. Maybe you're just trying to promote your friend's business? We can all do that - check out www.writersconsultant.com - two of the best in the business. Both highly successful published novellists, one a former Pulitzer judge.

Stewart · 03-16-2006, 01:51 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ::Saint::

I happen to have a friend who is a professional editor - not terribly expensive either I don't think - http://members.tripod.com/emeraldelf21-ivil/id11.html

With all respect, if I was ever in the position where I needed an editor, I would not even consider that person based on the fact they don't even have a proper website.

Lack of credentials is another reason.

mammamaia · 03-16-2006, 06:08 PM

i do such stuff for free, but don't take on a whole book, unless it's something truly deserving of the effort... however, i'll be happy to take a look at your first chapter and show you what's wrong and why, and what you need to work on skills-wise...

that said, to try to write a novel when you have no writing experience, is like someone with no climbing experience or knowledge saying they're going to climb everest... the novel is the writer's everest!... so, the poster above who said to practice on short stories first was giving you the best advice...

as for whoever was touting a friend's paid services, even if that was kosher to do here, i sure wouldn't recommend anyone with such a garish, amateurish site, either!...

if you want any free help, john, just drop me a line... and you can check out my work on my website, if you want to see whether i'm qualified to give it...

love and hugs, maia
maia3maia@hotmail.com