Wednesday, November 3, 2010

Manuscript Makeover

Welcome to Day Five of my Back from Hiatus Contest. Today's favorite non-fiction writing book is:

Manuscript Makeover.

Author: Elizabeth Lyon, editor, teacher, writing mentor, and contributor to The Writer and Writer's Digest.

Amazon.com Price: Right now Amazon has nine copies offered as bargain price paperbacks at $5.98

Why I Like It: I like this book for many of the same reasons I like Hooked: readable style, concrete examples that really drive the point home, and - most of all - practical advice that will help you make your novel the best it can be. Reading this book inspired me to rewrite the first third of my wip. I can actually see where Lyon's advice has resulted in (significant) improvements to my manuscript.

I bought Manuscript Makeover to learn revision techniques, but I got much more than I'd hoped for. Thorough discussions and helpful tips on style, characterization, prose, beginnings, endings, pace, structure, grammar, and so much more, take this book to the top of my list of favorites.

Don't forget to enter my Back From Hiatus Contest by commenting on this original post.

Happy Wednesday, Everyone!

28 comments:

Old Kitty said...

Now this is probably what I'll definitely get!!!! Thanks wonderful Susan for the info!!!

I'm so enjoying your Back from Haitus stuff - the books you've chosen are really helpful! Take care
x

Christine Danek said...

I have this one and love it. It is awesome.

Candyland said...

Ooohhh I need this:)

Sharon K. Mayhew said...

This is why your writing is so compelling! You are an exceptional student....

Stina said...

LOL. Your writing bookshelf is a copy of mine. I love this book, especially the riff writing exercise. Now I no longer print off my wip after every draft to edit. Now I copy the small section I want to work on and play around with it until I happy, then replace the old part with it. This has helped my writing big time. :)

Joanne said...

This looks like a great reference as we face a revision. I like the idea of balancing our own ideas and style with the technical guidelines presented in a guide.

Wendy Paine Miller said...

I'll have to check into this one. Always looking for strong writing books.
~ Wendy

Lenny Lee said...

hi miss susan! its neat that you could share out about those books that been a big help for you. its pretty hard to know if a books gonna be a help or not so its a real big help if someones got it and says yep is really good.
...hugs from lenny

Brian's Home Blog said...

You find all the good stuff!

Laurel Garver said...

I adore this one, too. Not only does Lyon have checklists, but she also has absolutely amazing tips for making your work more emotionally full and artistic. It's a rare combination!

Talli Roland said...

Another great writing book I need to get my hands on! Thanks, Susan!

Bossy Betty said...

More books to read! Yeah!

Hema Penmetsa said...

I bought this book myself (based on your recommendation, I might add :-)). Though I haven't had a chance to go through it as thoroughly as you seem to have, from the skimming I did, I definitely agree with you -- it's a wonderful book to have in your book shelf to go back to from time to time!

Tess said...

Hey Susan, how are you? I can get lost in craft books sometimes...they are so fun.

Shannon O'Donnell said...

I haven't read this one. I will have to check it out! :-)

Jai Joshi said...

This sounds really good!

Jai

S.A. Larsenッ said...

This is one I hadn't heard of yet. And at only $6, I must getty.....thanks!

Lola Sharp said...

I own and love this book, too. I agree, it is a must-have book for writers.

Okay, well, I'm strangely hoping to win the baby-naming book. (and I won't be naming any more real babies) Whoda thunk? :) I'm totally intrigued by your description of it.

Happy Humpday!

Southpaw said...

I love this book!

Susan R. Mills said...

Haven't read this one yet. Must put it on my list. Sounds like a great resource.

Unknown said...

I love a resource that gives concrete examples! Sounds like this should be on that list.

Anonymous said...

Thanks for the review ... I need to pick up a few new non-fiction writing books. I refer often to You Can Write A Mystery by Gillian Roberts. I do want to buy Stephen King's About Writing too.

L. Diane Wolfe said...

Another book to add to my list. At least I can give my husband some Chritmas ideas now.

MTeacress said...

Aha, one that I've actually got. You're right - it's more than meets the eye. :)

Velva said...

No doubt that this book is a great tool I can imagine the detail that must go into revising a manuscript-wow.

Unknown said...

Thanks for posting about this book. That looks like a very useful resource. :)

Unknown said...

You're really opening my eyes to some amazing books!!! I have just begun revisions/rewrites for the very first time and I'm a little lost.

This book would be fabulous to snag so I can help tighten my story and get those tips I know I should know about but don't!

Myrna Foster said...

I've never heard of this one, and it sounds like it's just what I need right now. Thank you!