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:
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
I have this one and love it. It is awesome.
Ooohhh I need this:)
This is why your writing is so compelling! You are an exceptional student....
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. :)
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.
I'll have to check into this one. Always looking for strong writing books.
~ Wendy
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
You find all the good stuff!
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!
Another great writing book I need to get my hands on! Thanks, Susan!
More books to read! Yeah!
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!
Hey Susan, how are you? I can get lost in craft books sometimes...they are so fun.
I haven't read this one. I will have to check it out! :-)
This sounds really good!
Jai
This is one I hadn't heard of yet. And at only $6, I must getty.....thanks!
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!
I love this book!
Haven't read this one yet. Must put it on my list. Sounds like a great resource.
I love a resource that gives concrete examples! Sounds like this should be on that list.
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.
Another book to add to my list. At least I can give my husband some Chritmas ideas now.
Aha, one that I've actually got. You're right - it's more than meets the eye. :)
No doubt that this book is a great tool I can imagine the detail that must go into revising a manuscript-wow.
Thanks for posting about this book. That looks like a very useful resource. :)
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!
I've never heard of this one, and it sounds like it's just what I need right now. Thank you!
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