Friday 29 August 2008

Question -how do you write a manuscript?

Tell Me a Story

Can you help me, AJ. I'm afraid I've a few questions. How do you write a manuscript? When can you put the information about the book in the transcript? When do you insert the little tribute to someone. Is it when you send your book in or what?


  1. Hi! If your question is HOW to write a book, then my answer is you should try purchasing a text book on creative writing. This blog is too way limited to go into that. I can give a few hints and tips, but for a complete course, you must study a book.
  2. If your question is on the subject of the correct way to PRESENT your work, then take a look at my post Submission Guidelines It's already been covered there. Most publishing houses will toss your manuscript onto the slush pile without even looking if it doesn't meet industry standards, so it pays to do it correctly.
  3. As far as the book blurb is concerned, my publishers asked me to present a short synopsis just as the editing process was drawing to a close, which is a long time after it was accepted for publication.
  4. I was also asked if I would like to present a dedication page at a similar time. So as you can see. You have no need to think about things like that until you have a contract in your hands.

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An interview with writer, Cindy Price




  • Cindy Price has been an online friend for a while now, and I thought it time to take a closer look at what she does.
  • Hi Cindy, would you like to tell us how long you've been writing?

Hello Anthony. Well, actually, I really don't ever remember not writing.

  • So, how many stories and poems have you produced?
I've written many stories. I have a novel in the works but that's not my passion really. I have hundreds of poems that I wrote years ago and have had a few of them published.

  • It's always nice to hear of success, congratulations. It isn't often poetry gets published now. It seems to have gone out of fashion. What was it that prompted you to write your latest work?
I see such a need for people who call themselves Christians, to know what they believe and why they believe it. So many people say they know what they believe about God, and about Jesus, but few actually do. If we don't know what we believe and why, then we don't know how to stand against evil when we're faced with it.

  • So would you say your work was aimed mainly at men, women or children?
It's written really for men or women but my heart is in women's ministry.

  • Okay, Cindy, let's give you a shameless plug. Where is your work available? How can readers get at it?
A large part of it is on my blog, STAND

  • Did you get that folk, click your fingers and take a look, that's all it takes. Cindy, let's hope you have a few hits because of this.... Have you anything in the pipeline at the moment?
Well, I'm currently looking for an agent and I have a small piece that should be out in the Spring of 2009.

  • The best of luck with it, and with finding an agent. Would you like to give a brief outline of your work?
Thanks Anthony. The piece is called "Stand" and is based on Galatians 5:1. The purpose of it is to teach others what God has taught me about standing on His Word to have victory in life.

What a brilliant concept, Cindy. I wish you well. Remember folks, get clicking, take a look at Cindy's work right now on STAND.


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To Write A Story - 20 Ways To Write A Story Better
20 Things You Should Know About How To Format A Book
Mastering Conflict In Your Story Characters