Here are some tips on writing, publishing and marketing collected from around the Web, that may be helpful to mystery writers wanting insights from the pros:
ON WRITING
The authors of the new nonfiction title How to Write a Dick: A Guide to Writing Fictional Sleuths from a Couple of Real-Life Sleuths asked a group of real-life private eyes what misconceptions they'd like to correct in representations of PIs in novels, movies and TV. Of course, in the UK, it's apparently quite a different story these days.
Michelle Clark, a real-life death scene investigator, offers some tips on why TV also gets that part of crime solving wrong, in a two-part posting here and here.
Iowa Writers' Workshop alumnus Anthony Marra explains that sometimes surrender should triumph over perseverance in novels that never seem to get out of the revision phase, even though he doesn't necessarily advise everyone to get up on their book.
Sharon Wildwind has some tips on how write while at the same time postponing writing. It isn't as confusing as it sounds, and it may help you through those hectic-life moments.
Novelist Karen Essex advises you on what to do what a pesky character you're writing "won't cooperate."
Sometimes, rough drafts aren't the only thing that need editing. And when you start revising, try your hand at writing fiction that reads fast.
ON PUBLISHING
If you're ready to try and snag an agent, Randy Russell explains how the "Rule of Three'' can help you pitch.
Lit agent Rachelle Gardner has lots of links to help guide through the publishing process.
Joan Reeves continues her series on Golden Rules for eBook Success, focusing primarily on cover art (with links to the previous installments).
Literary agent Janet Kobobel Grant continues her series titled "How an Agent Can Kill Your Career," with the latest installment: Death by a Thousand Cuts. Just in case you decide to snag an agent, you might need to work with a publishing consultant first to spiffy up your manuscript.
ON MARKETING
Now that you've finished your book, maybe even gotten an agent, it's time to think about publicity. The Writer Beware blog explains why you should hire a competent PR service. Other things you can do? Five MUST-DO Book Publicity Tips, courtesty of Kathleen Bolton.
You're eager to make a book trailer, since they seem to be so trendy these days. Author Lee Goldberg says, "don't bother." But if you're still determined to create one, agent Chuck Sambuchino has "5 Tips for Making a Really Cool YouTube Video to Promote Your Book."
And what about that book tour? Author Michelle Gagnon offers her sage words of wisdom from experience, with a caveat: you'll need to start six months before your book's release date.
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