A breakout novel is one that rises out of its category - such as romance, mystery or thriller - and hits the bestseller lists. All aspiring novelists dream of achieving this success as do many published novelists who remain stuck in what author Donald Maass calls "midlist hell." In Writing the Breakout Novel, Maass explains the elements that all breakout novels share and shows readers how to use these elements to write a novel that has a good chance of succeeding within the crowded marketplace. From creating a high-stakes premise to building larger-than-life characters to sustaining a high degree of conflict and tension, Maass covers all the key ingredients of this type of novel. Using several of his clients, including best-selling novelist Anne Perry, as case studies, Maass provides real-life, insider examples to show how this type of novel can generate agent and publisher interest, creating or enhancing a novelist's career.
Customer Reviews:
Avg. Customer Rating: 4.5 / 5.0
Writing the Breakout Novel by Donald Maass:
this is hands down the best 'how to' book for writers and aspiring writers that I've read. It has valuable hints and tips on every page. This man knows the writing craft! Buy it - your writing will get better.
Great book..... But:
The book was very helpful, answer many of my questions and if you follow his suggestion I beleive, I think it will improve your writing and (hopefully) your chances of being published. Now for the "but." There are lots of good and even great writers not getting a chance. There are too many agents and publishers that are looking for "types or formats" not great stories or books. As a reader and hopefully a writer, I am looking for something a little different...The book is well worth a read and it will help... more info
Very good advice for writers:
I'm now reading through Donal Maass's Writing the Breakout Novel for the 2nd or 3rd time, and each time it's very helpful in writing my own fiction. His insights and analyses of what makes a book 'break out' into bestsellerdom or into critical acclaim make one stop to look more critically at one's own writing.
Really, really helpful. Very practical advice.
Pull out your Highlighters--You're going to need them:
My rating of course is a dead giveaway that I liked this book, immensely. It deserves high praise indeed for Maass's in depth, yet succinct and clear writing style. His many years of writing experience shine through. And as president of his own Literary Agency, he knows what the industry looks for and he knows how to showcase the important, and indispensable devices you need to master--if you really want to get published. All the chapters conveniently end with a Breakout Checklist, which is a nice way to... more info
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