This is a great guide for novelists seeking to publish their first piece of work via the traditional publishing route. A highly accessible and well-organised read.

Conversationally presented information rather than lecture is the highlight of Your First Novel. I am not at the stage of my life where I want to write, but I will be keeping this valuable reference on my shelf. This is the revised and expanded version, and it does seem quite relevant. There are sections on writing, on technique, and on publishing. I was hoping for some more practical advice on editing, but the examples in writing and especially technique are quite eye-opening,
This reference piece belongs on your shelf. It will get a lot of use!

Such a comprehensive guide and a must-read for all aspiring authors! The first portion of this delivered consistently sound, but not new to me, advice about the craft of writing. The second portion, however, contained in-depth information about literary agents, editors, publishing companies and all of the other elements of getting your book on to the shelves of all good bookstores. Much of this I had not seen collected in one place before and with such accessibility and frank honesty.

This book is a thorough guide to becoming a published author. There are many suggestions and ideas which appear to be great; I won't know for certain, of course, until I actually do them and get published....

Your first novel revised & expanded edition would be a great book for new writers to use when firstly wanting to improve their novel and secondly how to get an agent, then how to publish, traditionally or the self publishing route.

The book is split into two halves, the first dedicated to writing and the second half to publishing. Every chapter also has suggested reading at its conclusion.

The writing the novel part has 10 chapters and covers from beginning to write, to fleshing out the story onto preparing to be read. Each chapter goes into lots of details of how to improve your writing, with examples from well known authors and their works.

Part 2 starts with explaining what a literary agent does, and takes you through once a publisher is found all the bits from layouts to marketing and finally the book on the shelf. It covers some self publishing too for authors interested in that.

I found the first half the most interesting from a book reader/reviewers point of view as this can be useful when writing a review to look at these aspects.

I received this book from netgalley in return for a honest review.

As a reference book, this book excels in overall presentation. It is separated into two sections, the first educating potential authors how to write, and the second dealing with what to do with your finished project. After reading the book, chapters within each section help authors return to specifics without having to scan for whatever info is needed.

I was disappointed with the specific character examples provided by Laura Whitcomb (author of the writing section). It was as if the author expected that I have read the same books she has enjoyed. For instance, when listing examples of great heroes and great villains, I only knew one of the five heroes. It is hard to fully understand what the author is saying, especially on an emotional level. While it could be argued that I could expand my horizons and read the books mentioned, that still will not help me with the here and now. It could take me years to catch up on the book’s “required” reading.

Ms. Whitcomb, however, excelled with her technique presentations. Contrasting poor writing with better or great writing was accomplished by using examples taken from the books of published authors. Not only does this help budding authors by providing written examples, but it encourages them to embrace the necessary rewriting of your work in order to craft something special. Ms. Whitcomb also presents many writing exercises that readers could easily apply to whatever projects they are working on. I can’t see how anyone could walk away from this section without fistfuls of great ideas.

Ann Rittenberg’s “Publishing Your Novel” section was also exceptional. No matter whether an author wishes to seek out an agent, go directly to the publishing houses, or choose to self-publish, Ms. Rittenberg presents all methods as positive while explaining the pitfalls that might be encountered.

This updated and expanded edition of “Your First Novel” lives up to its promises of showing you how to write and get your work published. Five Stars.

My thanks to the authors, F+W Media, and NetGalley for a complimentary copy of this book.

Structured in outline form, this book takes you through all the steps to writing a novel. Each section is clear and easy to understand. One of the better writing how-to books I have come across.

My only issue is that audiobooks are referred to as Books on Tape, like the brand. It’s an outdated reference that I am surprised nobody caught.

This is an excellent book for aspiring writers. Within the covers is valuable advice on writing, publishing and working with an agent. The first ten chapters on the art of writing were extremely valuable to me. I highlighted many sections and will be referring to them as I continue to practice the craft.

Part II of the book was fascinating. I am not to the point of needing to worry about the publishing of my work, but when that happens, there will be good advice in Your First Novel. The ins and outs of the publishing world were educational.

Reading Your First Novel has given me more tools and has empowered me to continue my writing journey. I highly recommend this book to any aspiring writers.

I received a free copy of the book from NetGalley and F+W Media in exchange for my honest review. Thank you.

ISBN: 1440351902 (ISBN13:9781440351907)
PUBLISHER: F+W Media
Publication date: 2.16.18

Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for the advanced copy of this book - all thoughts and opinions are my own.

I was incredibly excited to get a copy of this, as someone who dabbles in writing without any serious structure, I felt like I might get a lot of useful information and motivation from this - and I was not wrong. This book is terrifically inspiring and motivating for new writers, covering everything from basic skills for getting your first novel written, to how the book industry works, and how beneficial agents can really be in the process.

This book definitely motivated me to get moving on writing more consistently so that I might one day achieve writing the novel in my head. I've had to run out to purchase this in hard copy and its already being tattered up with post its, highlights and notes. A sign of a great book!

Thank you to NetGalley and Ann Rittenberg, Laura Whitcomb, and Camille Goldin for allowing me to read and review this book. I thought that it was a fantastic resource for writers.

I found this book highly informative and well written! Since I am going to be working on my first novel soon, this book is the perfect reference! I would definitely recommend this book to others who are just starting out with their first novel!

This is an easy to read reference book for all levels. The first part focusses on actually writing, addressing problems and finding inspiration. The later parts also deal with all the domestics such as getting published and all the different options and platforms. It is a helpful book to keep on your bookshelf and dip into when the need arises. It is an easy well structured read that I would recommend to others.

I received a complimentary ARC copy of Your First Novel: Revised and Expanded Edition by Ann Rittenberg, Laura Whitcomb and Camille Goldin from NetGalley and F+W Media/Writer’s Digest Books in order to read and give an honest review.

If you are an aspiring writer who wants to publish your first book, Your First Novel: Revised and Expanded Edition is a perfect guidebook for you. Some of the biggest challenges a writer faces often just boils down to a lack of knowledge. This book is a very comprehensive how-to guide that which walks you through every step of the writing process. From creating a positive mindset, idea creation, POV and dialogue to finding an agent and publishing. I loved the tone of the book, it was easy to read and comprehend. The authors offer examples from well known published books to illustrate each section as well as reading lists of other books that focus on that specific aspect of writing. I don’t think they leave any aspect of the writing process out. Although it leans primarily towards traditional publishing it does feature an informative chapter on self-publishing.

All in all, I really enjoyed this book which I know will become a reference that I will refer to time and again.

Thanks to Netgalley.com, Laura Whitcomb, Ann Rittenberg,and Writer's Digest Books for the ebook in exchange for an honest review.

An incredibly helpful book for every aspiring writer. The book is divided into two parts: Writing Your Novel by Laura Whitcomb and Publishing Your Novel by Ann Rittenberg. On 308 pages, you'll find helpful tips (that are indeed useable) to write and polish your first story. Both authors write in an encourage, friendly voice so that it reads like a friend shares some of their knowledge with you. It's a great book and I can only recommend this to anyone who wants to start their writing process.

Review posted online at aubreysalyers.com

Hi friends!

Today I want to talk to you about a book that releases on Friday, February 16, 2018 from F+W Media. It's called Your First Novel: Revised and Expanded Edition by Ann Rittenberg, Laura Whitcomb, and Camille Goldin.

I read this book in a few days and was really impressed.

If you're any type of writer, this book is jam packed full of excellent writing tips and advice. The first part of the book discusses WHY we write. Basically, if your heart isn't in it, why are you doing it? If you've even started contemplating maybe possibly writing a novel, you must have something to say. But why? You will be pushed to further examine your intentions before putting pen to paper.

Then, there are many writing exercises to flex both your left and right brain. I tried some myself and had a blast, too! Sometimes, when you just write (don't think) you're surprised at what you can come up with.

The latter half of the book provides excellent information on publishing. This is the business side of being an author. The roles of agent and editor are thoroughly explained, and what to expect is outlined for you. No surprises!

I really enjoyed reading Your First Novel because I have tossed around the idea of writing fiction since my freshman year of college when I took a winter course on creative writing. Now that I have such coveted information at my finger tips, I feel more empowered to begin the process. I know it wont be a fast one, and maybe I never get published, but that is ok. Because I write for cathartic reasons.

Why do you write? Are you ready to get your first novel off the ground?

Your First Novel Revised and Expanded Edition: A Top Agent and a Published Author Show You How to Write Your Book and Get it Published is available February 16, 2018 from F+W Media.

Find it on Amazon.

More details on Goodreads.

This book is a great reference book for all writers not just beginners, One I will keep at my desk to help when I need motivated to get back into writing and a reminder never to give up. I found some very sound advice from people who knew the writing life from start to finish and really made one stop and think. They also had answers to most questions for anyone wanting to live the life of a writer and with enough reference information to help you on the way.

I participated in NaNoWriMo for the first time last November. I did manage to complete a manuscript and like every aspiring author I wondered where to go from here. When I saw this title on NetGalley I had to get it. I'm so glad I did. I picked up so much information...so many tips and tricks when when I pick the novel back up to edit and hopefully improve. Then what to do when I am ready for it to be seen by others. I can't wait to pick up a hardcopy version for my personal library as well as a copy for my public library.

If you are a writer, or you want to be one, this book is the perfect blueprint to follow from the beginning till the end, that means from searching for the right idea to being a published author. Very well written and interesting.

Se sei uno scrittore o lo vuoi diventare, questo libro é il progetto perfetto da seguire dall'inizio alla fine, cioé dalla scoperta dell'idea giusta, fino alla pubblicazione del libro stesso. Molto ben scritto ed interessante.

THANKS TO NETGALLEY FOR THE PREVIEW