support :: writer's software faq

support > finishing your book writing

(Or, complete what you started!)

I. Get on with the job!

When authors and writers begin writing for their book, factors beyond their control normally decide the speed with which it gets completed. That is unless of course, they decide to take refuge in some retreat; away from the hurly-burly. And, of course, after having reached there, they must be able to fully concentrate on the task of book writing or novel writing, and not get distracted by the sheer scenic beauty of their abode!

There are situations when the publisher who has commissioned the book or novel keeps up the pressure of deadlines. This is the biggest motivator for the writer to rush through with their job. When there is no body to push you around, however, things can linger on for longer than usual — and it takes a lot of self-discipline to make the finished book see the light of the day.

II. Before turning in the book

Before turning in the book for publication, there are certain things that should be handled by the author themselves. Only when these things are taken care of, can the book be legitimately termed as "finished" in the true sense of the word. A brief checklist is enumerated here:

  • Ensure that your book or novel is logically and naturally flowing in content. There should not be any "jumps" or disjointed edges.
  • Proofread the content. Quite often, the proofreader at the publisher's office pulls their hair apart, correcting mistakes that are really embarrassments.
  • Ditto for any illustrations/ photos/ diagrams that are an integral part of the book. Reference numbers in the text — when linked to these pictures, are taken for granted when they are correct. But if the reference numbers are incorrectly linked, or if they are not in the proper place, it would be the reader's turn to pull their hair! Who said that novel writing was a purely creative affair?
  • In case you are yourself going to handle the publication and post-publication phases, then getting a good illustrator to do the right artwork builds a right ambience for the reader.
  • Looking at the entire work critically, from the eyes of a critic, reveals any glitches or inconsistencies in it. Going to the other extreme, and punching holes in your plot left, right and center also does no good. Maintaining a right, realistic balance while critiquing your masterpiece requires the right level of maturity.
  • Craft a master sales letter to promote your book. When you are in the thick of the plot, with all the material swirling in your head, you might jot down the ideas that you think might appeal the potential reader, and also look great on the blurb of the front cover. A sales letter is now a must for any book writing endeavor.

Simple points, all of them, aren't they? Taking a deep breath, and going through this check-list before handing in your manuscript to the publisher's office, allows the book to be out on the shelves in very less time.

III. How Chrysanth NETime Author helps

In fact, the little checklist that we have drawn up above has been picked up from the control panels of the writer's software, Chrysanth NETime Author. This writer's software has all the ingredients that assist you when you are wrapping up the project, and makes your good work a great work. (Not that it was not great already! But, using the writer's software enhances the greatness to the next higher level.)

The logical natural flow of your content can be checked by you through a judicious use of this great writing software. (Incidentally, this piece was "assembled" together using Chrysanth NETime Author.) The "My Articles" panel is where you keep all the chapters in your book or novel. Pictures, illustrations, diagrams, et al all go in the "My Pictures" Section. Each chapter may have their own set of such pictographs. They are to be maintained in separate subfolders.

The beautiful "Media Library" function organizes all your digital materials gathered during your course of research. Whether they are web page hyperlinks, or they are file attachments (going as appendices, perhaps); whether it is MP3 audio or video material that peppers your content, the self-publishing software takes care of it all.

Finally, you can put your checklist as a permanent feature of your "My Tasks" panel. Each task can then be ticked off as it gets completed. This way, you know that your conscience is clear and your publisher is happy.

top