This page is here to pass on tips and hints that we, at Nuneaton Writers' Circle, have been given or, indeed, have found ourselves. The first thing we have to offer are some very useful tips given to us by Paul Torr who adjudicated one of our competitions. Here is what he said.
GENERAL GUIDELINES
1) PRESENTATION:
Presentation of work through a computer instead of on paper is becoming more common, but the same considerations apply to both.
Make the experience easy, attractive and a pleasure, or the reader may lose interest.
First Impressions are important: clear information on the cover; neat & consistent in layout throughout.
Collation: number and title pages in case they get detached; paperclip or staple preferences vary, so it is worth checking.
Spacing: always set in double line spacing to allow for reader comments. Website presentations will have their own instructions.
Spelling, punctuation and grammar: however good the content, mistakes can interrupt the flow and make the manuscript difficult to read. A careless attitude doesn't impress potential publishers. Get a friend to check before you send it off. The spellchecker is not enough! The word might be spelt correctly but is it the right word?
Adherence to specifications is essential: competitions and publishers all provide specifications or preferences; if you break their rules your work will not be read.
2) CONTENT:
This is the area which allows the most individuality, but you must connect with and hold the reader.
Title sets the tone: intriguing is a bonus, but whatever you choose make sure it is relevant or enhances the text.
First lines should draw you in and make you want to read further.
Style: Be yourself. Learn from others but don't copy.
Link with your reader but without compromising your individuality.
Enthusiasm for a subject is likely to better hold the reader's attention, but don't overdo it.
Be consistent in layout and tone; make any changes in approach clear, particularly between fact and humour. Set the scene where necessary, as readers may not have as clear a view of your direction as you do.
Avoid unnecessary detail and repetition. Don't let over-elaborate language obscure your message. Don't ramble.
Develop towards a finish. Building through a beginning, middle and end is a useful guide. Know what you want to end up with and don't get sidelined by another good idea - save it for the next masterpiece!
3) EDITING
Someone will always find those irritating little mistakes that you don't normally make! Writers tend to concentrate on the problem of the moment and consequently often miss mistakes. A computer can check most spellings but not everything, so double-check it yourself.
Read it through yourself (carefully, often you will see what you know should be there, not what actually is). Read aloud if necessary, this often helps with the flow of a piece. Get someone else to read it and comment - you can always disagree! Then put it away for a couple of days and read it again with a fresh eye.
Check layout is consistent: line breaks, indents and the use of paragraphs; the indication of speech and time breaks, and punctuation.
Check continuity throughout the narrative: tense, names, explanatory links and breaks, plausible character building, factual references.
Try not to repeat words in close proximity - they interrupt the flow; use a thesaurus if stuck.
Cut if necessary. Those favourite passages may sound great but if they don't contribute to the whole axe them!
Flowery language has its place but often obstructs rather than enhances understanding.
Avoid overlong sentences and paragraphs. Cut items that wander from the point.
There is great satisfaction in rewriting a passage to convey ideas more succinctly.
Always check after cut-and-paste on computer, otherwise daft mistake get through!
