How to write and publish your story

Got a story tell? A novel that you’re dying to write? It may be that you need help getting the first words down on the page – or perhaps you’ve finished it already and are not sure where to go next.

Don’t worry! As part our of ongoing ‘How to get published’ series in the All About You Book club, we’re building up a compendium of expert advice from best-selling authors and publishers to help you achieve your own story writing dream.

Jane Green, whose current book Saving Grace is this month’s All About You Book club read, has sold over 10 million books world. Her first novel  Straight Talking sparked a bidding war among publishers in 1986; previous bestsellers include Tempting Fate and The Accidental Husband. Hear her advice on how to write your story.

Lucy Diamond’s latest novel, One Night in Italy, is currently doing well in the bestseller lists; some of her previous novels include The Beach Café and Me and Mr Jones. Read her advice on how to find a publisher for your work. You will also be able to watch Lucy talk about getting started on your first novel, plus balancing work and family life.

Joanna Reed, author of A Twist of Fate and The Key to It All, offers tips aspiring authors should know:

1. You are free to write the worst junk in the world
Very often you can become your own worst critic, to the point where you're afraid to write anything at all. Shut up your inner critic, by letting yourself off the hook. Just the act of writing fast and without censorship does the trick. Even if you write banana, banana, banana, over and over again, you'll get to the good stuff.

2. Trust your subconscious
Your brain is a giant compost heap, each experience adding to the unique rich mix so there's plenty of material there. If you want to write, chances are that your subconscious is already writing your story for you. Jump into your writing at the easiest point, even if it doesn't seem the most obvious place to start.

3. It's all smoke and mirrors
Read lots: writers are also readers. So re-read some of your favourite authors, and think about what it is about their style and plotting that you admire most – it might help focus what you want to achieve in your own writing.

4. Don’t imitate
However, while it's great to read other novelists that you admire for inspiration, make sure you don't end up imitating their style, even subconsciously. Agents and editors want to read your work.

Find out more about the All About You Book club and enter a draw to win free books every month – plus enjoy 40% off lots of great titles

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