Before you write a word . . .

An essential guide for any writer planning to attempt their first novel (or fix one that's broken). Author and lecturer James McCreet uses his experience with Ma Creative Writing novelists to address and eradicate the most common mistakes made by most first-time novelists. His approach focuses on foreseeing and solving structural problems before they arise, making the actual writing process simpler, faster and more fun. Finally, here is a writing guide that is more than hints and tips, more than abstract generalisations, more than comparisons with other writers. It is a detailed, systematic and highly practical approach to making your writing as professional as it can be.