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Hank Quense
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Creating Your First Novel: A comprehensive guide spanning the entire long-term project: from planning through marketing and starting your author business. Kindle Edition

by Hank Quense (Author) Format: Kindle Edition
4.8 4.8 out of 5 stars 7 ratings
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Are you writing your first book? Or are you thinking about writing it?

Do you have any idea what you’re getting into?

No? Let’s talk about it

Most aspiring authors concentrate on writing the book to the exclusion of all else. However, the reality is that creating a book is a long-term, multi-phase project and writing it is only one facet of the project.

The complete project involves five separate phases:

  • Planning the book
  • Writing the book
  • Publishing the book
  • Marketing the book
  • Author business issues

Unfortunately, planning and writing a book does nothing to prepare the author for the other phases of the project. The only commonality between the phases is that they are about a single book.

Another difficulty with the creative project is that almost all information on the process only discusses one phase of it.

Until now. Creating Your First Book covers all five phases. It is written by an author who has gone through the project over two dozen times.

Creating Your First Book provides a road map to get you through the process without losing your sanity.

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  1. Print length
    167 pages
  2. Language
    English
  3. Publication date
    October 15, 2023
  4. File size
    6106 KB
  5. Page Flip
    Enabled
  6. Word Wise
    Enabled
  7. Enhanced typesetting
    Enabled
  8. See all details
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Editorial Reviews

Review

From Indie Reader:
Hank Quense's book stands as a beacon of guidance for individuals standing at the crossroads of their writing journey. It's a comprehensive and insightful roadmap that offers the necessary tools to navigate the intricate landscape of novel creation. While the book may not be an exhaustive resource for seasoned authors, its value lies in its ability to illuminate the multiple aspects of fiction for those taking their first steps into that intimidating world.
In CREATING YOUR FIRST NOVEL, Hank Quense discusses fiction beyond the prose and gives helpful lessons based on his extensive publishing experience. This is an essential companion for the novice writer, demystifying the multifaceted nature of the creative journey.

"Highly Recommending" by Kevin Phelps
"I read a lot of books on writing. I find it a fascinating subject and love to see various authors approaches, and feel there is always something new to learn. Even when the information covered is something I've read countless times before, sometimes it's not what is being taught, but rather how it's being taught. Sometimes someone will say something is a different way that will finally make that information click. I have to say I was quite impressed with Hank Quense's teaching style. His approach/breakdown of the novel writing process was thorough and easy to understand, and I definitely think for new writers this would be an excellent place to start to begin to demystify the novel writing/publishing process.

Creating Your First Novel joins many other advice titles for authors, but arrives with a difference—it points out that writing any book involves not a singular attempt to put pen to paper, but a series of steps that make the act of writing only one part of the greater project. Few authors would stop to consider that the act of writing a book is the same as one of creating a business; but when viewed in this light, one's first novel assumes a very different prospective that needs the particular enlightenment and explorative focus that Hank Quense presents here.
Creating Your First Novel is a lesson in bigger-picture thinking that moves from the art of creative writing and editing to the nuts and bolts of marketing, promotion, and business savvy.
Libraries and wannabe writers seeking an all-in-one approach to a first attempt will find Creating Your First Novel a winner.
Midwest Book Reviews

From the Back Cover

What others say about Creating Stories:
Rene's blog: Creating Stories is an excellent discourse on the essential elements of story crafting. Hank Quense has a wonderful ability to make complex concepts simple and easy to understand.
Chrystal: The author is extremely thorough in his instruction about how to plan and develop the essential elements of a good story, whether that story is in the format of a novel, screenplay, short story, whatever.
What others say about Self-publish A Book In 10 Steps
M. Thomas Pulley: Any writers thinking about self-publishing a book ought to start their journey by reading, Self-publish a Book In 10 Steps and Market It, by Hank Quense. The advice in the book is straightforward and concise, helping the writers avoid some of the pitfalls and pratfalls of self publishing.
Lady Gell: This manual stands out among the standard ones about self publishing. In addition to self publishing, there is a focus on marketing
What others say about Book Marketing Fundamentals
Norah Cali: Quense's Book Marketing Fundamentals offers precisely what its title promises, in a somewhat barebones format. That's a selling point: Quense wastes no words and eschews the false promises and ginned-up happy talk of so many marketing guides
Tanyawriter: have you written your book? where do you go next? this book is one the you need to read and have on hand when you looking to find the right place to sell it

Product details

  • ASIN ‏ : ‎ B0CJ7ZPYCZ
  • Publisher ‏ : ‎ Strange Worlds Publishing (October 15, 2023)
  • Publication date ‏ : ‎ October 15, 2023
  • Language ‏ : ‎ English
  • File size ‏ : ‎ 6106 KB
  • Simultaneous device usage ‏ : ‎ Unlimited
  • Text-to-Speech ‏ : ‎ Enabled
  • Enhanced typesetting ‏ : ‎ Enabled
  • X-Ray ‏ : ‎ Not Enabled
  • Word Wise ‏ : ‎ Enabled
  • Print length ‏ : ‎ 167 pages
  • Page numbers source ISBN ‏ : ‎ B0CJPNFFBH
  • Customer Reviews:
    4.8 4.8 out of 5 stars 7 ratings

About the author

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Hank Quense

Hank Quense

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Early in his writing career, he was strongly influenced by two authors: Douglas Adams and his Hitchhikers Guide to the Galaxy and Joseph Heller’s Catch-22. Happily, Hank has never quite recovered from those experiences.

He lives with his wife in northern New Jersey, a mere 20 miles from Manhattan, thecenter of the galaxy (according to those who live in Manhattan). They have two daughters and five grandchildren all of whom live close by.

For vacations, Hank and Pat usually visit distant parts of the galaxy. Occasionally, they also time-travel.

Besides writing novels, Hank lectures on fiction writing, publishing and book marketing. He is most proud of his talk showing grammar school kids how to create a short story. He used these lectures to create an advanced ebook with embedded videos to coach the students on how to create characters, plots and setting. The target audience is 4th to 7th graders. The book’s title is Fiction Writing Workshop for Kids.

He has a number of links where you can follow his work and his occasional rants:

Hank's blog:http://hankquense.org

Strange Worlds website:http://hankquense.org

Follow him on twitter: http://twitter.com/hanque99

Facebook fan pages: https://www.facebook.com/StrangeWorldsOnline

Writers and Authors Resource Center:https://hanque.gumroad.com/

Customer reviews

4.8 out of 5 stars
7 global ratings

Top reviews from the United States

David Moravec
5.0 out of 5 stars Direct and to the point.
Reviewed in the United States on January 28, 2024
Verified Purchase
Hank captures the content necessary to get started with information and useful tools for the first time author. Easy read!
2 people found this helpful
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Cheryl C. Malandrinos
5.0 out of 5 stars Comprehensive Guide to Creating, Publishing, & Marketing Your First Novel
Reviewed in the United States on October 25, 2023
If you're thinking of starting your first novel, then you need to pick up a copy of Creating Your First Novel by Hank Quense.

This comprehensive guide brings you through the entire process of how to approach your first novel: planning, writing, creating your author business, publishing, and marketing. Each section is broken down into specific topics so you can take things a step at a time. The e-book version has helpful links to resources and links that allow you to click back to the main Table of Contents or to a particular lesson or topic within a section.

In order to properly review Creating Your First Novel, I followed Quense's lesson plans a step at a time as if I were attempting my first novel. What a great approach he has. After writing more than 30 books, Quense has a wealth of knowledge to share, and he doesn't hold back anything. In his no-nonsense, congenial way, he talks about what works, why it works, and mistakes he has stumbled over along the way. Having followed his process, it's possible he might have converted this total panster.

Having spent years promoting books online, I appreciate Quense's strategic approach to marketing. This isn't a throw it at the wall and see if it sticks aspect of your writing business, so you need to do your best to meet your readers where they are. Quense also has a book dedicated solely to marketing if you want more information on that topic. You can find it here.

Whether you're embarking upon writing your first novel or just looking for a sound writing process, you will want to read Creating Your First Novel by Hank Quense.

I received a free digital copy from the author. This review contains my honest opinions, which I have not been compensated for in any way.
2 people found this helpful
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Serlina Rose RRR - Bishies Biz Inc
5.0 out of 5 stars Wonderful Self-Help guide for new authors and authors alike
Reviewed in the United States on February 13, 2024
Creating your First Novel is truly a guide to planning, writing, marketing, and starting up your author business. Though I've already started the author journey, I found this book to be very interesting and helpful. I am going to take my time and re-read this as I am re-editing the first draft of my novel. This book takes you from the draft with the fiction workshop activities and right into the completion of your story.

Definitely worth the read.

I received this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
2 people found this helpful
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Kim Bartosch
4.0 out of 5 stars Navigating Your Writing Journey: A Review of "Creating Your First Novel" by Hank Quense
Reviewed in the United States on December 4, 2023
⭐⭐⭐1/2

Embarking on the journey of writing your first novel can be both thrilling and daunting. Aspiring authors often find themselves lost in the creative process, neglecting crucial aspects beyond the writing phase. In "Creating Your First Novel" by Hank Quense, readers are guided through a comprehensive roadmap that not only demystifies the art of writing but also illuminates the often-overlooked stages of publishing, marketing, and managing author business issues.

One of the standout features of Quense's book is its structured approach, breaking down the entire novel creation process into five distinct phases: Planning, Writing, Publishing, Marketing, and Author Business Issues. This segmentation provides a clear and organized framework, ensuring that writers understand the holistic nature of the journey they are about to embark upon.

The initial phases, Planning and Writing, are fundamental and often the focus of aspiring authors. Quense, drawing from his extensive experience having gone through the process over two dozen times, offers valuable insights and advice in these sections. The emphasis on planning is particularly noteworthy, as it addresses a common misconception among writers – the belief that a compelling story alone is enough to guarantee success. The author advocates for meticulous planning, emphasizing that even the most riveting narrative needs a strategic foundation.

The Marketing section of the book is a breath of fresh air in a literary landscape where many authors, especially those venturing into self-publishing, often underestimate the importance of promoting their work. Quense underscores the need for writers to actively engage in marketing, dispelling the notion that a book will naturally find its audience. While the reviewer wished for more detailed information in this area, the book serves as an effective springboard, prompting writers to delve deeper into the nuances of book promotion.

The inclusion of Author Business Issues as a distinct phase is a masterstroke by Quense. Often neglected in writing guides, this section sheds light on the ongoing responsibilities authors face even after the book is launched. It delves into the administrative and strategic aspects of managing one's writing career, ensuring that writers are equipped to handle the business side of being an author.

The reason I gave the book three and a half stars is because, while the book has some great information it is particularly focused only for first-time writers contemplating self-publishing or working with a small press. Experienced authors who've already been through the trenches would have already conquered most of these issues or need to find a book that will go in-depth on a certain topic, such as a book only on marketing or the writing process.

In conclusion, if you find yourself at the crossroads of starting your writing journey, or if you've already set sail and feel adrift in the sea of creative projects, "Creating Your First Novel" is a beacon of guidance, offering a comprehensive and insightful roadmap to navigate the intricate landscape of novel creation.

(Thank you to the author and iRead Book Tours for the eBook and my honest review.)
4 people found this helpful
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paws.read.repeat
5.0 out of 5 stars A Must Read for all Aspiring Authors
Reviewed in the United States on December 1, 2023
I received an advance review audiobook for free and am leaving this review voluntarily.

I have always wanted to write a book. I’ve even taken a fiction writing course at the university I used to work for. Despite this and the positive feedback I received; I still feel intimidated. The irony – I’ve technically written several books if one were to put all the papers I’ve written as student in my academic career together – it would volumes, I’m sure!

I was immediately drawn to the book’s thoroughness and how it removes the intimidation by outlining the entire process, from start to finish, in one comprehensive book intended to remove any surprises. I really like the conversational style of the book. I also appreciate the author’s advice throughout. It is clearly written and prepares the reader to avoid common pitfalls.

This is a quick read and literally covers everything an aspiring author needs to know. From planning and formatting a story to marking and publishing. The diagrams and illustrations are helpful, and the lessons have given me the confidence to get started. I’m no longer feeling intimated and have a million ideas of what I want to write, now I just need to do it!

I look forward to reading more from this author. I highly recommend this book to all aspiring authors. The book takes a complex idea and breaks it down into manageable steps.
4 people found this helpful
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