Sure you can write, but can you write crisp, compelling copy that eZINE publishers, related Web sites, and general audiences will clamor for?

Your articles, reports and books need to pass the checklist below to sell:

1.  Make your title or headlines grab your reader by the collar. Include a benefit if possible or be outlandish.

2.  Create your opening paragraph to entice your reader continue. In fiction, start with the most important incident first. Use dialogue! In non-fiction, state the problem and offer a benefit (thesis).

3.  Make all parts of your non-fiction book, report, or article support the thesis.

4.  Be sure you have at least 5 people who write edit your piece before the final professional edit.

5.  Make sure all your verbs are a consistent tense. Make the better choice of present or past tense rather than past-perfect or gerunds.

6.  Use strong, emotional or visual, power verbs rather than linking verbs like "to be." Action verbs keep your story moving, so your reader won't be bored.

7.  Use metaphors so your piece shows instead of tells.

8.  Use picture and emotional words to replace telling words such as adverbs and adjectives. Show what suddenly looks like.

9.  Make sure your facts are accurate. Check with your librarian or the Web.

10.  Corral your writing into concise, compelling sentences. In the first edit, reduce all redundancies. Do not preach.

11.  Do not over-describe with flowery descriptions. Let your characters speak the mood in dialogue.

12.  Make sure your piece is coherent. Test whether it flows or sounds natural by reading it aloud. Then, correct it before you pass it on for feedback.

13.  To make dialogues believable, make them short, not speeches. Use "said" rather than "screamed," "pouted." Show these in your character's action. "Said" is like a comma, and readers don't like to be slowed or talked down to.

14.  Make sure you write your thesis for non-fiction and theme for fiction down before you write that chapter or article. This gives your work a center, a focus and helps you organize your thoughts. All chapters and paragraphs should support the thesis.

The thesis for this article is:  Write like a pro is a checklist for all writers who want to be published.

15.  Make your viewpoint consistent. If you start your story in first person, then make sure the whole chapter is from the "I"s point of view. All other characters are seen through only your eyes. Put your character's comments into dialogue.

Get published! Use the above checklist to guide you to business success.

Copyright © 2002 - Judy Cullins. - Reprinted with permission. Judy is an author, publisher, and book coach. She helps writers manifest their book dreams. 24 clients published since 1999! "Write Your eBook or Other Short Book-Fast!" - www.bookcoaching.com. Send an e-mail to Subscribe@bookcoaching.com. The Book Coach Says... For 2 free eReports Judy@bookcoaching.com.

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Relationship books by Larry James:

How to Really Love the One You're With:
Affirmative Guidelines for a Healthy Love Relationship

LoveNotes for Lovers:
Words That Make Music for Two Hearts Dancing

Red Hot LoveNotes for Lovers (Career Assurance Press).

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