How to Write a Chick Lit Novel
by Cathy Yardley
Originally published: 2006
* What is Chick Lit exactly?
* How do I write a Chick Lit novel?
* What are the steps I need to take to get published?
Once dismissed as a fad by the popular press and literary community, the women's fiction genre called Chick Lit is now one of the hottest growing markets for new writers. In Will Write for Shoes, veteran Chick Lit and romance author Cathy Yardley addresses the common questions (and misconceptions) about the genre.
Based on years of teaching about commercial women's fiction, this definitive guide provides invaluable tips and step-by-step methods for writing and selling a successful Chick Lit novel. Features include:
* The history of Chick Lit
* A blueprint for writing a Chick Lit novel
* New trends in the genre
* Tips and tools for breaking into the market
* FAQs and miscellanea
A directory of agents and publishers who acquire Chick Lit, sample submission materials, and online resources make this fun and comprehensive manual a must-have for all women who want to write a Chick Lit novel.
My review:
Will Write for Shoes is a great resource for anyone who is considering writing chick lit (but it can also be useful for writers of any genre). Ms. Yardley has a humorous style to present a wealth of information about everything from what is and what is not chick lit, how to develop your chick lit story, and how to market and sell your chick lit novel. She doesn't sugarcoat anything, but it is perhaps tied up with a pink bow in a pair of stilettos, with titles such as "Warning: Period of Time When Your Life Will Necessarily Suck: Revisions" and "Baby Needs a New Pair of Shoes... The Crapshoot That is Selling Your Novel."
Keep in mind that this was written about 8 years ago, so some of the information on publishers and agents may be outdated, but it is still a great guide for a new chick lit writer.
(Ms. Yardley sent me a signed copy of this book years ago after I "met" her on an online forum for work-at-home moms when I mentioned that I was interested in writing. This was years before I became a book review blogger. After a recent move, I uncovered this while unpacking, read it again, and knew it deserved a review.)
A copy was gifted, but I was not required to write a review.
About the author:
A few random facts about me:I am a fiction addict.
I love J.D. Robb/Nora Roberts, Jim Butcher, J.R. Ward's Black Dagger Brotherhood, Sherrilyn Kenyon's Dark Hunter, Laurell K. Hamilton's Anita Blake series, Stephen King, Jennifer Crusie, Marian Keyes, J.K. Rowling, and a slew of other authors.
I have been known to stay up all night to finish a new novel. I don't so much read as devour.
I am an out of the closet foodie.
People who follow me on Facebook can attest: I am a foodie-blog whore. Love Smitten Kitchen. Adore Pioneer Woman Cooks. Bake my own bread on a weekly basis (because the recipe is so frickin' easy, a chimp could do it -- and it tastes phenomenal. I am a walking infomercial for this bread. ) Total Top Chef freak.
I am a geekgirl.
I love the San Diego Comic-con, or "The Con" as they call it.
I was part of the SCA -- The Society for Creative Anachronism -- and briefly sponsored my own mini army. I learned to speak some Japanese from anime.
I have a near encyclopedic knowledge of character actors and obscure movies. I have been called to settle bar bets.
I have a more-flirtatious-than-appropriate relationship with Excel spreadsheets. When I used to work at a day job, if I wore lipstick they assumed I was going on an interview. To this day, an entire marketing department lives in fear of my memory.
I love being an author.
Love writing. Love promoting. Love everything about it. And I love hearing from readers. Email me, anytime, and I'll get back to you as soon as I can.
Find out more at CathyYardley.com.
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