Ms H, I wasn't saying to stay away from Bookbusters, I was just saying be cautious in all you do. There are so many scams out there and in our rush to get published, we sometimes overlook things that maybe needed more attention. That's all I'm saying.

And please don't feel that you are wasting time by researching. You are learning and that is never a waste of time. You will and should be, an expert by the time you get ready to actually publish.

Don't forget another site, http://www.mysterypromotion.com/ to keep bookmarked for when you're ready to begin your promotions. Trish Terrell is very knowledgable and a great help to writers everywhere. I just adore this woman! She's become a great friend, as well.

When I find a site that works, I stick with it. If I don't see the answers I need, I write to them and ask. These authors/writers have NEVER failed me. They are so willing to point me in the right direction.

Bonnie. Writing a book takes time. For some people they can crank them out a few a year. Some people put one out a year. Some even less than that. Everyone goes at their own pace. There's no set of rules that must be followed.

When I write, I write until I'm to the end, then put the manuscript away for a month to six weeks then go back and start editing. (Yes, there is some editing going on while I'm writing, too.) You edit until you feel satisfied that you've created the best story you can. Then it's time to find a critique partner or a professional editor and have them make an editing pass. You can find professional editors by asking writers' organizations (state or local chapters) or writers' groups on the Internet like TWLAuthorTalks, or ChickLit, or The-Write-List. These are all Yahoo Groups, so if you go to Yahoo.com and search groups, you should find them.

They have reputable editors who can help you or recommend one who can.

JJ, listed some great writers' resources sites. I'd like to add mine.

http://www.vickimtaylor.com/forums/index.php

I hope it helps.

Well duh! I should have thought of Vicki's site and forums. Very informative, and she always has something fresh there for you. Visit, and bookmark. You won't be disappointed. Forgive me, Ms Vicki.

Me too Vicki! Vicki's site is great and gets nominated every year.

Wow! Gonna check out your site tomorrow Vicki. Gonna call it a night over here...!

All is forgiven, JJ. You may leave me now. Oh.. oops.. Sorry, I was having a Queenly moment there. (Stands up quickly and brushes the seat of the throne.) There, all back the way it was. Can't even tell my big butt was there at all. (Walks backwards slowly, bowing and scraping.) The throne is all yours again. (smiles)

On my first book, I think I revised so many times, I had it memorized. The second one, not so many. I paid a wonderful professional editor to line-edit the first book, and it was worth every cent -- almost like taking a mini-course.

Now, I can usually spot my most common goofs early on. I have started to "just write" instead of stopping to edit along the way. This works wonders for me. I particpated in last year's NaNo competition (you write a 50K book in one month). For this, I couldn't stop and rewrite. It forced me to turn off my internal editor, and I found I really prefered it!
I generally allow a manuscript to sit for a few months before rereading and editing. So many flaws rise to the surface, given enough time.

Good luck and Godspeed, Bonnie!

Mad

Vicki...you are a hoot. Big butt indeed. From what do you know about big butt? Nada....

One reason they tell you to let it simmer for a month or so is because we DO memorize our stories. So when you read them, you read what's memorized, not what's actually on the page. When you leave it alone and return later, you SEE clearly.

Like when you go on vacation for a week or so then return home. You walk in and you SEE the rooms with a fresh set of eyes.

I've had to stop myself from editing while I write. Talk about stopping creativity! I used to pound and flow and never stop. That was when I wrote the best. Must return to that spot.

Bonnie, did you know what we had in common and that topic is what my book is about? I had PTSD for decades without knowing it. In fact, it was in my forties when I REALLY started writing my story that I went back to therapy to determine the PTSD symptoms. I could not have written my book without simultaneous therapy because I had flashbacks and nightmares during writing. But, like you, I did not want to give up until I succeeded. I finished and published my book while I had cancer because breaking the silence by telling my story was so important, like "if it's the last thing I do." Bonnie, why don't you weave your sister's story with yours? My cousin was like a sister to me. She was also abused and sexually assaulted by my brother. She went one way to act out: promiscuity by age 14, ultimate car wreck to end her life. I went the other way: called a prude, and withdrawn. I wove the two to tell the different effects of CSA. If you want, I would be glad to read the stories you have self-published already. I am a great proofreader; I am honest. Plus this topic is my passion and mission: to confront violence against women and children. I'm sorry I got so long on this post; you can see that your post touched a nerve in me.