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Sol Stein
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How to Grow a Novel: The Most Common Mistakes Writers Make and How to Overcome Them Paperback – March 20, 2002

by Sol Stein (Author)
4.5 out of 5 stars 190 ratings
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Each year thousands of fiction writers, from beginners to bestselling author, benefit from Sol Stein's sold-out workshops, featured appearances at writers' conferences, software for writers, on-line columns, and his popular first book for writers, Stein on Writing. Stein practices what he teaches: He is the author of nine novels, including the million-copy bestseller The Magician, as well as editor of such major writers as James Baldwin, Jack Higgins, Elia Kazan, Budd Schulberg, W. H. Auden, and Jacques Barzun, and the teacher and editor of several current bestselling authors. What sets Stein apart is his practical approach. He provides specific techniques that speed writers to successful publication.

How to Grow a Novel is not just a book, but an invaluable workshop in print. It includes details and examples from Stein's editorial work with a #1 bestselling novelist as well as talented newcomers. Stein takes the reader backstage in the development of memorable characters and fascinating plots. The chapter on dialogue overflows with solutions for short-story writers, novelists, screenwriters, and playwrights. Stein shows what readers are looking for-- and what they avoid-- in the experience of reading fiction. The book offers guidelines-- and warnings-- of special value for nonfiction writers who want to move into fiction. Stein points to the little, often overlooked things that damage the writer's authority without the writer knowing it. And this book, like no other writing book, takes the reader behind the scenes of the publishing business as it affects writers of every level of experience, revealing the hard truths that are kept behind shut doors.
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  1. Print length
    240 pages
  2. Language
    English
  3. Publication date
    March 20, 2002
  4. Dimensions
    6 x 0.58 x 9 inches
  5. ISBN-10
    0312267495
  6. ISBN-13
    978-0312267490
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Editorial Reviews

Review

“[Stein] shares what he has learned from his extensive experience in the fields of writing and publishing. This book stands apart from the wide field of instructional writing books by putting the writer's focus on the reader. Highly recommnded.” ―Library Journal

“Stein is a fascinating guide and teacher. This should be required reading [for] 90 percent of published authors . . . Wonderful.” ―The Daily Mail (London)

About the Author

Sol Stein has edited the work of such major writers as James Baldwin, Jack Higgins, David Frost, and Elia Kazan, and founded the publishing house Stein & Day. He has taught creative writing at Columbia, Iowa, and the University of California at Irvine, which presented him with the Distinguished Instructor Award in 1993. He is the author of nine novels, including the million-copy seller The Magician. He is also the author of the much-acclaimed Stein on Writing and How to Grow a Novel, both published by St. Martin’s Griffin.

Product details

  • Publisher ‏ : ‎ St. Martin's Griffin; First Edition (March 20, 2002)
  • Language ‏ : ‎ English
  • Paperback ‏ : ‎ 240 pages
  • ISBN-10 ‏ : ‎ 0312267495
  • ISBN-13 ‏ : ‎ 978-0312267490
  • Item Weight ‏ : ‎ 10.4 ounces
  • Dimensions ‏ : ‎ 6 x 0.58 x 9 inches
  • Customer Reviews:
    4.5 out of 5 stars 190 ratings

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Sol Stein

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Customer reviews

4.5 out of 5 stars
190 global ratings

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Customers say

Customers find the book provides a common sense approach to writing, with clear and valuable advice that can help both novice and seasoned authors avoid common mistakes. The information quality receives positive feedback, with one customer noting how it explains concepts in an intelligent way. Customers consider it a must-read for aspiring writers. The book's slant receives mixed reactions, with one customer finding it outdated.

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20 customers mention "Writing tips"20 positive0 negative

Customers appreciate the writing tips in the book, which offers a common sense approach and is very clear. One customer notes that it can help rookie authors avoid common mistakes, while another mentions it's easy to implement in their writing.

"I found the information here really helpful and easy to implement in my writing...." Read more

"...detail, expanding on the do's and don'ts of writing and explains everything in a concise and precise manner without being boring...." Read more

"...publishng advice with anectdotes and excerpts from best sellers, in a easy, entertaining style...." Read more

"...Containing a wealth of valuable information, you'll learn to write better and to appreciate what editors do to help take a book from so-so to a..." Read more

19 customers mention "Information quality"19 positive0 negative

Customers find the book's information helpful, with clear and valuable advice and many helpful tips.

"I found the information here really helpful and easy to implement in my writing...." Read more

"...Stein goes into more detail, expanding on the do's and don'ts of writing and explains everything in a concise and precise manner without being boring..." Read more

"...nuts and bolts of story and character development, it also inspired me to keep on writing and to be ruthless in editing...." Read more

"...Invaluable information from one of the great editors. Who knows what sells better than a famous editor?..." Read more

18 customers mention "Readability"18 positive0 negative

Customers find the book highly readable, particularly praising it as a must-read for aspiring writers.

"...Wonderful book on the craft, I highly recommend it." Read more

"This is a must read for every writer and my 2nd copy as I couldn't find my original copy...." Read more

"Great book." Read more

"...This is worth a hard read." Read more

3 customers mention "Slant"0 positive3 negative

Customers find the book's slant negative, with one customer noting that the publishing information is outdated.

"...Some of the advice re submitting the book and publishing is a little outdated, for example there is no reference to epublishing, but this does not..." Read more

"Some information is quite dated (mainly about technology and word processors) but the core of the book is solid and useful to read for fiction and..." Read more

"Good but wordy and dated... 1993. Stein is an author, publisher etc. so he must know...." Read more

Top reviews from the United States

  • J.Campbell
    5.0 out of 5 stars What makes a book good?
    Reviewed in the United States on August 9, 2023
    Verified Purchase
    I found the information here really helpful and easy to implement in my writing. You might think it's outdated with all of the AI stuff available, but actually, it helps with that also.
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  • Stephanie
    5.0 out of 5 stars Stein Does it Again!
    Reviewed in the United States on April 26, 2010
    Verified Purchase
    "How to Grow a Novel" is somewhat of a companion book to Mr. Stein's "On Writing," a book all writers should read whether they have been published or not. Stein goes into more detail, expanding on the do's and don'ts of writing and explains everything in a concise and precise manner without being boring. Stein has a way of writing that makes you feel as if he's in the room talking to you like a personal mentor. Wonderful book on the craft, I highly recommend it.
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  • N. Hunter
    4.0 out of 5 stars A Great Read for Aspiring Writers
    Reviewed in the United States on April 26, 2013
    Verified Purchase
    I loved this book. I used it to help me write my first novel. This authour is obviously very experienced and also passionate about writing. As well as helping with the nuts and bolts of story and character development, it also inspired me to keep on writing and to be ruthless in editing. I bought this when I was halfway through writing my novel and I wish I had gotten hold of it earlier, because if I had I would have approached my book differently and not encountered some of the difficulties that I did. Some of the advice re submitting the book and publishing is a little outdated, for example there is no reference to epublishing, but this does not detract from its usefulness. Sol Stein peppers his writing and publishng advice with anectdotes and excerpts from best sellers, in a easy, entertaining style. Reading this book was like having a long interesting evening with someone who really knows what they're talking about.
    6 people found this helpful
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  • Della
    5.0 out of 5 stars Invaluable information from one of the great editors. Who knows what sells better than a ...
    Reviewed in the United States on November 10, 2015
    Verified Purchase
    This is a must read for every writer and my 2nd copy as I couldn't find my original copy. There are a few books writers must have and this is one of the big ones. Even if you're merely playing with writing, at least make your writing more pleasing to yourself. Invaluable information from one of the great editors. Who knows what sells better than a famous editor? Your book has to please the editor so might as well find out how to accomplish that. At least learn to avoid the big mistakes. I've read this many times and will surely read it many more.
    3 people found this helpful
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  • T. H. Pine
    5.0 out of 5 stars If You Consider Yourself a Writer, Get This Book!
    Reviewed in the United States on May 12, 2014
    Verified Purchase
    This is one book a writer needs in his/her library. Containing a wealth of valuable information, you'll learn to write better and to appreciate what editors do to help take a book from so-so to a bestseller. Stein's a "been there, done that" writer.editor. You won't regret getting this book. My favorite quote from the book: "A writer is someone who cannot NOT write."
    One person found this helpful
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  • Amazon Thomas
    3.0 out of 5 stars good book
    Reviewed in the United States on March 14, 2014
    Verified Purchase
    I like the book, but the condition was not as good as depicted. The Binding was separated and it had some loose pages.
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  • Amazon Customer
    5.0 out of 5 stars Excellent Writing Primer
    Reviewed in the United States on July 31, 2015
    Verified Purchase
    Sol Stein is an editor's editor. His pointers are excellent and can help rookie authors avoid making common mistakes. For that matter, he can help seasoned authors as well. If you're thinking about writing, instead of reinventing the wheel, learn from an excellent teacher who has already got things rolling.
    2 people found this helpful
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  • Mrs. Pearring
    5.0 out of 5 stars Inspiring/ thought provoking
    Reviewed in the United States on March 13, 2023
    Verified Purchase
    Great book.
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  • Iker Ángel Sánchez Laucirica
    5.0 out of 5 stars Thank you, Mr. Stein.
    Reviewed in Spain on January 2, 2019
    Verified Purchase
    Tanto este libro como On Writting, del mismo autor, son de gran ayuda para ganar confianza a la hora de lanzarse a escribir una novela. Suerte.
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  • Schliephacke
    5.0 out of 5 stars Ein Klassiker der Wunder für den Suchenden bereitstellt
    Reviewed in Germany on May 29, 2020
    Verified Purchase
    Weniger eine Anleitung zum romanschreiben als vielmehr eine Schatztruhe an Methoden, Kniffen, um aus seinen Texten und Geschichten und Romanmanuskript Literatur zu schaffen die von verlegern sofort akzeptiert und bei lesern überdauern wird. Soll Stein greift auf ca 35 jahr Erfahrung als Lektor und redaktuer zurück, schreibt amüsant und gibt gute beispiele auch von Anfängern und Neuankömmlingen, isngesamt ist alles im zeichen von höchst möglich Qualität schaffen zur Unterhaltung des lesers. Wer sich damit trägt etwas zu schreiben was mehr als zweimal und länger als 5 jahre gelesen wird, für den ist es ein muss. kann ich nur wärmstens empfeheln
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  • Fiazman
    5.0 out of 5 stars Great Craft Book.
    Reviewed in the United Kingdom on February 4, 2018
    Verified Purchase
    Sol Stein is a master.I brought this book after reading his other book which is a masterpiece on the craft of writing books. Among other things it deals with involving the reader as soon as possible.
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  • Lorrie
    5.0 out of 5 stars Used Book in Good Condition
    Reviewed in Canada on November 24, 2021
    Verified Purchase
    This was a book that was recommended to me an I was pleased to find I could find a used copy in good condition. It arrived promptly as was exactly as described.
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  • Molly Buchanan
    5.0 out of 5 stars Sol is the greatest teacher of how to write that I have ever ...
    Reviewed in the United Kingdom on December 5, 2014
    Verified Purchase
    Sol is the greatest teacher of how to write that I have ever come across. Not just writing a novel, but any kind of writing from documentary scripts, screenplays, journalism and even to writing emails. Every page of his books helps you to become more aware of getting down words that catch the attention of readers and make you want to read more.
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