HOW TO PREPARE for Book Boot Camp

(“Should I put my name in my underwear?”)

A few guidelines will help you get the most out of Book Boot Camp:

Decide in advance what about the writing you’d like to focus on for the camp. Would you like to use the six weeks to get six more chapters written? Do you want to step back from writing, focus on the big picture and finish a plot outline? Do you want to study the characters and how you can make them come to life better? It’s your book boot camp; you set the goal. If you don’t have a specific goal, that’s okay, too. Perhaps we can help you zero-in on the next step on the road to publishing success.

Each session, plan to share for eight minutes or less. This allows for sufficient time to exchange concrete feedback and suggested direction. For example, you may choose to read pages from your manuscript or synopsis, give an overview of your plot, share the organizational structure of your non-fiction book, or tell what publications avenues you have pursued. Keep it to eight minutes or less and you’ll have plenty of time to receive input from and exchange ideas with the leaders and other group members. Remember that you’ll also benefit from reading and critiquing others’ work when it’s their turn.

We recommend bringing eight copies of your work for the camp leaders and other attendees to follow along while you read. This invites written feedback on your work in addition to the verbal comments and suggestions you’ll receive.