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Book Review of
WRITING THE BREAKOUT NOVEL
By Donald Maass
2001, Writer's Digest Books

Writing the Breakout Novel, by Donald Maass, offers guidance on how to take novel-writing to the next level, maybe even to the bestseller list. All from the viewpoint of a successful literary agent and author.

What sets this book apart from so many others is the introduction and first chapter. Maass provides insight into the publishing industry and the kind of book authors need to produce in order to compete today.

The remaining chapters deal with premise, stakes, setting, characters, plot, subplots, and viewpoint. The final chapter addresses agents, editors, queries, outlines, and the publishing process. A summary checklist is provided at the end of each chapter, but no writing exercises. An index is provided for easy reference.

Critics will rightfully note that much of the material presented by Maass is also covered in other "how-to" books. To me, the introduction and the first chapter were well worth the cost of owning the book, while the remaining chapters provide bonus material.

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