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writing your book, answer the question why is this book different from all the other books being written and sold? Although originality can be tough in a competitive world, there should be some part of what you are writing that is different from what has been written before. So once you've isolated the category of story you're telling, check the originality of your concept. Use a keywork search in Amazon.com, Barnes and Nobel, Powells.com, and on Google and Yahoo, and/or at the library. You may write the 1001st novel on human cloning, after the apocalypse, on Mars, with terraforming, but still some piece of it should not only mean something to you as the writer or offer a fresh look at issues that have been discussed before. If you attend a conference where a science fiction editor is in attendance, they'll likely give you useful feedback such as "we're overstocked in this category of stories".

Tip 4: Provide a Reason for Your World's Existence
The science behind science fiction relates to the probability that your world could exist. Check that the political system, economic reality, social orders, historic detail, and scientific reality are likely. A livable planetoid of Earth size orbiting Venus needs quite a bit of explanation. This doesn't mean you can't do it. It does mean that how and why should be explained. Some of the most fascinating science fiction has paired differences in systems we see on Earth with changes to the environment. Although we know that there are millions maybe even billions of galaxies and star systems that could exist, having your system based on something similar seen in the universe we've penetrated will simplify your writing process and provide a good level of believability.

So once you've isolated the category of story you're telling, check the originality of your concept. Use a keywork search in Amazon.com, Barnes and Nobel, Powells.com, and on Google and Yahoo, and/or at the library.

Tip 5: Be Specific About the Natural World
Regardless of where your story exists, being specific about the natural world will add credibility and interest to the reader. Even if you're on a future Earth and changes to the terrain exist, similarities with the existing world will aid understanding. If you're speculating about the natural world, field guides to plants, animals, insects, minerals, land structures etc, can provide the subset of information that should be answered.

Tip 6: Provide A Strong Character
Provide one strong character, or more, who

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