| There are many ways to write a book. | | | | (or at least most) readers. Once the template has |
| Sometimes the decision is based on how efficient | | | | been chosen, the process of writing becomes a |
| the technique is. Sometimes it just comes down | | | | matter of choosing what content to include. The |
| to what you prefer. | | | | template provides the structure and helps to |
| There are two ways which are often lumped | | | | provide a polished organization around which the |
| together as "following a template" or "the | | | | writer structures his argument. For a new writer |
| cookie-cutter style of writing". Books written using | | | | they can provide that needed touch of |
| this method are referred to as formula book. | | | | professionalism and guidance. |
| However, that is a simplification. There are really | | | | There are three main disadvantages to a |
| two types of template: the "cookie-cutter book" | | | | template. |
| type and the presentation model. The former | | | | The first is finding good templates. While fiction |
| applies to the organization of the whole book, | | | | uses many formulas, finding a non-fiction template |
| while the latter is focused on the presentation of | | | | is quite difficult. The simple fact is that most |
| the content. | | | | non-fiction writers don't use them for their own |
| In this article I'm going to discuss the true formula | | | | writing. And if they do use them they consider |
| or cookie-cutter type of writing. | | | | them proprietary (mine - my precious) and don't |
| Certainly, a cookie-cutter type of book is an | | | | release them. Or more likely don't have them |
| option. Romance writers have been writing | | | | except in the author's head. Of course, then |
| formula books quite successfully for many years. | | | | they're called habits. |
| In fact, publishers such as Harlequin are quite open | | | | The second disadvantage occurs when a subject |
| about the plot, characters, theme and style which | | | | and the template don't match up. Some subjects |
| they require from their authors. Creativity exists | | | | simply need to be written using a different |
| within the boundaries set by their marketing | | | | structure than are provided in the templates. One |
| departments. Computer programs which claim to | | | | or the other will need to be forced to change. |
| create an e-book for you often use templates to | | | | The third disadvantage is that all your books begin |
| manage the flow of question and response which | | | | to look the same. Like most people you will begin |
| generates the book. | | | | to use only a few of the available templates and |
| There are advantages to using a formula or | | | | your books will begin to look as though they |
| template. A well-designed template will help to | | | | came off an assembly line. |
| structure your book in a way that speaks to all | | | | |