Page-Turner: Your Path to Writing a Novel That Publishers Want and Readers Buy

By: Barbara Kyle

Narrated by: Barbara Kyle

Length: 6 hrs and 36 mins

Publisher's summary

What makes a page-turner? What mysterious literary essence holds a reader so hard they feel they must keep reading - and then tell friends, "I couldn't put it down!"? And what do literary agents and publishers really look for in a manuscript?

Internationally acclaimed author and story coach Barbara Kyle reveals the answers in Page-Turner with insights into:

• The essentials of story structure
• How to create a "story line"
• Harnessing the power of “deep character”
• The art of crafting dialogue
• Mastering point of view
• Plus practical advice on how to query agents and get published
• And more

Page-Turner shows how to create the kind of novel that brings offers from publishers and praise from readers.

For emerging writers who want to break in and published authors who want to produce a breakout book, Page-Turner is an indispensable guide.

About the author: Barbara Kyle is the author of the acclaimed Thornleigh Saga series of historical novels and award-winning thrillers, with sales of more than half a million books. She is a popular presenter at international writers’ conferences. As a story coach, she has launched many writers on the path toward published success.

"Working with Barbara is like having a secret weapon in your writing arsenal.” (Nancy Raven Smith, author of Land Sharks)

“Barbara’s wise words constantly guide my way.” (Robert Rotenberg, author of Stray Bullets)

©2016 Barbara Kyle (P)2018 Barbara Kyle

Critic reviews

"Brings alive almost every tough issue a writer of fiction must confront. Friendly and fun to read." (Albert Zuckerman, Writers House literary agency)

“Kyle breaks down both the art and the craft of writing in a way that is entertaining and easy to understand.” (Number-one New York Times best-selling author Kelley Armstrong)

Very Helpful

This book has clear examples of not only writing mistakes, but ways to correct or guide an author with their own skills. It helped me understand errors in my own books and I think I am a better writer thanks to the author's helpful hints.

A writing coach in your corner

I had followed Barbara Kyle’s email newsletter for some time, so when she announced her book “Page-Turner: Your Path to Writing a Novel That Publishers Want and Readers Buy” I went online and clicked “Add to cart” before you could say “dangling participle.” Kyle is a writing coach and that conversational and encouraging tone comes through in her book. She’s telling you things you need to hear.

The strength of the book is in her use of examples. So many books on writing enumerate objectives for your work such as “show, don’t tell” or “make your antagonist interesting” but then fall short on explaining what those things mean. Kyle’s use of example is nothing short of brilliant. She draws from a variety of stories and sources, including her own work, to drive home the point she’s making. She draws from Gone with the Wind, The Godfather, and The Kite Runner. Long excerpts or detailed analyses of scenes and situations reinforce her lessons. Of the many writing books I’ve read nobody does this better than Kyle.

The book is packed with practical advice as she discusses some of her processes including “storylining.” Just to be sure you get the point Kyle includes a large chunk of her storyline for The Queen’s Exiles. She also encourages you to make a “step-outline” which corresponds nicely to scene chunks you’d create in Scrivener, for example.

Of course the book also covers the standard repertoire of style, voice, pacing, conflict, reversals, and more. These are things you’d expect in a book like this. But Kyle goes beyond this and addresses the questions that stymie so many writers: how do I get noticed? How do I present a book to an agent? When is it ready? What other materials do I need to produce? Kyle walks through all of this in a way that both describes how tough these markets can be, and encourages you to put your best foot forward and try.

I was lucky enough to win the audiobook of Page-Turner in a drawing Barbara Kyle organized on her website. Her presentation is beautiful. She’s a (retired) actress and she doesn’t just read her book, she performs it. As I listened to the book on my commute it was like she was in the passenger seat answering all my questions. I had read the paperback book, of course, but the audiobook, and her voice, engaged me with the material at another level. I’m planning on a second listening.

There are many excellent writing coaches out there but a few have bubbled to the top of my list including Paula Munier, James Scott Bell, K.M. Weiland, and now Barbara Kyle. Get the book, and if you want to listen to a compelling writing coach, get the audiobook, too.

Your own personal cheerleader

We writers can be insecure. If only we had someone to hold our hands and murmer, "There, there, you can do this!" as we face writer's block or plotting roadblocks. That is what this book does. I had bought the print version -- the audio version is like having Barbara Kyle in my ear as my own personal cheerleader. It's not just mindless support, though. This book provides practical, actionable tips for getting your book from head to page...from published page to, well, page-turner!

Excellent book for writers.

So much I learned from this book. I plan to keep it close for reference as I am constructing my stories. I wish I had found it long ago. Plus, with Audio book you get to listen to Ms. Kyle's excellent speaking voice.

Insightful and Helpful

I got so much out of Barbara's book. I have one novel in its final draft and another nearly finished, and after listening to Barbara's book I realize I have work to do! But it's good work and it will help me do the best editing to bring clarity to my work.
Barbara's advice is easy to listen to, and she gives many examples from literature that I'm familiar with and that I can relate to. I had a few 'AHA!' moments while listening to this audio book that I know I'll be going back to again and again.
Thank you Barbara!!

Have An Author Over The Shoulder Walkthrough

I have the print version too. I only use the print version for reference and as a visual supplement while listening. I find this approach helps solidify key concepts until they flow naturally while writing.

The audio book is an excellent addition because it feels like Barbara is right there with you. It's like having a personal mentor working along side you. Knowing she's a bestselling author builds confidence in your own skills and talents. This audiobook should be one of your top writing guides.

Insightful

An insightful look at the process of writing a book. I learned a lot from this book. I would recommend all aspiring authors give it a read.