About the book: 2022 / This book is a cult classic among writing textbooks and Creative Writing guides. Who, if not Donald Maass, the president of one of the most successful literary agencies in the world, knows first-hand what books publishers want to publish and which ones really shoot and end up on the bestseller lists? Maass takes a deep dive into the elements that make up all breakthrough novels—regardless of genre—and then shows you how to stand out and become a famous writer. You can attract an agent, interest a publisher, and lay the foundation for your literary career. “Over the past twenty years, I have learned a lot about what exactly elevates a book from the ranks of ordinary works to breakthrough ones. And to do this I had to read thousands of unpublished novels. More often than not, content disappoints because its creators didn't employ the techniques that could turn their average stories into great ones. They swim shallowly. The topics they touch on are either weak or hackneyed. Their characters are formulaic. Their plots echo recent newspaper headlines, blockbusters and established bestsellers. Creating a breakthrough novel is work, including working on your own worldview. You learn to avoid trivialities and recourse to familiar topics, and develop the confidence that from personal views, experience, insight and fervent faith in every idea you can develop such stories that your novels will reach new heights in terms of impact and originality .I believe in all the work I submit to publishers. I fall in love with novels much less often. And very few novels manage to truly blow my mind or even change my life. Are you ready to change the lives of your readers? What about your own life? Fine. Then let's get started" (Donald Maass). The publishing design is preserved in PDF A4 format.