The Writer in You

It was a thriller! This was the audience consensus when BAR held its first presentation for 2009, The Writer in You!

Editor and writer, Linda Deane and text book writers and teachers Sam and Amaral Soyer took the audience on the exciting rollercoaster experience of becoming published authors.

Deane, mother of a teenager and a teacher of creative writing in primary schools, expressed concern over the lack of exciting Caribbean stories for teenagers and noted a need for Caribbean authors who use rhythm and rhyme in exciting ways to stimulate a love of reading in children.

The Soyers who teach at secondary schools encouraged teachers to be more market oriented in their teaching of reading and writing and reminded the audience of the wide range of global markets for good writing.

From their informative talk, READBARBADOS has developed a list of

Ten Tips for Aspiring Caribbean Authors

1. Don't be a penny wise and a pound foolish. Good editors cost money but their balance and market savvy approach will ensure a high quality book.


2. Be patient. A professional writer knows that the process of ensuring quality will require rewriting, editing and researching after you submit the manuscript


3. Writing is a collaborative effort between writer, editor and publisher. Be prepared to compromise and even collaborate with other writers if textbook writing is your aim.


4. Develop a reputation for expertise in your chosen discipline. Stay on the cutting edge.


5. Be computer literate. Email and other internet tools make communication between writer and publisher cheaper and easier.


6. Research your subject thoroughly.


7. Deadlines are sacred.


8. Don't expect to get rich quickly but pay attention to the business of writing. Decide early whether you want your payment in the form of royalty cheques or a lump sum.


9. Test your manuscript by reading it to friends and colleagues. Have students do exercises and read material. Use the feedback to tweak your manuscript.


10. Network with your publisher's representative. Make sure that you stay in touch with them because they are responsible for marketing your book and by extension the size of your royalty cheque.

C. Williams