Veteran novelist James V. Smith helps beginners make their writing dreams come true with his unique "writer's toolkit" for building a successful novel. He begins by breaking down the complex process of novel writing into simple pieces, showing writers how to create memorable characters, gripping plots and vivid settings. Smith encourages writers to: -- forge a marketable idea and construct the first critical pieces-- put their novel together without wasting time, effort or sanity-- edit, revise and rewrite to meet editorial standards, following a checklist of 33 tips-- break into the marketplace with strong query letters and submission packages.