Dear Ally, How Do You Write A Book?, written by Ally Carter, reviewed by Stephanie Wilson

Summary: Ally Carter, a New York Times Bestselling Author gives advice to future authors with the help of a group other popular writers. Carter covers all aspects of the writing process. She divides the process into helpful chapters covering the prewriting, writing and selling of your book. Prewriting covers topics such as plot, characters, world building and finding your voice as an author. Some authors are copious planners. They outline the plot, create detailed backstories for every character and know exactly how they want the action to unfold. Other authors fly by the seat of their pants and let the action unfold organically. Carter stresses there is no right or wrong way to plan your book. The author has to do what works for them. Carter is careful to present realistic advice as well as the struggles of being a writer. The important thing is to keep writing. Every writer struggles with wanting to ditch a tough project in favor of a shiny new idea. Do this often enough and the writer will find themselves with tons of false starts and unfinished work but no complete projects. The chapters include letters asking for advice about writing and the writing process that Ally and the other authors answer. She cautions writers not to compare their first drafts to another writer’s finished product. It is an inherently unfair comparison. The advice offered is concise and practical. One of the most interesting parts of the book was when the other authors talked about rejection. Some authors had their work rejected hundreds of times before they secured an agent. Her best advice concerns query letters and finding an agent. Repeatedly, she cautions writers to beware of scams and scam artists. No legitimate literary agent will ask for money to facilitate publishing a writer’s book. Agents work for the writer and make their money via commissions. If the book does not sell, the literary agent won't make any money. There is no easy path to becoming an author. The path to success is paved with failure and tons of hard work. 

Straight Talk for Librarians: The target audience is teens who want to become writers. The advice is appropriate for adults as well. The book does a fantastic job of breaking down all aspects of the writing process and how to get your writing published. In some cases, the advice seems to be better suited for adults than teens. Most teens are not going to be able to afford a several hundred-dollar screenwriting program for their computer. The book could be used in a creative writing class or literature class to analyze the various aspects of the writing process. It will be a welcome addition to any school or public library. I recommend this book for anyone with dreams of becoming a writer.