Behind every acclaimed work of literature is a trove of heartfelt decisions. The best authors put painstaking-sometimes obsessive-effort into each element of their stories, from plot and character development to dialogue and point of view. Veteran editor and teacher Richard Cohen draws on his vast reservoir of a lifetime's reading and his insight into what makes good prose soar. Here are Gabriel Garcia Márquez's thoughts on how to start a novel...

Guides readers in writing and publishing a book, including creating authentic characters, editing, and finding an agent.

"It seems like Thistle Tate has everything. Her Lemonade Skies series is wildly popular, with droves of die-hard fans waiting for the next book. She's even started dating her best friend, Liam, the one person who knows everything about her, including her deepest secret: she's not really the author of the books."

Cindy Sella struggles with writer's block and a lawsuit by her unscrupulous former agent, L. Bass Hess, who is targeted by bumbling hitmen Candy and Karl's zany efforts to drive him out of New York City.

"The 40th edition of NSSWM features hundreds of updated listings for book publishers, literary agents, fiction publications, contests, and more. Each listing includes contact information, submission guidelines, and other essential tips"--Back cover.

Twelve-year-old Henry Khoo embarks on a forbidden journey from Australia to Singapore to prove his independence to his overprotective family, while working out some problems with friends. Told in comics and prose.

"When Kelly Madigan is offered a job abroad right after reading a letter from her late mother urging her to take more risks, she sees it as a sign. Kelly's new ghostwriting assignment means moving to London to work for Natasha Spencer--movie star, lifestyle guru, and wife of a promising English politician. As it turns out, Natasha is also selfish, mercurial, and unwilling to let any actual food past her perfect lips"--Page 4 of cover.

Julieta isn't looking for her Romeo--but she is writing about love. When her summer writing teacher encourages the class to publish their work online, the last thing she's expecting is to get a notification that her rom-com has a mysterious new contributor, Happily Ever Drafter. Julieta knows that happily ever afters aren't real. (Case in point: her parents' imploding marriage.) But then again, could this be her very own meet-cute? As things start...

Bridget found refuge in R. M. Haldon's epic fantasy series, Swords and Shadows, as her mom, another fan, was losing her battle with cancer. Bridget cared about the series first, not the author. But when she met Haldon at one of his rare book signings, she impressed him with her encyclopedic knowledge of the fantasy world he created. She has been working for him ever since, as he attempts to write the final book in his blockbuster sword-and-sorcery...

MARRIAGE WANTED: Nash Davenport is a divorced, divorce attorney who believes no married couple can live up to their wedding vows. Savannah Charles is a wedding planner who believes in the value--and values of marriage. She finds herself saying yes when Nash unexpectedly proposes -- even though it's strictly a business proposal...MY HERO Would-be romance writer Bailey York has already failed twice at love. She thinks men are wonderful to read and write...