Complete That Manuscript
Around this time last year, I was majorly struggling with my procrastination. I had an idea for a novel I wanted to write—the plot was growing in my mind by the days; my characters wouldn’t stop talking to me—but I just couldn’t force myself to sit down and actually write it.
I had a deadline in mind—finish writing the book by my 25th birthday. But how?
Around that same time I had just picked up my first copy of Poets & Writers magazine (yes, I was a little behind the times). I was scanning the upcoming contests section and it was there that I found my overcoming procrastination miracle—Complete That Manuscript.
Complete That Manuscript (CTM) is an online, writing-two-chapters-a-week approach to getting your novel written.
I worked with H. Christine Lindblom, a 10-year veteran content editor who specializes in fiction, to get my novel written.
Christine not only guided me through the planning stages of my novel—character sheets, chapter-by-chapter plot outlines—six weeks prior to the start of the program, but she also guided me each week as I completed the chapters in my now-finished novel.
The best part about working with Christine is she considers customer service to be top priority. She was there for me whenever I needed her with words of wisdom to talk me away from the delete button.
I can honestly say for a fact, that my book would not exist today if it weren’t for Christine and Complete That Manuscript.
That’s why I’m SO excited that Christine has decided to begin a new round of Complete That Manuscript sessions.
Here’s how the program works:
Planning Stages
For six weeks prior to your Complete That Manuscript program, Christine will guide you through the pre-planning stages of your novel, from character sheets to a plot outline.
Writing Your Novel
At the end of the 6-weeks, you will have completed the pre-planning for your book.
Next comes your Complete That Manuscript program.
You write two chapters a week until your novel is completed.
Christine will read your chapters as you complete them and give you notes and edits during your weekly phone session.
To learn more about a typical CTM program, visit the CTM Web site.
When your 6 weeks and program are finished, you will have:
- Character sheets for each character in your book
- Chapter-by-chapter plots
- A completed manuscript (with the ability to add editing and publication advising for an additional fee)
- The tools you need to write your next book (and all the ones after that)
What You Need to Be Successful in This Program
You need to be:
- Open-minded
- Fully committed to getting writing done
This program is for writers who are serious about overcoming procrastination and getting their novel written. It requires self-discipline and self-deadlines. If you don’t think you can handle that, this is not the program for you.
If, however, you think it’s finally time for you to stop procrastinating and get your novel written, then this program will be your best friend.
Testimonials
Christine has been running Complete That Manuscript for 7 years.
Here are some testimonials from her authors:
“I wouldn’t even CONSIDER creating a book without Christine’s input. She’s that good.“–R. Duncan Forbes, author of Rhoedraegon
“How hard could it be to sit and write a book? The story was there in my head with the characters. I had an idea of the beginning, middle and ending, but getting there was not as easy as imagined. For four years I struggled with getting the story on paper. Then one day I found a business card for H. Christine Lindblom while working on a store display for my gift basket business. Picking up the card, I put it in my pocket.
With some trepidation I made the call; it was my first time talking to a professional about my writing. I felt like all those people on talent shows saying, “I want to be…”
Christine, from the first moment, was warm, encouraging and understanding as she listened to me talk about my writing. She left the conversation open-ended with, ‘This is your baby; when you are ready for me to look at it, send it to me.’
Being a perfectionist and wanting to make a great impression, it took me two months to get the courage to send Christine “my baby.” With baited anticipation I waited for her response. Was she going to be harsh with her critique? Her reply was honest, sincere and constructive. From that moment on, Christine has been a positive force in my writing career.
Since working with her I have completed my first two novels, with the third one in the beginning stages of development. She is more than a writing coach and editor, but a person who cares about seeing her writers excel in their talent. She teaches you how to build and develop your writing career. Always devoted to her writers, she is tough, stern, but also caring.
I now not only call myself, but see myself as a writer thanks to Christine.”–Tori Bailey, author of Coming Home (Green Dog Publishing, Fall 2010)
“Christine motivated, inspired, encouraged and coached me to significance and success!” –Jennifer Hallmark, author of Journey of Grace: A New Beginning, and The Wedding Dress.
“I’m thrilled with my first published book! Christine’s editing and encouragement made it happen,” AnJi, author of Unraveling Threads: Armadillo Oddosey.
If you’re interested in participating in a Complete That Manuscript session, be sure to check the Web site.
Here’s some more information about Christine, the editor who runs CTM:
The Editor
H. Christine Lindblom is a content editor. Working directly with authors, they form a team that creates well-written and marketable manuscripts ready for an agent or publisher. Christine edits everything from young adult to fantasy, specializing in fiction books. Starting at a university, she has now been editing for more than 10 years. She has several award-winning authors. Almost all of her clients have at least one book published.
“One of the greatest joys of the job is to hear the excitement of my authors as their characters become people and their dreams of a completed manuscript come true,” Lindblom says. “Their first book signing is one of the greatest moments of my career.”
And if you have questions, feel free to leave them in the comments below and I’ll answer them for you.
