Dialogue can be one of the most crucial and integral parts of a manuscript---especially for writers wanting to stand out in a crowded marketplace. As well as being a crucial part of the artistry of writing, dialogue can serve to tighten a passive voice, elevate pacing, lessen telling and even keep an inflated wordcount from a pass from an agent or editor. Using dialogue to establish character and theme can also allow the reader to feel an immediate investment not only with the narrative voice but the character speaking, leading to their further engagement.
The live webinar provides tips and tricks for writing and self-editing dialogue but also utilizing tags and dialect to pack a punch for your readers and immerse them in the book's world. Dialogue is often the strongest link to character and voice and without it, the rest of the Jenga game of a book's story can fall apart. This live webinar will inspire writers to think about using dialogue to propel action forward and even replace descriptive words and plot points for a wholly immersive experience. Participants will work with the presenter to call out what works and what doesn't, keeping their own work in mind and determining an in-class list of brainstormed best practices. Participants will be invited to bring a sample of their own work for critique. A dialogue best-practices checklist will be provided.
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Meet the instructor
Rachel McMillan
Rachel McMillan is the bestselling author of over 20 books of fiction and non-fiction. Her most recent works include The London Restoration and The Mozart Code as well as the upcoming An Aim At Eternity: The Life and Times of Sir Christopher Wren (Pen and Sword) and Operation Scarlet (Harper Collins).
With over 20 years in the industry, Rachel has worked in near every tenet of the publishing world from sales and marketing, editorial to contracts  After 5 years as a senior associate agent, Rachel went independent and now represents 30 clients across 3 continents.  Rachel's blend of industry knowledge and her passion for encouraging authors and demystifying the publishing world have made her a popular conference speaker, panelist and consultant.  From comp titles to query letters, from a strong opening hook to the mid-manuscript slump, Rachel is skilled at handling all manner of author questions.
Rachel not only works with agents and authors to prepare proposals and manuscripts before submission, acquiring editors often seek her out for comp title examples before they take books to publishing boards. She loves recognizing projects sheâs worked on when she reads the Publisherâs Marketplace Daily Deals and on store shelves.
Rachel lives in Toronto, Canada and is always reading.
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