WRFH/Radio Free Hillsdale 101.7 FM - Grammar Minute: WARSAFE Release Day & How to Write a Book

Episode Date: May 6, 2025

My fourth science fiction novel, Warsafe, releases today! Here's a sneak peek into the publishing process on today's episode of Grammar Minute.

Welcome to the Grammar Minute, where we're saving the English language 60 seconds out of time. I'm Lauren Smith, and today I'm celebrating the release of my fourth science fiction novel, WarSafe. The plot in the most basic terms is real-life video game, but neither the players nor the characters know it. Anyway, here's an overview of the book publishing process. Once you've written and self-edited the manuscript, you have to write a query letter. This is like a cover letter for a job. It explains what the book is about, why someone might want to read it, and why you're the right person to write it.

Typically, you'll also need a play-by-play synopsis of what happens in the book, a summary of the plot for the back cover, and an author bio. Once your book is accepted, the book goes through about a year's worth of editing, typesetting, cover design, and more. The process of writing a book from start to finish takes about three years, if you're quick. That's your Grammar Minute. To learn more about WarSafe, visit Laurencemithbooks.com, and that's Smith spelled with a why.

Thank you.