Request for help/critique

[Staiduk]

'Lo all!

A while back I came to a decision and began planning on a book I want to write. After a ton of research and practice; I've started writing it. Thing is; I've never written a book before, and while I understand the idea; I've no experience. So I've been doing this on all the forums I frequent - I'm putting samples of the work up for folks to read and tear apart.

So; I'm asking for a favour: If anyone wants; could you please read this sample and offer up a critique - if you like it, if you don't, why on both. What needs work. It's the best way for me to learn; and before I send the thing to the publisher I want it as polished as possible, of course.

The book is a martial-arts reference; specifically aikido. The aim is to take what we learn on the mat and integrate in into real-word defense - my forte. Obviously not many folks here take aikido; and that helps -

[Hagar]

Hi Staiduk. I'm downloading your file now to check it out. You might point out that to download it you need to right-click on the link & select "Save Target As". Otherwise it will open the file which takes quite a while on dial-up & many people won't bother to wait. This might just be me but I've never liked Adobe Acrobat & prefer Word documents. I don't know how this would affect the file size.

I might not be the best person to give a critique of your work. Much as I would like to write a book myself I have no idea of where to start. I've written lots of official documents & manuals over the years but this is quite different.

[Staiduk]

Thanks for the suggestion, Hagar - I put that in.

As for how much help you cna be; don't worry - you know how to read (er...don't you? ) and know whether or not what you're reading is clear and helpful - that's enough. Besides; with your background writing tech. manuals; I'm sure you can supply plenty of good info.

Cheers!

[commoner]

Hi Staiduk...tried to download from the link but it said NO CHANCE..well, words to that effect

[Ace_777]

I jus printed off my copy now. Im gonna go and read it. I've been revising all week and now since its Friday I need a break. So I'll do some light reading..............(reading your draft).

I dont know if I will make the best critique. I dont know how to be a critique  :o. And I doubt it needs improving. It probably is perfect the way it is

[Staiduk]

Lol - if there's one thing whatever I write isn't gonna be, it's perfect!

This is a totally new thing for me; it'll take a lot of mistakes before I get enough experience to write something worthwhile. That's what I need help in: to find the mistakes and rough spots.
Thanks!

[Hagar]

Right. I've had a quick browse through it. Not read every word as I have to be in the mood & interested in the subject matter to take it all in properly. From what I can see it's more like the instruction manuals that I am familiar with. It's well laid out & easy to read. I like the chatty style & the illustrations are excellent. I can't see much wrong with it. What more can I say?

[Staiduk]

Thanks for that Hagar, that helps. A boost to my confidence at least - one of the things I'm most worried about is that beginning students or those that haven't started yet will be lost because I'm making assumptions of understanding - at the same time, I don't want to bore more experienced practicioners with basic terms.

A bit of a poser - oh well; I guess that's what writing's all about!