Want to have a wonderful wedding away from home? "Destination Weddings For Dummies" is your all-in-one guide to getting married out of town, giving you savvy tips on everything from making travel arrangements to hiring vendors to dressing the wedding party.

Fron Vegas to the Vatican, this hands-on, practical resource helps you arrange a unique, unforgettable wedding anywhere in the world. Focusing on the various ways you can use the Internet in your planning, "Destination Weddings For Dummies" is filled with Web tips, shortcuts, and URLs, as well as instructions for creating your own digital wedding planner. You'll see how to establish a realistic wedding budget and get your friends and family on board. Then, you'll choose the perfect location; from Europe to the tropics to the open sea, we've done the scouting for you You'll also discover how to: Get married legally around the worldKnow who, when, and how to inviteCreate your own destination wedding Web site and blogFit all the basics into your budget-- from flowers and catering to the rings, photography, and musicHire wedding pros from a distanceDecide on your ceremony's styleDress the bride, groom, and the wedding partyCommunicate your plans to invited guestsCompare wedding packagesSave money on travel arrangementsTest-drive your destination wedding siteOrganize fun wedding activitiesHandle various wedding emergencies

If money is no object, you'll also see how to host a blowout wedding and make a splash when you splurge. Whether it's a small, intimate ceremony in a Hawaiian garden or a large gathering on a yacht in the Mediterranean, "Destination Weddings For Dummies" is all you need to get married anywhere you choose with ease and in style

Buying a property abroad is one of the biggest decisions you'll ever make. But don't worry - your Spanish dream needn't become a nightmare. From finding an estate agent and arranging a mortgage to negotiating the best price and moving in, this book is packed with practical advice on every aspect of the Spanish property market. It leads you safely and simply through the legal, logistical, and financial minefields, helping you maximise your time and your money to enjoy a hassle-free property purchase.

Be an agent of positive change with a rewarding career in social work.

Social workers are trained to address major social issues and provide therapeutic services for children, youth, and families. Becoming a Social Worker for Dummies will introduce you to this empowering profession and teach you about the fulfilling career paths that focus on improving community and society. Learn what skills you need to be prepared to work in the field, and discover how you can enter a role that allows you to make a positive difference working with individuals, groups, organizations, systems, and even whole countries.

• Embark on a career that’s satisfying, engaging, and financially sound
• Read about the different kinds of social work jobs available and pick the right path for you
• Learn how social work differs from other helping professions and bust common myths
• Get started on your journey toward working for equity and justice in your community

This clear, simple Dummies guide is for anyone who wants to learn more about the social work profession and its many sectors. Discover a career path where you can make a difference almost anywhere.

Use Lean Six Sigma to transform your business. Lean Six Sigma is a powerful method for improving both the efficiency and quality of projects and operations. In this new book, the team that bought you Lean Six Sigma For Dummies shows you how to take Lean Six Sigma to the next level and manage continual change in your organization. You'll learn to design a roadmap for transformation that's tailored to your business objectives; develop and implement processes that eliminate waste and variation across the company; synchronize your supply chain; and successfully deploy Lean Six Sigma over time. Lean Six Sigma Business Transformation For Dummies shows you how to: * Define your transformation objectives and create a bespoke 'Transformation Charter' for your organization. * Assess your company's readiness for transformation. * Establish a 'Transformation Governance System' to help you manage the transformation programme effectively. * Bring your people with you! Plan and achieve the cultural change needed to make the transformation process successful. * Join up the dots between planning and effective execution with Strategy Deployment. * Deploy a 'Continuous Improvement' toolkit to achieve everyday operational excellence. * Sustain the transformation programme and widen the scope across the organization (including deploying to the supply chain). * Adopt a 'Capability Maturity Approach' to drive business improvement recognizing that change is a continuous transformational journey, just as pioneers like Toyota have done. * Use a range of Lean Six Sigma Tools using the right tools, at the right time (and in the right order!) enables continuous improvement by eliminating waste and process variation.

The global consumer product market is exploding. In 2006 alone, 150,000 new products were brought to market. Now for the bad news: of those, fewer than 5% were hits, and fewer than 15% will even exist five years from now.

Written for small business owners and entrepreneurs looking for an inside track on new product development, "New Product Development for Dummies" offers you a unique opportunity to learn from two consummate insiders the secrets of successfully developing, marketing and making a bundle from a new product or service. You learn proven techniques for sizing up market potential and divining customer needs. You get tested-in-the-trenches strategies for launching a new product or service. And you get a frank, in-depth appraisal of the most challenging issues facing new product developers today, including the need to collaborate with global partners, optimizing technology development for a 21st century marketplace, getting start-up capital in an increasingly competitive environment, and much more. Key topics covered include: Developing a winning NPD strategyGenerating bold new ideas for products and servicesUnderstanding what your customers really wantKeeping projects on track, on budget, and on-timeBuilding effective cross-functional teamsPlanning and executing a blockbuster launchCollaborating with global partnersMaximizing your chances for success

No matter what size or type of business you're in, this book provides you with an unbeatable competitive advantage in the booming global marketplace for new products and services.

Get rid of GERD for good Is your heartburn making you dread meal times? No matter how delicious a feast is before you, the prospect of that burning pain, nausea, and even vomiting can be enough to make you turn away. Heartburn is a symptom of Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease, commonly called acid reflux, and the pain is caused by stomach acid damaging the tissue in your esophagus. It's more than a minor annoyance GERD is a precursor to esophageal cancer, and it affects over 50 million Americans. There are medications to treat GERD, but what most sufferers don't realize is that a few simple lifestyle changes can help your medication work better or get you off medications completely. Acid Reflux Diet & Cookbook for Dummies is your roadmap to ending GERD for good. In it, you'll find lifestyle and diet modifications that prevent symptoms from occurring in the first place, as well as explanations about the mechanism of the condition and how and why these modifications help. The book contains over 70 practical recipes, plus tips on navigating grocery stores, restaurant menus, and the holiday season. You'll gain valuable insight on the small, easy changes that can make a big difference, and get answers to questions like: * Is your posture and sleep position working against you? * Can chewing gum really help or hurt? * What supplements may work just as well, or better than, prescriptions? * How does eating more often help prevent symptoms? Whether you've tried every treatment available and still haven't found relief, or are hoping to avoid prescription medication completely, Acid Reflux Diet & Cookbook for Dummies is a clear, comprehensive guide to getting rid of GERD.

Vegan diet, nutrition, and lifestyle, demystified Living Vegan For Dummies provides a practical look at veganism for those who have already embraced the lifestyle, for anyone who is on the fence about trying it, or for those who want to understand the choices of the vegans in their midst. You'll learn what it means to be vegan and why this animal-friendly diet is on the rise. Discover tasty vegan ingredients and easy recipes, money-saving tips, advice for talking to people about veganism, and ideas for dealing with the skeptics. If you're ready to start transitioning to a vegan way of life, you'll love this book's simple action plans for making the switch--and making it stick. With this friendly Dummies guide, you've got answers to all your questions. Learn what veganism is, how it's different from vegetarianism, and why people choose to "go vegan" Decide whether veganism is for you and get pointers on cutting out animal products Help friends and loved ones understand your dietary and lifestyle choices Get ideas for vegan cooking, eating out, and being vegan on a budget Living Vegan For Dummies is a valuable resource for anyone who practices or is considering veganism, as well as their friends and family who want to know more about the lifestyle.

It's a great blessing when a new mom with postpartum depression (PPD) is fortunate enough to be diagnosed early by a knowledgeable medical practitioner or therapist. But without guidance, it isn't always clear where the boundary between normal baby blues and PPD lies. As with any other illness, the quicker that PPD is identified and treated, the faster the woman will recover. Postpartum Depression For Dummies can help you begin the process of determining what's going on with you and give you a better idea of where you fall so that you can get yourself into proper treatment right away. The book covers all aspects of PPD, from its history and its origins to its effects on women and their families to the wide variety of treatments available-including conventional Western medicine, psychological therapy, alternative medical treatments, and self-care measures. Postpartum Depression For Dummies reveals: * Why some doctors may be hush-hush about PPD * How to distinguish between pregnancy hormone changes, "baby blues," and PPD * The difficulties of getting a proper diagnosis * The role and importance of a therapist * The benefits of medication for depression * Alternative treatments with a successful track record * How to find the right balance of psychological, medical, and alternative treatment * Ways you can help foster recovery * The nutrition you need to care for yourself properly * How to help your partner help you Postpartum Depression For Dummies also provides the additional resources you need-web sites, organizations, and further reading-to help avoid the unnecessary suffering caused by undiagnosed and untreated PPD and survive and thrive as a new mom.

Does your kid′s love of ′tinkering′ resemble that of a budding Thomas Edison? Then Getting Started with Engineering is guaranteed to spark their fascination! The focused, easy–to–complete projects offered inside are designed to broaden their understanding of basic engineering principles, challenge their problem–solving skills, and sharpen their creativity all while having fun along the way.

Engineers are experts on how things work and this book is your youngster′s best first step to developing the skills they need to think, design, and build things like the pros. The projects they′ll complete feature a fun twist that appeal to their age group from a tiny model roller coaster to a wearable toy that includes an electronic circuit and the instructions are written in an easy–to–follow manner, making it possible for them to experience the pride and accomplishment of working independently.

- Appropriate for children aged 7–11

- Simple explanations guide children to complete three projects using household items

- The full–color design, short page count, and easy–to–follow instructions are designed to appeal to kids

- Brought to you by the trusted For Dummies brand

If you have a little engineer that could, Getting Started with Engineering is a great way to encourage their fascination of figuring out how things work.

A practical, down-to-earth guide to using the world's most successful approach to couple therapy One of the most successful therapeutic approaches to healing dysfunctional relationships, emotionally focused couple therapy provides clients with powerful insights into how and why they may be suppressing their emotions and teaches them practical ways to deal with those feelings more constructively for improved relationships. Unlike cognitive-behavioural therapy, which provides effective short-term coping skills, emotionally focused therapy often is prescribed as a second-stage treatment for couples with lingering emotional difficulties. Emotionally Focused Couple Therapy For Dummies introduces readers to this ground-breaking therapy, offering simple, proven strategies and tools for dealing with problems with bonding, attachment and emotions, the universal cornerstones of healthy relationships. * An indispensable resource for readers who would like to manage their relationship problems independently through home study * Delivers powerful techniques for dealing with unpleasant emotions, rather than repressing them and for responding constructively to complex relationship issues * The perfect introduction to EFT basics for therapists considering expanding their practices to include emotionally focused therapy methods * Packed with fascinating and instructive case studies and examples of EFT in action, from the authors' case files * Provides valuable guidance on finding, selecting and working with the right EFT certified therapist

The smart guide to your smartphone―updated for the latest iOS and iPhone releases.

Fully updated to cover the newest features of iOS and the latest iPhone models, iPhone For Dummies helps you keep in touch with family and friends, take pictures, play games, follow the news, stream music and video, get a little work done, and just about everything else. This user-friendly guide walks you through the basics of calling, texting, FaceTiming, and discovering all the cool things your iPhone can do. You’ll benefit from the insight of a longtime Apple expert on how to make the most of your new (or old) iPhone and its features. These wildly popular devices get more useful all the time.

Find out what’s in store for you with Apple’s latest releases―even if you’ve never owned an iPhone before.

• Discover the features of the latest iOS release and iPhone models
• Customize your settings and keep your phone secure
• Make the most of your camera and shoot high-quality videos
• Find little-known utilities and apps that will make your life easier

The easy way to shed light on Optics

In general terms, optics is the science of light. More specifically, optics is a branch of physics that describes the behavior and properties of light?including visible, infrared, and ultraviolet?and the interaction of light with matter.

"Optics For Dummies" gives you an approachable introduction to optical science, methods, and applications. You'll get plain-English explanations of the nature of light and optical effects; reflection, refraction, and diffraction; color dispersion; optical devices, industrial, medical, and military applications; as well as laser light fundamentals.Tracks a typical undergraduate optics courseDetailed explanations of concepts and summaries of equationsValuable tips for study from college professors

If you're taking an optics course for your major in physics or engineering, let "Optics For Dummies" shed light on the subject and help you succeed

All the essentials for administering Windows Server 2022 in one book Looking for a little help installing, configuring, securing, or running a network running Windows Server 2022? Windows Server 2022 & PowerShell All-in-One For Dummies delivers a thorough guide to network administration in a single, convenient book. Whether you need to start from scratch and install a new server or want to jump right into a more advanced topiclike managing security or working in Windows PowerShellyou'll find what you need right here. In this 8-books-in-1 compilation, you'll: Learn what you need to install and set up a brand-new Windows server installation Configure your Windows Server and customize its settings based on your needs and preferences Discover how to install, configure, and work with Containers The perfect book for server and system admins looking for a quick reference on Windows Server operation, this book is also a great resource for networking newcomers learning their way around the server software they'll encounter daily.

The streamlined, simplified, beginner-friendly introduction to instructional design.

Instructional Design For Dummies will teach you how to design and build learning content to create effective, engaging learning experiences that lead to improved learning outcomes and skill development. This book breaks down the instructional design process into bite-sized pieces, so you can learn techniques and best practices without getting bogged down in theory. Learn about various instructional design models and frameworks, then discover the different options for designing learning experiences. Take into account learning foundations, goals, and contexts, then create stellar lessons for in-person or virtual delivery. \

This Dummies guide is your starting place for creating impactful courses, without the technical jargon.

• Learn the basics of instructional design so you can create meaningful learning experiences
• Discover techniques that will help you design high-quality content for any context
• Improve learning outcomes and deliver training content with greater efficiency
• Skip the complex theories and technical jargon and focus on the info you need to know

This book is perfect for anyone who needs to develop a course, design a curriculum or training program, or provide educational content without being formally trained in instructional design. It’s also a great supplement to college-level instructional design courses. Whatever you’re teaching, Instructional Design For Dummies will help you teach it better.

Build your electronics workbench--and begin creating fun electronics projects right away Packed with hundreds of diagrams and photographs, this book provides step-by-step instructions for experiments that show you how electronic components work, advice on choosing and using essential tools, and exciting projects you can build in 30 minutes or less. You'll get charged up as you transform theory into action in chapter after chapter! Circuit basics -- learn what voltage is, where current flows (and doesn't flow), and how power is used in a circuit Critical components -- discover how resistors, capacitors, inductors, diodes, and transistors control and shape electric current Versatile chips -- find out how to use analog and digital integrated circuits to build complex projects with just a few parts Analyze circuits -- understand the rules that govern current and voltage and learn how to apply them Safety tips -- get a thorough grounding in how to protect yourself--and your electronics--from harm P.S. If you think this book seems familiar, you're probably right. The Dummies team updated the cover and design to give the book a fresh feel, but the content is the same as the previous release of Electronics For Dummies (9781119117971). The book you see here shouldn't be considered a new or updated product. But if you're in the mood to learn something new, check out some of our other books. We're always writing about new topics!

Your comprehensive guide to using Xero.

Keeping your business running smoothly has never been easier with Xero. You’re in good hands with Xero For Dummies, the only book endorsed by Xero. With the tips and tricks included in this helpful guide, you can easily tackle tasks like accounts payable, invoices, and estimates. It’s packed with easy to follow explanations and instructions on how to use this popular accounting software. It’s like having a personal accountant at your fingertips!

The latest update to this useful reference shows how you can use Xero for more than a simple spreadsheet. It includes how to set up your account from scratch, convert your business from another accounting software to Xero, and use Xero to its full potential.

It includes these essential topics:

• Customize the Xero set-up for your business
• Manage your daily activities with contacts, accounts, sales, and payables
• Organize suppliers and customers
• Automate your weekly and monthly reporting routines
• Track inventory and monitor your business
• Sync seamlessly across other business platforms

Filled with real-world scenarios that shows how you can use Xero every day in your business, Xero For Dummies can help you get your paperwork done quickly, so you can spend your valuable time running your business. Pick up your copy of Xero For Dummies to make that your reality.

The pain you suffer from fibromyalgia syndrome (FMS) is not in your imagination. FMS is a real medical problem that can be as debilitating and demoralizing as it is mysterious. "Fibromyalgia For Dummies, Second Edition, " brings you the latest scientific findings on the symptoms and causes of this disease and guides you toward proven, practical steps you can take reduce or eliminate FMS-related pain.

This plain-English guide is fully updated with the latest fibromyalgia treatment options, and evaluations of new medications that have shown great promise in reducing pain. You'll discover how to spot an array of symptoms and their possible causes, work with your physician to develop a treatment plan, and manage your pain at home and in the office. You'll learn how to: Identify your FMS trigger pointsCope with chronic pain and sleep problemsFind medications that work for youLocate a physician who can really help youMake healing lifestyle changesUse hands-on therapies to alleviate painFind effective over-the-counter and prescription medicationsChoose among alternative therapies and treatmentsReduce the emotional distress caused by FMSHelp a child with FMS

Featuring moving and inspiring stories from fellow FMS sufferers who share their stories and offer invaluable tips on working your way back to wellness, "Fibromyalgia for Dummies, Second Edition" offers serious and sensitive guidance to help you overcome FMS and start being yourself again.

Prepare for the future of Microsoft automation with this no-nonsense guide

Windows PowerShell 2 is the scripting language that enables automation within the Windows operating system. Packed with powerful new features, this latest version is complex, and "Windows PowerShell 2 For Dummies" is the perfect guide to help system administrators get up to speed.

Written by a Microsoft MVP with direct access to the program managers and developers, this book covers every new feature of Windows PowerShell 2 in a friendly, easy-to-follow format.Windows PowerShell 2 is the updated scripting language that enables system administrators to automate Windows operating systemsSystem administrators with limited scripting experience will find this book helps them learn the fundamentals of Windows PowerShell 2 quickly and easilyTranslates the jargon and complex syntax of Windows PowerShell 2 Covers script debugging improvements, the ability to invoke commands remotely, and the new user interfaceUses real-world applications to clarify the theory, fundamentals, and techniques of the scripting languageWritten by a Microsoft MVP with direct access to the developers of Windows PowerShell 2

"Windows PowerShell 2 For Dummies" makes this tool easily accessible to administrators of every experience level.

Put your best brand story in front of 1+ billion users! One of the most energetically social of the major social media platforms, Instagram has the highest brand engagement rate of them all. Throw in the app's more than 1 billion active monthly users and its powerful business tools--including shoppable posts, devoted business profiles, and advanced analytics--and you have an unmissable opportunity to tell a gripping story that bonds you with your customers and makes your business an integral part of their social media lives. The latest edition of Instagram For Business For Dummies puts you in the picture on how to showcase your product, craft your narrative, and gather insight into how your customers experience and react to your business. Presented in straightforward, practical language by three Instagram and marketing gurus, you'll swiftly go from setting up your account and profile to applying strategies for writing winning captions and creating content that deliver super-engaged customers. Set up your account, profile, and analytics Upload content and get smart with IG Stories and live video Build and target paid advertising Master the art of the hashtag Whatever your current Instagram skill-level, there's always somewhere new to take you're the story of your business--and there's no better way to begin a gripping new chapter in that story than with this book.

Go from eBay beginner to eBay pro in no time! Whether you aim to browse, buy, sell, or open up your own eBay shop, this third edition of Britain's bestselling guide to eBay gets you up and running with everything you need to know. Fully updated and packed with new information on eBay apps, creating and running an eBay business, becoming a PowerSeller and much more, it covers every aspect of eBay.co.uk, from security issues and avoiding scams to making serious cash in your spare time or as a full-time eBay merchant. * Get acquainted from registering and setting up a homepage to organising eBay sales and communicating using the 'My eBay' page, you'll quickly feel right at home on eBay * Bid and buy with confidence discover how to search for and evaluate items, make bids and win auctions, or use the 'Buy It Now' option * Sell like a pro get the lowdown on how to choose and post items for sale, set prices and conduct auctions for maximum profits, as well as how to ship stuff and collect payments * Keep the taxman happy how to keep track of your earnings and comply with all the relevant tax rules and regulations, including the VAT * Give your auctions pizzazz get expert tips on how to spice up your auctions with pictures and graphics as well as links to other websites * Stay safe and secure learn everything you need to know about avoiding fraudsters, scammers and hackers and safeguarding your privacy and your identity Open the book and find: * How to register and buy and sell on eBay * Advice on bidding and winning eBay auctions * Expert tips on choosing items to sell and picking the ideal auction time * How to set up sale listings and monitor your transactions * Tips for marketing your stuff on eBay * The lowdown on avoiding cons and protecting your privacy * Guidance on setting up an eBay business account * How to open your own eBay shop Learn to: * Make serious money selling your wares * Bid, win and buy the easy way * Build and expand your eBay business * Stay safe on eBay.co. uk

The fast and easy way to get a handle on business succession planning

While the demand for effective managers continues to grow, the retirement of baby boomers is producing a sharp decline in the ranks of available management personnel. In addition, the executives of the future are expected to be more sophisticated in order to develop and lead new global and technological initiatives. For these reasons, strategic and often long-sighted succession planning for the eventual replacement of managers at all levels has reached a critical level.

"Business Succession Planning For Dummies" aids managers, human resource professionals, and upper management in cultivating and retaining their existing employees to ensure the availability and capability of persons to assume leadership roles in the future. In plain English, it prepares business owners to ask the difficult questions when it comes to developing a working succession plan for their businesses key positions. This book also offers information on how to retain and train personnel within an organization so that a more seamless transition can be made when a senior leader or other important personnel retires or leaves the organization.How to retain and train personnel for a more seamless transitionEasy-to-follow guidance on developing a working succession planTips to create a plan to save time, money, knowledge, and clients by hiring from within

If you're a manager or human resources professional looking to develop a working succession plan, this hands-on, friendly guide has you covered.

Call them Native Americans, American Indians, indigenous peoples, or first nations - a vast and diverse array of nations, tribes, and cultures populated every corner of North America long before Columbus arrived. Native American History For Dummies reveals what is known about their pre-Columbian history and shows how their presence, customs, and beliefs influenced everything that was to follow. This straightforward guide breaks down their ten-thousand-plus year history and explores their influence on European settlement of the continent. You'll gain fresh insight into the major tribal nations, their cultures and traditions, warfare and famous battles; and the lives of such icons as Pocahontas, Sitting Bull and Sacagawea. You'll discover:* How and when the Native American's ancestors reached the continent* How tribes formed and where they migrated* What North America was like before 1492* How Native peoples maximized their environment* Pre-Columbian farmers, fishermen, hunters, and traders* The impact of Spain and France on the New World* Great Warriors from Tecumseh to Geronimo* How Native American cultures differed across the continent* Native American religions and religious practices* The stunning impact of disease on American Indian populations* Modern movements to reclaim Native identity* Great museums, books, and films about Native Americans Packed with fascinating facts about functional and ceremonial clothing, homes and shelters, boatbuilding, hunting, agriculture, mythology, intertribal relations, and more, Native American History For Dummies provides a dazzling and informative introduction to North America's first inhabitants.

Discover the ins and outs of Constitutional law

Are you a student looking for trusted, plain-English guidance on the ins and outs of Constitutional law? Look no further

"Constitutional Law For Dummies" provides a detailed study guide tracking to this commonly required law course. It breaks down complicated material and gives you a through outline of the parameters and applications of the U.S. Constitution in modern, easy-to-understand language. Critical information on the Constitution's foundations, powers, and limitationsA modern analysis of the Constitution's amendmentsDetailed information on the Supreme Court and federalism

Explaining outdated governmental jargon in current, up-to-date terms, "Constitutional Law For Dummies" is just what you need for quick learning and complete understanding. Students studying government will also find this to be a useful supplement to a variety of courses.

Algebra II For Dummies, 2nd Edition (9781119543145) was previously published as Algebra II For Dummies, 2nd Edition (9781119090625). While this version features a new Dummies cover and design, the content is the same as the prior release and should not be considered a new or updated product. Your complete guide to acing Algebra II Do quadratic equations make you queasy? Does the mere thought of logarithms make you feel lethargic? You're not alone! Algebra can induce anxiety in the best of us, especially for the masses that have never counted math as their forte. But here's the good news: you no longer have to suffer through statistics, sequences, and series alone. Algebra II For Dummies takes the fear out of this math course and gives you easy-to-follow, friendly guidance on everything you'll encounter in the classroom and arms you with the skills and confidence you need to score high at exam time. Gone are the days that Algebra II is a subject that only the serious 'math' students need to worry about. Now, as the concepts and material covered in a typical Algebra II course are consistently popping up on standardized tests like the SAT and ACT, the demand for advanced guidance on this subject has never been more urgent. Thankfully, this new edition of Algebra II For Dummies answers the call with a friendly and accessible approach to this often-intimidating subject, offering you a closer look at exponentials, graphing inequalities, and other topics in a way you can understand. Examine exponentials like a pro Find out how to graph inequalities Go beyond your Algebra I knowledge Ace your Algebra II exams with ease Whether you're looking to increase your score on a standardized test or simply succeed in your Algebra II course, this friendly guide makes it possible.

Learn to: * Craft a winning manuscript * Troubleshoot and edit your work * Prepare your manuscript for publication * Find a good agent to represent you * Negotiate the best possible deal Turn your aspiration into reality with this completely updated guide If you ve always wanted to write that great novel, but never knew where to start, look no further! With a published author advising you on how to write well and a literary agent providing insight into getting a publishing deal, this updated guide gives you the inside track on the art and science of breaking into the fiction-publishing industry. Taking you step by step from concept to contract, this book provides the tools you need to tell your story with skill and approach agents and publishers with confidence. * Dive in check out how to combine your natural talent with the writing techniques used by successful authors * Establish a firm foundation construct your basic story, plot and structure * Examine the key elements create characters, develop dialogue, explore relationships and insert conflict * Fine-tune and finish up discover tips on adding detail, creativity and flair while bringing your work to a close * Get published take the next step by weighing up your publishing options, working with agents and negotiating deals * Find out more check out additional advice, like the most common mistakes you need to avoid, and tips from published authors Open the book and find: * Tips for getting started * Creative ways to develop plots, storylines, characters and dialogue * The seven basic stories and how to put them to work * Tricks for crafting a great ending to your novel * How to prepare your manuscript for editing and publishing * The lowdown on the business side of publishing