A breakout novel is one that rises out of its category--such as literary fiction, mystery, romance, or thriller--and hits the bestseller lists. Maass explains the elements that all breakout novels share and shows readers how to use these elements to write a novel that has a good chance of succeeding in a crowded marketplace. They'll learn to: * create a powerful and sweeping sense of time and place * develop larger-than-life characters * sustain a high degree of narrative tension from start to finish * weave sub-plots into the main action * explore universal themes that will interest a large audience of readers Then, using several of his clients' experiences--including best-selling novelist Anne Perry--as case studies, Maass provides real-life, insider examples to show how this type of novel can generate agent and publisher interest, creating or enhancing a novelist's career. * Includes an introduction by best-selling author Anne Perry * Maass' insider examples lend the credibility and visibility necessary to attract a wide audience of writers