Formatting your manuscript to industry standards is a must-do if you’re submitting your novel to an agent. If you’re a self-publisher, you’ll score major points with your editor and formatter […]
Formatting your manuscript for editors and agents Read More »
Most first-time authors begin writing in response to some vague creative itch. They’ve no idea how many books like theirs already exist; most assume that none do. These authors are
Is this book commercially viable? Read More »
When your whole story lies ahead of you, it’s easy to naively assume you’ll name your manuscript file TheGirlWiththeFuzzyManuscript_Orig, then go to FuzzyGirl_Revised, and maybe finish with TGWTFM_BetaFeedback. What you
File names that show your manuscript revision status Read More »
What if everything in the world went right for your book, and now you may actually have a writing career? The thing that many emerging authors neglect to plan for
Kick-start your own career development program for new novelists Read More »
You can quit holding your nose now—this whole synopsis thing is going to take longer than a single breath of air. Writing your synopsis is a must-have writing skill for
12 reasons to learn how to write a brilliant synopsis Read More »
Writing a series is standard operating procedure for self-published authors seeking to grow their catalogs. The formula is simple: stretch a story concept across two, three, four books or more,
Why your first book should not be part of a series Read More »
An editor can give you a hand out of all sorts of tight spots in your book’s development, not just writing and editing. A seasoned outside eye can help you
10 ways a book editor can help besides editing Read More »
Quick, what’s the fastest way to sabotage your efforts to get an agent for your book? Answer: query your novel before it’s ready. If you’re a novelist, you’re not ready
Should you query an incomplete novel? Read More »
Whoa, just look at that flowchart! That’s way too many steps! Why, yes. Yes, it very likely is. Few self-published authors can afford all of these editorial production steps. Few
The editing and revision flowchart for self-publishers Read More »
Writers have this thing about rejection. It seems edgy or romantic somehow to count rejection notices, to clutch them to your breast like the beads of a diabolical rosary with
How to cope when your manuscript query is rejected Read More »
