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MUST-HAVE PUBLISHING RESOURCES FOR AUTHORS
The saying “you don’t know what you don’t know” is so true when it comes to publishing, whether it’s self-publishing or traditional publishing. Authors are writers first and foremost. They know the craft of writing but it’s all the other steps—revising and editing, publishing, and marketing—that can be daunting, even to the most seasoned among them. This blog post compiles more than fifty links to vetted publishing industry resources. And it's still growing! (updated May 2024)
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Elements of style: the art of mood in fiction
A novel's atmosphere—or emotional landscape—which colors every scene is also known as mood, and it’s one of the most effective tools a...
Feb 213 min read

From blank page to published: tips from published authors
Writing and publishing can feel like an uphill battle, filled with self-doubt and numerous hurdles. This weekend, I attended a local...
Oct 18, 20243 min read

How to use book awards to elevate your book to new heights
I write a lot about marketing for authors because I don't enjoy marketing, and I know many authors feel the same way. Marketing doesn't...
Jul 12, 20244 min read

The post-proofreading checklist for self-publishing
Proofreaders aren't just eagle-eyed typo hunters. For many indie authors, proofreaders can often be a valuable resource for navigating...
Jun 28, 20244 min read

Top 3 book opening mistakes (and how to fix them)
Every write knows that a strong opening to their book is crucial for engaging readers. It's the first impression, the hook, that either...
Jun 14, 20243 min read

Unraveling your narrative with a reverse outline
Have you ever found yourself lost in the labyrinth of your own writing? Do your characters often run away with the plot? Are you staring...
May 24, 20244 min read

Lead magnets vs. reader magnets
In today's digital age, understanding the power of lead magnets and reader magnets can significantly help writers boost their marketing...
Mar 29, 20243 min read

5 tips for building your author brand
A brand is more than just a logo or a catchy slogan. It’s the overall perception that consumers have of a product, service, business, or...
Mar 15, 20244 min read

Exploring the world of book publishing: traditional, hybrid, and self-publishing
Book publishing has undergone significant transformations in recent years, offering authors a plethora of choices in how they bring their...
Feb 23, 20243 min read

Must-have publishing resources for authors (updated October 2024)
The saying “you don’t know what you don’t know” is so true when it comes to publishing, whether it’s self-publishing or traditional...
Feb 11, 20242 min read

Top 3 questions I receive about publishing
(I'd like to say that I'm writing this blog post for the benefit of readers, but really, I'm writing it for me.) These are the top three...
Dec 22, 20235 min read

Writing in third person
Limited vs. omniscient narration Third person narration is a literary style where the narrative is told from the perspective of a...
Dec 8, 20235 min read

Editorial passes vs. rounds
"Passes" and "rounds" are common terms used in book publishing, but their meanings can often become confused. There are, in general,...
Oct 6, 20233 min read

Elements of a successful book: reviews
In this final post in the Elements of a Successful Book blog series, I'm talking reviews—what they are, different types, how to get them,...
Aug 11, 20236 min read

Elements of a successful book: metadata
Metadata feels like a nebulous term, and for many writers, it’s components seem hard to pin down. However, it’s vital that your book has...
Jul 20, 20232 min read

Elements of a successful book: the back cover blurb
You’ve written your book and edited the heck out of it, and you don’t want to deal with it anymore. Sounds about right? But then you...
Jul 6, 20235 min read

Elements of a successful book: title
Book titles and subtitles feel pretty basic—every book has a title (at least), and I don’t think it’s controversial to say that your book...
Jun 22, 20233 min read

US copyright and permissions
What every writer should know Confusion about intellectual property, copyright, and permissions abound in the self-publishing world. It...
Apr 15, 20235 min read

Client story: manuscript review
I’ve received quite a few questions about my new manuscript review service. First, I want to say, no, this is not a review like you might...
Apr 1, 20234 min read

More on vetting editors: work samples
Finding a best-fit editor for your project can be a chore. There’s a sea full of editor-fish but not one of them are alike! A writer must...
Feb 16, 20235 min read
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