What Are Traditional, Hybrid, and Self-Publishing?
So, you want to get a book published. But how, exactly? Traditional publishing? Self-publishing? Or maybe through a press that allows you to pay to publish your book? Today’s post breaks down the three major kinds of publishing—both their advantages and drawbacks. Traditional Publishing A traditional publisher is a business that earns money from readers […]
Unclear Plots: Five Ways Stories Start on the Wrong Foot
Every story makes a promise. That promise is called “the premise,” and it’s the central concept of your story. It’s a travel brochure for the reader’s imagination that declares, “This is what this story is about. If you want to experience a story like that, start reading!” Simple, right? Unfortunately, communicating a strong premise to your […]
Nonfiction 101: How to Preach Without Being Preachy
Nobody likes preachy writing. But what, exactly, makes writing preachy? Is it possible to inspire readers to change their minds and actions without being preachy?
Should an Unpublished Author Start a Newsletter?
Why do publishers and agents expect unpublished authors to have a newsletter with hundreds of subscribers? What’s the point of a newsletter for an author who doesn’t have a contract yet?
What to Look for in a Critique Group
Whether you’re joining a group or starting your own, it’s important to know what you’re looking for. Online? In person? A range of veterans to novices, or a group of peers? Once a week? Once a month?
In this article, we’ll ask the questions every critique group must ask—and give you the tools you need to answer them.
What If I’m a Bad Writer?
“The night was dark.”
Yes, that was a real opening line. And the author had no clue how bad it was.
Is there hope for bad writers? Or is writing simply a matter of talent?