How to Write a Story Retelling
Retellings, like any genre, come with their own characteristics and conventions to honor the original text and meet reader expectations.
Attention, Please! 7 Drug-Free Concentration Boosters for Writers with ADHD
Writing with ADHD comes with its unique set of challenges, but the right strategies and tools can help harness creativity and maintain productivity.
Moving Characters Around in Your Story Space: Improve Your Choreography Skills
Your characters’ movements and gestures in any given space must convey enough to paint the scene for readers without becoming too detailed.
How to Create a Believable Magic System in Your Fantasy Story
Believable magic systems will not only keep fantasy writers organized but will also help readers stay more immersed in the story’s world.
The Florence (Italy) Enigma for Creative People
While London and Paris are classic destinations for literary sightseeing, one retreat organizer draws inspiration from the magic of Florence.
Links of Interest: July 17, 2024
The latest in bookselling, romance and romantasy, trends, culture & politics, and AI.
New literary agency: Wave Literary
Literary agent Rachel Neumann has founded Wave Literary; most recently she was the CEO and senior literary agent at Idea Architects.
Another imprint devoted to re-issues
Unnamed Press has launched Smith & Taylor Classics, devoted to publishing trade paperback editions of lesser-known public-domain novels.
New imprint at Macmillan: graphic novels for adults
Five publisher Macmillan is launching 23rd Street Books to “deliver graphic novels that span styles and genres.”
On the List: A Happier Life by Kristy Woodson Harvey
Harvey described her path to bestsellerdom as grassroots, driven by word of mouth among readers as well as by the relationships she fostered.
Amazon Trend Report: Sports Romance & Historical Fiction
Sports romance steams up; interest in historical fiction varies by subcategory.
All about Auctions
It’s not just about the money. It’s also about the best plan to get the book to readers.
Book sales update: July 17, 2024
Romantasy books by Sarah J. Maas and Rebecca Yarros are keeping US print sales on par with last year.
Copyright Clearance Center (CCC) now offers AI licensing
The CCC is a for-profit company that manages collective copyright licensing for corporate publishers and academic institutions.
Audible offers a new pooling payment option in the US market—but is this development meaningful?
Amazon’s Audible has announced that it is “rolling out a new royalty model that prioritizes equity, flexibility, and insight for creators.”
Like It or Not, Publishers Are Licensing Books for AI Training—And Using AI Themselves
Before long, every major publisher will be earning money from AI training, whether through collective licensing or directly with tech companies.
The Platform Authors Need Now (That Isn’t Social Media)
We best create an audience of readers by publishing our work, carrying out projects we care about, and making personal connections.
When You’re Able to Crowdsource Priceless Writing Advice
In a search for external validation while drafting a memoir, one author found herself invited onto a popular podcast in esteemed company.
How an Independent Midwestern Publisher Not Only Survives, But Thrives
Doug Seibold, the founder of Evanston-based Agate Publishing, is doing his part to foster publishing careers in America’s heartland.
It’s Not About the Research: How to Write for a General Audience When Academia Is All You Know
Academia lets writers get away with stringing together facts, but appealing to a general audience means constructing a compelling narrative.
Kindle device sales are growing among the BookTok demographic
Sales of Kindles have grown in the double-digit percentages for the past two years, with under-45s representing the fastest-growing segment.
Links of Interest: July 3, 2024
The latest in traditional publishing, Amazon, libraries, AI, and culture & politics.
New literary agency
Greenstone Literary Agency will specialize in commercial fiction and certain categories of nonfiction.
DK launches new imprint in the UK
DK Red will focus on lifestyle publishing and narrative nonfiction and is part of DK’s recently renamed adult division, DK Living.
New imprint at Levine Querido: Re-Lit
Re-Lit will re-issue out-of-print works from creators from traditionally underrepresented backgrounds.