5 Observations on the Evolution of Author Business Models
As publishing becomes increasingly digital-driven, how are the business models for authorship changing?
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How to Balance Your (Writing) Life: A Guide for the Perplexed
Writers may desire advice on how to better balance their writing lives and be productive, but few prescriptives are one size fits all.
Getting Self-Published Books Into Libraries
Accessing the library market remains difficult for self-publishing authors, especially those with limited visibility. Here’s what authors need to understand before spending time and energy on library distribution.
Interview with Chuck Sambuchino: The Keys to Publishing Success
Author and editor Chuck Sambuchino discusses promoting books, the talent writers need, and good writing advice.
How to Effectively Handle Time Shifts in Your Story
Author Lisa Lenard-Cook explains when and how to use time shifts to heighten the emotional impact of your story.
An Interview with Richard Nash: The Future of Publishing
The visionary independent publisher discusses how to make money from writing, why books are not culture, and why it isn’t Amazon’s fault.
Truth-Telling and Platform-Building
How do you build an online platform when you don’t have advice or ready-to-go insights (and don’t like offering either)?
An Interview With Bo Sacks: The Magazine Industry and the Future of Publishing
Bo Sacks, a magazine industry vet, talks about technology, optimism, and what it’s like to put out a daily newsletter for 20 years.
The State of the Publishing Industry in 5 Charts
Take a look at 5 charts that reflect current trends in the book publishing industry, and what they mean for authors.
The Value of Agent-Assisted Self-Publishing
Read my feature article for Writer’s Digest magazine that explores the intersection of literary agents and self-publishing
Taking the Risk to Write Deeply About Your Family History
Poet and memoirist Benjamin Vogt discusses his own personal journey to learn his family’s history.
5 On: Allyson Rudolph
Allyson Rudolph discusses some of her favorite experimental fiction, the day-to-day life of an associate editor at a publishing house, common problems she sees in fiction and nonfiction, her commitment to increased diversity in media and the arts, and more.
The Fundamentals of Writing a Scene
Martha Alderson and Jordan Rosenfeld explain how to craft a compelling scene and when it’s okay to use summary.
2 Stammer Verbs to Avoid in Your Fiction
Editor Jessi Rita Hoffman warns against the use of “stammer verbs,” words that cause an unnecessary halt in the scene.
Learning to Practice Self-Care as Writers
How do you balance work on your art with work on yourself?
Self-Publishing Beyond the Book: Serializing, Podcasting, and Merchandising
How an indie author turned a story concept into a full-fledged multimedia universe, including a live blog, illustrated journal, merchandise, and podcast.
Is It Fair Use? 7 Questions to Ask Before Using Copyrighted Material
Fair use allows you to use someone’s copyrighted work without permission. However, invoking fair use is not a straightforward matter. Learn the 7 questions to ask to help determine if your use might be considered fair under the law.
When Structure Sets You Free
Essayist and professor Nell Boeschenstein discusses how establishing structure can liberate your writing.
5 On: Sandra Gulland
Sandra Gulland discusses the delicate process of blending of fact and fiction, the allure of unhappy endings, the publishing industry then vs. now, preparation for public readings/signings, and more.
How Outlining Can Bring Out Voice
Editor Gabriela Lessa explains how to use outlining to generate a strong voice for your characters.
How to Sell Digital Products & Services Directly from Your Website: Advice for Authors and Freelancers
To sell products and services directly through your website, here are a few services and tools to get up and running fast (no coding or tech help required).
How to Find an Editor as a Self-Published Author
Indie author Teymour Shahabi explains how to find an editor for the draft of your self-published book and what to look for in a good editing relationship.
Writing Your Book’s Back-Cover Copy
Editor Jessi Rita Hoffman explains how to craft professional and compelling back-cover copy for your book.
5 On: Mollie Glick
Literary agent Mollie Glick on what drew her to being an agent, what kind of query letter gets a quick delete, thoughts on chick lit, and more in this 5 On interview.
Spellbinding Sentences: 3 Qualities of Masterful Word Choice
Author Barbara Baig discusses word choice and how it affects tone, voice, and clarity.
The Lure of Romance Writing (and Earnings) for the Literary Set
A growing number of authors with serious literary cred are finding greater financial success—and a welcoming community—in the romance business.
Balancing Dialogue and Description in Your Story
Alex Limberg discusses attaining the perfect balance between dialogue and description in your fiction.
5 On: Craig Lancaster
Craig Lancaster talks about his surprise success, what he learned from his most memorable rejection, why he gets so personal on social media, and more.
How a Book Becomes a Movie
What authors need to know about the process of getting a book adapted to the big screen.
Why Your Non-Disclosure Agreement Is Probably a Bad Idea
Asking an editor or agent to sign a non-disclosure agreement is not part of traditional publishing business practice.
5 Ways to Quickly Improve Your Email Newsletter Performance
How to improve the effectiveness of your email newsletter through very specific changes to your sign-up forms and content.
Using Pinterest to Market Children’s Picture Books
A children’s author shares her strategies for promoting her picture books on Pinterest—as well as what adult fiction marketing techniques haven’t worked for her.
The Book P&L: How Publishers Make Decisions About What to Publish
Publishers use a P&L (profit & loss) statement to determine whether a book makes financial sense to publish. Here’s how they work—plus an example form.
5 On: Nathan Bransford
Author and former literary agent Nathan Bransford discusses (among other things) the ongoing emphasis on author platform, publisher and author marketing responsibilities, and in what way being a literary agent influenced his writing.
The 4 Hidden Dangers of Writing Groups
Writing groups can cause fatal frustration, deep self-doubt, and sometimes years of wasted effort. Learn the most common dangers of writing groups, and find out how to improve your group to give you more of what you need—and less of what you don’t.
Writing About Guns: 10 Errors to Avoid in Your Novel
You’ll find common myths and misconceptions about guns in thrillers, mysteries, and crime fiction. These tropes are easy to trip over, so avoiding them will help your credibility.
How to Choose the Right WordPress Theme for You
Here are 10 questions to ask before you choose a Wordpress theme for your site.
5 On: Hannah R. Goodman
Author and writing coach Hannah R. Goodman shares her experiences in self-publishing and marketing YA fiction.
How to Sell Your Screenplay (for Absolute Beginners)
Wondering how to sell your screenplay? Learn the most common paths to production for a first-time screenwriter.
My Experience Working with Amazon Publishing
Author Carol Bodensteiner answers the seven questions she gets most about working with Amazon Publishing.
How to Find the Right Critique Group or Partner for You
Brooke McIntyre of Inked Voices explains what to look for in a critique group and how to find the best writing critique group for you.
Interview with Jane: Art of Commerce Series
Jane discusses building a digital presence, querying 15 years ago vs. now, agents vs. self-publishing, crowdfunding, and the future of publishing.
To Outline or Not to Outline Your Novel
Blogger Tania Strauss of NY Book Editors discusses whether you should outline your novel before beginning to write.
5 On: Jim Thomsen
Editor Jim Thomsen discusses freelance editing, story craft, favorite authors, and his own authorial aspirations.
How to Repurpose Your Book or Blog Content for Profit and Promotion
Blogger and author Nina Amir explains how to turn your blog content into books and other information products.
The Yearning to Learn From Our Lives
The personal essay can provide an artful account of earned insight often more useful than years of therapeutic work.
The Age-Old Cynicism Surrounding the Dream of Book Writing
More than 90% of young people say they want to write a book some day. So why does that inspire such cynicism among adults?
What Marketing Support Looks Like at a Big 5 Publisher
Thriller author Todd Moss describes his own marketing efforts and the marketing efforts of his Big Five publisher, Putnam, for his book The Golden Hour.
Is Self-Publishing a Viable Option for Literary Fiction Writers?
Should literary writers consider self-publishing? How it might affect their long-term careers? Two agents weigh in.
Is Self-Publishing a Good Springboard to Traditional Pub?
Learn about the likelihood of securing a traditional book deal after self-publishing.