5 On: Josip Novakovich
In this interview, Josip Novakovich discusses expectations vs. reality, the role of writing instruction, trends in writing, and more.
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Begin Your Novel with Action: A Good Rule?
You’ve probably heard the adage that you must begin your novel with action—even if it’s not the main action of the book. While this rule is fairly well-accepted in fiction teaching circles, not everyone agrees with it.
Getting an Anthology Published: Q&A with Margaret McMullan
Publishers rarely see any money in anthologies and frequently reject them. But one author was still able to find a home for her project.
Are Literary Journals in Trouble?
Literary journals have done little to move beyond their gatekeeping function, and cling to a scarcity model that no longer works in the digital age.
That Overused Word “Community”—But Why We Still Have to Talk About It
What does it mean to “engage” with a community? And what’s the benefit?
When You Have Lots of Unpublished Writing in Boxes
As a teenager, I looked on my mother’s files with disdain and, later, with pity. How sad, I thought, to just move papers about and never really do the things you want to do. How tragic, to lock up a life in a box.
5 On: E. E. King
In this interview, author E. E. King (Elizabeth Eve King) explains her approaches to writing, humor, marketing, and publishing.
How to Plot and Outline Without Using a Formula
When we talk about plot as separate from the characters, the symbols, the locales, the dialogue, and the philosophical introspection, what we are doing is privileging events over everything else. But nothing exists in a vacuum.
Incorporating Someone You Know Into Your Novel
If you can’t portray someone you know personally in a positive fashion, you will probably lose this friend and/or be sued for libel.
Thinking Beyond the Book to Tell Your Story
Consider the story or message you wish to share, rather than focusing on the container.
Be a More Productive Writer While Also Achieving Balance
More writing does not necessarily equal better-quality writing, nor does faster writing lead to faster achievement of your goals.
5 On: Carol Hoenig
In this interview, author Carol Hoenig explains what makes an author attractive to the media.
The Best Websites for Writers
My website (JaneFriedman.com) has been named a 101 Best Website for Writers by Writer’s Digest.
Interview with Jane: Understanding the Business of Authorship
In this latest podcast interview, I discuss understanding your business as an author and expanding your personal brand beyond just book sales.
5 On: Robert Kroese
Robert Kroese reveals the process that allows him to write up to three books per year, and how authors can increase their sales potential.
The Future of the Gatekeepers
I’m a proud contributor to an anthology releasing this week from University of Chicago Press, The Little Magazine in Contemporary America, edited by Ian Morris and Joanne Diaz.
Rejection May Not Be Personal, But …
Rejection is rarely personal—but it still hurts. So what do you do?
How to Improve Your Amazon Book Description & Metadata
Learn how to improve the description of your book, and improve its metadata, when using Amazon KDP.
What You Need to Know About Crowdfunded Publishing
What is crowdfunded publishing? Learn about the two types of models now prevalent, plus the major services you can choose from.
My 5 Philosophies of Social Media
If you need a place to start, then focus on talking about or posting about others you admire.
How 7 Literary Authors Collaborated to Launch a Box Set
A group of literary authors have launched a limited edition box set of novels. How did they make the collaboration work?
Publishing With a Small Press: Straddling the Indie-Traditional Gap
Working with a small press is an option many authors never consider. It’s the shadowy middle ground between self-pub and a Big Five contract.
Upcoming Events (Free and Paid) With Jane—Plus Other Opportunities
It’s nearly spring, and that means conference season is about to go into full swing! Here’s a list of online & offline events I’m involved in.
How to Self-Publish Children’s Books Successfully: Notes From the Trenches
A traditionally published children’s author discusses how she’s launched a successful indie publishing effort in less than two years.
5 On: Brian Felsen
BookBaby founder Brian Felsen discusses the push against the gatekeeper and the prevailing belief that not being on top is synonymous with being a “loser.”
A Daily Exercise That Can Revolutionize Your Writing
A specific and daily moment of self-reflection can revolutionize your writing by offering you a clear picture of your mental state, anxieties, and fears.
How to Build a Compelling Novel Concept (Something With a Kicker!)
Writers flounder trying to figure out how to make their idea compelling enough to sustain a great novel. Here’s how to go from ordinary to extraordinary.
3 Insights Into Writing about Social Issues
To inspire other people to engage in something that you’re concerned about, you have to avoid getting caught in the trap of writing with an agenda.
What Authors Can Learn From Startups
You can find marketing inspiration in what others have done, but also know that the less advertised “strategies” might actually be the ones worth pursuing.
The Business of Self-Publishing Children’s Picture Books: Two Literary Agents Weigh In
Two literary agents offer their thoughts on the self-publishing of children’s books and what the future of the picture book might look like.
3 Types of Bios That Every Online Professional Needs
Build a bio that’s not only better than most you have read, but also compelling enough to attract the fans & clients you’d like to have in the first place.
Imitation Is Part of Being a Writer
Learn the rules like a pro, so you can break them like an artist.
Book Marketing Must Center (Mostly) on the Author: Q&A with Scott Berkun
Full-time author and speaker Scott Berkun discusses his book marketing experiences as both a traditionally published author and self-published author.
5 On: Kathleen M. Rodgers
Author Kathleen M. Rodgers discusses her approach to writing and reading, her self-promotion philosophy, and why she won’t self-publish.
How to Create Picture Ebooks for Kids
Amazon’s Kids’ Book Creator allows the average Joe to create illustrated children’s books for the Kindle and upload them directly to Amazon.
5 On: James C. Moore
In this interview, James C. Moore discusses journalistic vs. creative writing, finding time to write when time is hard to come by, and what being a New York Times best-selling author doesn’t mean.
Why Authors Walk Away From Good, Big 5 Publishers
UK author Harry Bingham describes the four stages of his career, and why he’s decided to self-publish after good experiences with traditional houses.
Write the Book That Keeps You Awake at Night Scared
Do you have a project that confuses you, or feels dangerous? That’s what you should write says Mark Wisniewski.
How to Tell If Back Story Is Sabotaging Your Novel
Most novels have some amount of back story—because they rarely start from the beginning of a character’s life. However, writers tend to misuse it or include too much.
The Strategic Use of Book Giveaways and How They Can Increase Earnings Potential
Giving away your work isn’t a problem if you’ve developed a strategy around it, and know how to turn new readers into fans.
5 On: Victoria Zackheim
Author and editor Victoria Zackheim discusses (among other things) the art of marketing when published by a press with a limited budget and the keys to successful personal essays.
10 Resolutions for a Saner Internet—and Life
For me, the hardest thing about being online is remembering what I think and the “why” that I’m working for. The multiplicity of voices can make you forget your center.
How Ebooks Have Changed the Print Marketplace: Digital Book World, Day 3
Nielsen offers specific figures on how ebook sales have affected print sales in adult fiction, adult nonfiction, and juvenile categories.
Amazon Discusses Kindle Unlimited & Kindle Select Participation: Digital Book World, Day 2
Amazon says that Kindle Select participation is healthy, and that the Kindle Unlimited ebook subscription service is leading to more reading and sales.
The Status of the Children’s Book Market: Digital Book World, Day 1
Nielsen offers fascinating insights into how the children’s market is driving growth in the overall publishing industry.
How to Avoid Misery Over Rejection
Why you should ensure you have as many stories on submission as possible.
Platform Building for Authors [30-Minute Video Interview]
In a 30-minute video interview, I discuss the basics of author platform.