Category: writing advice

looking over the shoulder of a person with glasses holding a pen to paper

How to Write a Good Synopsis—and Why

The book synopsis: a soulless summary of the story whose intricate nuances you’ve slaved over [insert number of months/years], or a tool to recruit supporters ...
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What to do with your neglected manuscript

What to Do with Your Neglected Book Manuscript

You have a manuscript you haven't touched for weeks or months, maybe years. The question becomes, how do you pick up where you left off?
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Young woman writes in a diary

The Four Questions to Ask Your Nonfiction Book (They’re Good For Fiction, Too)

There are many ways to tell one story. How you decide to tell that story—and how successful you are—depends on four key details. Every writer ...
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graffiti-style picture of Wile E. Coyote holding a question mark sign

How Long Should My Book Be?

Ah, the twenty million dollar question. Everyone has an opinion. Perhaps you’ve seen what someone else called a “book” that you thought fell short of ...
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colorful picture of boardwalk storefronts with sign saying fun zone

Have Fun While Writing Your Book—You’ll Be More Successful

After working on the manuscript for several months (or years), your book can start to feel like a chore. Let’s explore a few ways we ...
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closeup of a frowning child holding a phone covering their eyes. the phone screen shows a black and white image of eyes that appear to be frowning.

Is Your Book Good, or Does It Have “Potential”?

When you self-publish, you get to call the shots. That’s both the blessing and the curse of the model. I love that authors get creative ...
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Why Word Count is One of the Best Tools in Your Writing Toolbox

Writing is a lot like exercise. We like the end result more than the process of getting there. The fact is, though, that we need ...
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boy wearing goggles and cape like a superhero costume

Be True to Your Book All the Way Through

It’s natural to look for tried and true models to emulate: other books in your genre or on a similar topic that have been successful. ...
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the mast of a newspaper near the bottom of the photo, lying on the ground, headline visible: In the Beginning

The End Makes the Best Beginning

Most of your readers will start reading your book at the beginning. That doesn’t mean you should start writing there. Starting with the end is ...
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a translucent standard light bulb lying on its side

Creating a Book Outline—a Flexible Structure that Works for You

Whether you're a pantser or a planner, a flexible book outline is a great tool. It can save you from aimlessness, writer's block, and creative ...
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The Money Issue: Creating a Book Budget

Books don’t come free. In addition to your blood, sweat, and tears, you need to plan for the hard financial costs that are part and ...
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Don’t Make Your Book Cheap — Why comparing on price doesn’t add up

Although comparing dollar amounts is an easy way to try and compare services for your book, including editing, this practice gives you an incomplete picture ...
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old school typewriter viewed from above, with the text: keep the self in publishing

Keep the “Self” in Self-Publishing: 
Steer clear of shady providers

Companies that promise to do the work for indie authors sound like a great deal, but many are not. The terms of the agreement can ...
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old word processing keyboard with Ooops button. writing mistakes

Writing About Real People: Making sure they don’t hate you or sue you after you publish

Not everyone is happy to find themselves portrayed in a book. Our writing has real-world consequences. How much “real” information can we include in our ...
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male lion lies on his back with paws over his face

What your book title says about your book

Your readers want to know, when they pick up your book, "What's in it for me?" Your title, subtitle, and back cover copy can scream ...
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word map using inspiration and related terms

Books to Inspire Writers

Writing well means reading. No matter your genre, all writers benefit from strong technical skills. Hone up on great tips through craft books as well ...
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