Published on October 15, 2015
writing tips
Six months after our initial conversation, I finally got a “complimentary” copy of the book in my hands, and couldn’t wait to curl up with it and a good cup of herbal tea. When I opened the book and started to skim through it, my heart sank. Though the stories were interesting, diverse and truly moving, what captured my attention was not the quality of the essays, but the shabby presentation.
Published on October 8, 2015
diversify your writing income, writing tips
Did you know that your previous employers and established business relationships in your previous work experience can be mined to secure a steady stream of freelance income?
Published on October 8, 2015
writing career advice, writing tips
It’s important to take steps to protect yourself and your loved ones from stalking and harassment. There have been documented cases of stalkers who have showed up on writers’ doorsteps, called them at work, and even physically assaulted them.
Published on September 30, 2015
writing tips
Oh, yes! We know you’re excited!! Today, I’m going to share another installment of our popular column, World’s Worst Book Proposals and Query Letters. Featured below are real quotes from query letters and book proposals submitted to us over the past few weeks. Yes, we can learn from others’ mistakes …
Published on June 24, 2015
writing tips
There are two types of people in this world: Those who can edit and those who can’t…
Published on May 27, 2015
writing tips
You tell yourself, “Someday, I’m going to write my memoirs” but “Someday” never comes. Perhaps this short narrative telling you how I have cluttered my children’s homes with hundreds of pages of my memoirs will help you get started…
Published on April 22, 2015
legal, writing tips
If I reference a book and/or the authors of that book, do I have to get written permission from them? Is it enough just to list them in my reference section?
Published on April 2, 2015
writing tips
Biographies are invaluable to a writer. A strong bio makes a strong impression and is a powerful tool to advertise and sell the writer’s writing skills. A good bio can lead to repeat business with editors whose attention is captured, a loyal readership whose interest is retained and new clientele whose imagination is piqued, which is great for your business and credentials. And writing a good bio should be a piece of cake for a wordsmith. Yet writers often stumble at this important task.
Published on October 22, 2014
self-publishing, write that book, writing tips
Ernest Hemingway said that it is in the editing process that most writers break down. Hemingway was ruthless in editing his own work. One biographer I read said Hemingway edited everything he wrote up to thirty times. I have taught freshman composition for many years. I tell my students that good writing is rewriting, refining, and finding those little demon typos and errors that can damage the quality of what is written. Don’t be discouraged or surprised if your POD publisher encourages you to hire an editor.
Published on October 15, 2014
self-publishing, write that book, writing tips
We have all heard that there is a potential book within each one of us, just waiting to be written. But, what about the book that you have ALREADY written? That book could be hiding in your hard drive, ready to be copied and pasted into a folder of its own.
