What is it really like after an author finally signs that first contract? Does someone from the publishing company give a newly-contracted author a cigar and robe for writing and a golden key to lasting platform success? All of that …
What’s Trending, Timeless, or Tender?
Is your query or manuscript still marketable or do you need to shift gears to a new topic or update your existing one?
It’s not unusual for me to hear a pitch from someone who has been working on a …
Seeing God in Your Writing Journey
Do you believe in coincidences when it comes to your writing journey?
I don’t.
I don’t believe that “a-ha” moments or life-changing connections happen by chance. Today’s blog is an encouraging reminder that wherever you in your writing journey, you …
Four Ways That Speaking Events Build Your Writing Career
There are multiple short-term and long-term benefits of speaking events, especially when it comes to your writing career and even building your platform. For some, just talking about speaking events evokes some stress. That’s okay! You aren’t alone. Perhaps you …
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A Refresher on Writer Conference Do’s and Don’ts
I’m sitting at my gate waiting for my overnight flight to take off from the Seattle Airport back home to Ohio. This is a perfect time to get this post written!
For the past few days, I’ve proudly served on …
The Unintended Consequences of the Phrase “Book Baby”
In honor of Mother’s Day weekend, let’s discuss a popular, but loaded term in the writing world that means something good, but can have some unintended, negative consequences.
What’s the phrase? Book Baby
Perhaps you’ve heard the following examples:
I …
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Eight Questions to Get to Know Your Audience Better
Who is your book for?
While this isn’t intended to be a trick question, the quizzical looks that I often receive from writers during pitch sessions suggest otherwise.
After a few moments of chin-tapping or staring into space, here are …
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How to Make a Literary Agent Smile
When you imagine a literary agent behind his or her desk, what kind of expression do you see on their face? Depending on how you feel about your recent interactions with a literary agent, you may imagine a grumpy face, …
Three Questions to Help You Celebrate Your Writing Year
Ahhh, it’s mid-December. It’s the point at which we have one foot in 2021 and we’re thinking about testing out the waters for 2022. Before 2020, we used to get excited about rushing into the new year. Now, we’re a …
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Happy Thanksgiving from Books & Such!
A Thanksgiving Prayer for This Year
God, as we gather around our tables,
remembering all far and near,
We are grateful for Your keeping provision
that’s kept us through another wild year.
Through ups and down, the ins and outs,…