Some publishers have chosen to downsize the number of in-house editors but instead to rely on freelancers. That decision raises the question, What does an in-house editor do for you?
Having been such an editor, I have personal insights into …
Writing Life
How Current Should Your Book Be?
As we move through 2020 and the global pandemic continues, questions arise for writers:
- Do I need to include the pandemic in my book?
- Should my characters be social distancing and locking down and wearing masks?
- Should my nonfiction book
Why Would Someone Want to Read Your Book?
Blogger: Rachelle Gardner
You probably know why you’re writing your book. But do you have a good handle on what would make someone want to read it?
It’s important for you to not only know this, but make sure …
Is This What You’re Feeling Right Now?
Blogger: Rachelle Gardner
I sat down to write this post and just kind of stared at the screen for a while. Found myself clicking over to Facebook for a bit, then resolutely back here to write. Hopped over to check …
Marketing and Madness
blogger: Cynthia Ruchti
Marketing or madness? They don’t have to be synonymous.
Did I ever tell you about the high-pressure fudge salesman who accosted my daughter and me with marketing gone mad? One would not think high-pressure and fudge would …
Minimize the Obstacles to Publication
Blogger: Rachelle Gardner
When you’re a debut author trying to break in to traditional publishing, one of the most important things to remember is this:
Minimize the obstacles.
You already know it’s not going to be easy to break in, …
When An Agent Doesn’t Reply
blogger: Cynthia Ruchti
When an agent doesn’t reply to your query, proposal, burning question, or manuscript submission, is it because she/he doesn’t care?
Admittedly, sometimes writers–whether aspiring or veteran–choose the default answer, “Yes! That must be it! I’m not important …
I Only Cheated a Little
I recently read in the daily online newsletter Publishers Lunch about a cavalier cheat that landed UK thriller writer Mark Dawson on the Sunday Times bestseller list. The author not only admitted he bought hundreds of copies of his book …
It’s a Flexible Life
blogger: Cynthia Ruchti
Contrary to popular belief, the writer’s theme song is not “It’s a Wonderful Life.” Not that it isn’t wonderful. So much of what we do–musing, creating, building story worlds, research, interviews, developing characters, or finding ways to …
Fighting Ennui
There’s no question many of us are plagued by a feeling of ennui these days. I decided to suggest three anti-ennui activities for both fiction and non-fiction writers. So. . . let’s get to it.
For Novelists:
Ennui Fighter #1…