How to Get Out of the Writing Doldrums
When stuck in the doldrums, writing coach Mathina Calliope recommends “writer candy”—literary distractions that nourish the muse.
Copyediting Jobs: How to Estimate Hours and Pricing
Copy editors are known for perfectionism. But while there’s no end to the fussing you can do, there’s a limit to what someone will pay you to do it. In this guest post, CMOS contributing editor Carol Saller explains how to determine what your time is worth.
The Big Memoir Pitfall to Avoid
Perspective—gained from time and distance—can make the difference between an airing of grievances and a memoir that expresses deeper, universal truths.
How to Establish a Long-Term Writing Career: Insight From Two Literary Agents
For some authors, a single book deal is validation enough. For others, it’s the beginning of a lifelong journey through en ever-changing landscape. In this Q&A, literary agents Sarah LaPolla and Kim Lionetti discuss what it takes to sustain a career beyond the first big break.
Before You Market Your Book, Set Your Objectives
In this guest post, author and nonfiction writing coach Boni Wagner-Stafford explains why defining your objectives up front leads to a more focused and effective book marketing strategy.
Masterful Wordsmithing with Metaphor and Imagery
Taking the time to add the skills of creative imagery to your writer’s toolbox will help you become a master of the emotional craft.
Why Self-Publishing Authors Should Consider Establishing Their Own Imprint
Imprints aren’t just for big publishers; any self-publishing author can invent an imprint under which to operate. In this guest post, consultant and author David Wogahn explains the many ways that an imprint can help your branding and marketing.
A Writer’s Guide to Fair Use and Permissions + Sample Permissions Letter
If you need to request permissions from an author or publisher, here are general guidelines, plus a sample letter you can customize.
A Short and Sweet Beginner’s Guide to Securing Amazon Reviews
It’s been proven by research: reviews help drive book sales. And reviews on Amazon can help your book turn up more often in customer searches. So you want reviews—great reviews—but they need to be authentic. Here’s how to get them.
The Key Book Publishing Paths: 2019-2020
Should you self-publish or traditionally publish? This infographic will help you determine the best choice for you and your project.
From Romance Novelist to Literary Novelist: Anna Schmidt
In this Q&A, Anna Schmidt discusses how she became a romance novelist, the nearly accidental way she acquired her current literary agent, her journey from successful romance novelist to self-published literary novelist, and more.
When Teen YA Authors Hire Ghostwriters
A ghostwriter discusses the novels she’s written for teens from wealthy families who pay up to six figures to bring their kids’ dreams to life.
Context: When a Story Demands More Than Plot
Sometimes a story demands more than just a plot. You may want to create a context, a descriptive background that sheds light on a story’s meaning.
Trying to Make Your Story “Unique”? Beware of These Common Pitfalls
Writers always seek to produce a unique story—but this can lead to creating a character or story that is “different” sheerly for the sake of, well, being different.
Public Libraries: How Authors Can Increase Both Discoverability and Earnings
Libraries represent a valuable opportunity for a book discoverability and sales, but librarians may not know your book exists without marketing outreach.
Better Your Writing By Being a Beginner—Every Day
You’ve probably heard writing advice such as “Ass in chair” and “Write every day.” While the advice has its limitations, there’s a good reason it’s mentioned so often.
5 Ways to Ensure Readers Don’t Abandon Your Book
You need readers to love your novel—and finish it. Author H.R. D’Costa explains how story stakes can help you grow readership and sales.
Writer’s Block Is a Gift. Here’s Why.
You’re intimately familiar with the nature of your writer’s block, right? In this guest post, creativity coach and author Julia Roberts pinpoints specific tools, and how they helped her, to clarify and solve the real issue.
Indiana in July: Beginner and Advanced Workshops for Writers
In late July, I’ll be returning to my home state of Indiana to offer two workshops: one for beginning writers and another for published authors.
The Challenge of Book Cover Design
Sharing your in-progress book cover on social media to solicit meaningful direction is like throwing a bomb into the creative process.
How I Caught a Publisher Unexpectedly
Writer Nancy Jorgenson tells her story of surprise success in landing just the right publisher for her book—one she had never heard of.
9 Ways (and 2 Rewards) of Marketing Your Own Book
Authors who want to sell their work must often do the marketing themselves, and some methods are easier than others. In this guest post, essayist, memoirist and short story writer Beth Alvarado discusses the ways and reasons why you should take an active role in marketing your own book.
4 Elements of Narrative That Anyone Can Learn
Narrative is a form that can be learned, like a dance move or a golf swing. Alan Gelb breaks down narrative into four elements: The Once, The Ordinary vs. the Extraordinary, Conflict and Tension, and The Point.
Identifying the Best Self-Published Books by State: The Indie Author Project
The Indie Author Project identifies the best self-published fiction by state; thirteen states participate so far. This year’s national winner is Ran Walker.
The Two Basic Rules of Editing (and the Rookie Mistake)
Big-picture editing is a series of judgment calls. But how should those judgment calls be conveyed to the writer? Two rules stand the test of time: (1) Praise. (2) Ask questions.
Choosing a Publicist: Ruling Out and Ruling In
There are a lot of publicists out there. How can you pick the right one? This is a crucial decision, so it needs to be approached with care.
Why Read Women Writers? An Interview with Bill Wolfe
Is it still necessary today to encourage men to read women, or to shine a targeted light on female writers? Bill Wolfe says yes.
How to Plan a Book Reading That Delights Your Audience
Reading your writing in public can be daunting, but the audience is your ally. Keep them engaged with these planning tips from public speaking coach James Nave and workshop leader Allegra Huston, co-authors of How to Read for an Audience: The Stuff Nobody Teaches You.
Considering Your Reader Is Not Coddling Them
Which approach is right? Write only for yourself and in service of your vision OR write with an intended readership in mind.
How to Bring Value to Your Readers
Value is subjective, but readers like all consumers seek it. In this guest post, author Paulette Perhach explains how writers whose work earns income match their own sense of value to what their readers value.
5 On: Jonathan Westbrook
Writer and graphic designer Jonathan Westbrook discusses what it’s like to win an extraordinary screenwriting contest, then have that win fall through.
Getting a Memoir Published in a Difficult Market: Q&A with Margaret McMullan
Even a well-published and successful author can have a difficult time finding a home for a memoir. Margaret McMullan discusses her path to publication.
Knowing When to Fly: Leaving Your Critique Group
In working on your craft, it’s one thing to find the right critique group. It’s quite another to know when to fly. Writer and librarian Lisa Bubert shares her experience, outlines her formula, and offers tips on leaving the nest.
How I Won My Third Essay Contest
Writing an essay that wins a contest is not an easy task, but it’s not impossible either. Tammy Delatorre explains the writing and revision process that has led to multiple contest wins.
Beyond Good Writing: Two Literary Agents Discuss What Matters Most
Good literary agents keep fighting for books they believe in. But how do agents decide which authors to rep? In this guest Q&A, literary agents Linda Camacho and Jennifer March Soloway describe their ideal projects and offer strategic advice for authors.
Saying No to Twitter: What Authors Need to Know
Social media use can drive book sales, but not all successful authors use Twitter. If you don’t want to be on Twitter, you don’t have to be on it. Digital services consultant and AuthorPop founder Daniel Berkowitz shares why Twitter truly is optional.
Upcoming Events and Classes with Jane
This spring, I’ll be on the road speaking at a wide range of events on the East Coast (and one in Europe).
The Myth of the Natural Writer
There’s a legendary joke about the writing life, often attributed to Margaret Atwood. It goes like this: A brain surgeon and a writer meet at a party.
5 Ways to Market Your Audiobook Without Ads
Just like print editions, audiobooks have established outlets for marketing and promotion. Attorney and audiobook editor, director, and distributor Jessica Kaye tells writers and publishers how to make their audiobooks as highly visible and widely available as possible–without the use of advertising.
When You’re Just Not Ready for Rejection
Rejection is painful, and there’s no avoiding it as a writer. But you don’t have to submit before you’re ready to deal with it. Writer and blogger Shana Scott offers some perspective on the conventional “publish or perish” advice.
8 Mundane Elements You Should Cut From Your Story
Realism has its role, but don’t let it bog down your novel. The right balance of brevity, helpful details, and smooth flow preserves the story’s dramatic tension and keeps the pages turning. In this guest post, bestselling author Jordan Rosenfeld outlines the pitfalls that can bore your reader, and how to avoid them.
Simplify Your Submissions to Literary Journals
The commonly accepted strategy in literary journal submissions—”study the publications you submit to”—can discourage emerging writers. Here’s an alternative.
Writing for Audio: Understanding Attunement
Successful writing for audio formats requires awareness of how a listener’s needs differ from a reader’s. In this guest post, playwright and fiction writer Jules Horne describes and illustrates key ways a writer can achieve listener attunement to the story.
Beta Readers: Who, When, Why, and So What?
Use of beta readers is widespread, but surprisingly little has been written about how writers actually use them and how they help—or if they do.
Schmoozing for Introverts: How to Network Like a Pro
Learn a few simple tricks to schmooze like a pro at your next writing conference—or at least operate like a less awkward version of yourself.
Changes to Amazon Advertising: What Authors Need to Know
Amazon has updated its advertising tools for authors, with mixed results. Kindlepreneur’s Dave Chesson breaks down the pros and cons of the new advertising modes, improved dashboard, and better ad targeting in Amazon Ads.
When Words Are What You Love Most of All
The writers who visit you in class, when you’re still a student—especially if you’re young and impressionable—these writers stick with you for a lifetime.
When Your Query Reveals a Story-Level Problem
When novelists struggle to pitch their work, it may have more to do with the book itself than the query letter. Editor and book coach Susan DeFreitas discusses three reasons why a promising work never lands a traditional deal.
A Primer on Estate Planning as a Writer
Whether you start writing as a child or in your golden years, it’s never too early to learn about estate planning. You may wonder which is best, a will or trust, for bequeathing your written work. Both have their advantages. Here’s what you need to know.
3 Types of Contracts Every Writer Should Understand
Publishing relies on contractual relationships, but not all contracts are equally enforceable. Here’s what you need to know about forms of legal contracts.