5 On: R.J. Keller
Author R.J. Keller on the notion of the “second-book slump,” how she dealt with a book idea similar to her own beating hers to the market, why to write the things that scare you, and more in this 5 On interview.
What’s Your Genre? A High-Level Overview for Writers
Learn how to determine what genre you’re writing in and why it matters—plus the difference between commercial and literary.
How to Finish Your Book in Three Drafts
Stuart Horwitz explains how you can complete your book in three drafts: the messy draft, the method draft, and the polished draft.
An Alternative to ACX for Audiobook Production and Distribution
If you’re looking for an alternative to ACX and more control over your audiobook production and distribution, then ListenUp Audiobooks is worth a look.
12 Tips for Improving Your Description
Think in terms of “telling details”: details that let the reader see your characters while also revealing something about their minds.
The Question I Hate the Most
It’s the question I dislike the most from writers, and that I try to avoid answering—because it lays a terrible burden on me.
5 On: Massimo Marino
Author Massimo Marino discusses what it’s like to read science fiction as a scientist, his experience with the Booktrope publishing collective, the mission of BookGarage, and more.
How to Customize Your Email Newsletter Sign-Up Forms to Increase Reader Engagement
The connection with your email newsletter subscribers starts much sooner than you think, in a place that many gloss over or ignore: your signup forms.
Using Video for Author Marketing: What Beginners Need to Know
In my latest post over at Writer Unboxed, I discuss what writers need to know if they’re considering video as part of their marketing and promotion strategy. In brief, here’s what writers should avoid: Don’t do book trailers. Don’t talk at length in a static shot. Don’t post unedited video longer than a minute or […]
Crowdfunding Usually Doesn’t Work for Writers—But It Can
Over 70% of author crowdfunding campaigns fail, but you can beat the odds if you embrace your role as chief marketing officer of your book.
Q&A about Crowdfunding for Authors with Bethany Joy Carlson
Jane Friedman interviews author Bethany Joy Carlson about effective crowdfunding campaigns for authors.
What to Expect When Hiring a Ghostwriter
Author and ghostwriter Stacy Ennis discusses the process of working with a ghostwriter and how to know if hiring a ghostwriter is right for you.
5 On: Rufi Thorpe
Author Rufi Thorpe discusses writing for men, her improbable path to publication, what she likes to see in a book review, and more in this 5 On interview.
Building an Author Website on WordPress: How to Start Smart
If you’re considering WordPress as your platform of choice, here’s what you should know as you prepare to build on it.
Starting an Email Newsletter: Why to Do It and Which Service to Use
Author Kirsten Oliphant explains how to get started forming a list of email subscribers, including how to choose an email service provider.
Building Your Professional Author Website: WordPress vs Squarespace
Web design expert Ron Bueker discusses the pros and cons of using WordPress and Squarespace to build your author website and brand.
How to Use Guest Blogging to Promote Your Book
Online marketing expert Beth Hayden explains how to use guest blogging to promote your book.
How to Become a Ghostwriter
Author and ghostwriter Roz Morris discusses the necessary characteristics for a ghostwriter, as well as who hires ghostwriters and why.
Join Me to Discuss the Rise of the Writer-Entrepreneur
Next week, I’m participating in the Book to Course Virtual Summit, a free event hosted by Teachable. I’ll be discussing the rise of the writer-entrepreneur.
5 On: Yi Shun Lai
Author and editor Yi Shun Lai discusses writing for the J. Peterman catalog, common problems she sees in short fiction and short nonfiction, why she decided to start writing about being Asian, and more in this 5 On interview.
When Writers Err Too Heavily on the Side of Drama and Conflict
Much of writing advice boils down to: add more conflict. But don’t forget how happy lives can involve compromise and complication as well.
Writing Suspenseful Fiction: Reveal Answers Slowly
Award-winning author Jane K. Cleland explains how to implement the slow reveal to add suspense to your writing.
How to Use a Plot Planner
A plot planner enables you to keep the larger picture of your story in full view as you concentrate on writing individual scenes.
Why Writers Should Consider the Habits of the Flâneur
The advantages of walking are well-known and long-heralded. Likewise delightful, the urban perambulatory habits of the flâneur. Less heralded perhaps are the practical creative benefits of stretching one’s legs with neither exercise nor aimlessless in mind.
How to Save Money and Do Online Book Publicity Yourself
Author and publicist Fauzia Burke offers tips and resources for doing your own internet book publicity.
Creating Easy Branded Images for Your Blog and Social Media
Kirsten Oliphant details how to find, create, and edit branded graphics for blogs and social media.
A New Platform for Serialized Work: Tapas Media
For years, serialization has been discussed as a significant area of opportunity for reading and publishing in the digital age. (And note to the sticklers out there: I’m using the terms serial and serialization interchangeably to refer to any situation where content is parceled out in small bites and delivered on a specific schedule, whether the […]
The Future of Publishing: 7 Things Authors Should Know
Learn how you can prepare for the future of publishing in this free workshop by Jane Friedman.
5 On: Che Gilson
Author Che Gilson discusses what she as an unagented author learned to look for in publishing contracts, designing your own cover art, the necessity of continually creating new material, and more.
Write Toward Your Unspecified Anxieties
Write about the things you can’t forget, the things that keep you up at night.
Literary Publishing in the 21st Century
The problem is not whether print will survive, but how literary publishing adapts to a world where to publish something has lost value.
The Pros and Cons of Using a Facebook Profile But Not an Official Page
Every author is told to start an official Facebook page. But what if you stick with your personal profile only? Learn the advantages and disadvantages.
5 On: Philip B. Persinger
Philip B. Persinger discusses his attraction to sonnets, the broad art of writing and selling a play, why he published his latest novel with Amazon, and more.
How to Write a Great (and Not Schmaltzy) Love Scene
For a love scene to move readers, it must embody the principle of restraint—in dialogue, in description, and in the characters’ actions.
What It’s Like to Score a Kindle Scout Book Deal
Author Ken Brosky discusses his Kindle Scout book deal and his and Amazon’s marketing plans for The Proving.
4 Lessons for Authors on the Current State of Publishing
What authors need to know about current marketing practices and emerging business trends in the book publishing industry.
Using Kickstarter to Fund a Children’s Picture Book
Author Emily Grosvenor explains how she has constructed a Kickstarter campaign for her children’s book, Tessalation!
5 On: Henry Baum
Author/songwriter Henry Baum discusses self-publishing services, the value of a paid review, why he started his own self-publishing service, and more.
How a Website Redesign Solved an Author’s Identity Dilemma
Author Gigi Rosenberg describes how she redesigned and relaunched her author website primarily on her own, only hiring assistance at the end.
5 Steps to Great Cover Art
Author Jay Swanson explains how to find and work with cover artists.
I’m Starting Official (Free!) Office Hours
Join me for official hours on Facebook—it’s free to everyone. You can ask questions about whatever challenge you’re currently facing.
Why You Should Join All Social Media Networks
I think it’s fair to say that most of us are not looking to add more social media activity to our lives. In fact, we prefer to trim online activity or drop entire networks if possible. So the advice I’m about to offer may feel objectionable and time-wasting at first, but if you stay with me until the end, […]
Writing Fiction: Does It Feel Indulgent?
In the literary fiction world, it’s often taken as an article of faith that writing is an intrinsically important activity to be engaged in. Is it?
A Warning About Writing Novels That Ride the News Cycle
Thriller author Todd Moss discusses the pitfalls of using current events as the basis for a novel.
The Author Website: Your Central Marketing Hub
The primary function and value of an author website is marketing related.
5 On: Barry Eisler
Author Barry Eisler discusses the pros and cons (where they exist) of legacy, Amazon, and self-publishing; research and editing; selling book rights; and more.
A Former Book Publicist’s Advice to Traditionally Published Authors
Andrea Dunlop, a former Doubleday publicist, discusses how to approach a book launch from a publicist’s point of view.
Pinterest for Authors: A Beginner’s Guide
Learn four reasons writers might want to use Pinterest, how to best use the platform, and best practices to get the most traction for your work.
How to Find and Work With a Book Publicist—Successfully
What every author needs to know before they hire a publicist, and how to work with one successfully.
Storytelling Across Media: Q&A with Agent Laurie McLean
Agent Laurie McLean discusses the platform and book launch strategy for author/musician Simon Curtis.