Blog
10 Words or Phrases to Purge from Your Writing
I edit nonfiction and spend too much time and energy trying to find better ways to say the same thing in a way that matches the author’s style, but fiction writers aren’t off the hook. This is my personal list of words/phrases that hit me hard when I find them.
How Much Does Amazon Self-publishing Cost?
The cost of self-publishing can vary. There are many paid and free services to help you prepare to self-publish your book on Amazon.
8 Of The Best Erotic Romance Novels of 2018
When you think of erotic romance, the number “8” comes to mind. Another way you can look at 8, literally, is as a pair of 3s entwined, or a couple of 0s giving it a go. Turning 8 on its side reveals the symbol for infinity: ∞ Do all these titles promise you a happily...
11 Self-Editing Techniques For Fiction Writers
Self-Editing Fiction Many published authors will tell you they spend twice as much time self-editing and revising than they did writing the first draft. As an author of historical fiction, I feel that self-editing is the most creative and important part of writing a...
10 Classic Science Fiction-Fantasy Books to Give for the Holidays
The Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy, Douglas Adams. Arthur Dent, an ordinary Earthman, is catapulted into an intergalactic adventure with little other than his friend Ford Prefect, and a beat-up copy of The Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy for companionship. Dent,...
12 Best Young Adult Books of 2018
Book editor, Stacey Donovan, was able to create a short list of her favorites even though 2018 was an extraordinary year for young adult novels.
The Best Books of 2018 – Book Editors’ Picks
Do professional book editors read books for pleasure? Some yes; some no. Some book editors read mainly within their genres; others like to explore. Being a savvy editor means you’ve got your eye on the pulse of the marketplace; what books are hot and why. You read...
3 Important Factors for Self-Publishing Fiction
It’s easy to self-publish but how do you pick between good and bad advice? If you’re a writer who wants to self-publish, here are some best practices to consider.
Historical Fiction Writing Checklist
In many historical novels, the setting is so alive and present it feels like another character in the book, and when readers see it that way, it’s a huge compliment to the author. I think we’ve all read a book in which the setting is as important as character, maybe...
Helpful Books and Websites for Writers
New authors, and experienced ones, too, occasionally need information about copyright infringement, scam publishers, self-publishing companies, literary agents and publishers, and legal terminology for agent-writers contracts. Here’s what I’ve compiled as of January, 2018. It changes all the time (except the law).
How to Self-Publish a Book
We cover everything in our comprehensive guide on how to self publish a book. Avoid the pitfalls and get it right to make your book a success.
Researching, Writing, And Publishing Historical Fiction – It’s About Time
So you’ve come up with a great idea for a historical novel, done your research, and written your first draft. Now you’re wondering about the next step: self publishing or seeking representation for submissions to traditional publishers. Historical fiction authors have...
Religion, Christianity, and Spirituality: Traditional and Self-Publishing Options
Religion, Christian, and Spiritual Books In an economy of rapidly changing technologies, it is no longer accurate to make a strict distinction between so-called "traditional" publishing and self-publishing options. In the area of religion and spirituality, the...
How to Sell Books to Traditional Publishers
Traditional Publishing Is Not Dead The general consensus among aspiring authors is that any yahoo can self-publish but it's almost impossible to sell your book to a traditional publisher. The first part is certainly true, but selling to traditional publishers is...
How to Hyperlink Your Table of Contents in Microsoft Word
In today’s digital age, much of the content you produce in Microsoft Word will be replicated beyond paper. Dissertations and theses are often published online. Authors of books, whether fiction or nonfiction, are choosing to self-publish, and that means making and...