Modern Self-Publishing
Once upon a time, self-publishing had poor name and would often disparagingly be referred to as a form of vanity publishing. But done properly, self-publishing can be highly professional, lucrative and rewarding. By done properly I’m referring to employing an editor to work on your story and your narrative structure once you’ve done a thorough […]
How to self-publish a book in time for Christmas
Want to get your book done in time for Christmas? Then it needs to be printed and available in October… yes, you read that right. Christmas book sales start in mid-October! Here are seven tips for how to self-publish your book in time for Christmas, because the publishing process can take between three and six […]
Why Publishing Your First Book is Like Having Your First Baby
Non-fiction author and birth practitioner Sharon King considers how publishing your first book is like having your first baby, without the physical pain, but almost as much swearing! That hopeful feeling, knowing it’s on its way. Sourcing more information, which rears new fears of the unknown. The similarities continue throughout your publishing journey… Finding time […]
Why Use An Editor?
Why Use an Editor? An author recently asked me why they would employ a professional editor. The skills and insight an editor can bring to your writing are complex and involve many years of courses, reading and learning. When you begin the editing process with a professional, you’re opening a dialogue, so the relationship represents […]
How to Find a Literary Agent
How to Find a Literary Agent There are hundreds of literary agents, so how do you begin to search for the right person to work with and to best represent your work? Here are a number of places where you might begin your search: Read the acknowledgement section of your favourite author’s books. Generally, they […]
Inner Dialogue and How to Avoid Dialogue Vaccuum
Dialogue can really bring your fiction writing to life. For ideas of what to include alongside your dialogue, watch people on the street or anywhere where you have the opportunity to study people surreptitiously. I often suggest a café but, wherever you choose to conduct your observations, watch people closely. What are they doing while […]
Why we Should Encourage Celebrities to Write (Even) More Books
Why we Should Encourage Celebrities to Write (even) More Books Have you ever looked at the books on the shelves that are published for big celebrities turned authors and thought, that’s not fair? You will likely have recognised that the publisher has an easier job on their hands in reclaiming their investment in the huge […]
What are the Elements of a Good Ending?
What are the Elements of a Good Ending? Authors are expected to fall into the category of plotters or pantsers – those who like to plot to some extent or extensively and those whose storytelling quite literally flies by the seat of their pants. An important part of the editing process will nonetheless involve ensuring […]
What are Overwriting and Body Parts in Action?
Authors are constantly told to trust their reader and essentially this means working out how much your readers need to know at a certain point in the story. More than this, it also refers to the way authors give information and the act of appearing to collude with the reader in order to draw them […]
NaNoWriMo 2021
NaNoWriMo 2021 I have just signed up for the 2021 NaNoWriMo challenge – National Novel Writing Month. The 50,000-word challenge begins officially from 1st November and runs until the end of the month. If you are thinking of drafting a novel then there has never been a better time. The challenge is to write around […]