"Everyone has at least one book in them-I firmly believe that. But bookstore shelves are packed with titles, all competing for readers' attention. So how can you tell if your book idea is ready for the competitive publishing business? The key is to target your market and zero in on an unfilled need." Melinda Copp explains how to develop your best-selling book idea.
Created by writers, for writers.
For many aspiring authors, the prospect of landing a book deal sounds like the ultimate ticket to success. And while a contract with a major press can come with some perks, there can be some unexpected surprises along the way. Here’s what you need to know to get into the game with your eyes wide open.
Punctuating Appositives
Punctuation isn't complicated once you know what you're looking at. I see many writers making errors when punctuating appositives. This may be a new term for many folks, so we'll take a look at what I mean by "appositive," and then we'll figure out how to punctuate them...
Book Distributors and What They Can Do For Your Book
Many new authors are mystified about how in the world to get their books into a bookstore.
While is it fairly easy to list your book on Amazon and Barnes and Noble...
Query Letter Writing Fact and Fiction
Fact: Query Letter Writing is an Art Form.
Make no mistake about it, writing queries that produce results is a craft.
Fact: A Query Should Not be Written Like a Synopsis. ...
Make no mistake about it, writing queries that produce results is a craft.
Fact: A Query Should Not be Written Like a Synopsis. ...
Writing a Publishable Novel – The Art of Tying up Story Threads
Story threads can be a huge problem if not resolved, and even some of the most respected writers are not sacrosanct.
A thread is a plot element, nothing more, nothing less, but a problem for authors if they do not reconcile their threads for the reader. The obvious rationale for an exception is to purposely leave the plot point...
A thread is a plot element, nothing more, nothing less, but a problem for authors if they do not reconcile their threads for the reader. The obvious rationale for an exception is to purposely leave the plot point...
Should I Disguise Characters in My Book Or Memoir? Is it Ok to Write About People I Know?
Writers often ask me if it’s ok to write about people they know. Sometimes they’re writing a memoir or autobiography. Or perhaps they’re writing a novel with a hero or villain based on someone they know.
There are various little tricks you can use to make sure that people don’t recognize themselves. You can change physical appearance – stature, hair length,...
There are various little tricks you can use to make sure that people don’t recognize themselves. You can change physical appearance – stature, hair length,...
Technology and the Changing Language
New vocabulary accompanies the march of the technological development of computers, mobile phones, and more. The sheer size and volume of our technological vocabulary, new and old, is notable. As the impact of computers on our lives is tremendous, computers naturally impact on our language too.
But lest we forget, access to the Internet varies from country to country and within...
But lest we forget, access to the Internet varies from country to country and within...
Who is Your Audience?
Many people will read what you write. We call these people your audience. When you write, your document or manuscript is the tool you use to communicate with them, so understanding them helps you communicate in an appropriate manner.
However, unlike some other forms of communication, you actually have two audiences, which we call "primary" and "secondary" audiences. We'll look...
However, unlike some other forms of communication, you actually have two audiences, which we call "primary" and "secondary" audiences. We'll look...
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Maureen S. on Book Giveaway! Win a free copy of Breakfast in Bed by Robin Kaye
Hey, you are really real! I received my book ye... -
Philip Nork on Book Giveaway! Win a free copy of Breakfast in Bed by Robin Kaye
Got the book Breakfast In Bed from the contest tod... -
Andrew A. Sailer on Real Time Web for Old Time Books: The Benefit of Social Media for Publisher and Authors
I think that without a doubt social media is chang...
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