Expert Editorial Tips for Writers
It’s every aspiring writer’s least favorite scenario: waiting to hear back from a literary agent.
But it’s possible—hardly even uncommon—to never get a response from your queries, or even after an invite was extended. What gives? Is your work that bad or wrong for them to justify query amnesia? Are agents so inundated that even a form letter rejection is too much to ask? Because, like in dating, getting “ghosted” is by far THE WORST.
Well, I’m going to let you in on some secrets. Or rather,
As creative people with things to say, I declare 2020 the year we choose to abandon perfection and fear. Instead, let’s focus on creation, expression, trusting instincts, and following our inherent need to write.
No ifs, whens, or buts—just butts in seats.
Read MoreAs readers, there’s no better feeling than when we can’t put down a book.
But how do you keep readers invested in your work? How do you get them to tune out everything else and gladly get lost in your words?
Here’s a shortlist of vital ways to hold readers’ interest. And they don’t apply to thrillers only, as every work should be thrilling in its own way. Otherwise, the placed bookmark will simply note where the reader moved on.
Read MoreCongrats to Chris Roberts on the publication of his inspiring personal tale, You’ve Earned It!
Increasingly, indie publishing can be a viable alternative to the “query and wait/pray” path of traditional publication. If you’re willing to invest in yourself, producing a polished book helps build one’s vital “platform” and share your ideas or story with others. And with print-on-demand (POD) and ebook formats, no longer is “self-publishing” a dirty word or synonymous with a car trunk or closet stacked with books.
Read MoreTo increase the odds of getting a book offer, it’s essential to think like an acquiring editor.
Read MoreWhen it comes to successful publishing, category is king. Yes, it may sound unsexy or restrictive, but a category does not to take away from your work’s uniqueness. It’s a necessary beacon.
Read MoreEven the most camera-shy should get with the picture. Like an appealing cover and a strong book title, a quality author photo is an essential part of the publication “package” for both indie and traditionally published authors in most any format or genre.
Read MoreWriting a strong query letter is a necessary part of procuring a literary agent. But sometimes that one all-important page can feel, well, overwhelming.
Read MoreAs daunting as it can seem, most literary agents and acquiring editors are open to discovering new talent. And a big part of that is reading first novel manuscripts. Unfortunately, first novels too often share writing tics, quirky choices, or downright clichés. These common missteps can hurt your chance of being the brilliant gem in their inbox.
Read MoreWriting simply often gets a bad rap. It's viewed as "dumbed down" or creatively limiting. Why should someone feel sad when they can be in a state of melancholy?
Read MoreHere's a simple but often overlooked rule to creating believable characters in your fiction.
Read MoreAuthors know their work best but when a trusted editor points out an issue in your manuscript, listen.
Read MoreThe writer and a reader can experience narratives very differently.
Read MoreAcquiring editors and literary agents read a lot. Learn the reality of the submission review process
Read MoreHow do you know which freelance editor is best for your project?
Read MoreWhen it comes to writing first drafts, beware the self-defeating bar of perfectionism.
Read MoreHere's why plain ol' "said" should be your default verb for dialogue.
Read MoreGreatly enjoyed talking all things editing, writing, and publishing at StoryExpo 2018's first NY conference.
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