The mistakes writers make
barrowjournal.com – Thursday March 3, 2016
As an editor of a homeschool magazine, I get a lot of queries (i.e. “pitches” in the form of letters or e-mails) from writers wanting to write for us. I rarely respond to any of them because they rarely warrant a response. While I wish I could return each message with an instructional guide on how to make a proper pitch, it would be a waste of my time. Still, my heart goes out to these wannabe writers because many years ago, I didn’t know how to make a pitch either.
Ross MacKenzie's whirlwind guide to writing mystery
theguardian.com – Wednesday March 2, 2016
When I first sat down to write The Nowhere Emporium, I didn’t really think of it as a mystery novel at all. It was just a story I knew I really wanted to tell. It began with the vision of an enchanted shop, a shop that moved around, appearing anywhere, at any time. But I didn’t know why this happened. So I wrote the rest of the book to find out. And as the story developed, I slowly realised that I was writing a mystery book.
Things that nearly put me off writing my first novel
femalefirst.co.uk – Monday February 29, 2016
I don't know what the statistics are but I have a feeling that journalists don't automatically make very good fiction writers. It's a different part of the brain. And it's a different business model. When you're a journalist you write a thousand words or so are about someone, somewhere, something else. Very often, no personal opinion required. After a thousand words or so, you get paid. You park that feature and start on the next one. You also have an editor, mostly at the end of an email, saying (hopefully), 'thanks for that - good job'. And (hopefully) your byline will pop up somewhere. Both these are a journalistic equivalent of hearty pats on the back. Reasons to carry on.
What Even Great Writers Do Badly: How to Up Your Game as an Author
huffingtonpost.com – Friday February 26, 2016
Literary agents often get a reputation for being cruel and heartless. It is true that not a one of us has escaped sending out many, many rejection letters. I am sure that there are a few slightly sadistic agents out there, but for the most part, authors, please know that we take no pleasure in saying no to you and your project!
The Self-Publishers Guide to Marketing Author Blogs
publishersweekly.com – Saturday February 20, 2016
It’s great to see authors start blogs to help them build robust author platforms. Authors can write articles, create attractive sites, and post all their book and publicity information in one place. But too often this strategy just doesn’t work, because if you want people to visit your blog, you’re going to have to market your blog.
4 Ways Good Editors Improve the Freelance Writing Experience
skyword.com – Thursday February 18, 2016
Hey, you. Yeah, you right there. How many editors do you work with? If you’re freelance writing for a couple of Skyword programs plus creating content for other brands, the answer is probably at least a couple. You don’t have to name names, but you likely enjoy working with some (or even just one) more than others. That’s just human nature.
Yes, You Can Get a Book Deal
huffingtonpost.com – Saturday February 13, 2016
Back in October, I wrote a post about my efforts to write a book, my take on the publishing industry, and my desire to get a book deal. The reaction was fascinating and in some cases, very emotional. First, I learned that there's a tremendous amount of underlying bitterness about the publishing business from unpublished authors. Second, many folks believe self-publishing is the way to go because traditional publishing is broken, and self-published authors can get a better share of the profits. And third, many folks believe it's impossible for an unknown writer to get a deal.
Publishers should pay authors as much as their other employees
theguardian.com – Thursday February 11, 2016
There’s nothing to publish without writers, so why are they being pushed to extinction by their appalling pay?
The perils of writing about sex: 'Your partner will think it's about them. Or – even worse – someone else'
theguardian.com – Thursday February 11, 2016
Should you use exotic euphemisms or anatomical detail? Should it be comical, tender or shocking? And what if your mum reads it? Three generations of writers reveal the pitfalls – and pleasures – of writing about erotic encounters.
13 Painful Realities of a Writer's Life
huffingtonpost.co.uk – Tuesday February 9, 2016
I don't think this post needs an introduction. People wouldn't read it anyway. They always skip down to the numbers. Don't think I don't know this. If you've read this far, I'm impressed.
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