https://www.authorlearningcenter.com/webinars/c/e/2351Wed, 12 Aug 2026 17:30:00 GMT809ccca5-04d2-44bf-8f5c-ff0a6d33c80b:c0c9ef07-5df7-4a4b-ae34-54436b46170eAuthor Learning CenterTBD About the Presenter: TBDhttps://www.authorlearningcenter.comPublishing expert Michele DeFilippo will share her 50 years of experience & the ins & outs of book cover & interior design.Tue, 11 Aug 2026 17:30:00 GMT809ccca5-04d2-44bf-8f5c-ff0a6d33c80b:aba77c79-2f87-40db-b21a-1c1de3f4137bAuthor Learning CenterAll webinar start times are listed in US Eastern Time. To see what the start time means for your location, CLICK HERE. Authors have many questions as they embark on their indie-publishing journey. Most feel at least a little overwhelmed, and for good reason: never in book publishing history have so many choices been available! In this presentation, we’ll discuss the “big publisher” thought processes for book cover and interior design, and share the tried-and-true principles that quality book publishers have followed for generations. By the end of the webinar, authors will feel empowered to discuss these issues with their chosen professionals, leaving the stress behind and enjoying their ideal publishing path. About the Presenter: Michele DeFilippo has more than 50 years of experience in book publishing. Her company, 1106 Design, makes it easy for authors to release a top-quality book, keep control of it, and earn more money every time they sell a copy. Michele is on a mission to help authors ask the right questions and make informed decisions when they search for publishing service providers. A PDF of her 88-page guide, Publish Like the Pros: A Brief Guide to Quality Self-Publishing, can be downloaded for free at https://tinyurl.com/Publish-Like-the-Pros . To see all of our upcoming live webinar events, CLICK HERE .LiveWebinarshttps://www.authorlearningcenter.comEditor, & book coach Jennifer Crosswhite will review how to choose the right POV for your story & common mistakes to avoid.Tue, 04 Aug 2026 17:30:00 GMT809ccca5-04d2-44bf-8f5c-ff0a6d33c80b:03298564-e13d-4eed-b7b7-1b8bc2e8f0e0Author Learning CenterAll webinar start times are listed in US Eastern Time. To see what the start time means for your location, CLICK HERE. Point-of-view (POV) mistakes drain emotion from a scene and put a barrier between you and your reader. In this webinar session with author, editor, and book coach Jennifer Crosswhite, we'll cover the most common mistakes, how to choose the right POV, and how to use senses to anchor your readers in a scene--things you can apply to your manuscript today. About the Presenter: Jennifer Crosswhite is owner and CEO of Tandem Services, an author services company that empowers influencers to harness the transformative power of story to spread their message, create an impact, and leave a legacy. Her twenty years’ experience spans both sides of the publishing desk, from managing editor to author of 20 books and counting. To see all of our upcoming live webinar events, CLICK HERE .LiveWebinarshttps://www.authorlearningcenter.comPublishing expert Michele DeFilippo will share her 50 years of experience & the ins & outs of book cover & interior design.Wed, 22 Jul 2026 17:30:00 GMT809ccca5-04d2-44bf-8f5c-ff0a6d33c80b:69013549-0887-4abe-a9ac-be0ac77bc635Author Learning CenterAll webinar start times are listed in US Eastern Time. To see what the start time means for your location, CLICK HERE. Can't attend this session? Don't worry, we'll be repeating it! You can register HERE . Authors have many questions as they embark on their indie-publishing journey. Most feel at least a little overwhelmed, and for good reason: never in book publishing history have so many choices been available! In this presentation, we’ll discuss the “big publisher” thought processes for book cover and interior design, and share the tried-and-true principles that quality book publishers have followed for generations. By the end of the webinar, authors will feel empowered to discuss these issues with their chosen professionals, leaving the stress behind and enjoying their ideal publishing path. About the Presenter: Michele DeFilippo has more than 50 years of experience in book publishing. Her company, 1106 Design, makes it easy for authors to release a top-quality book, keep control of it, and earn more money every time they sell a copy. Michele is on a mission to help authors ask the right questions and make informed decisions when they search for publishing service providers. A PDF of her 88-page guide, Publish Like the Pros: A Brief Guide to Quality Self-Publishing, can be downloaded for free at https://tinyurl.com/Publish-Like-the-Pros . To see all of our upcoming live webinar events, CLICK HERE .LiveWebinarshttps://www.authorlearningcenter.com/webinars/c/e/2350Tue, 21 Jul 2026 17:30:00 GMT809ccca5-04d2-44bf-8f5c-ff0a6d33c80b:8601c875-0688-4bfe-9a2e-2e99cb0bd4d0Author Learning CenterTBD About the Presenter: TBDhttps://www.authorlearningcenter.com/webinars/c/e/2354Mon, 20 Jul 2026 18:00:00 GMT809ccca5-04d2-44bf-8f5c-ff0a6d33c80b:9568f3ab-1d87-4b30-8260-c1cf35395a10Author Learning CenterPRACTICE: Authors have many questions as they embark on their indie-publishing journey. Most feel at least a little overwhelmed, and for good reason: never in book publishing history have so many choices been available! In this presentation, we’ll discuss the “big publisher” thought processes for book cover and interior design, and share the tried-and-true principles that quality book publishers have followed for generations. By the end of the webinar, authors will feel empowered to discuss these issues with their chosen professionals, leaving the stress behind and enjoying their ideal publishing path. About the Presenter: Michele DeFilippo has more than 50 years of experience in book publishing. Her company, 1106 Design, makes it easy for authors to release a top-quality book, keep control of it, and earn more money every time they sell a copy. Michele is on a mission to help authors ask the right questions and make informed decisions when they search for publishing service providers. A PDF of her 88-page guide, Publish Like the Pros: A Brief Guide to Quality Self-Publishing, can be downloaded for free at https://tinyurl.com/Publish-Like-the-Pros.https://www.authorlearningcenter.comBestselling author Russell Nohelty will share valuable tips he's learned from exhibiting at over 150 book events in his career.Thu, 16 Jul 2026 17:30:00 GMT809ccca5-04d2-44bf-8f5c-ff0a6d33c80b:f2b944d0-fe0d-4415-bbf1-689ca7f16e2fAuthor Learning CenterAll webinar start times are listed in US Eastern Time. To see what the start time means for your location, CLICK HERE. Now that in-person events such as conventions, fairs, and festivals are back in full swing, it's time to shake off the rust and prepare for the rush of shows in the second half of 2026, into 2027, and beyond. Join USA Today bestselling author Russell Nohelty as he walks you through: - How to set up your table for success - How to market yourself as an exhibitor - How to make every event a success About the Presenter: Russell Nohelty is a USA Today bestselling author, and speaker. He runs Wannabe Press (www.wannabepress.com) and is the Co-founder of Writer MBA and The Future of Publishing. Russell is also the host of The Author Ecosystem and Kickstart Your Book Sales podcasts. He is the author of many novels and graphic novels including 'The Godsverse Chronicles', 'The Obsidian Spindle Saga', and 'Ichabod Jones: Monster Hunter'. Russell is the Editor of The Author Stack, an online magazine, and has exhibited at over 150 events during his career. To see all of our upcoming live webinar events, CLICK HERE .LiveWebinarshttps://www.authorlearningcenter.comEditor, & book coach Jennifer Crosswhite will review how to choose the right POV for your story & common mistakes to avoid.Tue, 14 Jul 2026 17:30:00 GMT809ccca5-04d2-44bf-8f5c-ff0a6d33c80b:b652852e-c1e9-4538-8ad9-b2b07e1f9051Author Learning CenterAll webinar start times are listed in US Eastern Time. To see what the start time means for your location, CLICK HERE. Can't attend this session? Don't worry, we'll be repeating it! You can register HERE . Point-of-view (POV) mistakes drain emotion from a scene and put a barrier between you and your reader. In this webinar session with author, editor, and book coach Jennifer Crosswhite, we'll cover the most common mistakes, how to choose the right POV, and how to use senses to anchor your readers in a scene--things you can apply to your manuscript today. About the Presenter: Jennifer Crosswhite is owner and CEO of Tandem Services, an author services company that empowers influencers to harness the transformative power of story to spread their message, create an impact, and leave a legacy. Her twenty years’ experience spans both sides of the publishing desk, from managing editor to author of 20 books and counting. To see all of our upcoming live webinar events, CLICK HERE .LiveWebinarshttps://www.authorlearningcenter.comAuthor and book coach Cathy Fyock will review how to start creating a buzz for your book during the writing stage.Thu, 09 Jul 2026 17:30:00 GMT809ccca5-04d2-44bf-8f5c-ff0a6d33c80b:c920e597-f74c-475d-9deb-87d469103b90Author Learning CenterAll webinar start times are listed in US Eastern Time. To see what the start time means for your location, CLICK HERE. 10 Things to do NOW to Market Your Book If you're waiting until you've finished your book to begin your marketing plan and activities for your book launch, you're starting too late! While you ARE busy writing your book, it's not too early to begin creating buzz and excitement for your book. Learn easy and practical ways toward creating fans for your book as you finish writing it, from author and book coach Cathy Fyock. About the Presenter: Cathy Fyock is The Business Book Strategist, and works with professionals and thought leaders who want to write nonfiction books as a business growth strategy. She is the author of 12 books, including “On Your Mark”, “Blog2Book”, “Authority”, “My New Book: The Upcoming Message that will Change the World”, and her newest book, “Writer Crisis Hotline”, co-authored with Allie Pleiter. Cathy's book, “The Speaker Author: Sell More Books and Book More Speeches”, became a #1 international bestseller in public speaking and speech writing, authorship, business consulting, publishing books and more. Since Cathy started her business in 2014, she has helped over 275 professionals become published authors. She believes that authors change the world, one word at a time. To see all of our upcoming live webinar events, CLICK HERE .LiveWebinarshttps://www.authorlearningcenter.comBook marketing expert Keri-Rae Barnum will review 4 easy hacks to increase your book's discoverability on Amazon.Wed, 08 Jul 2026 17:30:00 GMT809ccca5-04d2-44bf-8f5c-ff0a6d33c80b:d62b7be9-17f2-4872-9817-c052f8c30c13Author Learning CenterAll webinar start times are listed in US Eastern Time. To see what the start time means for your location, CLICK HERE. We all know that you can pay for Amazon to boost your book on their site with Amazon Advertising. But did you know that you can also work with Amazon’s algorithms to naturally improve your book’s visibility on their site for FREE? In Amazon Algorithms 101, Keri-Rae Barnum of New Shelves Books discusses the most recent algorithm updates on Amazon and 4 easy hacks you can use to make sure your book shows up in more Amazon searches without paying a thing. She covers what Amazon algorithms and SEO (search engine optimization) are and how to increase and optimize both for a book listing utilizing: • Categories and Ranking • Keywords • Outside Traffic • Reviews About the Presenter: Keri-Rae Barnum is the Owner and CEO of New Shelves Books and the author of "Tough Love for Indie Authors: An Honest Look at What it Takes to Win in Self-Publishing." Her focus is helping publishers and authors skip the “learning curve” and become truly successful at advertising, review acquisition and book sales online, in libraries, and in stores. She is a keyword expert and creator of highly successful Amazon and online ads. She can be found at www.newshelves.com. To see all of our upcoming live webinar events, CLICK HERE .LiveWebinarshttps://www.authorlearningcenter.comBestselling author Russell Nohelty will share valuable tips he's learned from exhibiting at over 150 book events in his career.Thu, 02 Jul 2026 17:30:00 GMT809ccca5-04d2-44bf-8f5c-ff0a6d33c80b:d1805878-1f88-4e75-ab8f-2bb4cbd56d4eAuthor Learning CenterAll webinar start times are listed in US Eastern Time. To see what the start time means for your location, CLICK HERE. Can't attend this session? Don't worry, we'll be repeating it! You can register HERE . Now that in-person events such as conventions, fairs, and festivals are back in full swing, it's time to shake off the rust and prepare for the rush of shows in the second half of 2026, into 2027, and beyond. Join USA Today bestselling author Russell Nohelty as he walks you through: - How to set up your table for success - How to market yourself as an exhibitor - How to make every event a success About the Presenter: Russell Nohelty is a USA Today bestselling author, and speaker. He runs Wannabe Press (www.wannabepress.com) and is the Co-founder of Writer MBA and The Future of Publishing. Russell is also the host of The Author Ecosystem and Kickstart Your Book Sales podcasts. He is the author of many novels and graphic novels including 'The Godsverse Chronicles', 'The Obsidian Spindle Saga', and 'Ichabod Jones: Monster Hunter'. Russell is the Editor of The Author Stack, an online magazine, and has exhibited at over 150 events during his career. To see all of our upcoming live webinar events, CLICK HERE .LiveWebinarshttps://www.authorlearningcenter.comBestselling children's author Sheri Fink will show you how to go from concept to a completed, high quality book for children.Tue, 30 Jun 2026 17:30:00 GMT809ccca5-04d2-44bf-8f5c-ff0a6d33c80b:4f62cd65-a6a2-481a-916e-c77cdde63594Author Learning CenterAll webinar start times are listed in US Eastern Time. To see what the start time means for your location, CLICK HERE. In this webinar session, #1 best-selling children’s author Sheri Fink will discuss how you can go from simply having an idea, to believing in that idea and taking the next step of starting your children’s book. She will offer tips on how to focus your narrative and how to stay motivated and encouraged throughout the writing process. Sheri will also cover all aspects of the illustration process including how to find, vet, and hire an illustrator, along with the author-illustrator relationship and how to pull all of the different elements together to get ready for publishing. About the Presenter: Sheri is an inspirational speaker, #1 best-selling author, and president of Whimsical World, an empowering brand created by Sheri and Derek Taylor Kent with a mission is to inspire, delight, and educate children of all ages while planting seeds of self-esteem and high achievement. She loves to write – nineteen books so far spanning 3 genres, including her beloved “The Little Series” children's books and “InstaGrateful: Finding Your Bliss in a Social Media World”. Sheri's newest book, “Beyond Words,” is an uplifting children's picture book that teaches kids ways to express empathy and was written in collaboration with Aflac. Sheri travels the world inspiring audiences of all ages to believe in themselves, dream bigger dreams, and take action to live their best lives. CBS Los Angeles selected her as one of the top 3 authors in her local area, a distinction she shares with Dean Koontz, and her books have been honored with over 40 awards, including 14 gold medals in international book awards. Sheri is also a recipient of the prestigious Gold Mom’s Choice Award, honoring the best in family-friendly entertainment. To see all of our upcoming live webinar events, CLICK HERE .LiveWebinarshttps://www.authorlearningcenter.com/writing/nonfiction/w/elements/8487/memoirs-that-matterThu, 25 Jun 2026 20:00:00 GMT809ccca5-04d2-44bf-8f5c-ff0a6d33c80b:e118b2aa-7f2e-4cb3-a961-9d98afca6420Allie PleiterWriting your life story takes more than just a retelling—it takes a sense of significance. Learn the tactics you need to make your memoir matter from bestselling novelist and book coach Allie Pleiter. You’ll learn: • How to structure your memoir so that your reader stays engaged • Storytelling techniques to make your life events come alive for the reader • Secrets to significance—going beyond the story to sharing life lessons and truths • Finding your audience If you’ve got a life story worth sharing, transform your manuscript from a good narrative into a great read. This author of over 70 published books will show you how. Here is the handout referenced in the session: www.authorlearningcenter.com/.../Memoirs-that-Matter-ALC_5F00_Handout.pdf www.authorlearningcenter.com/.../MemoirsthatMatter26.mp4 About the Presenter: Award-winning bestselling author Allie Pleiter writes both fiction and non-fiction working on as many as four books at a time. She teaches writers how to achieve the consistent, dependable productivity today’s market requires. The author of over 70 published titles, Allie has spent a decade in the publishing profession with over 1.9 million books sold worldwide. In addition to her own writing career, Allie maintains an active writing productivity coaching practice and speaks regularly on faith, the creative process, women’s issues, and her very favorite topic—The Chunky Method of time management.Self-HelpNonfictionSubscriberRecorded WebinarBiographies and Memoirshttps://www.authorlearningcenter.com/writing/getting-feedback/w/dealing-with-rejection/8486/get-uglier---andrew-joseph-whiteMon, 22 Jun 2026 13:38:00 GMT809ccca5-04d2-44bf-8f5c-ff0a6d33c80b:6619300a-55a2-47de-92e0-f03dea76f195Andrew Joseph WhiteAndrew Joseph White, author of You Weren't Meant to Be Human , leads the call for writers to stop catering to nitpickers and naysayers and instead get uglier…now! For more on this bestselling, award-winning author visit https://www.simonandschuster.com/authors/Andrew-Joseph-White/209406142 . youtube.com/watchfictionNonfictionvideohttps://www.authorlearningcenter.com/publishing/preparation/w/choosing-a-path/8466/9-things-i-wish-i-d-known-before-self-publishing-5-booksWed, 17 Jun 2026 19:04:00 GMT809ccca5-04d2-44bf-8f5c-ff0a6d33c80b:725a3cd8-b06d-4932-84c9-c93b11dc92d6Keith OgorekSelf-publishing a book is an exciting journey, but it’s also full of surprises that many authors don’t discover until they’re already too deep into the process. In this session, ALC President Keith Ogorek reviews 9 key lessons he’s learned as a self-published author, that every writer should understand before writing and publishing a book. He discusses: • How manuscript word count and reading level can impact your book’s success • Setting realistic expectations about the time and effort it will take • The 4 publishing paths available to authors and how to choose the best path for you and your book • The keys to effective book marketing and when it should start • How becoming an author opens doors to all kinds of opportunities • Most importantly, why it is worth becoming an author • And more! Whether you’re drafting your first chapter or preparing to hit “publish,” this webinar will equip you with the insights, clarity, and confidence to move forward with valuable knowledge and renewed purpose. Here is the handout referenced in the session: www.authorlearningcenter.com/.../7652.ALC-Handout_5F00_9-Things-Before-Publishing_5F00_Ogorek.pdf www.authorlearningcenter.com/.../9ThingsIWishIdKnownBeforeSelfPublishing5Books0617.mp4 About the Presenter: As an industry thought leader, Keith has helped drive a number of significant innovations in the self-publishing industry and is featured in the book, 'Innovation--How Innovators Think, Act and Change Our World'. He has helped launch and operate supported self-publishing imprints for traditional publishers and Fuzeframe, which identifies and options self-published books for development in Hollywood. Keith has authored several books and has written a number of helpful white papers including ‘The POEM Method of Book Marketing’, the '4 Paths to Publishing' and 'Three Phases of an Effective Book Marketing Campaign'. You will also find him speaking at leading industry events such as Singapore Writer’s Festival, California Creative Writers Conference, LatinX Storytellers Conference, Archway New York Writer’s Workshop, and Hay House Book Writers Boot Camp just to name a few. In addition, he is a regular webinar presenter for The Author Learning Center.fictionNonfictionRecorded Webinarhttps://www.authorlearningcenter.com/b/ask-keith/posts/i-really-struggle-with-writing-dialogue-what-are-some-ways-i-can-improve-dialogue-in-my-storiesWed, 17 Jun 2026 16:44:00 GMT809ccca5-04d2-44bf-8f5c-ff0a6d33c80b:7e817e8d-4532-437a-8b78-00a0e24acc42Author Learning CenterQuestion: I really struggle with writing dialogue. What are some ways I can improve dialogue in my stories? Answer: Writing great dialogue is a common challenge for many writers. This is because the way we talk and the way we think do not always translate cleanly onto the page, making dialogue sound stiff, forced, or unnatural. What many new writers do not realize is that dialogue is much more than just “he said, she said.” It can reveal subtle backstory, provide vivid characterization, or push a plot forward. Great dialogue is memorable and effective, while bad dialogue is awkward and can keep readers from finishing your book. In this post, we are sharing ten tips for improving dialogue including differentiating characters' voices, making conversations sound natural and purposeful, and avoiding common mistakes. 1. Differentiate Character Voices One of the most common dialogue mistakes is giving every character the same voice, making them flat and uninteresting. Background, education, personality, age, and culture all influence individual speech patterns, which need to be reflected in conversations. By creating distinct voices for each character , readers should be able to identify who is speaking in a scene without the writer using dialogue tags for every line. For example, a teenager should not sound like a retired English professor. And, a character from the West coast should not sound like a character from the East coast. Some easy ways to differentiate character voices include: • Vocabulary choices • Sentence length • Formality level • Sense of humor • Use of contractions The key is to keep a character’s unique verbal rhythm consistent across the entire story. A practical, action-oriented character might speak in short, punchy, or fragmented sentences, while an anxious character might use longer, rambling sentences. To differentiate character voices effectively , you must focus on how they think and perceive the world, rather than relying on superficial quirks. True character voice is a combination of what a character cares about and the unique rhythm they use to express it. 2. Reveal Character Traits and Motivations Dialogue should do more than just communicate information; it should reveal who a character is without telling the reader through exposition. What a character says, how they say it, and what they choose not to say should provide readers with valuable insight into their personality, beliefs, emotions, and goals. Beyond personality, dialogue should help uncover a character’s motivations . Through purposeful conversations, readers can learn what a character wants, fears, values, or is willing to sacrifice. For example, a character who constantly talks about success may be driven by money, while one who avoids discussing the future may be motivated by uncertainty. Well-crafted dialogue allows readers to draw their own conclusions about a character rather than being told what to think. 3. Integrate Essential Backstory into Conversations Conversations between characters can be an effective way to provide essential backstory without disrupting the flow of a story. Rather than relying on lengthy information dumps, writers can reveal important details about past events, relationships, and experiences through natural conversations between characters. This approach allows readers to learn about the story’s history while remaining immersed in the current action. For example, an exchange between siblings about a childhood trauma can reveal dysfunctional family dynamics, unresolved tensions, or emotional wounds, explaining why a character behaves a certain way. The key is to make the dialogue feel authentic rather than using it solely to deliver information. Characters should have a reason to discuss the past, and the details should emerge naturally through the conversation. Small references, disagreements about what happened, or emotional reactions can make backstory feel more realistic and compelling. 4. Use Physical Gestures and Body Language Versus Dialogue Tags Dialogue becomes more engaging and immersive when writers incorporate physical gestures and body language rather than relying too heavily on dialogue tags. A dialogue tag is a short phrase, such as "she said" or "he asked," that tells the reader exactly who is speaking and how they are delivering their words. While a simple tag such as “said” is often invisible to readers and usually works best, using descriptive tags like “he exclaimed,” “she retorted,” or “he growled” can become distracting when overused. Nonverbal cues such as physical gestures and body language often communicate emotions more effectively while helping readers visualize the scene. A character who avoids eye contact, clenches a fist, crosses their arms, or taps a foot reveals emotional information without explicitly stating it. These actions can add subtext, allowing readers to interpret a character’s true feelings even when their words suggest something different . For example, a character may say, “I’m fine,” while nervously twisting a strand of hair, signaling they are being deceptive. 5. Cut the Filler and Get Straight to the Action Boring pleasantries, small talk, and everyday exchanges will slow a story's momentum and cause readers to lose interest. Readers do not need to see every “hello,” “how are you,” or lengthy exchange of greetings unless these details serve a specific purpose. While these elements occur frequently in real-life conversations, they weaken the impact of a scene. Effective dialogue focuses on what matters most and moves quickly toward the decision, revelation, conflict, or emotional moment at the heart of the interaction. This means entering conversations late and leaving them early, highlighting only the most important parts. By trimming excess dialogue and getting straight to the action, writers can create sharper, more compelling conversations that keep readers invested. 6. Ensure Every Line Has a Purpose Cutting excess filler does not mean the dialogue will sound choppy or unnatural; it means every line will contribute something meaningful. In well-crafted storytelling, dialogue should always be doing at least one of three things: revealing character, advancing the plot, or increasing conflict . If a line of dialogue does none of these things, it may not belong in the scene. One effective strategy is to examine each conversation during revisions and ask whether it serves a purpose. Every character should want something in a scene, even if it is subtle—approval, control, truth, information, or avoidance. Purposeful dialogue moves like a chain reaction, pushing the story forward with each line. 7. Build Tension and Conflict Dialogue is one of the most powerful tools writers can use to build tension and conflict in a story. Conversations can become a natural source of friction when characters have opposing goals, beliefs, desires, or perspectives. By using dialogue to highlight disagreements, secrets, competing motivations, and emotional stakes, writers can create compelling conflicts that drive the story forward and keep readers engaged . Short, clipped responses, interruptions, and carefully chosen pauses can also increase the sense of urgency within a scene. As emotions escalate, dialogue can reveal shifting power dynamics and deepen interpersonal conflicts. The tension between what a character says and what they truly mean can create additional depth and complexity, forcing readers to read between the lines. 8. Use Dialects, Accents, and Slang Sparingly Writers often try too hard to create unique voices using heavy accents, regional dialects, or informal slang. While they may be accurately representing how someone speaks, excessive phonetic spelling or confusing words can frustrate readers and slow the reading experience. Instead of spelling every word exactly as it sounds, writers can suggest an accent through a few carefully chosen words, phrases, or speech patterns. For example, unique vocabulary, sentence structure, or regional expressions can convey a character’s voice without overwhelming the reader. Slang can also add realism, but too much can quickly become dated, especially if the story is set in a specific period. The goal is to create believable characters while maintaining readability. Dialogue should be clear and easy to follow, with dialect and slang serving as tools rather than the primary focus. 9. Reveal the Unseen Through Internal Dialogue Internal dialogue is a powerful way to share a character’s thoughts, emotions, and motivations, but it can easily become overused. The right way to use internal dialogue is to make it purposeful, revealing something the reader cannot already see through action or spoken dialogue. This can include hidden fears, conflicting desires, or private judgments. Strong internal dialogue also maintains the character’s unique voice and avoids simply repeating what is already obvious in the scene. It should deepen tension, add subtext, or clarify stakes without slowing the pacing. The wrong way to use internal dialogue is to let it become a running commentary or information dump. When a character narrates every thought or explains what is already clear, the story can feel cluttered and repetitive. 10. Read Dialogue Aloud One of the simplest ways to improve dialogue is to read it out loud or record yourself and then play it back. When dialogue is spoken, weaknesses such as awkward phrasing, unnatural word choices, and run-on sentences become much easier to spot. Writers can quickly hear whether characters sound like real people or if their speech feels forced, repetitive, or too formal. Reading aloud also helps identify pacing issues, such as conversations that drag or move too quickly. By listening to dialogue rather than just reading it, writers can improve the flow of conversations and make them more engaging. BONUS TIP for Memoir Writers As with fiction stories, memoirs must include a good mix of engaging prose and purposeful dialogue to immerse readers in the story. Rather than using your imagination to build out the story, you are recounting real events and conversations that happened in the past, sometimes many years ago, so it is common to forget the exact conversations that took place. The best approach is to write the conversations as you remember them using the tips outlined above to pull readers into the scenes. You can also precede a conversation with a disclaimer such as, “This was the conversation as I remember it.” Great storytelling strikes a balance between compelling narrative and authentic dialogue. By following the ten tips outlined above, you can strip away the awkward clutter, ensure every conversation advances the plot, reveal important character traits, or heighten the conflict and tension. Dialogue that is meaningful and purposeful will keep readers engaged and immersed in your story until the end. If you would like to learn more about how to properly format dialogue in a manuscript, check out “ 8 Essential Rules for Punctuating Dialogue. ” Photo credit: prapassong from Getty Images; bymuratdeniz from Getty Images; uchar from Getty Images GO BACK TO THE MAIN BLOG PAGEarticlefictionNonfictionhttps://www.authorlearningcenter.com/marketing/blogging/w/tips/2916/blogging-blog-your-way-to-recognition---articleWed, 17 Jun 2026 11:48:00 GMT809ccca5-04d2-44bf-8f5c-ff0a6d33c80b:61ae6a64-832c-497f-838a-83e51a2a91d2Robin BailesA blog can establish your identity as a writer in two ways; by raising awareness of your work, and by raising awareness of yourself. Let's start with the work itself. Whether you are still looking for representation or are already published it is difficult to get yourself noticed in an overcrowded marketplace. In fiction, the buying public is reluctant to try something new and in non-fiction the internet is such a vast source of information that people are buying fewer books for reference. By blogging about the process of writing a book, the problems and pitfalls, you can create a sense of anticipation for that book's arrival. By blogging on the same subject as your book (assuming it is non-fiction) you can establish yourself as an expert; contact websites on that subject and see if they will post a link to your blog (you can return the favor with a link to their site). Writers are often solitary people who may not enjoy the limelight. Because of this writers sometimes forget that they themselves are a marketable commodity. Everyone wants their work to speak for them and, in the end, nothing is more important than the quality of the work, but the work is coming from you and if you can make yourself part of the sales pitch then it gives your work a boost. A blog allows you to do this. How are you qualified to write what you write? What inspired this story? Do you sit down to write like it's a job or do you write when the mood takes you? You can even talk about your personal life (if you are comfortable doing so), though how much you include is a personal choice. Above all, in these times of financial austerity buying a book is becoming almost a luxury and people are unwilling to take a chance on an unknown author. Your blog lets readers get an idea of your writing style for free. If they like it they might be willing to spend some money. Likewise your blog can give an agent or publisher an idea of your writing style, so make sure the blog is properly marketed on Facebook, Twitter, etc. and that you have linked it to as many relevant sites as you can, as well as putting the site address on your resume.articlefictionNonfictionhttps://www.authorlearningcenter.com/writing/fiction/w/character-development/6461/creating-captivating-characters-in-fictionTue, 16 Jun 2026 19:16:00 GMT809ccca5-04d2-44bf-8f5c-ff0a6d33c80b:33d916f1-69a0-4dc2-a3fb-7b43e8e9924bJeanne Lyet GassmanStrong stories need a plot, a setting, and most importantly, engaging characters. Agents and editors will tell you that all stories are character-driven. However, if your characters are stereotypes, one-dimensional, or predictable, the reader will soon lose interest. Readers are engaged with characters who are relatable, flawed, and unique. But how do you accomplish that in fiction? In this webinar, award-winning author Jeanne Lyet Gassman looks at the tricks you can use to create strong, memorable characters that are supported by a fascinating cast. She addresses a number of different character crafting techniques, including: defining your characters' formative years, understanding body language and the use of physical space, how opposites create tension and interest, using dialogue to illustrate emotions and need, and how to make troubled characters likable. Here are the 4 handouts referenced in the session: www.authorlearningcenter.com/.../ALC-Character-Summary-Handout.pdf www.authorlearningcenter.com/.../7380.ALC-Character-Worksheet-Handout.pdf www.authorlearningcenter.com/.../5811.ALC-Character-Traits-Handout.pdf www.authorlearningcenter.com/.../6560.ALC-Plutchick_2700_s-Wheel-Handout.pdf www.authorlearningcenter.com/.../CreatingCaptivatingCharactersinFiction26.mp4 About the Presenter: Jeanne Lyet Gassman lives in the mountains of New Mexico where she writes and teaches. Her debut novel, Blood of a Stone (Tuscany Press), received a Bronze 2015 Independent Publisher Book Award. Her short work has been nominated for Best Small Fictions and the Pushcart Prize. Other awards include fellowships from Ragdale and the Arizona Commission on the Arts. Her short fiction, creative nonfiction, and poetry have been published in numerous literary magazines and anthologies, including 45 Poems of Protest: The Pandemic, Bosque7, Dear America: Reflections on Race, Debris & Detritus: The Lesser Greek Gods Running Amok, The Manifest-Station, Queen Mob's Tea House, and Hippocampus Magazine , among many others. Jeanne recently received a New Mexico Writers Grant for her novel-in-progress, a story about a family of downwinders who were affected by the radioactive fallout from the atomic bomb tests in Nevada. You can learn more about Jeanne at her website: www.jeannelyetgassman.com or on Facebook: www.facebook.com/JeanneLyetGassman .fictionSubscriberRecorded Webinarhttps://www.authorlearningcenter.com/writing/fiction/w/plot-planning/8485/the-familial-bonds-at-the-center-of-when-the-fireflies-danceMon, 08 Jun 2026 19:49:00 GMT809ccca5-04d2-44bf-8f5c-ff0a6d33c80b:30b7815c-f650-49d1-b05d-fb0d2ed0cdc2Aisha HassanAisha Hassan, author of When the Fireflies Dance , digs into the familial bonds at the center of the book, and how the book's themes are ripe for discussion with book clubs. For more on this award-winning writer, poet, and playwright visit https://www.simonandschuster.com/authors/Aisha-Hassan/209772948 . www.youtube.com/watchCommercial FictionfictionLiterary FictionWomen’s Fictionvideohttps://www.authorlearningcenter.com/b/ask-keith/posts/what-is-print-on-demand-pod-and-what-are-the-benefits-of-this-printing-method-when-compared-to-offset-printingThu, 04 Jun 2026 14:29:00 GMT809ccca5-04d2-44bf-8f5c-ff0a6d33c80b:781a005c-4a53-416d-8f3d-6b0e38a869e5Author Learning CenterQuestion: What is Print-on-Demand (POD) and what are the benefits of this printing method when compared to offset printing? Answer: As with most industries, technological advancements have brought about new opportunities and efficiencies for authors. There used to be only one option for printing books which required a large order quantity, a substantial up-front investment, and inventory management. Today, there are two printing methods available to authors: print-on-demand and traditional offset printing. Each approach has advantages and disadvantages, and determining the right choice for your book will depend on your publishing goals, skillset, budget, and sales expectations. What is Print-on-Demand (POD)? Print-on-demand (POD) is a digital printing method in which books are printed individually or in small quantities only after an order is placed by a customer. Rather than printing thousands of copies upfront, a POD provider stores your book files digitally and produces copies as needed. Once an order is received through a retailer, distributor, or the author's website, the printing company manufactures the book and ships it directly to the customer. Because books are only produced when ordered, there is no need to maintain a warehouse or garage full of inventory. This model has become increasingly popular among self-published authors because it eliminates many of the financial barriers traditionally associated with publishing, and the process is simple: 1. The author or company they are working with uploads the print-ready interior and cover files 2. The files are stored digitally by the POD provider 3. A customer purchases the book 4. The book is printed, bound, and shipped directly to the customer 5. The author receives royalties from the sale Popular POD platforms include Amazon's Kindle Direct Publishing (KDP) , IngramSpark , Lulu , and Bookvault . There are many benefits associated with using a POD provider or platform to print books. These include: Low Upfront Costs: One of the biggest advantages of POD is the minimal financial investment required. Many POD platforms do not require a fee to upload the book’s files for printing, but will take a percentage of every sale. POD can be a great strategy for first-time authors, niche titles, and experimental projects. No Inventory Risk: With POD, there is no excess inventory to store and manage. Books are produced only when customers order them. Simplified Distribution: Some POD platforms integrate directly with major retailers such as Amazon, Barnes & Noble, and independent bookstores through distribution networks. This allows authors to make their books available worldwide without managing fulfillment themselves. Flexibility for Updates and Revisions: POD makes it easy to fix a typo or update interior content. Authors can upload the revised files (sometimes for a small fee), and future copies will be printed with the corrections. Long-Term Availability: Many traditionally published books eventually go out of print because maintaining inventory becomes unprofitable. POD allows books to remain available indefinitely with little ongoing costs. There are some drawbacks associated with using a print-on-demand provider or platform including: Higher Cost Per Book: While POD requires little upfront investment, the per-book printing cost is significantly higher than with offset printing. This means authors earn less profit on each sale. Limited Printing Options: Although POD quality has improved substantially over time, authors may encounter limitations in paper choices, trim sizes, specialty finishes, binding styles, and premium features like printed or sprayed edges. Slightly Lower Color Print Quality: Modern POD books are professional and acceptable for most readers and booksellers. However, offset printing still tends to offer superior color printing due to the premium paper offerings. File Preparation and Uploading: Platforms like Amazon KDP and IngramSpark do have a learning curve when it comes to properly preparing your interior and cover files for printing and uploading. It may be necessary to hire a book designer or cover designer to ensure your files meet all platform and industry requirements, or work with a company that can assist you with the process. Not Ideal for Larger Orders: Bookstores and wholesalers sometimes prefer offset-printed books because large quantities can be stocked and shipped immediately. POD books may also have lower wholesale discounts, making them less attractive. How Does Traditional Offset Printing Work? Also known as lithography, offset printing has been around since the 1400s when Johannes Gutenberg set up his first printing press. Rather than printing books one at a time, traditional offset printing uses metal plates that transfer ink onto paper. These large printing presses can produce hundreds, thousands, or even tens of thousands of books in a single run. Because significant setup is required, offset printing becomes cost-effective only when printing larger quantities, starting around 1,000 – 1,500 books, but the cost per book can decrease substantially as the print quantity increases . Offset printing is the preferred method for traditional publishing houses for front-list titles due to the volume of books they produce. The offset process typically includes: 1. The author or publisher providing the print-ready interior and cover files 2. Creating printing plates for each page 3. Setting up the press 4. Printing large sheets of paper 5. Folding, binding, and trimming the books 6. Shipping finished inventory to warehouses or distributors 7. Royalties are paid to the author by their publisher There are many benefits to using offset printing including: Lower Cost Per Book: Offset printing’s greatest advantage is economy of scale. The more copies printed, the lower the cost per book. Authors and publishers planning to sell thousands of copies often achieve much higher profit margins through offset printing . Superior Color Print Quality: Offset printing can deliver better color accuracy and richer images. This makes it particularly valuable for books containing a lot of photographs, artwork, or graphics. More Customization Options: Offset printers often provide a wider range of production choices including specialty paper stocks, embossing, foil stamping, unique trim sizes, premium bindings, and premium features. These options can help create a more distinctive and professional product. Better for Bulk Sales: Authors who sell books through speaking engagements, conferences, schools, organizations, or direct marketing campaigns may benefit from having inventory readily available at a lower per-book cost. There are some drawbacks to offset printing including: High Upfront Investment: Offset printing requires a significant financial commitment. Printers typically require a down payment (often 50%) to secure the order and cover the cost of raw materials and press setup, with the remaining balance due before shipment or upon delivery. This investment may be difficult to justify for new or untested projects. Inventory Storage Requirements: In addition to printing costs, there are costs associated with storing the books and fulfilling orders. This may include warehouse space, self-storage units, and fulfillment and distribution services. Risk of Unsold Books: One of the biggest risks of offset printing is overestimating demand. If sales fall short of expectations, publishers and authors may be left with hundreds or thousands of unsold copies. No Flexibility for Updates and Revisions: Once the books are printed, errors cannot easily be fixed . Any changes or updates require a whole new print run, creating additional expenses. For authors looking to print larger quantities of books, there are several offset printers that have strong reputations within the U.S. publishing industry. The best choice for your book will depend on your print quantity, book format, budget, and whether you need services such as warehousing, fulfillment, or distribution. Sheridan: One of the most respected book manufacturers in the publishing industry and works extensively with university presses, trade publishers, scholarly publishers, and independent presses. Lakeside: Widely regarded as the largest book producer in the United States. Manufactures hardcover and paperback books, and provides distribution, fulfillment, and publisher services. Many major trade publishers, educational publishers, and independent presses use Lakeside. King Printing Co.: Established in 1978, King focuses on quality book printing and production, offering both digital and offset printing. In addition, King provides warehousing, inventory management, and kitting services. PRC Book Printing: An offset book printing company with over 30 years of combined industry expertise, serving authors, publishers, and businesses nationwide. PRC specializes in delivering commercial-grade offset printing using industry-leading Heidelberg presses. Color House Graphics: A leading print provider for over three decades. Offers solutions and support for soft cover books, hard cover books, children’s books, or high-end coffee table books in both short digital runs and larger offset runs. Cushing Malloy: A family-owned print provider of short and medium runs with over 70 years of experience. A full-service book manufacturer, offering both offset and digital printing methods. Also specializes in bringing old, out-of-print books back to print. How to Determine the Best Printing Method for Your Book For independent and self-published authors , POD offers the easiest and most affordable path to publication. The low startup costs, global distribution, and lack of inventory risk make it an excellent option for first-time authors and niche titles. For those authors working with a supported or assisted self-publishing company that offers packages of services, the company will likely have printing partnerships and will work with you on your printing options. Offset printing becomes more attractive when authors have established demand, substantial preorders, speaking engagements, institutional sales, or a need for premium production quality. The lower per-book cost can significantly improve profitability when selling books in volume . Offset printing tends to make the most sense when you: • Have significant preorder volume • Sell books at speaking events or conferences • Sell directly through your website • Need premium hardcover production • Want special finishes or features • Want higher profit margins per copy • Are printing heavily illustrated titles such as picture books, graphics novels, or cookbooks Many authors will eventually use both methods to support their marketing and distribution efforts. They may rely on POD for online retail distribution while ordering offset print runs for events, direct sales, and special editions. For those authors pursuing a traditional publishing path , the publisher will manage the printing if you secure a book deal. Ultimately, it is up to you how your work gets published, printed, and distributed. POD prioritizes flexibility and minimal risk, while offset printing prioritizes scale, customization, and profitability. By understanding the strengths and limitations of each approach, you can choose the printing strategy that best aligns with your publishing goals and long-term authorship. Understanding how these printing methods work can help you make informed decisions about production costs, book pricing, inventory management, book features, and profitability. Photo credit: Christine_Kohler from Getty Images; Avalon_Studio from Getty Images; SeventyFour from Getty Images GO BACK TO THE MAIN BLOG PAGEarticlefictionNonfiction