Search - Author Learning Center

Character Traits that Compel - podcast

Jeff Silberman

Whether you are writing narrative nonfiction or a novel, you must learn how to make characters compelling. Jeff Silberman, literary agent, discusses the importance of developing strong characters in order to make your book successful. He advises writers...
- over 8 years ago
- Fiction
- Character Development
William Heath on Writing William Wells and the Struggle for the Old Northwest - podcast

William Heath

Following a recommendation from his agent, author William Heath used all of his research from his novel, Blacksnake's Path: The True Adventures of William Wells, to write the straight, full history in a second novel. Using education, training, and...
- over 8 years ago
- Nonfiction
- Elements
The Process of Editing Your Work - podcast

Wayne Hoffman

When you are finished writing a manuscript, you are not done yet. There are many steps involved in the process of editing a book. When it's done right, it will make your book better without taking away your writing voice and intent. Wayne Hoffman,...
- over 8 years ago
- Basic Editing
- Proofreading
What is the proper font, spacing, and overall format to use when submitting a book manuscript to an agent or publisher?

Author Learning Center

Question: What is the proper font, spacing, and overall format to use when submitting a book manuscript to an agent or publisher? Answer: Formatting may not be something you think about as you draft your book manuscript, and that’s okay. Some authors...
- 10 months ago
- Author Learning Center
- Ask Keith
The First 3 Chapters: How to Start Your Book so that Agents and Editors will Read to the End

Derek Taylor Kent

The first three chapters are the most important part of your book for those who are looking to get published. Agents and editors usually request either the first chapter or the first three chapters and then determine if they want to read the complete...
- over 4 years ago
- Managing Your Writing Life
- Education and Craft
The Elements of a Book Proposal - article

Charlotte Gusay

Each proposal is different, just as each book is different, but there are certain elements that every book proposal should contain. These include an overview, an annotated table of contents (of the book—you should also include a table of contents of...
- over 8 years ago
- Traditional Publishing
- Book Proposals
5 Tips for Editing your Manuscript before Submission or Publication - article

Author Learning Center

The publishing path you choose will determine the degree of “perfect” your manuscript should be in before submission. A fiction manuscript must be complete before you query agents or publishers, but there will be some final editing done by the publisher...
- over 8 years ago
- Basic Editing
- Proofreading
Word Count by Genre: How Long Should a Book Be?

Author Learning Center

As a new author, breaking into publishing can be challenging. There are so many rules to learn and tips to follow. Meanwhile, you just want to tell your story, help others, express yourself, and achieve your dream. One industry standard to consider is...
- over 6 years ago
- Managing Your Writing Life
- Goal Setting and Process
How to Recognize a Publishing Scam and Avoid It - article

Keith Ogorek

Over the past few years, there have been an alarming number of misrepresentations and scams frequently targeting self-published authors. Bad actors are touting false and misleading claims and even going so far as impersonating publishing companies. Some...
- over 4 years ago
- Preparation
- Choosing a Path
Tips for Writing a Good Query Letter - article

BJ Robbins

As an agent, I receive a lot of query letters, and the simple truth is that most of them are awful. I feel bad for the writers, because their work may be very good, but I’ll never know because I’ve deleted their cover letters. When you sit down to...
- over 8 years ago
- Traditional Publishing
- Agents