One of the most essential tools for marketing your book is a one-sheet (also known as a sell-sheet). It exemplifies professionalism and gives a potential publisher, agent, or member of the media a polished summary of what you and your book are all about...

The voracious television and cable television markets are the primary market today for novels and nonfiction books seeking adaptation to the screen. With the proliferation of channels in the past ten years, competition for stories is fierce but also...

Strong 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...

In today's challenging book market, you either are a power author brand or a commodity. Marketing your books without having an author brand is like building a house without a solid foundation. It's not enough anymore to write a great book. You need to...

Publishing a book is a very scary next step for any writer and his or her story. Whether you plan to pursue a traditional publishing path or self-publishing path, several things must take place before submitting to an agent, publisher, or self-publishing...

So you finished your book? That's great! But now comes the hard part. How can you self-edit so that it's in good enough shape for critical readers, agents, and publishers? How do you know if you need a professional editor? Bestselling author Derek...

What makes a book a “keeper”? Plot is key, writing is vital, but it’s the characters who really let a reader fall in love with your story. Multi-published author Allie Pleiter shares how to build characters that engage and enthrall your readers. Learn...

Readers love a series. Agents love series. Both indie authors and publishers know that a well-connected series can gain loyal fans and increase sales. Series also create opportunities for those “extras” that can serve as lead magnets, give-aways, fan...

There’s never been a better time to publish a book! Fifteen years ago, the only way to publish a book was through a literary agent and a traditional publishing house. It was a highly competitive market, saturated with thousands of query letters and...