D. B. Jackson is the award-winning author of three novels: They Rode Good Horses, Unbroke Horses, and Small Moving Parts, as well as several short stories. His screenplays include the television series adaptation of They Rode Good Horses, the feature...

When it comes to editing your own writing, many first-time writers think it will be a walk in the park. It’s your own writing after all, why would it be difficult? Turns out, revising your own words can be much more difficult than editing someone else...

“Showing, not telling” is a writing cliché for a reason. Telling a reader exactly what’s happening creates a different experience than if a character hears, sees, touches, smells, and feels what’s happening around them. Showing a world in this way...

Authors need to wear multiple hats when marketing their books. In addition to writing, an author must serve as his own graphic designer, web developer, event planner and publicist. Each role plays a key part in creating a complete book marketing plan...

Authors need to connect with fans to expand the marketing scope of their books. One avenue is to participate in forums, online groups, and blogs to spread the word. These avenues can be used to create relationships with readers and fans… which is the...

What's the right length for your book? The answer is simple. There is no "right" length. You must research the marketplace. There are clear trends within it that will help you decide what works for your book. To get a basic sense of what works in terms...

The cost of hiring a professional freelance editor will depend largely on the amount and type of editing needed. It might seem like a substantial investment, but it's important to keep in mind that you are paying for a professional's expertise and...

Every great protagonist needs an equally great antagonist to struggle against. Without this conflict or opposition, a story will be dull, uninteresting, and unfocused. But, what is an antagonist? Must it always be a villain or have bad intentions? Can...

Book promotion can feel like a sprint, but it’s really a marathon. Those who start too fast burn out too early. That first round of appearances and reviews, while critical, is just the beginning. Long-term success – real staying power – requires vigilance...