Author and writing teacher Valerie Willis strongly believes that all writers should consider hiring a professional book editor, especially when pursuing a self-publishing path. Good editors will not only catch common grammar and proofreading mistakes...

Character creation is one of the most difficult aspects of writing fiction. The author wants characters that fits the plot of the book, but are also real and with whom the reader can relate. We are all inspired by people we know or have known in our...

Dialogue can be a tricky problem for many writers. The way we talk and the way we think doesn't always look right on the page. New writers often struggle creating dialogue that doesn't sound stilted, forced, or just plain weird. Good writing strikes...

For new authors, the thought of book royalties can be both exhilarating and utterly confusing. You want to know exactly how much you'll earn for all of your hard work, but new terminology and perplexing math may cloud your view of payday. Plus, you need...

Subsidiary rights cover every form of the book that is not the physical book itself. When you make a deal with the publisher to publish your book, you give them the right to print, manufacture, and distribute the physical book. Every other form of the...

Many people dream of one day publishing a book, but few actually know the steps it takes to get there. With so many paths, options, and decisions, publishing a book can be elusive and daunting. It’s easy to get lost or waste time and money if you don...

Creative nonfiction is a popular genre that encompasses many kinds of books, including bestsellers such as Wild by Cheryl Strayed, The Immortal Life of Henrietta Lacks by Rebecca Skloot, and The Devil in the White City by Erik Larson. To get started...