There are many paths to success for authors beyond submitting your writing to publishers. Contests open the door to both publication and financial awards. Grants and fellowships provide financial support for your work, and residencies offer time to concentrate...

You are a writer and an artist in your own right. But most writers don’t know much about illustrating a book. Moreover, you might have no idea where to begin looking when you try to find an artist for your piece. Here are some tips for your search. ...

Your life is a rich mine of material for your creative works. You will find no greater resource. Here are 4 tips to show you how to leverage personal experiences for writing fiction. Tip #1 No need for the truth. Many writers are caged in by the...

Do you have what it takes to be a travel writer who writes more than articles about attractions in your local area for out of town newspapers and periodicals? If you think you may, here are some questions to ask yourself before boarding that steamer...

A Chinese proverb states, "The journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step." The journey of book marketing can be seen in the same light. Instead of starting with huge goals, it may be better for your book–and you–to take baby steps in the...

Public relations is difficult to understand. It can't be bought, it can't be controlled, and it is never guaranteed, but there's simply no better way to gain credibility and momentum for your book. First and foremost, you must understand that PR is...

Marketing a book is like marketing a business. Creating a marketing plan is the first step. If you haven’t done so yet, read the article “Your Book is a Business Plan, so Market it Like One”, here on the Author Learning Center. Then, read the tips below...

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...

There’s a book quoted in The Secret called The Master Key System . It’s by Charles Haanell, and it was written over a hundred years ago. Haanell describes the law of attraction as the law of love. The idea is that positive energy draws positive energy...

As a new author, there are many unknowns, and how to get your book into brick-and-mortar stores for traditional retail is one of the big ones. It seems easy enough, right? You have a great cover. Your book has a great message that everyone needs to hear...