Freelance editors must be able to gauge the amount of editing needed when writing a contract and setting a fee for editing. In this interview, editing director Sheryl Stebbins shares tips for freelance editor contracts, including fee considerations...

We all have the same goal as fiction writers: to transport our readers inside the pages so that they feel like a part of the story. Characters are an extremely important part of making that happen. And characters don’t just transport the readers—they...

Novels follow rhythms. Some are slow and sensual. Others are rip-roaring reads. This underlying rhythm within the novel is called pacing. Chapters, scenes, paragraphs, sentences and word choices all affect pacing. These choices determine how fast a book...

Many novice writers think they don’t need to worry about submitting their manuscripts to agents and publishers until they are done. This is not true. In fact, the earlier you know what distinguishes a publishable manuscript, the better. In this session...

This webinar with freelance publicist and communications professional Lindsey Gobel reviews what an author can expect from working with a literary publicist, as well as detailed examples of what is involved in a publicity campaign. Gobel talks about...

You've identified your target audience. Good for you! This group of readers is most likely to buy your book. Now it's time to think outside the box by choosing your secondary audience. This group of readers will likely buy your book. They will have different...

As an Indie author, I walk away from New York City and the largest book industry trade show in North America feeling pretty good. The mood was positive, and there was plenty of room for both independently and traditionally published authors. Of course...

Dialogue is a critical component to a great book: it drives action; it reveals character; and it relays facts and information. Writing realistic, compelling dialogue takes skill and practice—and so does punctuating it correctly. Dialogue has its own...

The professional speaking industry allows you to show off your expertise on a subject and be paid to share what you know. Presenting to a live audience, in a video or while being interviewed, provides opportunities to market you, your books, and even...