If you’re writing a book that could make a great movie or television show, it’s important to know what Hollywood is looking for before you publish. Dan Watanabe, Entertainment Expert and Media Arts Instructor, explains how to begin a story so that...

It took Gwendolyn Rogers two and half years to reach her dream of owning her own storybook restaurant and bakery. During this time, she was told "no" by many people, with many others questioning her vision. Now a destination for celebrations and special...

Whether a plotter or pantser , all fiction authors walk into a story with some kind of idea or plan. They have some insight into the story they want to tell or explore, including central characters, setting, or conflict. These elements and planning...

If you're waiting until you've finished your book to begin your marketing plan and activities for your book launch, you're starting too late! While you ARE busy writing your book, it's not too early to begin creating buzz and excitement for your book...

Join book marketing expert Keri-Rae Barnum of New Shelves Books as she explores one of Amazon’s greatest resources for authors – Author Central. Authors will learn how to claim their profile, use special features to optimize their Amazon book listing...

Finding a literary agent can be one of the most difficult steps for writers that want to be traditionally published. Agents receive thousands of query letters and don't have time to thoroughly review all submissions. One way to increase your chances...

A great review provides social proof for your book and can help turn book browsers into buyers. But authors know that building up reviews for your book can be much harder than it sounds. What can you do once you’ve exhausted your list of family and friends...

What does it take to finish a manuscript and become an author? Getting started as a writer is an intimidating prospect that involves a lot of knowledge, practice, and determination. With so much that you don’t know, and so much to learn, the path can...

Not all books are written for the same purpose. Even something as basic as a book’s genre can radically change an author’s career and approach to writing, marketing, and publishing. Sam Staley (SR Staley), award-winning author, film critic, and educator...

Inspired and influenced by her own family's history, author and TV personality Rolonda Watts placed the setting for her debut novel Destiny Lingers in Topsail Island, North Carolina. As one of the first black families to establish a community on Topsail...