Moira Allen wrote a wonderful book recently that included information on how to impress publishers, editors, and agents with your understanding of the book market. She said something I have seen in other writing blogs since then: sometimes it pays just...

When you assemble a press kit, try to anticipate the types of things that will be necessary in your particular event. Some of these items will vary depending on the type of event, but there are certain things that you should always provide. Always include...

For the travel writer, arriving at the destination is the easy part. Now, you’ve got to decide where your story begins. Is it at the airport? The downtown market? The place where you eat your first meal? Let’s consider four helpful tips for finding your...

One way to get the word out about your book is to send press releases to local news media. Press releases need to be written in Associated Press style, which you can find in the AP Style-Book. Authors do not, however, need a publicist to send out press...

There was a time when book clubs ruled the world and having your book selected by the Book of the Month Club or the Literary Guild made a huge difference. It was the sort of thing your publisher would feature prominently in ads for your book, and you...

Sometimes even the best writer needs a little help to get where he or she wants to be. Whether you’ve got the worst case of writer’s block or just feeling a little lost, a life coach can pull you out of that rut and set you on the path forward. In this...

Writing is a DIY activity because you do it...well, by yourself. However, there is value to locating a community that can support you through this largely isolated activity. Below are some steps for building a support community for yourself as a writer...

The days of the old pencil to paper technique for mind mapping to start a writing project is on its way out with the creation of websites such as www.bubbl.us and www.mind42.com. It doesn’t take much to get started with either one, and they work similar...

In the past couple of years, I’ve been involved in turning writers into filmmakers. As an author, one of the hardest things about trying to get a film made based on your work is that you really are going to producers hat-in-hand. You’re carrying around...

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...