A Better Way to Write Diverse Characters

by Lewis / July 28, 2020 / Character Development

Ignoring diversity is no longer an option for authors…

Let’s face it—the world is diverse, and readers want to see that diversity reflected in the stories they read. And that’s a good thing! Not only does it push us to tell unique stories with varied casts of characters, but it also means more people will get to see their own experiences genuinely reflected in their favorite novels.

Of course, that’s not to say writing diverse characters is always easy, and many well-meaning authors have done more harm than good in the past. Add to that the current Black Lives Matter movement, and hopefully writers are thinking hard about how they write characters that don’t look like them. There is a way to do it well—but it requires learning to listen first.

The 5 Benefits of Writing and Publishing a Serial

by Brittany Wang / July 14, 2020 / Guest Posts, Other

Would you like to write and publish your novel ASAP?

Whether you’re struggling to finally reach the end of your first draft, are overwhelmed with how to revise, or are just completely intimidated by the publishing process—have you considered writing a Serial? What is a Serial, you ask?

Most simply, a Serial is like a TV Show, but in book form. It’s a series of shorter stories that follow a continual storyline and are fast-released to the public over a few weeks or months. In effect, your serial can become easily “bingeable” content, establishing you as a published author multiple times over, helping you to grow your readership and keep them engaged.

5 Ways to Promote Your Novel Before It’s Published

by Bonnie Baguley / June 30, 2020 / Guest Posts, Publishing

When is the best time to promote your novel?

The short answer is—now. Most book marketing experts recommend you begin marketing at least six months before your novel’s release, preferably even more. Promoting your book prior to publishing it can help generate anticipation and drive pre-order sales, which are all vital to a successful launch.

Fortunately, a solid pre-launch marketing strategy takes the pressure off your launch date by priming your readers in advance. But how can you market a book that isn’t ready to be read? Well, here are five easy ways you can generate buzz for your novel before it’s published!

What You Need to Know Before Working With an Editor

by Hannah Bauman / June 16, 2020 / Editing, Guest Posts

Working with an editor can be a mystifying experience.

That’s why this week we have a guest post on the blog, courtesy of Hannah Bauman from Between the Lines Editorial! Hannah is a professional editor herself, so she knows a thing or two about the professional editing process.

It’s hard to know what goes on behind the scenes and guess what your own experience may be when hiring an editor—but don’t worry. While working with an editor can be nerve-wracking the first time around, it’s actually a simple, fuss-free process with most editors.

How to Find 20 Minutes Every Day to Write

by Cole Smith / June 9, 2020 / Guest Posts, Inspiration

If you had more time to write, how would you spend it?

That article you’ve been meaning to submit? A short story collection? Maybe you’d finish the novel that’s tugged at your heart for years. Think how good it would feel for that weight to dissipate! So, let me share a few easy ways you can find 20 more minutes each day to write.

In fact, these tips will free up way more than 20 minutes, but I know you—you’re not going to use all that fresh new time to write. And honestly, maybe you should put your feet up a little and let your imagination run, or take your dog for a long walk. Both are good things for the writer’s mind!