Both authors and editors have the same question at some point in the book writing / publishing process: When is a book ready for editing? So When IS a Book Ready for Editing? The creative process is not timely and linear, which is why, as an editor, I don’t book edits before an author’s manuscript…

Here are tips for using the five senses in the setting of a book rather than relying solely on visual descriptions. How to Use the 5 Senses When Writing the Setting of a Book Authors often visualize their stories as if they were movies unreeling in front of them. This is unfortunate because it often…

For nonfiction authors pursuing traditional publication, they will need to know how to write a nonfiction book proposal. Basics of How to Write a Nonfiction Book Proposal This is like a business plan for a nonfiction book. It “sells” an agent or acquisitions editor on the book and convinces them to invest in it. It…

Here’s a quick overview of the publishing process for authors and editors to gain a better understanding of how traditional publishing works. Basic Information about How Traditional Publishing Works You’re an author who is interested in publishing the traditional route—getting an agent, landing a book deal, seeing the book on the shelf in the local…

Where I share the basics of how to write a novel synopsis and what exactly it is—plus a novel synopsis example for show-and-tell. What Is a Novel Synopsis? A novel synopsis is a description of the characters and storyline of an author’s manuscript. A brief synopsis runs two or three single-spaced pages, while a longer…

How to end a story is an important skill for writers to master. Tips for How to End a Story When authors fail to create successful story resolutions, it’s often because of one of three reasons. Resolution doesn’t reflect story goal The first is a resolution that does not reflect the protagonist’s efforts to reach…

A question I’m often asked by writers is if moving from nonfiction to fiction is even possible. As a story development editor, I have had a number of coaching clients over the years and almost all of them have been established nonfiction writers who are honing their fiction-writing skills. So, you can imagine their most…

One of the challenges writers often face without realizing they’re facing it is the challenge of trying to write a story without understanding your framework for writers to evaluate the success of that story. By this I mean, how do you know if you’re on the right track? How do you know if your work…

It’s a common suggestion for writers to be building and sharing a platform in query letters in order to build their own awareness and marketing foundation. Tips for Sharing a Platform in Query Letters From a writer: “I’m sending queries to agents regarding my memoir. I’ve noticed a lot of writers talking about the importance…