Last week I had to complete the back cover copy for my upcoming book, Carried by Grace. The very next day I had two friends ask me about back cover copy. So I thought I would address that topic today. [Read more…] about How to Write Back Cover Copy that Sells
Writing Skills
How to Create a Manuscript Template
When you open MS Word, you probably just start typing without giving much thought to the settings of that document. But those settings may not be the ideal for a novel manuscript. For example, all manuscripts should be double spaced, but Word’s default document is single spaced.
Therefore learning about styles and templates will allow [Read more…] about How to Create a Manuscript Template
Who’s Telling Your Story?
Should I write my novel in first person or third (or get totally wild and use second person)?
Am I limited to a single character, or can I use multiple point of view (POV) characters?
Who should my novel’s POV character be?
You want to write a story readers can’t put down, but how do you decide what point of view is the best for your particular story? In fact, how can you even begin to write without having decided this basic element of your story?
There are so many choices. How do you decide what’s best so you can increase your chances of writing a best-selling novel? [Read more…] about Who’s Telling Your Story?
8 Literary Agents Accepting Submissions
You want to sell your manuscript, right?
But the time and energy required for your publisher search can be exhausting. And you’d really rather spend that time and energy toward your next writing project.
What’s even more frustrating is [Read more…] about 8 Literary Agents Accepting Submissions
The Making of a Book Series: an Interview with Author RJ Thesman
I’m delighted to have RJ Thesman with me today for this month’s Friday Feature author interview. RJ’s publishing credits include 500+ articles, four books, and 13 anthologies. And like me, she’s a writing coach. Grab your brew of choice and sit back for a great read. RJ imparts some terrific tips for writers to add to their publishing toolbox. [Read more…] about The Making of a Book Series: an Interview with Author RJ Thesman
Going Crazy with How to Grab Your Reader’s Attention?
You are a writer.
You’re working to
- Sell your articles or book manuscript
- Build a blog following (if you’re a blogger), and
- Build your platform.
That means you spend a portion of your time [Read more…] about Going Crazy with How to Grab Your Reader’s Attention?
How to Ensure Your Characters and Plot Don’t Flat Line
Is it possible to sell a story that is high on action and adventure, but has flat characters? Yes, though it isn’t easy.
What about a story that is flat on plot, but rich with three-dimensional characters? If your plot is flat, your reader (and that agent or publisher) has no reason to turn the pages. (Look out trash can.)
Your story stands a much better chance of being published if both the plot and characters are well developed. (Tweet this.)
I’m a writer whose strength is in [Read more…] about How to Ensure Your Characters and Plot Don’t Flat Line
How to Use the Ellipsis and the Em Dash
Punctuation is an aspect of English with which many writers struggle. But we must face the reality: incorrect punctuation raises a red flag for editors and makes them more inclined to toss your submission into the trash.
I’m not talking about a missing comma here and there, but flagrant incorrect punctuation. As much as some might hate it, correct punctuation is critically important to your submission.
So today, let’s take a look at the ellipsis and the em dash—two punctuation marks that get misused and often over used.