2 methods to send out query letters to agents

After getting your query package (query letter, synopsis, beginning pages, etc.) together, it can be impossible to know how well it will do on the agent market. It's so subjective out there. And after getting a rejection, you usually cannot query that project again to that same agent unless it goes under intense revision. That … Continue reading 2 methods to send out query letters to agents

How the publishing industry has changed

The publishing industry has changed a lot—especially on the traditional side—throughout this pandemic. So, I'm going to break down some of the most impactful changes up to date. Please note that this post is about traditional publishing. So, when talking about editors, it’s in-house editors instead of freelance editors. Longer wait times to hear back … Continue reading How the publishing industry has changed

ARCs — What are they? And why do writers need them?

ARCs—advanced reader copies—are important in the publishing process for every writer. The one major thing to do before publishing a book is build hype. You want your readers to jump up and down with excitement for your upcoming book. Quite similar to how many people get excited every time Marvel releases a new trailer. And … Continue reading ARCs — What are they? And why do writers need them?

Best books of 2020

I'm going to be more consistent with these. Like last year, I'll give you the Goodreads blurbs of my favorite books that I read this year. (I did it differently in 2017 and 2018.) Boy Oh Boy by Zachary Doss — Boy Oh Boy is a collection of queer fabulist stories and flash fictions told … Continue reading Best books of 2020

How does a book become a book? — part three

If you missed the first two parts, here's part one and part two. #5 — Making the most of your marketing plans Look at where you can submit your book to win awards. (I suggest the Writer's Market book for this. They list many places you can to submit to. They also come out with … Continue reading How does a book become a book? — part three

Does editing make me a better writer?

People suggest writers to read more, but some also suggest editing. Does editing make writers better though? Besides helping with grammar mistakes though, how does editing improve a writer's skill? In a way, it helps me understand the publishing business more. When I was mainly a writer, I knew how the publishing industry worked, but … Continue reading Does editing make me a better writer?

How a doctor’s appointment helped me think about marketing

My phone buzzed. Reminder: your doctor’s appointment is scheduled for tomorrow, March 27th, at 2:00 p.m. I nodded along, half paying attention. I already had two different reminders from my wall calendars. I opened up another tab on Google Chrome when my laptop dinged. Doctor’s appointment is tomorrow. Thanks. My laptop ran slow though since … Continue reading How a doctor’s appointment helped me think about marketing

Tips for self-publishing

Self-publishing allows writers to publish anything they want. But marketing is harder. That said, here's some tips to help self-published books be more marketable: 1) Make sure your manuscript is perfect Hiring a professional editor is the best way to go. It can be a lot of money, but it's a huge turnoff to find … Continue reading Tips for self-publishing

Unknown but relatable writing

For a couple hundred years, being relatable has been the popular norm in writing. But popular themes have their price. Now, writing about popular culture can get your story hidden in a sea of thousands, millions. One relatable piece I’ve read recently is Mood Swings by Ajay Tulsiani. The main character, Safiya, tries to improve her … Continue reading Unknown but relatable writing