Books become books in different ways, but they usually take the same general path. But how does that work? Here's a general sense from a manuscript to a book in hand. #1 — Decide trade vs self-publishing If you want to go into trade publishing, your next step is to get a literary agent. Once … Continue reading How does a book become a book? — part one
Tag: professional
What writers submit queries and when?
Some writers have to their work completed and edited before submitting a query to an agent. But not all writers. Sound weird? There are two main genres that define how a writer publishes their work in the traditional route: non-fiction and fiction. Fiction queries are the kind of queries that everyone hears about. You finish … Continue reading What writers submit queries and when?
Writing a book is two jobs
A while back, Hank Green made a Vlogsbrothers video, talking about writing. He mentioned what Tommy Orange said when he saw him speak at the University of Montana. "At one point in the talk, he referred to himself as a kind of duality. There are times when he's a writer, and there are times when … Continue reading Writing a book is two jobs
Book review – This Splintered Silence
"I think most things begin to fracture without anyone realizing it’s even happening, a sort of splintered silence that gives way all at once under too much weight, and without warning." Title: This Splintered SilenceAuthor: Kayla OlsonGenre: Sci-fi, MysteryPages: 368 pagesPublication date: November 13, 2018Publisher: HarperTeen I knew I had to read The Splintered Silence since … Continue reading Book review – This Splintered Silence
11 editing tips from a professional
At the ACES conference, one session had many editing tips for editors and writers. Here are some: Check all quotations (to see if it is a verified source) Don't ignore your inner voice (when it says something's wrong) Omit needless words Favor active voice (because we need passive voice sometimes) Edit out loud Advice is … Continue reading 11 editing tips from a professional
Difference in success
At an English Major panel, I got advice for success in life-after-graduation. It was a cozy room, stuffed with English nerds. Afterward, I talked with a professional author. One of the first sentences she said was, "I don't agree with what she said during the panel." She pointed toward a CEO in the publishing field. … Continue reading Difference in success
Recommended books by professionals
During an English major panel I attended, professional writers and editors recommended different books. Those books were: Chicago Manuel of Style Elements of Style The War of Art These books are important to the writing field. I've used the Chicago Manuel of Style many times before. I enjoy the online edition the most because it's easier … Continue reading Recommended books by professionals
Common query mistakes
At my new internship, I got to see what was in the bottom drawer: rejected queries. For over an hour, I read query after query. The rejected queries all had repeated mistakes. Here's some of the most common ones: Misspellings One writer wrote aknolegments instead of acknowledgements. Spelling, especially in the writing career, is essential. … Continue reading Common query mistakes
Inspiring quotes
Every writer ends up searching the internet for some kind of inspiration at some point. We end up at places like Pinterest, scrolling through quote after quote. After a while, those quotes help. Here's some encouraging quotes I've found lately: "A professional writer is an amateur who didn't quit." — Richard Bach "If you don't … Continue reading Inspiring quotes
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
Robin LeeAnn 