Brian Klems’ The Writer’s Dig

BY ZAC BISSONNETTE Tales spun with lots of suspense—but no sex or violence—are finding a wide audience of armchair detectives. If you’re considering venturing into cozy-mystery writing, here are four things you should know Read more

Mention the word outline in a room full of writers, and you’re sure to ignite a firestorm of passionate debate. Writers either love outlines, or they hate them. We either find them liberating, or we can’t stand how confining they are. Let’s take a look at how to get the most out of the outlining process, beginning with the shaping of your premise and working all the way through to a complete list of scenes. Read more

We’ve compiled a list of 10 people who are “must-follows” when it comes to getting the inside track on publishing news. We also have a bonus list at the bottom of all the Writer’s Digest editors who are online and constantly sharing great tips, advice and news on writing. If you’re looking for the best people to follow online, these lists are an excellent starting point. Read more

When it comes to a changing marketplace, knowledge is power. Here’s a look at how digital books are changing publishing as we know it—and what that means for you, your writing career, and the future of your work. Read more

Here’s a list of the five most crucial questions you should ask any agent before agreeing to join her client list. Read more

Follow these 9 simple steps for writing what you already know, and you could get your big break—and a paycheck to match—faster than you might think. Read more

Testimonies are a long-established method of spreading the word about our good words. Today more than ever, testimonies are a necessity for your “platform”—incorporation on the front and back covers of your book, in the first pages, and, of course, on your website. Gathering effective testimonies depends on several things. Here are six aspects to keep in mind. Read more

Award-winning author and friend of Writer’s Digest Jay Lake passed away after a long battle with cancer. Our very own WD Books Editor James Duncan pays tribute to Lake and his legacy here. Read more

BY AYA DE LEON Querying have you down? Know that you’re not alone. Follow these steps to help you get through the emotionally exciting (yet tough) process of querying agents. Read more

BY GRETCHEN CRARY As a book publicist, one of the very first questions I’m usually asked is, “Can you help make my book into a bestseller?” While there is no tried and true way, what I can tell you about are some of the secret tips that the big publishers use to give their books the best chance to hit those sought after lists. Read more

Q: I e-mailed a query to a magazine editor three weeks ago and haven’t heard from him. The writer’s guidelines state, “Don’t call us; we’ll call you if we want to use … Read more

BY KIP LANGELLO Here’s why you should be crafting your book with one specific reader in mind—and that reader isn’t who you think it is. Read more

Agent Barbara Poelle tackles reader questions giving thoughtful (and funny) answers. Read more