There Are No Rules Blog by the Editors of Writer’s Digest
Get on the cutting edge of today’s publishing trends and how authors can succeed in a world of fast-paced technological change, guided by the editors of Writer’s Digest. You’ll get an inside look at the work, play, and passion of the publishing business and find practical tools for success.
Beginning today and running until 11:59 p.m. (Atlanta, Georgia time) on October 15, 2018, I’ll be accepting pitches for articles in the 2020 Writer’s Market and Guide to Literary Agents. I’ll start making assignments sometime that next week. What I Like So, what do I prefer? The best way to figure...
Pitching high concept fiction can be the key to skyrocketing to the top of agents' slush piles, according to Angie Hodapp of Nelson Literary Agency. But what is (and isn't) high concept, and how do you go about framing your story as high concept?
Literature comforts in a way clinical definitions and diagnoses cannot. It can help people recognize the symptoms of mental illness in themselves long before the predator of suicide pounces. Kristen Davis Schwandes explains why it is vitally important for writers to accurately portray the thought processes involved in mental illness.
Writing requires three layers of mastery: Mastery of stories, craft and emotion. But which one of these three is the most important? William Kenower weighs in.
Wondering how to sell an essay? Writing a cover letter that's short and perfect to introduce your pages will sell a piece faster than submitting an excellent article or essay with an uninspired note.
All freelance writers have to start somewhere, and I’ve collected 5 excellent freelance writing tips here from previous guests of the Writer’s Market podcast. Five freelancers who’ve spent part or all of their time freelancing share some of their wisdom below. 5 Freelance Writing Tips 1. Ask Yourself the Right Questions...
Amy Collins of New Shelves Books shares insider secrets about book sales and marketing tips for indie authors and small publishers, as well as small and indie publishing trends.
Dealing with rejection doesn't have to be a discouraging experience. Here, P.S. Hoffman offers five ways to fail smarter and set yourself up for success, even after you've been rejected by a publisher or an agent.
Memoir structure is as crucial as structure in fiction and no good memoir will be able to stand tall without it. Several ingredients can be used to create a structure that works for your book.
In his book 'Superhero Ethics,' Travis Smith blended his knowledge of political philosophy with superhero mythos. By outlining his writing process and what he learned, he demonstrates how combining pop culture topics with academic disciplines can make for fun and accessible nonfiction books.
Our upcoming virtual conference includes 7 live sessions by bestselling authors, a live Q&A with each presenter, plus a chance to pitch to a literary agent.
Well-timed coincidences can catapult a story forward, but a poorly planned one can bring your readers to a dead stop. Use these 7 strategies to harness the power of this storytelling tool while steering clear of common missteps.
Zetta Elliott discusses addressing complex topics in children's fiction, starting her own imprint, Rosetta Press, and what she'll address in her upcoming keynote at indieLAB.
The horror tropes you often see in movies can be fun, but they can also be totally ludicrous. If you're looking to add a comedic edge to your horror fiction, try bending these common tropes.
Smart ebook marketing works like a magnet to bridge the gap between readers’ unmet desires and your book’s ability to satisfy those desires. Here are seven proven ebook marketing strategies you can implement immediately, at no cost.
What if, in relying so much on social media platforms not only to maintain relationships but to promote our work, we’ve become impatient during the genesis of it?
There are two types of authors: “author-authors” and author-entrepreneurs. The main difference is that the author-entrepreneur owns a business that their book is tied to and they make a living off of their business, which is partially fed by their book. Here's why that matters.
As with so many things in the publishing world, the best approach to self-publishing depends on your goals and available resources. Here are key considerations authors must make when deciding on the right self-publishing path for them.
If you're an author, aspiring novelist, freelance writer or small publisher who wants to expand your readership, improve your business prospects and earn more from your writing, join us this September at indieLAB, an all-new event from Writer's Digest.
When launching a book, your job is to find readers, engage with readers, write good books, and sell the heck out of said book(s). Here are a few rules from the business world that will make the investment of time and energy worth your while.
Books to Movies: Barri Evins reveals how to harness the power of theme to entice publishers, captivate readers, and attract the film and television industry.
In case you didn't make it to the 2018 Writer's Digest Annual Conference, or you didn't manage to catch a session you were dying to attend, we've selected 100 of the greatest writing and publishing tips from the speakers who graced us with their knowledge and experiences.
