My Best Posts From 2010
Here's the very best advice I offered here at NO RULES in 2010. This can serve as a handy guide, or share this link with writers who might be new to NO RULES. (What a good Christmas gift, right?)
Above: my cat Zelda. She approves of this list. Plus I don't think I posted one cat photo all year. I think there's a law that every blog needs to use at least one cat photo each year (if not each month).
Craft & Technique
The Biggest Bad Advice About Story Openings
Story Openings: What Constitutes Significant/Meaningful Action?
Your No. 1 Challenge If You're Writing a Memoir
Getting Published
How to Ensure 75% of Agents Will Request Your Material
The Ultimate Guide to Novel Queries
Your Self-Help Book Should Not Be a Thinly Disguised Memoir
7 Free-to-Enter National Writing Competitions That Impact Your Career
Marketing & Promotion
The Most Important Marketing Acronym: WIIFM
Why Don't Publishers Market & Promote the Books They Publish?
Blogs/Websites
Why Start a Website or Blog If You Have Nothing to Promote?
Social Media
Self-Publishing
The No. 1 Most Important Factor for Writers Considering the Self-Pub Option
The Best 101 on Self-Publishing + Resources
Self-Publishing and Online Publishing Will Not Ruin Your Chances at a Traditional Deal
The Writing Life
Your Excuses About Writing Are Vitally Important
The Secret to Writing & Publishing That Should Be Taped to Your Wall
Industry Trends
Best Resources for Successful Writers of the Future
–––
I also started a Back to Basics series in 2010. Click here to see all entries in the category. I cover 101 questions like how to get published, how to start blogging, what your rights are as a writer, and why you might be getting rejected.
Want more? Check out The Secrets to Publishing Success (Jane's 2009 Tough Love Guide)