The Best Agent Advice from the 2017 Writer’s Digest Annual Conference
Couldn’t make it to the 2017 Writer’s Digest Annual Conference in New York City this past weekend? Don’t worry, we’ve got you covered, with some of the best tips on queries, pitching, and general agent advice below. Also, be sure to check out #WDC17 on Twitter for more great writing tips...
From Writing Books to TV Shows – Making the Adjustment
I had written three books by the time I entered a TV writers’ room. I thought of myself as a seasoned writer who was, essentially, starting over. It was a new medium with new rules and I was ready to start at the basics. Turns out the basics aren’t that hard. I easily...
10 Rules of Writing a Novel
Here are a few things I learned along the way to writing a novel between stints as a copywriter.
How to Write the Perfect Query Letter
A literary agent shares a real-life novel pitch that ultimately led to a book deal—and shows you how to query your own work with success.
Freelance Writing Workshop: 5 Attributes of Highly Effective Freelancers
Writing is a religion unto itself, guided by passionate beliefs (have you ever witnessed a pantsers vs. plotters argument?) and sacred texts (The Elements of Style, On Writing). And like any organized religion, it can be broken down into subgroups. This is the first in a series of freelance writing-related posts...
Does a High School Protagonist Mean Your Book is Young Adult?
It was only after contacting agents that I realized that by making my historical novel's lead a high schooler I had created a problem. Here's what I learned.
Dealing With Doubt Planters
How often do we allow others to get into our heads, and cause us to question our abilities? Here's how to handle that and push forward with your writing.
The New Way to Write Your Life Story: The 10 Themes of Legacy Writing
If you have ever written a high school term essay, you can write your life story. Here are the 10 core legacy themes to help you accomplish it.
How Being a Journalist Can Help You Write a Novel
Whenever I pitched my book to an agent, I was always quick to point out I’d been a reporter for almost two decades. They’d have to take me somewhat seriously because everyone knows journalists can write. Right? If only that were true.
9 Ways to Stop Your Novel from Stalling
Take an honest look at the real reasons our stories can stall—and discover 9 simple strategies to help you make it to “The End.”
When Should You Send Holiday-Themed Queries?
Magazines are always looking for holiday-themed articles. But if you pitch your idea too late, you won't get it published. Here's what you need to know when querying magazine editors your holiday-themed articles.
What Makes NaNoWriMo Work
When discipline and caffeine aren’t enough to fuel you to the finish line, the writing community might just carry you the rest of the way. Before you decide to run a write-a-thon alone, read this.
Your NaNoWriMo Survival Guide: Before, During & After
Writing a novel in 30 days can be quite a challenging task, physically, mentally and emotionally. Go into it prepared with this quick-and-easy guide.
NaNoWriMo Advice: 30 Tips for Writing a Book in 30 Days
Want to knock out a first draft in 30 days? Here are 30 tips to help you have a successful month of writing and accomplish your goal of writing a book.
5 Steps To Writing in Your Second Language
Here are a few tips for writing in your second, or third, or fourth language.
3 Ways to Avoid Dumbing Down When Writing Middle Grade
Here are three ways to avoid dumbing down our stories, our messages, our language when writing for middle grade audiences.
9 Ways to Get the Most Out of Your Writing Residency
Regardless of your type of residency, it is important to use your time wisely. Here are 9 things to keep in mind.
The Dystopian Universe of a Pitch Slam
Sometimes one has to step out of their writer’s ten-by-twelve square bubble to find life’s answers.
7 Fatal Flaws That Told Me My Novel Wasn’t Ready to Pitch
Here are 7 important elements that you need to address (and fix) in your novel before sending out to literary agents and publishers.
The Evolving Literary Agent: What Savvy Writers Need to Know
Progressive literary agencies are redefining the traditional role of the agent—and finding new ways to support authors in the digital era. Here’s what savvy writers—beginning and experienced alike—should know.
Want to Be a Writer? It’s Time to Act Like a Writer
I realized I wasn’t taking my writing like a job. When I finally turned that corner, my career took a big leap. Here's how you can do the same.
Writing Novels – 8 Things You Need to Know (From a Former Journalist)
I’ve been a journalist for a long time. Now I write mystery novels about a fictional journalist. My old friends from the newsroom say to me: “Wow, you’ve got it easy these days. All you have to do at your job is make stuff up." Well, yes and no. Here are...
Write Better: The 7 Qualities of High-Concept Stories
Stumped by submission guidelines calling for “high-concept” romance, suspense, young adult or other popular fiction? These 7 qualifiers will help you gauge how (and where) your work fits in.
6 Secrets to Creating and Sustaining Suspense
No matter what you write, keep your readers captivated with these no-fail techniques.