Articles
Writing Mistakes Writers Make: Undermining Your Expertise in Self-Help Writing
The Writer's Digest team has witnessed many writing mistakes over the years, so we started this series to help identify them for other writers (along with correction strategies). This week's writing mistake is undermining your expertise in self-help writing.
Writing Mistakes Writers Make: Not Identifying Your Reader in Self-Help Writing
The Writer's Digest team has witnessed many writing mistakes over the years, so we started this series to help identify them for other writers (along with correction strategies). This week's writing mistake is not identifying your reader in self-help writing.
Writing Mistakes Writers Make: Lack of Examples in Self-Help Writing
The Writer's Digest team has witnessed many writing mistakes over the years, so we started this series to help identify them for other writers (along with correction strategies). This week's writing mistake is a lack of examples in self-help writing.
How to Make the Most of a Virtual Writing Workshop or Conference
In this brave new world of virtual learning and social distance, Kristy Stevenson helps us make the most of the virtual conference.
Funny You Should Ask: What Is Going to Be the Next Big Trend in Fiction?
Funny You Should Ask is a humorous and handy column by literary agent Barbara Poelle. In this edition, she discusses the next big fiction trend, and whether or not all books are the same.
The Benefits of Writing Book Reviews
A book review is more than sharing an opinion—it's a conversation between readers. Sam Risak shares the benefits of writing books reviews, as well as best practices for getting started.
How to Write a Nonfiction Book Outline
You have an idea for a nonfiction book. Now what? Author Rick Lauber shares how outlining before writing can help you decide what to put on the page—and what to save for later.
4 Keys for How to Interview in the Age of Zoom
Now that anyone can be reached remotely, you might find yourself anxious about how to best conduct a videoconference interview. Here, author and host of "The Story King Podcast" Giancarlo Ghedini has some tips to guide you.
Take Two: 3 Mistakes Writers Make in Act I
Without a solid foundation, our stories flounder. Jeanne Veillette Bowerman shares insights into the three mistakes writers make when creating the first act.
6 Tools for Writing Nonfiction That Breathes
Nonfiction author Liz Heinecke gives her top 6 tips for crafting a nonfiction book that will really capture your subject.
For the Travel and Nature Writer: Keeping Your Mind Sharp and Words Insightful
Dr. Caitlin O'Connell shares some insight for travel and nature writers, including how travel helps keep your mind sharp and words insightful, whether you're writing fiction, nonfiction, sports, politics, or something else entirely.
Vintage WD: The Truth about True Crime
In this article from July 2000, true crime novelist and former New York Times correspondent Lisa Beth Pulitzer shares with us some key insights for breaking into the true crime genre.
Using Literary Techniques in Narrative Journalism
In this article, author Dustin Grinnell examines Jon Franklin’s award-winning article Mrs. Kelly’s Monster to help writers master the use of literary techniques in narrative journalism.
7 Tips for Effectively Engaging a Virtual Audience
Author, speaker, and executive coach Dima Ghawi teaches the basics of delivering a dynamic presentation that keeps your audience tuned in and wanting more.
6 Tips for Creating and Editing an Anthology That Readers Love
Editor Jennifer Haupt delivers the top tools for creating a cohesive and engaging anthology that writers will be excited to be a part of and readers will fall in love with.
8 Freelancing Writing Tips for Regional Publications
In this article from our April 2020 issue, Kristy Stevenson offers 8 tips for building your freelance writing portfolio by getting local and regional gigs.
Mastering High Concept Ideas
If you want to grab the attention of agents and even Hollywood, finding high concept ideas for your books is the way to do it.
The Art of Spin-Offs: Freelance Article Ideas
Cultivating multiple article ideas from the same topic can help freelance writers collect more bylines says freelance writer Dinsa Sachan.
How to Write a Five-Paragraph Essay That Works
In this post, we discuss how to write a five-paragraph essay that works, regardless of subject or topic, with a simple—but effective—plan for completing a successful essay.
Expert Express: How to Find and Leverage Experts When Writing Articles
Quotes from voices of authority can lend credibility and depth when writing articles. Learn how enhance your freelance writing by incorporating expert input.
How to Write Better Titles: 7 Effective Title Tips for Books, Articles, and Conference Sessions
Learn how to write better titles for books, articles, conference sessions, and more with these seven title tips from Senior Editor Robert Lee Brewer.
Bob Woodward Gets to the Bottom of Things: Timeless Investigative Journalism Techniques (from Writer's Digest 1996)
Given the buzz surrounding the explosive book Fear: Trump in the White House by Bob Woodward, we dug out a surprisingly timeless article from the August 1996 issue of Writer's Digest about Mr. Woodward's investigative journalism techniques.
5 Tips for Writing a Self-Help Book Backed by Strong Research
When you're writing a self-help book, make sure to do your research. Here are five tips to help ensure that your nonfiction work holds up against a critical eye.