So You Want to Write? Blog

Read This Before You Sign a Publishing Deal

So you finally got a contract. What does it mean? It was given to you by industry professionals. A thousand other writers have signed this same contract, so it must be safe, right. Wrong.

Contracts Fiction Literary Agent Nonfiction Publishing Tips

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The Top 10 Tips For Dealing With Criticism Like A Pro

Red pens are the stuff of nightmares. But receiving constructive criticism in a healthy way is as important to a writer’s career as, well, knowing how to write.

Editing Fiction Motivation Nonfiction Tips

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The Top 10 Tips For Writing Great Short Stories

Not every writer has the passion and time to write a novel. Or maybe you do write novels but want to try something different. If so, writing short stories might be for you.

Character Checklist Fiction Short Stories Tips

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The Ultimate Guide To Writing YA Fiction [2020]

This is a comprehensive guide to writing young adult (YA) fiction, designed to help you form your thoughts into a shape that will hook your readers and keep them flipping the page!

Character Fiction Guide Mackenzie Belcastro Publishing Tips YA Young Adult

2 Ways To Improve Your Non-Fiction Articles Immediately

Hearing internet crickets days after publishing an article you thought would engage your readers hurts deeply. Here's how to boost your engagement.

Nonfiction Tips

How to Query 101

I doubt anything induces anxiety for writers more than querying. Let’s face it, writing and editing are much more rewarding...

Author Publishing Query Letter Tips

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5 Self-Editing Mistakes to Avoid At All Costs

You’ve finally written the last page of your book. The murderer’s revealed, the lovers united, etc.—time to crack open the bubbly, right? Not quite.

Editing Publishing Tips

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The 4 Stages of Editing a Book [Explained!]

Nothing sobers up a writer quite like realizing that the brilliant prose you birthed the night before is in desperate need of polishing by the morning.

Jessica De Bruyn Manuscript Professional Editing Publishing Tips