Debut Author Lessons

There are so many business- and marketing-related things to learn as a debut author.

http://maryrobinettekowal.com/series/debut-author/

Submissions

There are no hidden secrets to the submission process--editors and agents are clear about what they want and how they want it.

http://scotteagan.blogspot.com/2016/05/there-are-no-hidden-secrets-with.html

Leaving Your Agent

If it's time to divorce your agent, these statistics will show you that you're not alone.

http://project-middle-grade-mayhem.blogspot.com/2016/01/on-parting-ways-with-literary-agents-by.html?m=1

Turn the Page

Write your picture book so that the reader won't be able to resist turning the page to see what happens next.

http://groggorg.blogspot.com/2016/04/turn-that-picture-book-page-by-patricia.html

Common Writing Errors

We all make these errors occasionally, but it's worth trying to avoid them.

http://groggorg.blogspot.com/2016/04/turn-that-picture-book-page-by-patricia.html

Successful Book Signings

In order to have a successful book signing, you first have to get people to show up.

https://litreactor.com/columns/eleven-tips-for-a-successful-book-signing

Co-Writing

Here are some things to consider if you're thinking about writing with someone else.

http://www.pktyler.com/how-to-write-with-a-co-writer-writing-partner-pitfalls-and-successes/

Self-Editing

There are a few simple things you can look for correct when you're revising your manuscript.

https://warriorwriters.wordpress.com/2016/05/16/six-ways-to-self-edit-polish-your-prose/

Submit to Editors First?

If you're planning to query agents, should you be also be submitting to editors?

http://sally-apokedak.com/2015/03/31/should-i-sub-to-editors-first/

After the Offer

Here's a checklist of things to consider before you accept an offer.

http://jetreidliterary.blogspot.com/2016/05/between-offer-and-acceptance-checklist.html

Acknowledgements

We all want to thank the people who have helped us with our book, but make sure they want to be publicly acknowledged.

http://www.katemessner.com/think-before-you-thank-writers-acknowledgments/

Third-Person Point of View

There's more than one type of third-person point of view you can use in your story.

http://www.helpingwritersbecomeauthors.com/third-person-pov/

Author Visit Schedules

It's up to you to make sure the schedule for the day of your author visit makes sense.

http://schoolvisitexperts.com/be-in-control-of-your-author-visit-schedule/

Email Query Formatting

Your email query letter should not be formatting the same way as a snail mail one.

http://querytracker.blogspot.com/2014/09/formatting-email-query-letters.html

World Building

Whether you write realistic or speculative fiction, you need to build a world for your characters to inhabit.

http://www.adventuresinyapublishing.com/2016/04/worldbuilding-for-contemporary-and.html#.VzzAxZErJlY

Out of Print

How does a publisher decide your book is out of print, and what does that mean for you?

http://writerunboxed.com/2016/03/24/when-is-a-book-out-of-print/

Conversations

Make your dialog better serve your story and your characters.

http://www.nownovel.com/blog/fantastic-dialogue-writing-advice/

What Does an Agent Do?

Selling your manuscript is only one of the many ways an agent helps your writing career.

https://kathytemean.wordpress.com/2016/05/11/roles-of-an-agent/

Critique Partnerships

Follow these suggestions to maintain a mutually helpful critique partnership.

http://writershelpingwriters.net/2016/05/six-rules-keep-critique-partnerships-golden/

Crutch Words

Here's a list of words that writers commonly overuse in their manuscripts.

http://cdn.writershelpingwriters.net/wp-content/uploads/2013/09/Crutch-Words-2.pdf

Twitter Pitches

Should you be participating in twitter pitch sessions if you're looking for an agent?

http://www.yainterrobang.com/dvpit-twitter-pitch-events/

Nonfiction Plots

Just because you're writing nonfiction, doesn't mean you can get away without a story arc.

https://eerdlings.com/2016/04/28/greatest-hits-four-tips-for-writing-nonfiction-plots/

Head-Hopping

In general, you should avoid random switching between different character's points-of-view.

http://theeditorsblog.net/2011/09/10/head-hopping-gives-readers-whiplash/

Social Media as a Sales Tool

How authors use social media to sell more books.

http://thewritelife.com/how-successful-authors-use-social-media-to-sell-more-books/

Kid-friendly Words

Check out this list of fun, cool, and interesting words that kids will love.

http://linkis.com/taralazar.com/2014/0/ohNa8

Agency Contracts

Contracts can be overwhelming, so here are some things to look for in your agency contract.

http://www.susanspann.com/what-to-look-for-in-a-literary-agency-contract/

Co-Writing

How to not only survive co-writing, but use it to your best advantage.

https://writersrumpus.com/2016/04/22/how-to-survive-co-writing/

Kill Your Darlings

We've all heard the advice to "kill your darlings," but what are some common ones that can go?

https://taralazar.com/2016/04/20/killing-darlings/

Successful Book Signings

The first key to a successful book signing is to choose the right bookstore.

http://dankoboldt.com/successful-book-signing/

Basic Tips

If you're new to writing children's books, here are some tips to get you started on the right path.

http://www.today.com/parents/want-write-good-children-s-book-here-are-7-tips-t85831?cid=sm_fbn