First Page

Tips for writing a killer first page.

https://michelekeller.wordpress.com/2017/05/19/writing-a-killer-first-page/

Tension

Use the dot test to plot the rise and fall of tension in your novel.

http://muffin.wow-womenonwriting.com/2017/05/testing-tension-dot-test.html

Cost of Publishing a Book

Here's a breakdown of expenses to show why it's so expensive to publish a book.  

http://www.underdown.org/bookcost.htm

Shmagents

Whether they're trying to scam you or simply incompetent, stay away from shmagents.

http://www.adventuresinyapublishing.com/2017/05/writing-101-how-to-spot-shmagent.html#.WVGAZGjytlY

Instead of Using "Feel"

Chances are, if you say your character is feeling something, you're telling not showing.

http://kathysteinemann.com/Musings/why-you-should-avoid-feel-in-your-writing/

Book Launch Tips

Here's a list of tips and tasks you need to do in the months leading up to your book launch.

http://www.anikadenise.com/beyond-the-book-launch-party/

Your Protagonist

Sometimes, after writing your story, you think you may have chosen the wrong main character to tell it.

http://blog.janicehardy.com/2017/05/what-to-do-if-you-think-you-have-wrong.html

World Building

Whether you write fantasy or realistic fiction, your readers need to believe in the world of your story.

http://www.adventuresinyapublishing.com/2017/05/wow-building-world-that-comes-alive-in.html#.WVF-qWjytlZ

Formatting for E-Readers

Make it easier for an agent to identify your manuscript on an e-reader using this simple trick.

http://literaticat.tumblr.com/post/161065901750/top-secret-formatting-pro-tip-for-writers#_=_

Writing Contests

There are many writing contests out there, so be sure to choose the ones that are right for you and your manuscript.

https://subitclub.com/2017/05/04/the-right-contest-for-you-and-your-manuscript/

Facts About Book Publishing

Here are 15 facts about book publishing, some of which may be new to you.

https://pegasuspublishers.com/blog/post/15-little-known-facts-about-publishing/

Historical Fiction

Eight suggestions for researching (and writing) historical fiction.

http://www.writersdigest.com/online-editor/8-rules-of-writing-historical-fiction-research

Proofreading

It's not easy to proofread your own manuscript, but these hints will help.

http://www.scottishbooktrust.com/blog/writing/2017/05/five-rules-for-proofreading-your-own-work

Tasks for Self-Publishers

50 tasks you need to take on if you decide to indie or self-publish.

http://www.highlightsfoundation.org/8095/guest-post-darcy-pattison-the-50-tasks-of-an-indieself-publisher/

Author Branding

What is author branding and does it really matter?

http://authorkristenlamb.com/2017/05/branding-for-authors-when-do-we-need-marketing-advertising/

Agent Survey

Agents opinions about personalization, credentials, comp titles, and more.

http://blog.nathanbransford.com/2017/05/agent-stats-on-personalization.html

Critique Groups

If you want to bring your writing to the next level, you may need to transform your critique group.

http://writershelpingwriters.net/2017/05/want-to-grow-as-a-writer-transform-your-critique-group/

Prologues

You might want to think about whether your prologue is helping or hindering your story.

http://bookendsliterary.com/2017/05/03/why-you-need-to-rethink-your-prologue/

Instagram

Most of these hints to extend your Instagram reach apply to other forms of social media.

https://blog.bufferapp.com/increase-instagram-reach

The Dreaded Synopsis

Before writing your synopsis, make a list of events vital to the story.

http://www.writersdigest.com/editor-blogs/guide-to-literary-agents/mastering-dreaded-synopsis

Narrative Distance

When writing in third person, you can adjust the zoom on your storytelling camera.  http://writerunboxed.com/2017/04/12/third-person-narration-using-the-zoom-lens/

Query Rejects

Here are some of the reason your query might be getting rejected.

http://bookendsliterary.com/2017/04/10/top-10-reasons-why-bookends-rejected-your-query/

Writing Conferences

If you want to get the most out of your writing conference, don't do these things.

http://jennienash.com/how-to-write-a-book-blog/2017/2/22/9-ways-to-ruin-a-writing-conference

Twitter Hashtags

Every writer should be familiar with these Twitter hashtags.

http://www.aerogrammestudio.com/2013/03/12/100-twitter-hashtags-every-writer-should-know/

Compressed Narration

Sometimes it's okay to give a quick description of events--to tell not show.

http://kidlit.com/2017/05/01/using-compressed-narration-fiction/

Book Blurbs

Here's how to get those testimonials to put on the back cover of your book.

http://www.writersdigest.com/online-editor/get-book-blurbstestimonials-book-cover

Self-Editing

We all need to revise (and revise and revise) our books, and here are some suggestions on how to do it.

http://thewritelife.com/self-editing-basics/

Classic Books

What are the attributes of a classic picture book?

http://picturebookden.blogspot.com/2017/04/what-makes-classic-lynne-garner.html

Author Website

As an author, you need a website, and here's a step-by-step guide of what you need to do.

https://groggorg.blogspot.com/2017/04/15-steps-to-building-my-childrens.html