Manuscript Length

 What are the standard word counts for the different categories of children's books?

https://www.goodstorycompany.com/blog/manuscript-length

Rule of Three

 Most stories follow the "rule of three."

https://annerallen.com/2021/12/to-tell-a-story-the-rule-of-three/

Developmental Editors

 Should you hire a developmental editor and, if so, when should you do so?

https://www.janefriedman.com/when-and-whether-to-hire-a-developmental-editor/

Pacing

 Here are seven tips to help you control the pacing of your story.

https://writersedit.com/fiction-writing/7-quick-tips-for-mastering-pacing-in-your-story/

Real People's Names

 When can you legally use a real person's name and actions in your story?

https://www.thebookdesigner.com/2021/11/tricks-and-traps-of-using-real-people-in-your-writing-part-1-the-right-of-publicity/

Picture Book Dummies

 Even if your only artistic talent is drawing stick figures, if you're writing a picture book, you should always make a dummy.

https://www.highlightsfoundation.org/12445/guest-post-lisa-cinelli-crafting-a-picture-book-dummy/

Story Premise

 Did someone steal the idea for your story or is it more likely that someone independently came up with a similar idea?

https://www.goodstorycompany.com/blog/someone-is-publishing-my-idea

Backstory

 How do you handle the backstory in your story without using the dreaded info-dumping?

https://www.savannahgilbo.com/blog/backstory

Picture Book Page Turns

 Page turns set the pace and tension of picture books.

https://writersrumpus.com/2018/03/09/purposeful-page-turns-in-picture-books/

On Submission

 What can you expect when your agent is submitting your manuscript to editors?

http://www.literaryrambles.com/2021/12/what-to-expect-when-your-agent-is.html

Real People in Your Story

 What are the legal issues around including a real person in your story?

https://helensedwick.com/how-to-use-real-people-in-your-writing/

Nonfiction Book Proposals

 Nonfiction books for older readers start with a proposal, and here's how to write one (including a template).

https://www.janefriedman.com/start-here-how-to-write-a-book-proposal/

Sense of Smell

 We all know how important it is to include all five+ senses in our writing, but how do you include a sense of smell?

https://writersinthestormblog.com/2021/11/how-to-write-the-sense-of-smell/

Being a Podcast Guest

 Here are some tips to help make your experience as a podcast guest the best it can be.

https://monkeycmedia.com/being-a-podcast-guest-10-tips/

Big Picture Revising

 Now that you've written that first rough draft during NaNoWriMo, it's time to tackle your first revisioin.

https://blog.nanowrimo.org/post/74180255653/a-7-step-guide-to-big-picture-revision-with-bonus

Repetitive Scenes

 Don't bore your readers by having scenes that repeat the same information.

https://www.helpingwritersbecomeauthors.com/6-questions-to-help-you-avoid-repetitive-scenes/

Time Skips

 How do you show the passage of time in your story?

https://diymfa.com/writing/ace-a-time-skip

Successful Picture Books

What are the qualities that lead to a successful picture book?

https://tracymarchini.com/publishing-advice-for-picture-book-authors 

The Fictional Dream

 Here are some tips to immerse your reader in your story.  

https://writershelpingwriters.net/2021/11/3-simple-tricks-to-immerse-your-reader-in-your-story/

Dialogue Tips

 These dialogue tips will leave your readers wanting more.

https://writersinthestormblog.com/2021/03/5-dialogue-quick-tips-for-page-turning-fiction/

Back Matter

 Here are some things you might include in the back matter (after the text) of your book.

https://lernerbooks.blog/2021/02/a-closer-look-whats-the-deal-with-back-matter.html

Picture Book Revision

 After you revise your overall picture book, it's time to dig down and look at the little stuff.

https://www.wordsandpics.org/2018/10/picture-book-focus-top-tips-for.html

Middle Grade

 What makes a book a middle grade?

https://shannonepowers.wordpress.com/2016/06/20/lets-talk-about-middle-grade-content-voice-issues-and-more/

Asking for Blurbs

 Here are some hints to how to ask for (and graciously accept the refusal of) blurbs for your book.

https://katemckean.substack.com/p/how-to-ask-for-what-you-need

Trademarks

How do you use trademarked words in your story, including some you may not realize are trademarked.

https://www.quickanddirtytips.com/education/grammar/surprise-these-names-are-trademarks

Middle Grade Premise

Here are some points to consider when coming up with a premise for your middle grade novel.

https://www.writersdigest.com/write-better-fiction/7-tips-for-developing-a-compelling-middle-grade-fiction-premise 

Plot Problems

 Maybe your plot problem is actually a character arc problem.

https://www.janefriedman.com/maybe-its-not-your-plot/

Deep POV

 How deep of a point of view should you use?

https://writersinthestormblog.com/2021/10/point-of-view-how-deep-should-you-go/

Successful Picture Books

 What are the elements that contribute to creating a successful picture book?

https://tracymarchini.com/publishing-advice-for-picture-book-authors/#successful-picture-book-qualities

Setting

 What are the elements of a great setting in a novel?

https://nathanbransford.com/blog/2021/10/what-makes-great-setting

Character Arc

 Your character needs to experience both failure and conflict to have a character arc.

https://writersinthestormblog.com/2021/10/the-role-of-failure-and-conflict-in-character-arc/

Book Launch

 Now that you've sold your book, it's time to think about your book launch.

https://www.aiden-thomas.com/survival-guide

Cloned Author Pages

Here's a new publishing scam--cloning author pages and promising to give away books to readers!

https://annerallen.com/2021/09/warning-to-writers-new-publishing-scam/ 

Raising the Stakes

 How do you raise the stakes in your novel to keep your reader turning the pages?

https://nathanbransford.com/blog/2021/10/how-to-raise-the-stakes-in-a-novel

Middle Grade vs. Young Adult

 The difference between middle grade and young adult novels is much more than just the age of the main character.

https://byomentor.com/2019/06/24/analyzing-the-differences-between-middle-grade-and-young-adult/

Picture Book Literary Techniques

 Just because picture books are short, that doesn't mean we should use all the tools in our writer's toolbox.

https://nakisanooraee.com/pb-literary-techniques/

TikTok

 Here are some authors to follow on TikTok for book promo ideas.

https://insights.bookbub.com/authors-tiktok-book-promo-ideas/

Blurbs

 How do you approach people to get endorsements for you book?

https://www.janefriedman.com/how-to-secure-early-endorsements-blurbs-for-your-book/

Passive Voice

In spite of what you may have heard, sometimes it's appropriate to use the passive voice.

https://writersinthestormblog.com/2021/10/a-case-for-was-the-much-maligned-passive-voice/

Repetitive Scenes

 Hear are six tips to determine if a scenes is needed or if it's repetetive from an earlier scene.

https://www.helpingwritersbecomeauthors.com/6-questions-to-help-you-avoid-repetitive-scenes/

Pinch Points

 What are pinch points and where should they go in your story?

https://www.helpingwritersbecomeauthors.com/pinch-points/

Fairy Tale Retellings

 Get the inside scoop on writing re-imagined fairy tales.

http://picturebookden.blogspot.com/2021/10/writing-fairy-tale-retellings-by-clare.html

Publishers Open to Unagented Submissions

 Here are 30 book publishers where you can submit your work directly without having an agent.

https://thejohnfox.com/2016/03/children-book-publishers/

Agents or Editors?

 Is it better to submit your work to agents, editors, or both?

https://www.janefriedman.com/query-agents-editors/

Publishing Industry

 Publishing is a business, and here are some things you might not know about it.

https://booklife.com/authors/09/30/2021/ten-things-nobody-tells-you-about-the-publishing-industry.html

Too Much Description?

 Sometimes less is more when describing your characters and their environment.

https://mythcreants.com/blog/avoiding-excessive-details-in-your-description/

Chapter Titles

 Now that so many people are reading ebooks, using chapter titles instead of numbers is a marketing tool.

https://annerallen.com/2021/10/chapter-titles-great-marketing-tool/

Picture Book Pacing

 "Hijack" a mentor picture book to test out the pacing of your manuscript.

https://wildthings.vcfa.edu/pacing-the-picture-book-laurel-abell/

Publishing Paths

 There are many possible paths to get from your manuscript to a book in readers' hands.

https://www.janefriedman.com/key-book-publishing-path/

What to Cut

 It's sometimes hard to decide which words to cut in order to tighten your writing.

https://nathanbransford.com/blog/2021/08/what-to-cut-when-your-book-is-too-long

Freelance Editors

 Here are some things to do and to look for when hiring a freelance editor.

https://annerallen.com/2021/09/how-to-snag-best-freelance-editor/

Revising

 Here are four common problem areas to look for when you revise.

https://www.janefriedman.com/when-revising-your-novel-manuscript-look-for-these-problem-areas/

Novelty Books

 What do you do with an idea for a novelty book?

https://taralazar.com/2021/09/03/novelty-book-abi-cushman/

Marketing Without Social Media

 Yes, there are many ways to market your book without using social media.

https://www.janefriedman.com/how-to-market-your-book-without-social-media/

Average Word Counts

 There are always exceptions, but it's a good idea to try in stay within the average word counts for your book category.

https://thgmwriters.com/blog/average-book-word-count/

In-Person Events

 Whether at a bookstore, book festival, or school visit, here's a handy checklist to keep you organized.

https://writersinthestormblog.com/2021/09/a-checklist-for-in-person-book-events/

Common Novel-Writing Mistakes

 Here are fifteen common mistakes that you might make in writing a novel.

https://jerichowriters.com/15-common-novel-writing-mistakes-beginner-writers-beware/

Chapters

 Just like a book, every chapter needs a beginning, middle, and end.

https://nathanbransford.com/blog/2019/05/how-to-organize-a-chapter

After You've Written a Picture Book

Here are some things to know now that you've finished your picture book manuscript.

https://www.writersdigest.com/write-better-fiction/so-you-wrote-a-picture-book-now-what

Rejections

Receiving rejections is part of being a writer, but here are some reasons your manuscript might be rejected.

https://annerallen.com/2019/07/rejections-8-reasons-why/

Why Have an Agent

 Here are some reasons it is beneficial to have a literary agent.

https://bookendsliterary.com/2021/10/14/publishing-without-an-agent/

Children's Books Age Levels

 What are the usual age ranges for each category of children's book?

https://journeytokidlit.com/age-levels-for-childrens-books/

Literary Themes

 A novel's theme is the central idea of the book.

https://kidlit.com/literary-themes-in-your-writing/

Critique Groups

 What are the pluses and minuses of being in a critique group?

https://writersinthestormblog.com/2019/09/up-and-down-sides-of-critique-groups/

Personalized Queries

 How to personalize your query letter and why you should do so.

https://nathanbransford.com/blog/2021/10/how-to-personalize-query-letter

Writing Friends

 Writing can get mighty lonely, so it's important to having writing friends both to critique your manuscripts and support you in your writing.

https://nathanbransford.com/blog/2021/09/how-to-make-and-keep-writing-friends

Middle Grade Heroes

 What traits made a middle grade character compelling and heroic?

Picture Book Structure

 After trying out different possibilities, you eventually have to commit to a structure for your picture book.

Switching Agents Within an Agency

 What's the appropriate way to ask to switch to another agent within the same agency?

https://bookendsliterary.com/2021/09/21/i-want-to-switch-agents-but-not-agencies/

Literary Devices

 Here's a list of 44 common literary devices you can use to bring your book to the next level.

https://writers.com/common-literary-devices

Publishing Time

 Why does it seem to take so long to receive a response from agents and editors?

https://bookendsliterary.com/2021/07/22/why-agents-editors-take-so-long-on-submissions/

Revision Phases

 Revision is never just a one and done process.

https://www.writermag.com/improve-your-writing/revision-grammar/10-revision-phases/5/

Pitching

 You have a limited amount of time to pitch your book to an agent or editor, so use it wisely.

http://scotteagan.blogspot.com/2021/09/pitching-use-your-time-wisely.html

After Acquisition

 What happens between the time your book is acquired and it hits the bookstore shelves?

https://nathanbransford.com/blog/2021/09/how-a-book-goes-from-acquisitions-to-bookstore-shelves

Structure

 If you're having problems with your story, maybe you need to look more into its structure.

https://writershelpingwriters.net/2021/09/story-not-behaving-try-going-deeper-into-structure/

Revision Tips

 Here are eight detailed suggestions of what to do and look for when revising.

https://writersedit.com/fiction-writing/eight-steps-revising-novel/

Pacing

 Here are twelve pacing problems and how to fix them.

https://www.book-editing.com/pacing-fiction-storytelling/

Omniscient Narrators

 There are several types of third-person points of view, and omniscient narrator is one of them.

https://thenerddaily.com/jessica-vitalis-author-guest-post/

Choosing a Publicist

As you publish more books, what you need from a publicist will change.

https://www.janefriedman.com/choosing-a-publicist-again-assessing-your-changing-needs/ 

Plot or Character

 Is it better to start thinking about a novel with a character or with a plot?

Present Tense

 Should you write your novel in present tense?

https://bookriot.com/?p=475043&mc_cid=b7f9633f56&mc_eid=75147543b7

Publishing Scammers

 How do you stay safe from falling into a publishing scam?

https://annerallen.com/2021/09/publishing-scammers-how-to-stay-safe/

Describing Action

 Describe actions in chronological order--this happenned, then that--so you don't confuse your readers.

https://nathanbransford.com/blog/2021/08/action-then-reaction

Point of View

 What's the real deal about the different points of view?

https://writersinthestormblog.com/2021/09/point-of-view-myth-vs-reality/

Humorous Picture Books

 Here's a practical guide for writing humorous picture books even if you're not naturally funny.

https://writingcooperative.com/a-practical-guide-to-writing-humorous-picture-books-9b6a47d48b66

Rule of Three

 What is it about trios that works so well in your writing.

https://writersinthestormblog.com/2021/08/tremendous-terrible-triumphant/

Picture Book Structure

 Once you've chosen a picture book structure, you need to commit to it through the entire manuscript.

https://bookendsliterary.com/2021/08/24/how-to-query-again-once-youve-had-an-agent/

Querying After Being Agented

 How do you approach the query process after leaving your agent?

https://bookendsliterary.com/2021/08/24/how-to-query-again-once-youve-had-an-agent/

Comp Titles

 How do you come up with good comparative titles to your book?

https://nathanbransford.com/blog/2021/08/how-to-come-up-with-good-comp-titles-for-your-book

Picture Book Tips

 Here are twenty tips for writing the best picture book possible.

https://www.leeandlow.com/writers-illustrators/articles/twenty-tips-for-writing-picture-books

Ending a Story

 Here are three things you should know about how to end your story and leave your readers satisfied.

https://www.helpingwritersbecomeauthors.com/3-things-to-know-about-the-ending-of-a-story/

Song Lyrics

 Here are the guidelines on using song lyrics in your work and how to obtain permission.

https://www.aerogrammestudio.com/2013/05/29/how-to-get-permission-to-use-song-lyrics-in-your-book/

Tips for Pitching

 Pitching your book is never easy, but these tips should help.

http://scotteagan.blogspot.com/2021/08/tips-on-pitching.html

Tighter Point of View

 Get rid of those filtering words to tighten the point of view of your character.

http://blog.janicehardy.com/2012/07/youll-have-to-go-through-me-eliminating.html

Endings

 How can you tell if you've nailed your book's ending?

https://kmallan.com/2021/05/07/how-to-tell-if-youve-nailed-your-book-ending/

Character Emotions

 How do you show a character's emotions?

https://www.goodstorycompany.com/blog/how-to-describe-emotion

Location

 Bring your book to life by incorporating aspects of the physical setting.

https://writersinthestormblog.com/2021/08/location-location-location-bring-your-book-to-life-part-ii/

Overlooked Senses

 There are sensory elements we tend to overlook, like the temperature, that can enrich our stories.

https://www.livewritethrive.com/2021/08/23/7-important-sensory-elements-that-writers-ignore

Common Objects

 Don't overexplain objects that everyone is familiar with like a chair or a car unless it's different than the default image.

https://nathanbransford.com/blog/2021/08/dont-over-explain-default-objects-and-gestures

Loglines

 Can you boil your entire book down to a single sentence pitch?

https://authorkristenlamb.com/2021/09/log-line-entire-story-one-sentence/

Similar Books

 How similar is too similar when you're looking at a possible agent's current list?

http://literaticat.blogspot.com/2014/10/how-similar-is-too-similar-in-great.html

Book Advances and Royalties

 What is a book advance and how do royalties work?

https://www.thebalancecareers.com/book-advances-and-royalties-2799832

Finishing Your Book

 Here are six tips to get you across that end line and finish your book.

https://www.helpingwritersbecomeauthors.com/finish-your-book/

Purple Prose

 How do you avoid purple prose--writing that draws attention to itself?

https://www.thebookdesigner.com/2021/08/what-is-purple-prose-a-guide-for-writers/

Interviewing

 Interviewing people can help your book project, even if it isn't nonfiction.

https://nathanbransford.com/blog/2021/08/how-interviews-can-help-a-book-project

Picture Book Structure

 Here are seven possible ways to structure your picture book.

https://www.writersdigest.com/improve-my-writing/7-ways-to-structure-your-picture-book

Show, Don't Tell

 We've all heard the advice to show, don't tell, but how do you do that?

https://www.helpingwritersbecomeauthors.com/show-dont-tell/

Agent Submission Strategy

 How do agents choose which editors are right for your manuscript?

https://bookendsliterary.com/2021/08/19/how-agents-choose-editors-for-submissions/

Cliched Openings

 Avoid starting your book with these tired and overused openings.

https://annerallen.com/2021/08/11-cliched-openers-novel-memoir/

Small Presses

What are the pros and cons of publishing with a small press?

https://www.janefriedman.com/should-you-publish-your-book-with-a-small-press-two-literary-agents-advise/ 

Where to Cut

 Here are some ways to tighten your manuscript by cutting unneccessary words, phrases, and even, scenes.

https://nathanbransford.com/blog/2021/08/what-to-cut-when-your-book-is-too-long

Showing a Character's Emotion

 Here are some tips on how to show your character's emotions.

https://writershelpingwriters.net/2021/08/describing-a-characters-emotions-problems-solutions/

Permission Guidelines

What are the rules regarding using other people's works (song lyrics, poems, quotations from a book, etc.) in your book?

https://press.uchicago.edu/Misc/Chicago/copyright.html 

The Aquisitions Process

 What happens between an editor lik your book until a contract is possibly offered? 

https://nathanbransford.com/blog/2021/08/how-an-editor-at-a-publisher-acquires-a-book

MFA Programs and the Business of Writing

 Should MFA programs teach the business of writing as well as the craft?

https://www.janefriedman.com/should-mfa-programs-teach-the-business-of-writing/

Edit as You Go?

 Should you edit as you're writing or wait until you finish then go back and revise?

https://www.helpingwritersbecomeauthors.com/should-you-edit-as-you-go-2/

Comp Titles

 What are important things to look for when deciding on comparative titles to your book?

https://jetreidliterary.blogspot.com/2021/08/so-about-those-comps.html

Kidlit Agents

 Here are 89 agents who rep children's books and are open to submission at the time the list was posted. Always check their websites for current information.

https://www.tckpublishing.com/childrens-book-literary-agents/

Overexplaining

 If an item or a gesture is common, there's no need to go into detail in your explanation.

https://nathanbransford.com/blog/2021/08/dont-over-explain-default-objects-and-gestures

Picture Book Endings

 What are some ways to make the ending of your picture book memorable.

https://www.wordsandpics.org/2016/04/ask-picture-book-editor.html

Submit to Agents or Editors

 Here are some issues to consider when deciding whether to submit to an agent or an editor.

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

Unforgettable Protagonists

 Here are some tips to make your main character one your readers will never forget.

https://www.tckpublishing.com/how-to-write-a-protagonist/

Starting With a Plot

There are both challenges and strengths in starting your novel with a plot instead of a character.

https://www.janefriedman.com/starting-your-novel-with-plot-3-strengths-and-3-challenges/ 

Show, Don't Tell

 We've all heard that we should show, don't tell, but that advice can sometimes lead you astray.

https://nathanbransford.com/blog/2021/07/3-ways-show-dont-tell-can-lead-you-astray?

Famous People in Fiction

 What are the rules for incorporating a famous person, either as a mention or as a character, in your fiction?

https://creativelawcenter.com/famous-people-fiction/

First Person

 If you write your novel in first person, here are some issues might encounter.

http://scotteagan.blogspot.com/2021/07/novel-structures-1st-person-issues.html

Young Adult Novels

 Young adult novels are not just middle grade books written for older kids.

https://www.writersdigest.com/write-better-fiction/how-to-write-a-young-adult-novel

Interactive Storytimes

 Here are some ways to get kids more involved when you're reading your story.

https://nerdybookclub.wordpress.com/2021/08/07/ten-ways-to-make-storytimes-interactive-by-abi-cushman/

Successful Picture Books

 What can you do to help make your picture book a success?

Description:https://us04web.zoom.us/j/73106232508?pwd=TGtvOW1GSDkxc05VbHU5andHWkpzdz09

Pacing

 Varying the pacing in your book will keep your readers' interest.

https://blog.reedsy.com/pacing-in-writing/

Side Characters

 Don't make these mistakes when writing about your side characters.

https://writershelpingwriters.net/2021/08/3-mistakes-to-avoid-with-your-side-characters/

Curiosity and Tension

 A book that contains curiosity a tension is one that will make your readers want to turn the page.

https://www.janefriedman.com/the-importance-of-curiosity-and-tension-to-storytelling/

Author Blogs

 How do you maintain an author blog with regular posts?

https://annerallen.com/2021/08/author-blog-is-easy/

Picture Book Revision

 Here are some tips on how to revise your picture book on the computer instead of on paper.

http://picturebookden.blogspot.com/2021/08/how-to-edit-picture-book-without.html

Character Arcs

 In addition to your book's plot arc, it also needs to have a character arc.

https://www.dummies.com/careers/career-planning/choosing-a-career/character-arcs-for-your-childrens-book/

Ten Fiction Writing Tips

 Here are some "not absurd" tips to consider when writing fiction.

https://writersinthestormblog.com/2021/07/ten-not-absurd-tips-for-writing-fiction/

Deep Point of View

 Here are four layers to consider when writing a character in deep point of view.

https://writersinthestormblog.com/2021/07/the-4-important-layers-of-deep-point-of-view/

Writing Community Etiquette

 You'd thing the suggestions in this post about how to be a good member of the writing community would be obvious, but apparently not.

https://killzoneblog.com/2021/06/writing-community-etiquette.html

Skin Tones

 There are many ways to describe the color of your characters' skin.

https://writingwithcolor.tumblr.com/post/95955707903/skin-writing-with-color-has-received-several

https://writingwithcolor.tumblr.com/post/96830966357/words-for-skin-tone-how-to-describe-skin-color

Why do Responses Take So Long?

 Why does it take so long for an agent or an editor to get back to you on your submission?

https://bookendsliterary.com/2021/07/22/why-agents-editors-take-so-long-on-submissions/

What is a Picture Book?

 A picture book is much more than a book with illustrations.

https://brookevitale.com/blog/what-is-a-picture-book

Overwriting

 More is not necessarily better when writing a book.

https://www.goodstorycompany.com/blog/avoid-overwriting

Pre-launch Playbook

 Although this post was written for debuts, others can learn some tips and tricks from it, too.

https://writerunboxed.com/2021/07/06/a-pre-launch-playbook-for-debut-authors/

Writing Voice

 Here are three steps to help you develop your unique writer's voice.

http://howtoplanwriteanddevelopabook.blogspot.com/2021/06/how-to-find-develop-and-let-your.html

Nonfiction Proposals

 If you're writing longer-length nonfiction, you'll need to submit a proposal.

https://subitclub.com/2017/06/06/nonfiction-proposals/

Why Editing Matters

 Good editing will help your writing shine.

https://authorkristenlamb.com/2021/07/why-editing-matters-simple-ways-to-make-your-work-shine/

Universal Emotions

 Avoid detailing emotions that everyone feels in your novel.  

https://nathanbransford.com/blog/2021/07/avoid-naming-universal-emotions-in-a-novel

Deadlines

 Meeting your deadlines is important because many other parts of the publication process rely on getting your manuscript on time.

http://scotteagan.blogspot.com/2021/07/deadlines-do-matter.html

Social Media Platforms

 Which social media platforms are best to promote your book?

https://insights.bookbub.com/authors-social-media-platforms/

Plotting a Novel

 Follow these four steps to lay out the plot of your next novel.

https://kidlit.com/writing-a-hot-plot/

Chapter Ends

 Three ways to end your chapters that will satisfy your readers.

https://www.writersdigest.com/improve-my-writing/3-ways-to-know-when-to-end-your-chapters

Comp Titles

 Comp (comparison) titles are those whose readers might also be interested in reading yours.

https://rachellegardner.com/how-do-i-find-comps-for-my-book/

Beginner Errors

 If you're just starting out writing (or even if you're experienced), watch out for these common beginner mistakes.

https://annerallen.com/2021/02/beginning-writer-storytelling-mistakes/

Historical Fiction

 Learn how to confidently write historical fiction.

https://www.writersdigest.com/write-better-fiction/6-tips-for-confidently-writing-historical-fiction

Backstory, Not Infodump

 You can introduce your characters' backstories without doing a boring infodump.

https://writersinthestormblog.com/2021/02/backstory-dodging-the-info-dump/

First Draft Revision

 How do you turn your messy first draft into a draft ready for hard-core revision?

https://www.jessicabrody.com/2020/01/5-tips-for-revising-a-first-draft/

Kidlit Podcasts

 Are you listening to these kidlit podcasts?

https://teri-daniels.com/12-empowering-podcasts-for-childrens-book-writers-and-illustrators/

Book Titles

 What should you do if you find out another book has come out with your same book title?

https://rachellegardner.com/help-someone-is-using-my-book-title/

Romantic Subplots

 Even if the main plot of your YA isn't a romance, you may want to include romance in a subplot.

https://writershelpingwriters.net/2021/02/5-tips-for-writing-stellar-romantic-subplots/

Self-Editing

 As important as critiques from other people are, it's even more important to learn how to self-edit your own work first.

https://writersinthestormblog.com/2021/02/10-self-editing-tips/

Opening Scenes

 Here are three vital elements to include in the opening scene of your book.

https://writershelpingwriters.net/2021/02/opening-scenes-3-critical-elements/

Is Your Novel Ready

 How do you tell if your novel is ready to submit to an agent or editor?

https://annerallen.com/2021/02/novel-ready-to-publish-12-signs/

Search Engine Trends

 Here are some SEO (search engine optimization) myths you don't have to worry about.

https://www.makealivingwriting.com/seo-trends-myths/

Flashbacks

 Flashbacks can give necessary backstory, but they should be used sparingly.

https://www.goodstorycompany.com/blog/writing-flashbacks

Publishing Seasons

 What does it mean when you're told your book will come out in the Spring season?

https://firstsecondbooks.com/behind-the-scenes/publishing-seasons/

Instagram for Authors

 How can you best use Instagram to increase your author presence?

https://www.thecreativepenn.com/2017/01/07/instagram/

After the Offer of Representation

 Congratulations on receiving an offer of representation, now don't make these mistakes. 

https://bookendsliterary.com/2021/06/24/10-mistakes-authors-make-when-receiving-an-offer-of-representation/

Characters and Setting

 Ask your characters these questions to help bring your setting to life. 

https://www.livewritethrive.com/2021/06/21/12-questions-to-ask-your-character-to-bring-setting-to-life/

Introvert Authors

 Here are some tips for introverts to overcome the public side of being an author.

https://annerallen.com/2021/06/introverted-authors-overcoming-fears/

Sensory Details

 Without sensory details (and not just visual ones), your story will feel flat.

https://www.writersdigest.com/write-better-fiction/writing-mistakes-writers-make-omitting-sensory-details

Story Over Theme

 Yes, your manuscript should have a theme, but don't forget it also needs to be a story.

https://nathanbransford.com/blog/2021/06/writers-are-storytellers-not-theme-tellers

Simultaneous Submissions

 Submitting to more than one agent or editor at a time is common now, but what is the best way to do this?

http://scotteagan.blogspot.com/2021/06/the-protocols-of-simultaneous-submission.html

Bringing Characters to Life

 Stories are about characters, so how do you make yours more interesting to your readers?

https://writersinthestormblog.com/2021/06/bringing-a-character-to-life/

Being a Podcast Guest

 Podcasts are a great way to share info about you and your books.

https://www.janefriedman.com/how-to-be-a-great-podcast-guest-a-guide-for-authors/

Tighten Your Writing

 Here are some tips to cut words and phrases that make your writing drag.

https://careerauthors.com/how-to-cut-twenty-thousand-words/

Curiosity

 The one thing your novel must do is arouse the reader's curiosity.

https://www.janefriedman.com/the-one-thing-your-novel-absolutely-must-do/

Series Bible

 It's important you maintain a central list of character names/descriptions/spelling, locations, timeline, etc. for your series (and even your standalone title).

https://killzoneblog.com/2020/12/tips-to-create-a-series-bible.html

Publishing Contracts

 Pay extra attention to these key points in your publishing contract.

https://annerallen.com/2021/01/key-provisions-publishing-contract/

Improve Your Writing

 Here are some hints on how to make your writing better.

https://rhyskeller.com/8-reasons-your-writing-could-be-a-lot-better/

Fractured Fairytales

 Take a fairytale everyone knows and give it a little twist.

https://www.stefaniehohl.com/new-blog/2021/1/18/fracturing-fairytales-is-twisted-fun

Restarting a Manuscript

 How do you get going again on a manuscript where you seemed to have stalled in your writing?

https://www.janefriedman.com/the-inspiration-factory-how-to-restart-your-unfinished-book/

Email List

 How to start, build, and grow your email list.

https://www.helpingwritersbecomeauthors.com/how-to-build-and-grow-your-email-list/

Writing Communities

 There are many benefits in joining a community of fellow writers.

https://writershelpingwriters.net/2021/02/why-should-you-join-a-writing-community/

Unique Story Elements

 How do you introduce unique story elements, like in a fantasy world, without confusing your readers.

https://writershelpingwriters.net/2021/01/introducing-unique-story-elements-without-confusing-readers/

Voice

 Agents and editors want books with a good voice, but what do they mean by that?

http://blog.janicehardy.com/2021/01/voice-in-fiction-vague-but-vital.html

Images for Research

 You can now use Smithsonian Open Access to search through millions of images in their collection.

https://www.si.edu/openaccess

Muddy Middle

 How do you get your manuscript unstuck from the muddy middle?

https://www.goodstorycompany.com/blog/muddy-middle

Funny Stories

 All kids love reading funny stories, and here are some hints how to write them.

https://allisontait.com/2020/02/writing-for-kids-how-to-write-funny-stories/

Middle Grade Fiction

 Four tips for writing un-put-downable middle grade fiction.

https://www.writersdigest.com/whats-new/march-15-richard-ungar-4-keys-to-middle-grade

Talking Heads

 Avoid the problem of "talking heads" by providing context.

https://writershelpingwriters.net/2021/06/nods-smiles-and-frowns-how-can-we-avoid-talking-headsand-cliches/

Marketing Tips

 Seventeen published authors share their marketing tips.

https://www.emmalombardauthor.com/post/17-published-authors-share-their-book-marketing-top-tips-and-biggest-blunders

Supporting Characters

 How to make your supporting characters shine, but not out-shine your protagonist.

https://careerauthors.com/how-to-make-your-supporting-characters-shine/

Writing Rules vs. Fashion

 Sometimes the so-called rules of writing are merely the current fashion.

https://annerallen.com/2021/04/writing-rules-vs-writing-fashion/

Physical Reactions to Emotions

 Here are some new ways to show your character's emotions through physical reactions.

http://blog.janicehardy.com/2021/05/emotions-and-body-less-cliche-ways-body.html

Present Tense

 What are the pros and cons of writing in the present tense.

https://www.masterclass.com/articles/how-to-write-a-novel-in-the-present-tense#how-to-write-in-present-tense-understanding-the-4-present-tenses

Reactions to Characters

 Listen to your own emotions to give your characters more depth.

https://www.janefriedman.com/deepen-characterization-by-mining-your-own-reactions/

Scene Beginnings

 Here are four essential elements you need when starting a scene.

https://nathanbransford.com/blog/2021/05/dont-start-a-scene-without-these-four-essential-elements?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+NathanBransford+%28Nathan+Bransford+%7C+Writing%2C+Editing%2C+Book+Publishing%29

Finding Comp Titles

 Here are some hints for finding comp titles to use in your query. 

https://www.goodstorycompany.com/blog/finding-comp-titles

Book Sales

 How are book sales counted and what constitutes a good amount of sales?

https://electricliterature.com/everything-you-wanted-to-know-about-book-sales-but-were-afraid-to-ask/

Character Names

 Avoid this pitfalls when naming your characters.

https://annerallen.com/2021/04/naming-fictional-characters/

Revisions

 Here are some points to think about when you're revising.

http://necessaryfiction.com/writerinres/AMonthofRevision

Backstory

Here are some way to incorporate backstory without using the dreaded info dump.

http://blog.janicehardy.com/2021/05/easy-tips-to-incorporate-backstory-into.html

Comp Titles

 How do you find compelling comparative titles to use in your query.  

https://www.janefriedman.com/how-to-find-compelling-comps-for-your-book/

Scene Trackers

 What's the best way to keep track of the scenes in your manuscript?

https://writershelpingwriters.net/2021/05/power-up-individual-scenes-with-a-scene-tracker/

Naming Characters

 Here are some pitfalls to avoid when naming your characters.

https://annerallen.com/2021/04/naming-fictional-characters/

Diversity in Aging

 Many books use stereotypes for the older character: don't let yours be one of these.

https://nerdybookclub.wordpress.com/2021/04/17/ten-ways-to-add-diversity-in-aging-to-picture-book-collections-by-lindsey-mcdivitt/

Middle Grade Novel Pitfalls

 Here are some common mistakes you should look for when writing a middle grade novel.

https://nelsonagency.com/2019/01/the-most-common-pitfalls-in-middle-grade-manuscripts-by-danielle-burby/

Dialogue Compression

 Make the dialogue in your book sound more realistic by eliminating words.

https://www.southwestwriters.com/dialogue-compression-the-key-to-realistic-dialogue/

Backstory

 How do you handle weaving backstory into your book without using the dreaded infodump?

https://www.savannahgilbo.com/blog/backstory

Hybrid Publishing

 What is hybrid publishing, and is it right for you?

https://www.janefriedman.com/everything-youve-always-wanted-to-know-hybrid-publishing/

Pen Names

 What's the problem with using a pen name?

https://authorkristenlamb.com/2016/08/the-problem-with-pen-names/

Middle Grade Books

 There are many ways to discover a premise for a middle grade book.

https://www.writersdigest.com/write-better-fiction/7-tips-for-developing-a-compelling-middle-grade-fiction-premise

Theme

 There are many universal themes that might run through a children's book.

https://www.almostanauthor.com/31-universal-themes-childrens-literature/

Children's vs. Adult Books

Books for children are not just books for adults with fewer words and a younger protagonist.

https://nathanbransford.com/blog/2021/05/the-difference-between-childrens-and-adult-books

Shy Authors

 If you're shy (or just intimidated), here are some tips to make your book signing go a little easier.

https://laurasassitales.wordpress.com/2021/05/03/12-tips-for-the-shy-picture-book-author-at-book-signings/

Book Sales and Returns

 When is a sale actually a sale, and you receive a royalty for it?

https://katemckean.substack.com/p/when-is-a-book-sale-a-sale

Pop Culture in Books

 Should you include pop-culture references in your book or will that date it?

https://killzoneblog.com/2021/04/using-pop-culture-references-in-fiction.html

Using Tik-Tok to Sell Books

 Tik-Tok isn't just for dancing.

https://ryanholiday.medium.com/22-rules-for-creating-work-that-stands-the-test-of-time-f81d10e79d06

Evergreen Books

 We all want our books to be evergreens--ones that generations of kids will read.

https://ryanholiday.medium.com/22-rules-for-creating-work-that-stands-the-test-of-time-f81d10e79d06

Worldbuilding

 Even if you don't write fantasy or science fiction, you still have to build the world your character lives in.

https://mythcreants.com/blog/six-principles-for-becoming-a-better-worldbuilder/

Guest Posting

 Guest posting on other people's blogs is a good way to expand your audience.

https://writersinthestormblog.com/2021/04/tips-for-landing-a-guest-posting-gig/

Nonfiction Research

 Writing nonfiction requires a lot of researching and re-researching.

https://www.nffest.com/2020/02/getting-to-truth_1.html

Finding an Agent

 Here's a six-step strategy to optimize your search for a literary agent.

https://www.tiffanyhawk.com/blog/how-to-find-the-best-literary-agent

Informational Fiction

 Informational fiction is fiction that includes a great deal of nonfiction in it.

http://celebratescience.blogspot.com/2016/10/behind-books-what-is-heck-is.html

Cliches

 You might want to check your manuscript for these cliches.

https://johnmcusick.wordpress.com/2017/03/06/ten-cliches-that-make-agents-roll-their-eyes/

Picture Book Endings

 There are many techniques to give your picture the perfect ending.

https://www.wordsandpics.org/2018/09/picture-book-knowhow-perfect-endings.html

Better Dialogue

 Here are 19 tips for writing better dialogue.

https://www.well-storied.com/blog/write-better-dialogue

Plot Mistakes

 Here are seven don'ts when plotting your manual.

https://www.nownovel.com/blog/dont-lose-the-plot/

How to Make Your Manuscript Stronger

 One easy tip to make your manuscript (whether pb, mg, or ya) stronger, is to read it out loud.

https://writershelpingwriters.net/2021/04/want-a-stronger-manuscript-read-your-work-aloud/

Secondary Characters

 Your protagonist needs secondary characters to help and hinder reaching a goal.

https://writersinthestormblog.com/2021/04/the-roles-of-secondary-characters/

Email Newsletters

 What every writer needs to know about starting and maintaining an email newsletter.

https://www.janefriedman.com/what-every-writer-needs-to-know-about-email-newsletters-theyre-not-going-away/

Adults in Children's Books

 How do you write adult characters in children's books but ensuring the child still solves the problem?

https://nathanbransford.com/blog/2021/04/how-to-write-adult-characters-in-childrens-books

Writing Rules vs. Writing Fashion

 Do you follow the rules for writing or the current fashion?

https://annerallen.com/2021/04/writing-rules-vs-writing-fashion/

Picture Book Structure

 There are so many options in how to structure you picture book.

https://kidlit.com/picture-book-structure/

Multi-Author Events

 Join with other authors to create events that will bring in more readers.

https://www.writersdigest.com/be-inspired/jessica-strawser-art-of-multi-author-events

The Perfect Agent

 The perfect agent is one who is perfect for you and your book.

https://bookendsliterary.com/2021/03/30/5-things-that-make-the-perfect-agent/

Podcast Interviews

 How can you make your podcast interview both interesting and informative to the listeners?

https://writershelpingwriters.net/2021/03/how-to-give-a-great-podcast-author-interview/

Picture Book Themes

 The theme of your picture book is as important as the characters and the plot.

http://picturebookden.blogspot.com/2021/03/picking-picture-book-theme-by-clare.html

Story Endings

 How do you craft an ending to your story that leaves your readers satisfied?

https://jerryjenkins.com/how-to-end-a-story/

Connections to Characters

 How do you help your readers make an emotional connection with your characters?

https://writersinthestormblog.com/2021/03/2-ways-to-help-readers-connect-emotionally-with-your-characters/

Form Rejections

 What does it mean when you get a form rejection?

https://bookendsliterary.com/2021/03/23/the-frustration-of-a-form-rejection/

Physical Descriptions

 Here are some tips on how to give a physical description of your character.

https://nathanbransford.com/blog/2021/03/how-to-write-clear-physical-description

Publishers Open to Unagented Writers

 Here are ten publishers where you can submit without having an agent.

https://www.servicescape.com/blog/top-10-childrens-book-publishers-who-are-accepting-unsolicited-manuscripts

Eight-Point Arc

 The eight-point arc, similar to the three-act structure, is one of many possible ways to plot.

https://thediscerningwriter.wordpress.com/2016/04/27/writing-for-prose-the-eight-point-arc/comment-page-1/

Comparison Books

 If you're looking for comps for your book, here are some things to keep in mind.

https://www.query101.blog/blog/5-things-to-know-in-the-search-for-comps

Reasons for Rejection

Here are a few reasons your manuscript may be rejected that have nothing to do with the quality of the writing.

http://www.10minutenovelists.com/reasons-why-your-manuscript-may-have-been-rejected/

Prose Poetry

 Prose poetry combines aspects of both prose and poetry.

https://www.writingforward.com/poetry-writing/what-is-prose-poetry-2

Deep POV

 Using deep third-person point of view brings your readers closer to your character.

https://www.janefriedman.com/close-third-point-of-view/

eARCs, NetGalley, and Edeweiss

 Here are three ways your publisher gets pre-published manuscripts into the hands of reviewers.

https://bitaboutbooks.wordpress.com/2021/03/10/earcs-netgalley-and-edelweiss/

Middle Grade Novels

 Here are some useful tips for writing a middle grade novel.

https://nybookeditors.com/2019/11/how-to-write-a-middle-grade-novel/

Increase Website Traffic

 How do you get people to find out about your website and visit it?

https://buildbookbuzz.com/10-free-ways-to-increase-author-website-traffic/

Infodumps

 Your story might contain infodumps, and you don't even realize it.

http://blog.janicehardy.com/2012/02/power-of-explanation-compels-you.html

Time Travel

 Here are some questions to ask yourself when writing a time-travel story.

https://www.writersdigest.com/write-better-fiction/writing-all-the-times-6-things-to-ask-yourself-about-your-time-travel-story

Blogging vs. Newsletters

 Which is a better marketing tool--blogging or emailing a newsletter?

https://www.janefriedman.com/blogging-vs-email-writers/

Middle Grade Characters

 For your middle grade characters, the world revolves around them.

https://writerunboxed.com/2016/09/21/writing-your-middle-grade-character-aka-the-center-of-her-universe/

Action, Then Reaction

 Make sure an action happens before you character reacts to it.

https://nathanbransford.com/blog/2021/01/action-then-reaction

Cliches

 How do you transform cliched phrases into something fresh?

https://writershelpingwriters.net/2021/03/11-techniques-for-transforming-cliched-phrasings/

Picture Book Series

 How does a stand-alone picture book grow to be the first of a series?

http://picturebookden.blogspot.com/2021/03/how-to-grow-picture-book-series-by.html

Criticism vs. Critique

 Remember, all suggestions about your manuscript are someone's opinion.

https://writersinthestormblog.com/2021/02/criticism-versus-critique/

Picture Book Pagination

 Although your editor and art director will paginate your picture book (unless you're an author/illustrator), it helps to keep those page turns in mind when writing.

https://picturebookbuilders.com/2020/02/carol-hintz-talks-about-picture-book-pagination/

Author Platform

 What is an author platform, do you need one, and how do you build it?

https://nathanbransford.com/blog/2021/03/what-is-an-author-platform

Agents to Avoid

 There are some types of agents you should avoid by doing your research before submitting.

https://nelsonagency.com/2021/02/three-agent-types-to-avoid-and-the-one-you-wont-see-coming/

Author Websites

 Everything you need to know about creating your author website.

https://www.ingramspark.com/blog/what-should-i-put-on-my-author-website

Song Lyrics

 What are the rules about using song lyrics in your manuscript?

https://rachellegardner.com/can-i-use-song-lyrics-in-my-book/

Backstory and Exposition

 How to use backstory and exposition without infodumping.

https://www.janefriedman.com/backstory-and-exposition-4-key-tactics/

Revision Tools

 Here are two tools, shrunken manuscript and spreadsheet plotting, to help you revise your manuscript.

https://writetodone.com/2-amazing-ways-revise-novel/

Picture Book, Chapter Book, or Middle Grade?

 How do you decide what category is best for your story?

https://taralazar.com/2015/01/08/is-your-idea-a-picture-book-chapter-book-or-middle-grade-novel/

Chapter Endings

 How do you write chapter endings that will make your readers want to turn the page?

https://www.nffest.com/2021/02/chapter-endings-that-assure-page-turns.html

Twitter for Writers

 Learn how to use Twitter and increase engagement with your readers. 

https://teri-daniels.com/twitter-guide-for-writers/

Picture Book Biographies

 What are types of picture book biographies are publishers buying and not buying.

https://www.nffest.com/2021/02/tips-and-trends-for-picture-book.html

Writing Grants

 Discover grants to help fund your writing journey.

https://fundsforwriters.com/grants/

Picture Book Revision

 Get your markers ready to revise your picture book.

https://kidlit.com/writing-character-thoughts/

Characterizing Thoughts

 Here are eight types of character thoughts that help the reader understand the person's character.

https://kidlit.com/writing-character-thoughts/

Locations as Characters

 The settings in your book have certain traits which can add to your plot or theme.

https://writersinthestormblog.com/2021/02/locations-as-characters/

Romantic Subplots

 For you young adult and adult writers, here are some suggestions on how to include romantic subplots in your book.

https://writershelpingwriters.net/2021/02/5-tips-for-writing-stellar-romantic-subplots/

Book Review Blogs

 Are you looking for blogs to review your book?

https://blog.reedsy.com/book-review-blogs/

Writers' Support

 There are three types of ways people can support you as you write--mentorship, critique, and accountability.

https://www.janefriedman.com/building-your-writing-support-triangle/

Agent Queries

 Here are some hard truths about querying agents.

https://thewritenote.blogspot.com/2021/02/eight-hard-truths-about-agents-and-two.html

Personalizing Your Query

 Make sure when you personalize your query, you don't come off as a creepy stalker.

https://literaticat.substack.com/p/best-of-ask-the-agent-kindly-or-creepy

Openings

 Make sure your book starts in the best place.

https://bookendsliterary.com/2021/02/04/your-book-starts-in-the-wrong-place/

Agent Pitches

 How to craft a pitch that will make an agent want to read your book.

https://www.annemini.com/category/pitching-to-an-agent/pitch-examples/

Bad Reviews

 Tips on how to cope with negative reviews.

https://writersinthestormblog.com/2021/01/my-fragile-heart-a-bad-book-review/

Parts of a Book

 Here's an A to Z guide to the various parts of a physical book.

https://bookriot.com/the-parts-of-a-book/

Personification

 By giving human-like characteristics to non-human things, you can deepen your writing.

https://writersinthestormblog.com/2021/01/4-ways-personification-takes-your-writing-deeper/

Third Person POV

 There are three types of third person point of view--omniscient, limited, and deep.

https://www.janefriedman.com/understanding-third-person-point-of-view-omniscient-limited-and-deep/

Narrative Nonfiction

 Here are some tips for writing narrative nonfiction.

https://www.12x12challenge.com/12-x-12-april-2020-featured-author-kirsten-larson/

Email Thread Etiquette

 Make an agent or editor's life easier by including previous correspondence in your email thread.

https://nathanbransford.com/blog/2021/01/we-need-to-talk-about-email-thread-etiquette

Rhyming Picture Books

 Ten things you should know when writing a rhyming picture book.

http://picturebookden.blogspot.com/2021/01/the-10-things-i-really-wanted-to-know.html

Online Bios

 You need different online bios for your website and the different platforms.

https://annerallen.com/2021/01/6-online-bios-every-author-needs/

Editing Tricks

 Sometimes you need to see your manuscript in a different way in order to revise.

https://killzoneblog.com/2021/01/playing-tricks-with-editing.html

Inciting Incidents

 Pull your readers by using these techniques to add excitement to your inciting incidents.

http://www.10minutenovelists.com/must-haves-for-exciting-inciting-incidents/

Overused Words

 We all have words and phrases we overuse, so search for them when you're revising.

https://fantasyhandbook.wordpress.com/2020/12/22/revision-search-patterns/

Young Adult

 What makes a book young adult?

https://writersinthestormblog.com/2021/01/writing-for-young-adults/

Scammers

 In your desire to be published, watch out for these scammers.

https://annerallen.com/2021/01/publishing-scammers-2021/

Blogs and Newsletters

 Check out these kidlit blogs and newsletters.

https://teri-daniels.com/kidlit-blogs-and-newsletters/

Setting

 How much is too much scene description?

https://kidlit.com/novel-scene-description/

Great Stories

 What are the characteristics that elevate a story from merely okay to great?

http://www.10minutenovelists.com/eight-must-haves-for-a-great-story/

Book Statistics

 How many books are published each year and other interesting statistics about the publishing world.

https://www.theifod.com/how-many-new-books-are-published-each-year-and-other-related-books-facts/

Picture Books and Older Students

 Educators, here are some hints to the best way to use picture books with your older students.

https://pernillesripp.com/2018/06/15/using-picture-books-with-older-students-a-how-to-guide/?sfns=mo

Query Tracker

 Using query tracker can help you stay organized and avoid oopsies while querying.

https://writersrumpus.com/2019/07/19/stay-organized-with-query-tracker/

Book Events

 Here are some things to think about for your next book event, whether virtual or in real life.

https://writerunboxed.com/2019/03/23/the-art-of-the-book-event-9-tips/

Opening Scenes

 How to write an opening scene that will entice your readers to turn the page.

http://blog.janicehardy.com/2018/12/5-ways-to-write-stronger-opening-scenes.html

Dialogue

 How to write dialogue that will captivate your readers.

https://www.ingramspark.com/blog/how-to-write-dialogue-tips-to-captivate-readers

Comp Titles

 How do you choose which other books to use as comp(arable) titles in your query.

https://kidlit.com/comp-titles-in-a-query-book-comps/

Protagonists

 Asking these three questions about your protagonist will help unlock your story.

https://writershelpingwriters.net/2019/07/three-simple-questions-that-will-unlock-your-story/

Publishing Paths

 There's more than one way to get your book in the hands of readers.

https://www.janefriedman.com/key-book-publishing-path/

Conference Networking

 If you're nervous about networking at your next conference, here are some tips to help.

https://www.writersdigest.com/writing-conferences/10-tips-for-effective-networking-at-a-writers-conference

Author Brand

 To start creating your author brand, identify three words that define you as an author.

https://bookendsliterary.com/2019/07/10/understanding-your-author-brand/ 

Mid-Career Querying

 Maybe you've had a few books published, but not, for whatever reason, you're looking for an agent.

https://dailydahlia.wordpress.com/2019/07/07/mid-career-querying-and-other-stuff-we-dont-talk-about/

Author Websites

 Make sure to do your due diligence on your website to make sure it's protected.

https://www.thebookdesigner.com/2019/07/is-your-website-protected-better-yet-are-you/

Niche Marketing

 If you narrow your marketing efforts groups more likely to be interested in the subject, plot, or setting of your book, you may get better results.

http://smack-dab-in-the-middle.blogspot.com/2019/07/niche-marketing-and-my-1-guerilla.html

Internal Narrative

Your reader can learn more about your character through the use of internal narrative.

https://www.helpingwritersbecomeauthors.com/critique-4-ways-to-write-gripping-internal-narrative/# 

Agents or Editors

 How do you decide whether to submit your manuscript to agents or directly to editors.

https://www.janefriedman.com/query-agents-editors/

Constructive Criticism

 It's hard to accept critiques of our manuscripts, but that's one way we make them better.

https://nybookeditors.com/2020/12/the-writers-game-plan-for-dealing-with-constructive-criticism/

Author Newsletters

 An author newsletter can be a valuable tool in your marketing toolbox.

https://www.janefriedman.com/using-book-promotion-newsletters-to-increase-sales/

Better Dialogue

 The dialogue your character's speaking is not the same as how we speak in real life.

https://writershelpingwriters.net/2021/01/writing-better-dialogue/

Action, Then Reaction

 Make sure an event happens before you have your character react to it.

https://nathanbransford.com/blog/2021/01/action-then-reaction

Types of editing

 Line editing, copy editing, and proofreading are three necessary parts of editing your manuscript.

https://www.janefriedman.com/the-differences-between-line-editing-copy-editing-and-proofreading/

Awesome Characters

Create characters your readers will care about.

https://kmallan.com/2020/11/27/7-tips-for-creating-awesome-characters/

Close Point of View

 One way to draw your readers into a tighter point of view is to eliminate filter words.

https://www.scbwi.org/preparing-for-online-pitch-contests-how-to-write-a-killer-logline/

Online Pitch Contests

 Here are some tips for preparing your pitch for online contests.

https://www.scbwi.org/preparing-for-online-pitch-contests-how-to-write-a-killer-logline/

Endings

 Make sure you tie up all the loose endings by your book's ending.

http://blog.janicehardy.com/2010/07/who-ordered-happily-ever-after.html

Picture Book Storyboarding

 Even if you don't have any artistic talent, you should still storyboard your picture book by making a dummy.

https://writingcooperative.com/picture-book-writing-and-dummy-making-a8d008435496

Plotting a Novel in Verse

  A novel in verse is not just a collection of poems.

https://www.darcypattison.com/writing/plot/best-9-tips-on-plotting-a-novel-in-verse-advice-from-caroline-starr-rose/

Book Awards and Marketing

 Here are some ways you can use the fact that your book won an award in your marketing efforts.

https://www.thebookdesigner.com/2019/07/13-ways-to-use-a-book-award-for-marketing/

Biographies

 One way to focus the lens of your biography is to focus on the subject's childhood.

https://www.nonfiction-ninjas.com/blog/kids-connect-to-kids-sharing-a-persons-childhood-in-a-pb-biography-by-linda-skeers?sfns=mo

Rejections

 Here are the main reasons you might be receiving rejections on your manuscript.

https://annerallen.com/2019/07/rejections-8-reasons-why/

Setting Details

 Picking the right details for your setting is connected to how your reader relates to your characters.

https://writershelpingwriters.net/2019/04/picking-the-right-setting-details/

Kidlit Categories

 Here are the different categories, (picture book, middle grade, etc) or children's books.

https://www.jennybowman.com/what-genre-is-my-childrens-book/

Overused Words

 Search for these overused and often unnecessary words to tighten your manuscript.

https://fantasyhandbook.wordpress.com/2020/12/22/revision-search-patterns/

Character Names

 How do you choose memorable names for your characters?

https://electricliterature.com/how-to-give-your-characters-unforgettable-names/

Conflicting Feedback

 Getting feedback on your writing is always a good thing, but how do you deal with conflicting suggestions?

https://kathytemean.wordpress.com/2018/12/11/ask-dianne-dealing-with-conflicting-informagtion-plus-book-winner-update/

Re-editing Older Works

 Going back and revising older works that never sold or aren't book length brings the possibility of a new book sale, not to mention showing you how much you've grown as a writer.

http://blog.janicehardy.com/2018/09/5-things-re-editing-your-older-work-can.html

Foreign Rights

 How foreign rights sales typically work.

https://literaticat.tumblr.com/post/186354394225/my-agent-sold-english-rights-for-my-debut-mg-novel

Fair Use and Permissions

 If you use quotations from another source in your book, you need to understand fair use and permissions.

https://www.janefriedman.com/sample-permission-letter/?sfns=mo

Writing for Children

 Here are five simple tips to keep in mind when writing for children.

https://nathanbransford.com/blog/2019/07/5-tips-for-writing-for-children

Critique Partners

 Having a great critique partner is invaluable, but how do you find one?

https://writersinthestormblog.com/2019/07/my-critique-partner/

Query Format

 Here's a straightforward explanation of what you should include in a query letter.

https://jetreidliterary.blogspot.com/2019/07/do-all-yall-need-refresher-course-on.html

Dialogue

 How to write dialogue that sounds natural and will captivate your readers.

https://www.ingramspark.com/blog/how-to-write-dialogue-tips-to-captivate-readers

Kidlit Publishing Basics

 Roxie Munro shares what you need to know about the children's book industry.

https://roxiemunro.wordpress.com/

Picture Book Biographies

 Write true stories about people that kids will want to read.

https://www.highlightsfoundation.org/13779/10-things-to-consider-when-writing-a-picture-book-biography/

Research Tips

 Here are some suggestions for making your preliminary research process easier.

http://www.marcieatkins.com/2019/07/08/research-tip-using-google-alerts-for-preliminary-research/?sfns=mo

Mind Mapping

 Organize your writing using one of these mind-mapping techniques.

https://blog.bookbaby.com/2016/11/mind-mapping-can-help-organize-your-writing-process/

Older Writers

 You're never too old to start a career in writing.

https://www.lynmillerlachmann.com/advising-a-60-year-old-who-wants-to-write/

Sentence Length

 Avoid using long sentences in colloquial writing.

https://kidlit.com/avoid-long-sentences-in-colloquial-writing/

Character Strengths and Weaknesses

 Here's a list of some common character strengths and weaknesses.

https://nathanbransford.com/blog/2019/06/list-of-character-strengths-and-weaknesses

Requested Material

 How long can you wait between a request to see more of the manuscript and sending it?

http://scotteagan.blogspot.com/2019/07/how-much-time-between-request-and.html

Nonfiction Platform

 Do you need a platform to sell a nonfiction book?

https://bookendsliterary.com/2019/07/02/platform-for-nonfiction-authors/

Holiday Books

 Are holiday books more or less likely to be acquired?

https://writersrumpus.com/2019/07/02/the-s-and-s-of-writing-holiday-books/