Middle Grade Sales

 Is there really a slump in middle grade sales, and what caused it?

https://fromthemixedupfiles.com/the-middle-grade-slump/

Prologues

How can you tell if your prologue is necessary?

https://writershelpingwriters.net/2024/03/do-you-need-a-prologue-take-the-test/ 

Debut Authors

 Congratulations on your debut book, and here are some tips for you.

http://www.literaryrambles.com/2024/03/ten-tips-for-debut-authors-by-agent.html

Impersonation Scams

 Don't fall for these scams where they impersonate a real agency or publisher.

https://writerbeware.blog/2024/03/15/the-impersonation-list/

Accessibility on Social Media

 Here are some ways to make sure your social media posts are accessible to all.

https://www.accessliving.org/newsroom/guide-basic-accessibility-on-social-media/

Submission Ready

 How can you tell if your writing is ready to submit (or publish)?

https://nathanbransford.com/blog/2024/03/how-to-know-when-youre-really-ready-to-submit-or-publish

Finding Nonfiction Experts

 Make your nonfiction shine by consulting experts in the field.

https://writersrumpus.com/2024/03/15/how-to-write-incredible-nonfiction-find-an-expert/

Self Promotion

 Here are some tips for promoting yourself and your books.

https://follow.it/group-blog/temp/OTI1MDIwNTEx

Small Publishers

 How do you evaluate a small publisher?

https://janefriedman.com/evaluate-small-publisher/

Grammar Checkers

 Will using a grammar checker improve your writing?

https://scotteagan.blogspot.com/2024/03/thoughts-on-grammar-checkers.html

AI and Writers

 How does your writing career survive the advent of AI?

https://annerallen.com/2024/03/writer-in-the-age-of-ai/

Selling Books at School Visits

 How do you include book sales in your school visits?

https://www.annettewhipple.com/2023/10/how-to-sell-books-at-school-visit.html

Publishing Timeline

 Why does it take so long from when you get an offer on a book until it's published?

https://knliterary.com/2017/06/27/a-publishing-timeline-for-first-time-authors/?r_done=1

Backstory

 It can be difficult to decide what backstory you need to include in your writing.

https://janefriedman.com/how-do-you-know-what-backstory-to-include/

Naming Characters

 Naming your characters is both fun and challenging.

https://writersinthestormblog.com/2024/03/the-name-game-tips-for-naming-your-characters/

Author Bios

 What's the secret to crafting a compelling author bio?

https://writershelpingwriters.net/2024/03/the-secret-to-a-compelling-author-bio/

Author Questionnaires

 Your publisher's publicist will probably have you fill out a questionnaire in order to better market your book.

https://katemckean.substack.com/p/author-questionnaire

Character Strengths

 One way your readers can get to know your characters is by showing their strengths.

https://writersinthestormblog.com/2024/04/ways-to-know-your-characters-part-4-strengths/

Self Promotion

 How do you go about promoting your book and why is it important?

https://groggorg.blogspot.com/2024/03/why-authors-need-to-self-promote-and.html

Pen Names

 Things to consider if you're thinking about using a pen name.

https://susanuhlig.com/2011/03/double_identity/

Work for Hire

What is work for hire and how can you get hired to write it?

https://bethandersonwriter.com/2024/03/08/behind-the-scenes-the-mysterious-world-of-work-for-hire-early-readers-by-melissa-h-mwai/ 

Active Protagonists

 Active protagonists will help to engage your readers.

https://nathanbransford.com/blog/2024/03/why-protagonists-need-to-be-active

Scammers

 How can you protect yourself from publishing scammers?

https://annerallen.com/2022/02/publishing-scammers-how-to-stay-safe-2/

Writing Advice

 One of the best pieces of writing advice is simply to finish your book.

https://countercraft.substack.com/p/the-first-and-best-writing-advice

Character Flaws

 Introducing flaws helps your readers understand more about your characters.

https://writersinthestormblog.com/2024/03/ways-to-know-your-characters-part-3-flaws/

Word Choice

 The wrong word choice can hurt your writing.

http://blog.janicehardy.com/2016/11/14-words-that-are-hurting-your-writing.html

Author Voice

 When you're writing in deep point of view, you'll want to remove the author voice from your writing.

https://writersinthestormblog.com/2024/02/how-to-remove-the-author-voice-for-deep-point-of-view/

Online Press Kit

 It's important to have an online press kit on your website.

https://janefriedman.com/set-up-the-perfect-online-press-kit/

Finding an Agent

 Here are some tips on finding an agent.

https://www.nffest.com/2024/02/5-tips-for-finding-agent.html

Writer's Block

 Here are some hacks to break through your writer's block.

https://annerallen.com/2024/02/writers-block-busters/

Nudging an Agent

 How do you nudge an agent to see if your work is still under consideration?

https://alexadonne.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/06/Agent-Nudge-Examples.pdf

Types of Scenes

 There are three types of scenes you can use in your writing.

https://janefriedman.com/scene-summary-postcard-three-types-of-scenes-used-in-commercial-upmarket-and-literary-fiction/

Nonfiction Word Counts

 What are the average and range of word counts in nonfiction picture books?

https://kirstenwlarson.com/2024/03/09/results-nonfiction-picture-book-word-count-survey-for-debut-authors/

Pitching to Media

 How to you pitch your book to media in a way that increases the chance they'll pick it up?

https://insights.bookbub.com/how-to-pitch-book-to-media-steps/

Substack

 What are the pros and cons for authors of using substack?

https://janefriedman.com/substack-is-both-great-and-terrible-for-authors/

Author Visits

 These seven steps will help you get started with author visits.

https://www.annettewhipple.com/2023/10/7-steps-to-get-started-with-author.html

Blurbs

 How do you ask for a blurb or answer a request for one?

https://katemckean.substack.com/p/how-to-blurb

Weak Words

Eliminate some of these common weak words to make your story stronger.

http://blog.janicehardy.com/2013/02/five-edits-to-strengthen-your-writing.html

Braided Storytelling

 When you write, you need to braid together the story elements.

https://www.worldbuilders.ai/p/braided-storytelling

Tropes

 Depending upon how they're used, tropes can either add or detract from your story.

https://janefriedman.com/tropes-the-good-the-bad-and-the-ugly/

Characters' Knowledge

 Characters can just know things without it having to be spelled out in your text.

https://nathanbransford.com/blog/2024/02/characters-can-just-know-things

Poetry and Nonfiction

 Here are some tips for writing your nonfiction book in verse.

https://www.nffest.com/2024/02/poetry-and-nonfiction-how-does-that-work.html?m=1

Self-Editing

 Before you query with your manuscript, you need to self edit to increase your chance of publication.

https://refiction.com/articles/editing-a-book

Author Bios on Queries

 What should you include in your author bio when writing a query letter?

https://courtneymaum.substack.com/p/turbocharging-the-bio-section-of

School Visits

 This survey show information about school visits, including honoraria.

https://www.donnajanellbowman.com/2024/02/21/school-visit-survey-nuts-bolts-and-uncomfortable-truths/

Who Reps Whom?

 Here's a list of authors and a link to their agent's website.

https://querytracker.net/clients/

First Paragraph

 Grab your reader in the first paragraph of your book.

https://writersinthestormblog.com/2024/02/creating-wow-power-in-your-first-paragraph/

Rejection Letters

 Why don't agents explain their rejection letters?

https://www.booksandsuch.com/blog/dont-agents-explain-rejections/

Chapter Lengths

 How long should each chapter be?

https://blog.reedsy.com/how-long-should-a-chapter-be/

Scene Beginnings

 Here are some must-haves for the first few paragraphs of every scene.

https://writershelpingwriters.net/2024/02/four-must-haves-in-the-first-two-paragraphs-of-every-chapter-or-scene/

Brainstorming Your Plot

 Here's a handy trick for brainstorming your plot.

https://writersinthestormblog.com/2024/02/a-handy-trick-for-brainstorming-your-plot/

In-Person Conferences

 There's something to be said about attending a conference in person.

https://writersrumpus.com/2024/02/09/embracing-connection-the-joy-of-returning-to-in-person-conferences/

Editors

 How much should it cost to hire an editor for your book?

https://www.marykole.com/book-editing

Voice

 How do you write words that sing?

https://byomentor.com/2019/01/28/voice-writing-words-that-sing/

Character Personality

 Your characters' personalities help your readers to better understand them.

https://writersinthestormblog.com/2024/02/ways-to-know-your-characters-part-2-personality/

Educational Market

 What's involved in getting a project to write for the educational market?

https://www.annettewhipple.com/2019/01/writing-for-educational-market.html

Narrative Arc

 What is a narrative arc and how does that relate to your storytelling?

https://blog.reedsy.com/narrative-arc/

Hybrid Publishers

 Here are some red flags to look for when choosing a hybrid publisher.

https://janefriedman.com/hybrid-paid-publishing-red-flags/

Writing Rules

It's okay to sometimes break the writing rules.

https://janefriedman.com/writing-rules-that-beg-to-be-broken/ 

Maximizing Submission Chances

 Here are some tips to maximize your chance of having a successful submission.

https://scotteagan.blogspot.com/2024/02/maximizing-your-submission-chances.html

Relationship Plots

 Where are the turning points in your relationship plot?

https://writershelpingwriters.net/2024/02/mastering-turning-points-in-relationship-plots/

Author Platform

Having an author platform is not mandatory for marketing most writing.

https://janefriedman.com/author-platform-is-not-a-requirement-to-sell-your-novel-or-childrens-book/ 

Kidlit Nonfiction

 How do you write nonfiction that kids will want to read?

https://www.marykole.com/nonfiction-books-for-kids

Emotions

 Here are some tips for getting emotion on the page.

https://writershelpingwriters.net/2019/01/how-to-get-emotion-onto-the-page/

Press Releases

 Do you still need press releases in this digital age?

https://janefriedman.com/why-you-need-a-press-release-in-a-digital-age/

Dialogue in Fiction

 Use less dialogue and more action in fiction.

https://annerallen.com/2024/02/avoid-too-much-dialogue-in-fiction/

Character Backgrounds

 Knowing your characters' backgrounds will help you write more rounded characters.

https://writersinthestormblog.com/2024/01/ways-to-know-your-characters-part-1-background/

Writing Retreats

 Make your writing retreat pay off.

https://janefriedman.com/5-ways-to-make-a-writing-retreat-pay-off/

Character Development Exercises

 Here are some exercises to use in developing a fully realized character.

https://blog.reedsy.com/character-development-exercises/

Story Structure Timing

 How perfect does the timing have to be in your story structure?

https://www.helpingwritersbecomeauthors.com/your-storys-structural-timing/

Character Names

 How do you choose the perfect names for your characters?

https://blog.reedsy.com/how-to-come-up-with-a-character-name/

Point of View

 There are many ways to play with point of view in your story.

https://taralazar.com/2024/01/26/storystorm-2024-day-26/

Conference Networking

 How to network at conferences without it being weird.

https://writersinthestormblog.com/2024/01/lauras-big-guide-to-conference-networking/

Character Voice

 Differentiate your characters by giving each a distince voice.

https://pshoffman.com/character-creation/how-to-write-character-voice/

Funny Picture Books

 Kids love humor in the books they read.

https://www.wordsandpics.org/2021/01/picture-book-focus-writing-funny.html

Great Characters

Here are some hints for developing great characters.

https://pshoffman.com/character-creation/how-to-write-addicting-characters/ 

Multiple Plotlines

 It can be confusing to keep track of multiple plotlines in your book.

https://www.helpingwritersbecomeauthors.com/writing-multiple-plotlines-everything-you-need-to-know/

Tension

 Unanswered questions can add tension to your writing.

https://writershelpingwriters.net/2024/01/tension-and-the-power-of-unanswered-questions/

Confusing Your Reader

 Here are some reasons why your reader might be confused when reading your book.

https://nathanbransford.com/blog/2024/01/six-reasons-youre-confusing-the-reader

Storyboards

If you're writing a picture book, you should make a storyboard (even if you're not an illustrator).

https://taralazar.com/2016/10/06/every-picture-book-author-should-make-a-storyboard/ 

Picture Books

 Here are nine things that make a picture book successful.

https://tracymarchini.com/publishing-thoughts-and-writing-advice/9-qualities-of-a-successful-picture-book

Author Visits

 Here are some tips to get started with author visits.

https://www.annettewhipple.com/2023/10/7-steps-to-get-started-with-author.html

Pacing

 Work on the pacing in your novel to keep your readers turning the page.

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

Newsletter Freebies

Get more subscribers for your newsletter by providing freebies.

https://writershelpingwriters.net/2023/10/how-to-create-a-fun-freebie-your-newsletter-subscribers-cant-resist/ 

YA Writers and Teens

 If you're writing a young adult novel, you should know about the life of teens.

https://janefriedman.com/4-things-every-ya-writer-should-know-about-teens/

Plot Problems

 There are several reasons why you're plot might not be working.

http://blog.janicehardy.com/2019/09/why-your-plot-isnt-working.html

Puns

 Here are some hints for using wordplay in your writing.

https://scbwi.blogspot.com/2024/01/a-pun-in-oven-how-to-give-birth-to.html

Characters

 Here are five things your character needs.

https://www.writingforward.com/storytelling/five-things-your-characters-need

Chapter Lengths

 What's the optimal length for your book chapters?

https://blog.reedsy.com/how-long-should-a-chapter-be/

Newletters

 Make sure your newsletter is providing what your subscribers expect.

https://writershelpingwriters.net/2024/01/ensure-your-newsletter-lives-up-to-subscribers-expectations/

What Are Agents/Editors Looking For

 Is the story the only important part of your query?

https://scotteagan.blogspot.com/2024/01/what-agentseditors-really-look-for.html

Submission No-nos

 Agents' pet peeves about query letters.

https://www.notesfromtheslushpile.com/2020/08/how-not-to-get-agent-submission-pet.html

Book Tours

 Here are ten tips to help make your book publicity tour a success.

https://www.notesfromtheslushpile.com/2014/03/top-ten-tips-for-book-publicity-tours.html

Book Awards

 Check out this list of book awards.

https://insights.bookbub.com/book-awards/

Antagonist

 Don't forget your antagonist is also important to your story.

https://writersinthestormblog.com/2023/12/story-in-trouble-5-signs-youre-ignoring-your-antagonist/

Book Release Timeline

 What should you be doing and when to promote the release of your new book?

https://www.lisaschroederbooks.com/2010/02/timeline-and-checklist-for-ya-of-mg.html

Twitter Pitch Parties

 What are Twitter (X) pitch parties and what are some of the more common ones?

https://slushpilestory.wordpress.com/2017/11/04/most-popular-twitter-pitch-parties-for-writers/

Pen Names

 Should you use a pen name for your writing?

https://askanauthor.substack.com/p/should-i-use-a-pen-name

Verbal Comedy

 Add humor to your book through the use of verbal comedy.

https://writersinthestormblog.com/2023/10/how-to-write-comedy-part-2-verbal-comedy/

Synopses

Follow these five steps to create a synopsis for your novel.

https://www.goodstorycompany.com/blog/how-to-write-a-novel-synopsis 

Scene Pitfalls

Here are some pitfalls to avoid when writing a goal-driven scene.

 https://writershelpingwriters.net/2023/12/scene-mastery-navigating-common-goal-driven-scene-pitfalls/

Fake Literary Agents

Don't get scammed by a fake literary agent.

https://writerbeware.blog/2023/12/15/how-to-spot-a-fake-literary-agency/ 

Settings

 Here are five tips for creating an unforgettable setting.

https://writerunboxed.com/2023/12/19/5-tips-for-crafting-unforgettable-settings/

Book Launches

 Here are some tips for organizing your book launch party.

https://www.notesfromtheslushpile.com/2015/07/how-to-organize-book-launch-party.html

Street Teams

 How do you use street teams to promote your book?

https://jmfrey.net/2019/09/words-for-writers-what-is-a-street-team-guest-post/

Digital Review Copies

 There are several ways for publishers to provide digital review copies for reviewers.

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

Author Bios

 Here are some hints for writing your author bio.

https://justpublishingadvice.com/i-am-an-author-but-i-am-useless-at-writing-my-own-bio/

Physical Comedy

 Add humor to your manuscript through the use of physical comedy.

https://writersinthestormblog.com/2023/09/how-to-write-comedy-part-1-physical-comedy-slapstick/

Literary Agents

 How do you find the literary agent who's perfect for you?

https://janefriedman.com/researching-the-right-literary-agents-for-you/

Story Endings

 How to find the perfect ending for your story.

https://www.eevijones.com/how-to-end-a-story/

Choose Your Own Adventure Books

 Here's one author's experiences in writing a choose your own adventure book.

https://writersrumpus.com/2023/12/08/my-experience-writing-a-choose-your-own-adventure-book/

Query Letters

 Don't get rejected based on your query letter.

https://annerallen.com/2023/12/its-your-query-letter/

Board Books

 Is it possible to get your board book published?

https://www.deareditor.com/2023/11/can-i-get-a-book-deal-for-a-board-book/

Picture Book Format

 If you're writing picture books, it's important to understand their format.

https://debbieohi.substack.com/p/picture-books-101-part-3-understanding

Biographies

 Here are some tips for writing a biography will be compelling to readers.

https://writersinthestormblog.com/2023/11/telling-a-life-tips-for-composing-a-compelling-biography/

Emotions and Moods

 The "show don't tell" rule also works for letting your reader in on your characters' emotions and moods.

https://thewritepractice.com/how-to-show-not-tell-paranoia-hope-and-other-moods/

Descriptions

 One well-chosen detail is better than a laundry list of descriptions.

https://janefriedman.com/one-well-chosen-detail-write-juicy-descriptions-without-overwhelming-your-reader/

Self Editing

 Increase the chances of selling your manuscript by becoming a better self editor.

https://writersinthestormblog.com/2023/11/why-you-should-want-to-become-a-better-self-editor/