Our Latest Blog Posts
Perfecting Your Query Letter
Traditional publishing is an exciting place with a plethora of talented industry folks. But how do you get one of them to take notice of your book? The answer is to have a killer query letter. A query letter is a one-page document that shares about your book and introduces you as the author. Let’s start with breaking the... Read More »
No Puffy Clouds, No Twinkling Stars
You might agree that when we are faced with a choice to make, we are likely to choose what we are accustomed to. The familiar and comfortable. The tried and true. If you do much reading, you may find that some authors tend to do the same. We choose a word or a phrase that first comes to mind.... Read More »
Working with Illustrators: From First Contact to Final Art
Illustrators have beautiful, creative minds that can enhance your story exponentially. As with any working relationship, you want to have a good, productive one. The better you both work together, the better the book will turn out. If you are looking for an illustrator, check out this blog post: Where Can I Find an Illustrator? Once you’ve narrowed it... Read More »
Some Thoughts on Point of View
One of the first decisions every author has to make as she sits down at her keyboard to start a new book is Whose head will I be in? What will be the point of view from which I tell my story? One told in the first person (I) will sound very different than the more common third person... Read More »
What Every Book Cover Needs
Book covers are one of your most important marketing tools. People will judge your book by its cover. Is it fair? No. Is it reality? Yes. So let’s help you get the best cover you can possibly have, whether you are creating it yourself or hiring a designer. Start with Research The great news is that we live in... Read More »
What Hallmark Taught Me
On the very first day that I “cared enough to send the very best” for a living, I sat down with the Editorial Director of Hallmark Cards in Kansas City. As someone who routinely wrote book reviews for The Sunday New York Times, Web Schott was the most serious and erudite person I’d ever met. I admit I felt... Read More »
Leverage Your Best Marketing Asset: Your Personal Network
Book marketing often seems intimidating to authors, especially when they are not sure where to begin. But what if I told you that you already have an ace in your pocket when it comes to marketing? Whether your book is already out or is in the works, you can use this asset at any time. And it’s free! So,... Read More »
Six Things Editors Look for in Submissions
Since Florida Writers Association (FWA) is in submission season for our Collection Volume 18: Fragments and as a longtime editor of The Florida Writer, FWA’s official magazine, I am thinking a lot about what editors expect from the work they receive from writers hoping to be published in a literary magazine or anthology. I am sure the following list... Read More »