Getting vague or confusing feedback from beta readers? The problem may not be that they don’t know what’s wrong with your manuscript. It could be they’re trying very hard not to hurt your feelings. Something I hear often from writers is that they need better or more...
If your novel isn’t working and you keep rewriting the plot, you’re probably avoiding the real problem I commonly hear from writers that they’ve rewritten the plot three times. Or five. Or ten. They’ve added new twists. Removed subplots. Changed the...
Wondering why readers aren’t connecting with your main character? Here are some of the most common reasons a protagonist feels unlikeable, and how to fix the problem before you submit your manuscript. One of the most common, and most stubborn, problems I see in...
What do literary agents look for in the authors they want to represent? Contrary to some popular misconceptions, it’s not necessary to be famous, have thousands of followers on social media, or be a personal friend of some grand poobah of publishing in order to get a...
A big part of choosing the professionals you will work with on your writing career is finding the right match for you and your work. You need someone who is able to provide what you need at the time you need it. Some editors or consultants are not going to be a match...
Research, whether for a non-fiction book or a novel, is an important aspect of writing a book. Ideally, research will provide you with the depth and detail a really good book requires, and at the very least, it will help you avoid the kind of howler that undermines...
Audience Competition Marketing Your book just doesn’t look good The price isn’t right Unrealistic expectations The way forward Self-publishing a book has become so easy to do that sometimes it seems everyone is doing it, and that might not be far from the truth:...
When should I hire an editor? What training and experience do you have? Which categories of books do you work with? What services do you offer? How much will an editing service cost? Do you do sample edits? Can I have a reference from other authors you have worked...
The most common reason authors cite for not wanting to hire an editor is that it is expensive. I want to explain why, while editing by a trained and experienced editor is one of publishing’s larger expenses, it is also value for money. Editing is a lengthy and...
By Erick Mertz What Ghostwriting a Book Actually Means Why So Many Authors Choose Ghostwriting a Book The Emotional Side of Ghostwriting a Book How the Ghostwriting Process Works Will Ghostwriting a Book Still Sound Like Me? When Ghostwriting a Book Makes Sense The...
