By Cindy Sproles @CindyDevoted Sitting on the cusp of a new book release, the reality of good book reviews weighs heavy. The natural questions of acceptance raise our worry level just a smidge. Will readers like the book? Will they even post a review? What about the hate reviews? I've…

by: Shannon Redmon @shannon_redmon The screen is white and my manuscript is due in a few weeks. I sit down, my cup of coffee steaming with caffeinated juice bound to fuel the final scenes my story needs. I settle into my chair, ready for words to flow. My fingers tap…

By Holland Webb @WebbHollandLyle Editing is a crucial component of the writing process. It's a fun part of it too, right? Why wouldn't it be an absolute blast for a professional to give me feedback on what I've so lovingly created? (Probably because I'd rather not hear about my shortcomings…

by Ane Mulligan  @AneMulligan When I was a new writer, I learned the writing “rules” and adhered to them, preached them like a religious zealot to anyone who asked. I lived and breathed RULES. Fortunately, as I grew in my craft, I learned there are times to break the rules…

By W. Terry Whalin @terrywhalin As an editor who has reviewed thousands of submissions throughout my decades in publishing, there are several red flags which authors often include in their proposal or cover letter. Some authors say, “I don’t have any competition. My book is unique.” Then I will ask another…

By DiAnn Mills @DiAnnMills A metaphor is a word or phrase that compares something tangible with something intangible that has a psychological meaning. In fiction, the writer crafts a metaphor according to a character’s personality and life experiences. This eliminates clichés that are dull and boring and instead introduces something…