Dear Authors, Publishing is a double-edged sword. It brings us great joy and equal frustration. Daily, publishers post information about the terrible state of the industry, driving us to ask the question, “Why do we even bother?” It’s this question that prompts my letter to authors, both new and seasoned.…

by Cindy Sproles @cindydevoted Even though I've been writing for a while, I still love to sit at the feet of those who are successful and pick their brains. Their guidance is valuable. When a new writer hands me a manuscript, it’s easy to see their passion for the story.…

by Cindy Sproles @cindydevoted You've heard it, and I’ve said it a hundred times. What’s your rush to publish? I, better than anyone, know what it’s like to wait. I know how hard and frustrating it can be. My writing journey to publication took seven years. I get it. When…

by Cindy Sproles @cindydevoted My high school journalism teacher once told me, “You’re a naive soul. Always looking for the best in others. Beware of naysayers. They will crush you.” It’s not the first time I’ve been accused of naivety nor the first time I’ve been disappointed in others, so…

by Cindy Sproles @cindydevoted “I have a memoir.” An excited conferee sat across from an acquisitions editor. An awkward silence seeped across the table. The editor tinkered with the manuscript. “We aren’t looking for memoirs.” “But your site says you publish them.” “We publish memoirs if you’re Brad Pitt, George…

by Cindy Sproles @CindyDevoted When the seeds are planted, you never know what will sprout. We made a tough decision – to take down a huge 40-foot elm tree damaged from lightening. It towered over our home and with each storm that passed, we wondered if the massive tree would find its way…