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Book Review & Contest Insights from Real Reviews and Submissions
What separates great books from the rest? Below are articles with insights from real reviews and contest submissions—what works, what doesn’t, and how to improve your book. You’ll also find a wide range of articles covering writing, publishing, marketing, and more. Each article has a Comments section so you can read advice from other authors and leave your own.
Why Some Books Win Awards (And Most Don’t) — Insights From Real Contest Submissions New!
What separates award-winning books from the rest? After evaluating contest submissions across a wide range of genres, certain patterns become clear. Some books consistently rise to the top. Others, even with strong ideas and clear effort behind them, fall short. The difference is rarely dramatic—it...
What We’ve Learned From Reviewing Hundreds of Thousands of Books (And Why Most Don’t Stand Out) New!
After reviewing and evaluating books across thousands of submissions over the past two decades, certain patterns become impossible to ignore. Some books immediately stand out to reviewers. Others—even well-intentioned ones—fade into the middle or fall short. The difference is rarely luck. It comes down to...
Inspirational Places To Write
Sometimes working from home can become a little too comfortable. If you have spent days in your pyjamas with ruffled hair and living on a diet of strong coffee and cereal, then it is time to get out of your office and look for inspiration elsewhere. The following six places are not all usual places to write, but they all have advantages and are my personal favourites. Many will have a WiFi connection but if not, be prepared to work offline.
Library
Libraries make great workspaces, and often have quiet reference rooms or even better the solitude of a study room which you can reserve for free. What better than being surrounded by shelves of inspirational literature and reference books? Plus, the WiFi is usually speedy. However, this is not the best place to take telephone calls and you will have to take your coffee and lunch elsewhere.But for a few hours of creativity, libraries are my top pick.
Coffee shop
Coffee shops have been popular places to find writers for many years and for a very good reason. There is a never-ending supply of caffeine which will help get the creative juices flowing and inspire pages of a first class storyline. Remember coffee shops also have snacks, meals and juices to keep you full and therefore productive. Be aware not to outstay your welcome, maybe an hour or two at most. Order plenty of coffee and leave a generous tip to the staff.
Public park
Public parks offer the wide open space and fresh air to get your brain working to its maximum capability. Remember to take a blanket or chair and plenty to eat and drink. Unfortunately, there will be no WiFi but you will be surrounded by nature and what could be a better inspiration? You will also be surrounded by people so use your people watching skills and you may spot your next great character.
Museum
If you are lucky enough to have a museum nearby then consider buying an annual membership and using their workspace when you want a change of scenery. Imagine the amount of creativity that will be generated by sitting on a bench and admiring an amazing painting or the wonders of natural history?
Aquarium
Have you ever wondered why doctors' or counsellors' offices always have a fish tank? Watching fish glide through the water is actually very relaxing and calming. When the stresses of meeting a freelance writing deadline loom over you, a few hours in a calming environment will be extremely beneficial to you. Please note to visit late afternoon as this is the quietest time.
In cities with free WiFi
Many cities have implemented municipal WiFi which means you can connect to WiFi just about anywhere, giving you the freedom to work anywhere and have an internet connection. Find your perfect spot in the city to work, maybe a corner bench in a park and get a lot of work completed without using all your data at home. Also, a great excuse to people watch. Be mindful of security as this is a public WiFi system.
Written by Readers’ Favorite Reviewer Lesley Jones