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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...

Do You Need a Literary Agent If You Self-publish?

In essence, the answer is no. You do not need a literary agent to become a self-published author. There are also fewer stigmas now surrounding the image of self-publishing. It has become a way for authors to be recognised and many have gone on to enjoy...

How Do Literary Agents Fit into the World of Self-publishing?

You have spent months, maybe years, in writing and perfecting your book and have decided to self-publish in order to get your book ‘out there’ and read. However, now you want to reach even more readers and have your book for sale in thousands of...

Steps in Finding a Non-fiction Literary Agent

In an industry where competition is high among writers, how can a first-time author stand out from the rest? There are different types of books being published and sold every day. Writers can choose what area they want to specialize in. A popular genre of...

Steps in Finding a Literary Agent for Children’s Books

There are different categories for children’s books. There are picture books, middle grade and young-adult books. Children’s book writers who want to see their books published often ask if they should seek the help of a literary agent. Collaborating with an agent comes in handy...

Common Mistakes Writers Make When Approaching Literary Agents

Writers who finish their books are eager to get these published. They rush into searching for literary agents who can get their books a contract and would gladly collaborate with them. However, it takes time and a series of steps before an agent allows a...

Why You Need a Literary Agent

Two frequently asked questions are: “What’s the point of literary agents?” and “Why should I work with an agent?” After a writer has completed a book project, the next goal is to get it published. The writer has two options - he/she may opt to self-publish...

How To Pitch A Collection Of Short Stories To Agents And Editors

The short story is one of the literary art forms that countless authors have mastered. However, very few writers know how to get their short story collection published. To make a short story work, you have to be talented and experienced. Many people who write...

How to Find a Genuine Literary Agent

Finding a literary agent can be very rewarding. With the help of a literary agent, you can get in touch with publishers without having to approach them directly. Your agent will handle this for you, allowing you to focus more on your writing. This partnership...

How to Land a Literary Agent in 7 Days

Forming a partnership with a literary agent is very beneficial for authors, especially new ones. Literary agents help these authors find a publisher, allowing authors to share their work to a wider audience. Authors will get their works published and read by people from all...

How To Find Yourself a Book Agent

Getting a publisher to publish your work is a huge stepping stone that can help you in achieving your goals. However, finding the right publisher is not that simple. You will have to look through a number of possible publishers, convince and negotiate with them...