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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. Below that are hundreds of articles on topics all authors face in today’s literary landscape. Get help and advice on Writing, Marketing, Publishing, Social Networking 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...

Why It May Be Time to Get into Serialized Fiction

Serialized fiction is a story that's published in parts, usually in “episodes” or chapters, which are published in papers and magazines. Instead of waiting for the next book to release, people wait for the next chapter to come out so that they can see what...

Three Key Elements Every Story Needs

When you're getting ready to write your novel, it's good to remember three important elements. Every story you read contains the B story, increasingly difficult obstacles, and the dark night of the soul. Most stories are layered with several storylines happening. Even your classic Christmas stories...

Writing Places: Parks

There are multiple temporary writing places that have been found to inspire writers. One often overlooked place of writing and inspiration is the park. Most people think of parks mainly as places for children, sports players, joggers, and dog walkers. In doing so, they neglect thinking...

Analysing the English Language: Don't Leave It Up to Spell Check!

There, their, they’re – tired of figuring out which there is theirs? Or, for that matter, yours because you’re overwhelmed by the confusion. And the spell check really isn’t helping. It’s amazing how the inconsistencies and unusual nuances and innuendoes of the English language can confuse...

Writer Networking

It was a special occasion. My husband and I decided to drive to a nearby town, browse the historic section and enjoy a lunch out. After walking about, we settled in at an out-of-the-way family restaurant, small, quaint, but reported to have good, homemade (freshly...

Eat, Sleep and Drink

What makes life interesting? Life is intriguing when there is something that excites you or gives you the ability to feel special. It is the same with writing. When you write, you want to share something that you have experienced; whether the feeling is good or...

The Rapture and After

As I’ve stated before, writers tend to draw their inspirations from their cultures, whether they know it or not. From the fiery brimstone illustrations Southern preachers have claimed, to the nuclear war today’s leaders may or may not start, to even alien invasions or parasitic...

Writing Places: Libraries

When it comes to writing, many writers have a specific place where they prefer to do their writing. Some writers use a home office while others prefer an internet cafe or coffee shop; then there are others who prefer the more natural writing environment of...

Writing Places: Cruise Ships

When it comes to writing, many writers have a specific place that they prefer to do their writing. Some writers use a home office while others prefer an Internet cafe or coffee shop; then there are others who prefer the more natural writing environment of...

You're Never Too Young: Writing as a Teen

There’s something magical about books. Not only do they create these worlds and stories for people to explore, but they also bring people together as they read them. It doesn’t matter what age you are, you can suddenly be on a space ship or on...