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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...
Novice Writers: How to Develop your Unique Voice
The abundance of digital content makes it hard for newbie writers to stand out. Consistency and perseverance are essential, but developing your writing voice is even more critical. Before we explore how to do this, let us clear up any misconceptions about style, tone, and...
Using Reedsy Editor: Simple Book Writing Software For Novices
When I started writing my book, I knew that doing so in Word wouldn't work for me. Being very analytical and detail-minded I need to see the structure while writing. As a newbie writer, I couldn't afford writing programs like Scrivener, but then I discovered...
The Writer's Meditation: Guided Meditations Focused on Unlocking Creative Potential
For writers, guided meditation is not just a practice but a profoundly personal journey. It is a tool that can guide them through a healing process, helping them achieve a state of unbreakable calm and flow. This unique journey can lead to relaxation and strengthening...
The Unseen Editor: Imagining an Invisible Critique Partner for Creative Insight
Writing can feel like a solitary journey, but even the most celebrated authors often rely on feedback from others. Now, imagine if every writer had an invisible critique partner—a mental editor who provides instant feedback and creative insight. This "unseen editor" could become a writer's...
The Character Cafeteria: Imagining Lunchtime Conversations Between Your Protagonists
Imagine a bustling cafeteria, with trays falling, the clattering sound of chatter filling rooms, and the air redolent with the smell of food. Now, all the tables are occupied by different characters from different stories who are like old friends mingling together. This is an...
The Plotting Playground: Using Children’s Toys and Games to Develop Your Story
Inspiration can come from the most unexpected places when developing a story. One such unconventional source is children’s toys and games. These simple, imaginative tools can ignite creativity, helping writers construct intricate plots, develop rich characters, and create engaging settings. Leveraging these playful elements can...
The Author's Scrapbook: Collecting Visual and Textual Inspiration in a Creative Journal
For every writer, there are times when inspiration seems elusive. During these moments, having a wealth of ideas can make a big difference. One practical and effective method for accumulating these ideas is through maintaining a creative journal, often referred to as an 'author's scrapbook.'...
The Writer's Stargazing: Using Astronomy to Inspire Cosmic Story Ideas and Settings
As an artist, you always seek inspiration to make your canvas special and magical. Stargazing is something more than just a mesmerizing view; it has always inspired artists, scientists, and dreamers. For writers, the cosmos offers endless ideas that can turn a simple story into...
The Fictional Diary: Writing Diary Entries from the Perspective of Different Characters
Writing fictional diary entries from the perspective of different characters is a unique and creative exercise that can significantly enhance a writer's ability to develop complex, believable characters. The idea behind it is for the writers who use it to go beyond the surface-level reconciliation...
The Dream Journal: Keeping Track of Nighttime Visions for Story Inspiration
As the world sleeps, our minds set sail on vibrant journeys during nighttime's tranquility. These imaginative expeditions often fade from memory by daybreak, and it's a shame to let such fascinating narratives disappear. That's why keeping a dream journal is so important; it can be...