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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...
What's in a Name? Choosing the Right Name For Your Characters
I had a student, years ago, whose name was Priya. I loved that name, and the meaning associated with it. What does Priya mean? Quite simply, it means beautiful. I knew I’d have to use the name in one of my stories, not the character...
10 Practical Tips for Writing Your First Non-Fiction Book
Writing your first non-fiction book can seem daunting. If you are used to writing blog posts and articles, the number of words needed for a book seems overwhelming. I started writing my first non-fiction book in mid-February 2024, and 8 months later, I started editing...
What If the Internet Disappeared Overnight? Crafting a Plot Around the Chaos!
Imagine a world without the internet. This scenario presents a compelling idea for writers: What if the internet disappeared overnight? This concept allows for the exploration of various literary themes and genres, depicting the chaotic impact of the absence of the internet on society. It...
7 Simple Tips to Develop and Stick to a Writing Schedule
When my company retrenched me after seventeen years, I started exploring opportunities to earn an income online. I've considered a virtual assistant business; part of that is writing articles on my blog. When it didn't work out, I combined my love for writing and reading...
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...