If you have written a nonfiction book, your next step is to get the manuscript edited. You need several types of editors, but a developmental editor is the first one to offer feedback and revision notes. Once you get those notes, what’s the best approach to your revisions? I have just received the revision requests back from the publisher of…
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Lots of people say they are writers, but they aren’t. Not really. After all, writers write, and they aren’t writing consistently. If, like them, you claim to be a writer but don’t produce written words several times per week (or daily), you are not a writer…yet. I’m not talking about being an author. An author is a writer who has…
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If your literary agent said, “It’s my intention to get you a $50,000 to $75,000 advance for your book,” how would you react? I’d hasten to guess you initially might respond, “That’s fabulous! I’d love that.” After all, you have dreamed of being a well-paid author, right? But what would you say to yourself after that? It’s possible—even likely—that your…
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“Think positive!” You’ve probably heard this advice, but you may not realize that affirmations, or positive statements, offer a powerful tool that helps you succeed as a writer and author. If the voice in your head offers more negative than positive feedback about your writing career, consider learning how to compose and use affirmations. This skill is a must-have addition…
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Procrastination. If you are a procrastinator, you might delay writing tasks, including working on your manuscript, sending query letters to literary agents or publications, or marketing yourself and your work. No matter when or why you procrastinate, the impact is always the same—your productivity plummets, and your self-esteem, self-trust, and self-confidence decline. But throw a little necessity into the mix,…
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