Tag: books
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Why To Include Small Indie Presses in Your To-Query List
If you are a querying author, chances are you’ve poured over agents’ manuscript wish lists. You have probably looked at social media posts and websites hoping to find perfect matches for your manuscript. And while that is what you should be doing, it’s not all you could be doing. Many querying authors overlook small independent…
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How to Title Your Manuscript When Querying: Tips That Catch an Agent’s Eye
When you’re querying agents, your title is your story’s handshake—your first impression. A great manuscript title doesn’t just sound good; it hints at genre, tone, and emotional promise. While titles can change during the publishing process, a strong one helps your submission stand out from the slush pile. So how do you craft one that…
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Mastering Live Book Pitches: Tips for Success (Plus a Free Template!)
Pitching your book at a live event is like stepping into the spotlight with your creative soul on display. You’ve got minutes to capture the attention of literary agents, each one looking for the next big thing. It’s an adrenaline rush—a mix of public speaking and storytelling—with the tantalizing hope of hearing, “I’d love to…
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2024 Publishing Highlights: My Journey and Future Plans
Hi Writing and Publishing Community! I hope your 2024 was positive and productive. I wanted to share a summary of my 2024 accomplishments and of some of the resources I created for emerging and seasoned authors. I’m also sharing my plans for 2025. 2024 Highlights January 2024: Presented at Power Publishing Day at NOVA Southeast…
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Losing My Father While He’s Still Alive
I writhe my hands in my lap. Out the passenger-seat window familiar scenery appears—decrepit orange groves and crumbling fences. “You okay?” Brayden asks. “We don’t have to do this. I’ll turn around.” “No, no. I need to see him. It’ll be fine.” But I don’t trust the words I’ve just spoken. Over the last few…
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A Self-Editing Guide For Authors – Part 1 Developmental Edits
You’ve typed the words The End. Alpha Readers, Beta Readers and Critique Partners have given you a thumbs-up. Friends and family members have given you two enthusiastic thumbs-up. Congratulations! You’re ready to send your query to your top list of agents or small presses. Or hit publish if you’re planning to do this on your…
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Why You Should Make a Book Trailer and How to Create One (Including My FREE Webinar!)
The free webinar with examples is at the end. I made it for Wild Ink and Conquest authors, but I’m now sharing it with YOU! Along with my free downloadable guide.:) Enjoy! What is a Book Trailer? A book trailer is similar to a movie trailer. It’s a short video created to entice the viewer…
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My Chat with Amethyst Ink Editor Demi Michelle Schwartz
Recently I had the privilege of chatting with author, recording artist, editor, and someone I’m honored to call friend, Demi Michelle Schwartz. We spoke about her experience so far as a freelance editor for Amethyst Ink. As an editorial agent, I wanted to pick her brain and see what she’s seen on her end. The…
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Maximize Your Reach: How Authors Can Get on Podcasts and Succeed
According to Back Link there are over 500 million podcasts listeners worldwide. The podcast business currently is a 23-billion-dollar industry with projections it could reach 100 billion by 2030. Numbers don’t lie, podcasts could be one of the top ways to grow your author brand and ultimately sell more books. But there are some strategic…
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Giveaway For Listeners of Michelle Glogovac’s My Simplied Life Podcast
It was an absolute honor to be a guest on Michelle Glogovac’s My Simplified Life podcast. I’ve been a fan of Michelle’s ever since I heard her on David Gwyn’s Thriller 101 podcast where she talked about her book How to Get on Podcasts. Michelle’s tips and tricks are PERFECT for any author who is…
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Goodreads Book Giveway
I’m excited to share that I’ll be giving away five copies of my young adult novel WORTH IT, along with some secret swag. The giveaway starts today and lasts through May 5th. Book Summary Seventeen-year-old Angela Carter intended to pick out prom dresses with her best friend and fill out college applications during her senior…
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The Anatomy of a Scene
At it’s simplistic form, a novel is merely an opening scene, followed by scenes of rising action to a climax, followed by scenes of falling action to a conclusion. That’s it. But what constitutes a scene? Well writing friends, I’m about to break it down for you in a formulaic template that will keep your…
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So You Want to Write a Book That Gets Published: A Step-By-Step Guide
As a published author, associate literary agent, and developmental editor, I often hear, “I have an idea for a book, I just don’t know where to start.” And I get it. I’ve been there. You don’t know what you don’t know. So in this post, I’m going to lay out a framework any hopeful author…
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Encore: Author(ish) Podcast Episode 20: Interview with Dana Hawkins Author of Not In the Plan
I am sharing an encore episode of the Author(ish) podcast where I interview my co-host, Dana Hawkins in celebration of her debut, Not in the Plan, launching this week!
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My Top Lucky Thirteen Writing Podcasts for 2024
Hello, authors in all phases of your writing journey. As a new associate literary agent at The Purcell Agency, I hope to help every author who queries me, or who stumbles across my website, to come away with something valuable. This resource list is one. If you’ve read anything about me, and fine if you…
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Elabeth Cooney Author Spotlight
I’m excited to share my interview with poetry author Elabeth Cooney! Elabeth, tell us a little about yourself. Hello! My name is Elizabeth Jade Cooney, also known as “Elabeth Cooney”. In addition to being a poet, I am currently a university psychology student. Beautiful Disasters What is the story behind your story? Mental illness and…
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Arini Vlotman Author Spotlight
I am honored to introduce you to author Arini Vlotman. About the Author Arini is romance fanatic, book worm, book hoarder and writer. Writers are her superheroes; readers are her tribe. She’s a people’s person and a wordy nerd so she can find comfort in almost any space but there is nothing quite like being…
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Author(ish) Podcast Episode 18: Interview with Riley Kilmore Author of Shay the Brave
In this episode, Riley and I talk about her upcoming MG debut Shay the Brave. About Riley In addition to her 20 years as a firefighter, Kilmore’s been a cop and a homeschool mom. She’s leaped from an airplane or two, sailed around the world, and with her husband of 36 years has raised six…
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Junes Smalls Author Spotlight
I am super excited to introduce you to picture book author June Smalls. June has several published books and several upcoming in the near future. About June June Smalls has been making up stories since she only had pets and stuffed animals to share them with. She writes fiction and nonfiction books that are funny,…
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Victoria Diaz Author Spotlight
I’m so excited to introduce you to Conquest Publishing author Victoria Diaz. I know you are going to enjoy getting to learn about her and her books just as I did. Her Story Behind the Story is one you will not forget. Enjoy! Amy About the Author Victoria M Diaz is a Social Worker along…
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Sylwia Koziel Author Spotlight
I’m excited to introduce you to Conquest Publishing author Sylwia Koziel. I know you are going to enjoy getting to learn about her and her books just as I did. Both her favorite writing tool and writing resource are favorites of mine as well! Enjoy! Amy Author Bio Sylwia is a born and raised Chicagoan,…
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Shaelynn Long Author Spotlight
About the Author Shaelynn Long is a dirt road kid from Michigan. She teaches English at a small-town community college. Shaelynn has previously published Blur, Dirt Road Kid, Work in Progress, and her debut novel, Fury’s Fate, came out in October 2023. This writer can often be found with a nose in a book and covered in Corgi fur.…
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Michael Goodwin Hilton Author Spotlight
About the Author Michael Goodwin Hilton is an award-winning playwright, poet, and short story writer who has had his work developed and produced in festivals across the United States and Europe. He is a two-time recipient of the Governor’s Award for Best Play in the State of New Jersey and The Spotlight Award from True…
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Riley Kilmore Author Spotlight
I’m excited to introduce you to Wild Ink Publishing author Riley Kilmore. I know you are going to enjoy getting to learn about her and her books just as I did. I can relate to Riley in our writing routine, which you’ll read about below! Enjoy! Amy About the Author In addition to devoting 20 years…
Amy Nielsen 