Tag: publishing
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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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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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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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Rebecca Minelga Author Spotlight
I’m super excited to introduce Conquest Publishing author Rebecca Minelga author of the upcoming novel Third and Long. About The Author Rebecca Minelga is an author and speaker who uses the power of words to navigate the liminal spaces between who we are and who we are becoming. She raises Guide Dog Puppies and two sons –…
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Query Submission Review Giveaway for Power Publishing Day
If you are attending/attended my session Polishing Your Query Submission: A Guide For Fiction Authors, I’m giving away one query submission review! The session is January 25, 2024. You must apply for the giveaway by January 27, 2024. But, you have until January 31, 2024to revise on your query submission using everything you learned at…
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Author(ish) Podcast Episode 15: Interview with Jenny Hale, Author and Founder of Harpeth Road Publishing
About Jenny Jenny Hale is founder and director of the romantic fiction imprint Harpeth Road Press. Harpeth Road was named one of the eight best publishers in Nashville by Reedsy.com. Its very first title was a number one Clean and Wholesome romance on Amazon.com. Harpeth Road signed a TV film and shopping agreement for its second…
Amy Nielsen 