Articles by A Guest Author

How to Lose an Agent in Ten Seconds

By Katherine DeGilio While querying is an essential part of the traditionally published author’s journey, the process can begin to feel a lot like climbing a never-ending ladder. Every step up leads to more steps. There is a myriad of information on how to make the process easier. “How to Query” articles rule the internet,…
Issue Four Hundred Four Special Feature

34 Journals Publishing Very Short Prose & Poetry

By Zebulon Huset “For Sale: Baby Shoes, never worn.” This is one of the most widely known microfiction pieces, often attributed to Ernest Hemingway, though that attribution is tenuous. William Carlos Williams’ poem “The Red Wheelbarrow” would be an example of one of the best known very short poems clocking in at a debatable 17…
Special Issue

Quirky, Funky & Strange—94 Awesome Literary Magazines with Odd Names

Zebulon Huset Over the years I’ve developed a soft spot in my heart for journals with quirky titles. There are thousands of ‘this region’ Reviews, and ‘this river’ Magazines or ‘this college’ Journals, and while I certainly love a lot of the classically titled journals as well, there’s just something endearing and intriguing about a…
Special Issue

3 Ways to Strengthen Your Writing Habit

Holly Garcia This past year was a trip. Remote work became a thing for many, parents became teachers overnight, and many of us found ourselves putting our writing on the back burner. Now that you are adjusting to your new normal, it seems the perfect time to get back to your writing project.  You established…
Issue Four Hundred One Special Feature

Writing a Non-Fiction Book in an Established Series

By Ellen Levitt The publishing world has many interesting non-fiction book series that have multiple titles, and they often look to expand their catalogues. If you would enjoy writing a title about travel and touring, a how-to manual, a book of music instruction, a cookbook or many other topics, there are a wide variety of…
Issue Three Hundred Ninety Nine Special Issue

The Art of Describing Characters

By Gillian Haines Gary Provost said, “The story is not what happens; the story is who it happens to.” In other words, characters create and drive plot. They also make readers care about plot events. So how do we introduce vibrant, believable characters imbued with flesh, breath, and spirit that readers connect with? Create a…
Issue Three Hundred Ninety Eight Uncategorized

The Benefits and Challenges That Come With Writing Under a Pen Name

By Holly Garcia A nom de plume, or pen name, was introduced in the 19th century and has been used by many well-known authors. From Mark Twain to Louisa May Alcott, every writer has different reasons for choosing how to represent themselves. This article will discuss the benefits and challenges that come with writing under…
Issue Three Hundred Ninety Seven

What to Do While You Are Waiting for Publication

By Jenny England Publishing is a slow and often long-drawn-out process. So, if your goal is to see your words in print out there for the entire world to read, you will need to strap yourself in and prepare for what can be a stressful but ultimately satisfying ride. Waiting can be one of the…
Issue Three Hundred Ninety Six Special Feature Uncategorized

Simple Ways to Generate New Writing Ideas

By Christine M. Estel Approximately five years ago, while perusing the office and stationery supplies in Marshalls, I stumbled upon a book entitled, 642 Things to Write About, priced at under $15.00, and I bought it without really studying the contents. When I got home and looked inside, I saw no page numbers, but I…
Issue Three Hundred Ninety Four Special Feature

3 Editing Tools Every Writer Should Be Using

By Holly Garcia As a writer, the goal is to present your best work before you submit, which won’t happen on your first draft, and probably not on your second; as they say, third time’s the charm.   Each round of edits serves its own purpose. The first time you edit, make sure what you’re writing…
Issue Three Hundred Ninety Three Special Issue Uncategorized

The Key to Promoting Your Non-Fiction Book on Facebook

By Ellen Levitt If you have written non-fiction books as I have, there are effective ways in which to market your books online, especially by creating a designated Facebook page for them and for any related services such as lectures and tours. You will want this page to be highly visual and inviting. A Facebook…
Issue Three Hundred Ninety Two Special Feature

9 Literary Magazines Seeking Volunteer Readers & Why You’d Want To Participate

By Trish Hopkinson There is a variety of reasons you may want to volunteer as a reader for a literary magazine or journal. The majority of reading and other volunteer responsibilities will be conducted online, so you need not be in the same geographical area. Below are some of those reasons to consider, as well…
Special Issue

How to Negotiate Your Way Out of a Publishing Contract

By Dawn Carrington As disappointing as it can be, sometimes the relationship between authors and publishers can sour. Maybe you’re not happy with the way the company is being run or the way you’re being treated. You’ve decided you want to leave, but it’s not that easy since you’ve signed an enforceable contract. That doesn’t…
Issue Three Hundred Eighty Seven Special Feature

Assessing a Publisher’s First Contract: 3 Ways to Know if it’s the Right One For You

Dawn Carrington Receiving an offer of publication is an exciting time for an author. Maybe this is your first one, and you’re eager to sign and get the process underway. Before you do that, consider that you and your book could potentially be with this publisher anywhere from three to seven years as that is…
Issue Three Hundred Eighty Six Special Feature

How to Evaluate and Use Feedback From Agents, Editors, and Other Writers

Adele Annesi Among the most agonizing aspects of being a writer is getting feedback, especially if it’s unexpected or negative. Equally difficult is analyzing comments in order to decide which to use, how to implement what we accept (when we can choose), and what to do with what we put aside. To use feedback from…
Issue Three Hundred Eighty Five Special Feature

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