writing

Understanding Reader Assessments: A Crucial Tool for Fiction Authors

A reader assessment for authors is a tool or process used to gather feedback from readers about a manuscript or published work. It provides authors with insights into how readers perceive their storytelling, what aspects are engaging or need improvement, and how effectively they communicate their message to a reader. Here are some common components of a reader assessment: Plot and Structure: Feedback on the overall plot, pacing, and structure of the story. This includes … Read more

What to Expect from a Professional Editor

Publishing today is highly competitive. If your book isn’t nearly perfect, you risk readers trashing your story. Professional editors are one way to make sure you release the best product possible. But it’s not always easy to find the right editor, especially when you are trying to find one for the first time. When hiring a paid editor, a writer should expect several things: Professionalism: The editor should conduct themselves in a professional manner throughout … Read more

You Don’t Need an Agent to Publish

In the world of publishing, there has long been a common belief that to successfully navigate the complex and competitive industry, one needs to secure the services of a literary agent. While having an agent can certainly be beneficial, the notion that they are an absolute necessity for finding a publisher is not entirely accurate. In fact, in today’s digital age, there are numerous ways for writers to connect with publishers on their own, with … Read more

The Challenges of Writing a Book About Your Business

Writing a book for your business can be a rewarding and beneficial endeavor, but it also comes with its own unique set of challenges. From determining the purpose and audience of the book to finding the time and resources to write it, there are many obstacles that business owners and entrepreneurs may face when embarking on this journey. One of the main challenges of writing a book for your business is clearly defining the purpose … Read more

Is Your Life Story Worth Telling in a Memoir?

Writing a memoir is a deeply personal and often emotional journey that requires self-reflection, honesty, and vulnerability. Not everyone is suited for the task of writing a memoir, as it requires a certain level of introspection and courage to share one’s life story with the world. So, who should write a memoir and why? Anyone who has a compelling story to tell and feels a strong desire to share it with others should consider writing … Read more

What to Include in a Business Book

A book about your business is a valuable tool for showcasing your company’s history, values, and achievements. It serves as a testament to your hard work, dedication, and innovation. When creating a book about your business, there are several key elements to include to make it a comprehensive and engaging read for your audience. One of the most important things to include in a book about your business is the historical context of how your … Read more

Why Every Story Needs a Little Humor

Humor adds depth, engagement, and charisma to any story, even if it’s a serious drama or an exciting thriller. Injecting an element of laughter into the narrative connects readers to the characters, creates a sense of realism, and provides a much-needed break from the seriousness of the plot. One of the main reasons every book needs humor is its ability to create a sense of relatability with the reader. Humor is a universal language that … Read more

How to Look Like an Expert By Writing a Business Book

Elevate Your Small Business With Expert Book Tips! Discover key strategies in small business marketing, marketing your services, business growth, and speaker marketing to boost your business profile. Are you looking to grow your business, attract more clients, increase revenues, or land those coveted speaking opportunities? You’re in the right place. Today, we’re diving deep into how a business book can transform you from a business owner to a recognized expert in your field. Think … Read more

Things to Consider Before Writing a Business Book

Maximize Your Influence: Writing a Business Book Learn key strategies for marketing yourself with a business book, writing a book about your business, and mastering authority marketing to boost your professional stature. Are you looking to cement your status as an industry leader, attract new clients, and unlock doors to speaking gigs? Well, penning a business book might just be your golden ticket. But before you dive into the deep end, let’s chat about what … Read more

How to Position Yourself as an Expert with a Book: A Beginner’s Guide

Unlocking Authority: The Power of Authorship in Business The Journey Begins: Understanding the Impact In the dynamic world of business, establishing yourself as a thought leader and expert is crucial. Have you considered writing a book? It’s a powerful tool that not only showcases your knowledge but also elevates your brand. Let’s embark on this enlightening journey to understand how authoring a book can revolutionize your professional standing. The Blueprint: Crafting Your Expertise into Pages … Read more

How to Write An Author Bio That Attracts Readers

So you’ve been putting off writing your author bio. Or maybe you wrote one in 10 minutes just to get it done, then you slapped it up on Amazon Author Central with a dulled-out selfie. After all, very few of us enjoy an afternoon of bragging about our books and other accomplishments. And no one reads them anyway, right? Wrong! Your author bio is your business card. It helps you stand out from the rest … Read more

Critique Groups: A Writer’s Lifeline

If you are a writer or aspire to write, you soon discover it’s not as easy as it looks. In fact, it’s the hardest thing I’ve ever done, and I’ve been writing professionally for over thirty years. It’s a career where the minute you think you’ve mastered the craft, your editor returns a document covered in markups and comments that triples the size of your MS Word file. Hence, writers learn quickly to stick together … Read more

How a Song Writer Inspired a Story Writer

Today, I decided to share a paper I wrote a few years ago, when I returned to college for a short time. Surprisingly, I had to retake an English class because it had been too many years since I’d had one. I could have challenged the class, but I thought it might be fun to retake it. What’s funny is that they were willing to accept credits for English classes that are much more complicated. … Read more

Interview with Wendy Spurlin, Founder of ArmLin House

Hello, and welcome to my interview, although it’s more of a brain dump. I figure it’s fitting to go 1st person considering I’m the one who posts the interviews in this blog. Who am I, and why did I decide to start a publishing and video production company? Well, there’s the fact that it’s what I know best. I’ve been a writer forever and have written all kinds of stuff. The only thing I love … Read more