“Do I need to build a platform?”
The short answer: yes. Publishers and agents want you to have a platform so that you can sell your book. But what exactly is a platform?
Platform is a fancy word ...
 “What do you look for in a manuscript?”
It’s a question every literary agent hears hundreds of times throughout their careers. And it’s the golden question writers want an answer to.
But answers...
"Why do I need to build a platform?”
From literary agents who want to know about your platform activity in the query letter, to publishers who want to see your book marketing plan, building a plat...
What is a query letter? And what should you include in a query letter?
A query letter convinces a literary agent to read your work. Think of it as a sales piece. It’s your first (and sometimes you...
How do you start your memoir?
Some people just start telling stories from their life.
That’s one way. But it’s shortsighted.
A memoir, like all books, requires a strong idea—a thesis—that gover...
“How do I know if my manuscript is ready for submission?”
You might never know fully. But careful review of your manuscript can get it closer to being publishing-ready.
Reviewing your manuscript...
“Is traditional publishing for me?”
It’s a question all writers ask at some point in their journey. And the answer depends on each individual. We interviewed Jamie Weiner, author of The Quest for ...
“Is my idea any good?” “Is this idea good enough for a book?”
At the heart of the creative journey is a good idea. And we all want to know if our idea is good enough for a book. But we have a fear...
“Should I find a writing coach? Do I need a coach?”
It depends. Are you stuck on your thesis? Do you struggle with structuring your book? Do your thoughts lack clarity or depth?
If you’re struggl...
“Why do I need a social media following?”
The simple answer: Because agents and publishers want you to have an established following. They want to know how you will reach your audience when it’s t...
What do you think of when you hear the phrase “published author?” Do you imagine a writer who has published a book? Or a writer who has published an article in a magazine?
Most writers dream about...
When you’re writing a book, two questions first-time writers most often ask are: How do I land a book deal? and How do I market it so it is read?
We sat down with Robin Zachary, author of Styling ...
