Since time immemorial, clichés have sneaked in the door when we least expect them to. They're low-hanging fruit for writers…
The following publishing advice is based on my own experiences and those of my clients. I hope you find it…
The principles behind the simple art of essay writing can be applied to most any kind of written work. Even…
If you’re not using your Word Processor’s Track Changes function, you’re missing out on one of the best writing tools…
Many self-publishers start their book projects with unrealistic expectations and misunderstandings about how publishing works. A huge industry has arisen…
Should you give away books for free? The value of book giveaways can't be assessed by formula. The prevailing mythology…
Once you have your book cover design looking spirited and professional on your computer screen, how can you ensure that…
This article explains the tab ruler found on every word processor and typesetting application. Understanding the simple and elegant split…
The Oxford comma, or serial comma is a subject of constant debate among writers. Do we need that comma before…
So many writers get discouraged. This stinks. I quit. Others are overconfident. They've always had "a gift for words" so…
In my work with writers, I come across many common technical problems with manuscripts. These usually spring from the best…
You threw a grand party but nobody came. Your novel is so good but you're not selling books. What happened?…
Are images analogous to words? Is what makes a sentence sound "right" the same thing that makes an image "pop"…
"Passive writing" refers to a specific set of grammatical circumstances where emphasis switches from subject to object. The money was…
Part 1 of Book Cover Design: Judging a Book by its Cover critiqued "professional" covers taken from Amazon's Editor's choice…
I recently responded to a question in a writers’ forum from an author who was in the process of designing…
What do you think a professional editor's pay scale should be? Assume that a proofreader would be at the bottom…
Nothing screams “amateur” like a poorly crafted book cover. The standards for book design aspired to by trade publishers are…
After completing the final draft of a manuscript for my fifth book, I wanted a reality check. I hired a…
The word processor has placed new burdens on writers to understand how to use italics, big and small capitals, dashes,…
Indie publishers complain that the mainstream publishing establishment acts as a "gatekeeper." Many readers rely on big publishing houses to…
The notion of real publishing as opposed to self-publishing and the stigma surrounding it is obsolete. I have no objections…
Part 2 of Fundamentals of Book Design explores optical margins, paragraph formatting and spaces. Read about margins, layout and leading…
Editing is one of the first hurdles you’ll encounter as an independent writer. Your fan club is your enemy. Encouraging…
Designers, writers and publishers will benefit from Beatrice Warde’s eloquent perspectives on the craft of typography, the power of type…
Here's a useful definition. Think of a publisher as an individual or entity that assumes the financial risk for a…
This website uses cookies.