Category: Guest Posts

By author Alisha Sevigny, one of our in-house experts Originally published at open-book.ca The final edit of the interior pages of my new middle grade adventure, THE LOST SCROLL OF THE PHYSICIAN, was due recently. As an author, freelance substantive editor, and former literary agent, I have experience in getting and giving edits. Substantive editing was my favourite part about being…

Guest post byWillie Handler, author of two satirical novels, The Road Ahead and Loved Mars Hated The Food. Editor’s Note: There’s a thriving writer community on Twitter. If you plan to promote yourself as an author, mastering this platform is a must. This post assumes you’re starting from zero, but feel free to skip ahead if you already grasp the…

By Jessica De Bruyn, Professional Editor Editor’s Note: National Novel Writing Month (NaNoWriMo) not your thing? Here are 3 other options for keeping your writing on track that don’t entail keeping a daily word count. If you’re a part of any online or in person writing group, you will hear the buzz starting before a single leaf changes color…

Guest post by author Phoebe Yu@writersdayjobs 1. A Weak Introduction Not only are these clichés, but we don’t learn anything about the story or the character. Readers will keep reading when you make them care about a character and their motivations.  Who are they and what do they want? That’s why the first paragraph – no,…

Guest post by author & editor Meg Trast overhaulmynovel.com || @MegTrast A common misconception is that we must tackle writing solo. That is true to some extent but there are ways to alleviate the loneliness that comes with writing a book. Joining a writing group brings much-needed human contact but it is also vital to receive feedback at multiple…

Guest post by author Stephan J. Hahn www.stephanjhahn.com || @stephanjhahn 1. Leave a Cliffhanger 2. Love Notes  3. Go Office Space 4. Egg in a Bottle We can become inspired or motivated. Sometimes the best thing you can do is just sit down and write the most absurd draft possible, even if you don’t want to.

Guest post by author Chase Connor Writers should develop characters like they do their relationships.                 But maybe you don’t know their mom’s maiden name.                 Or what name they gave their childhood pet.                 The type of shampoo they use.                 Or about the time they accidentally told the cashier at the bakery that they…