• Short Stories: An Interview with Novelist Dennis Bock

    Short Stories: An Interview with Novelist Dennis Bock

    This article appears in Vol I., Issue III of Raconteur Literary Magazine, our in-house LitMag (available December 2019). Interviewed by Tevis Shkodra. Tevis Shkodra: Dennis, tell us about the first story you wrote—how old were you and what was it about? Dennis Bock:If you’re asking about the first good story I wrote, well, that’s a whole different question…

  • 3 NaNoWriMo Alternatives

    3 NaNoWriMo Alternatives

    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…

  • The Top 10 Mistakes New Writers Make

    The Top 10 Mistakes New Writers Make

    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,…

  • Ask These 4 Questions Before Joining a Writing Group

    Ask These 4 Questions Before Joining a Writing Group

    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…

  • When The Universe Doesn’t Want You To Write

    When The Universe Doesn’t Want You To Write

    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.

  • The Ultimate Guide to Getting a Literary Agent [2022]

    The Ultimate Guide to Getting a Literary Agent [2022]

    In today’s guide you’ll learn: The basics about literary agents and whether you need one. If you’re ready to seek one out, and how to do your research. How to write a query letter and synopsis. How to send out your queries in a systematic way that gets results. How to pick the RIGHT agent…

  • How to Write an Effective Query Letter [Part 2]

    How to Write an Effective Query Letter [Part 2]

    A literary agent is a critical ally in your mission to write a great book and get it published.  To find a literary agent, you’ll need to send him or her a convincing query letter. But how do you write an effective query? We interviewed Literary Agent Sam Hiyate for his advice. Watch the video to find…

  • How to Write an Effective Query Letter [Part 1]

    How to Write an Effective Query Letter [Part 1]

    A literary agent is a critical ally in your mission to write a great book and get it published.  To find a literary agent, you’ll need to send him or her a convincing query letter. But how do you write an effective query? We interviewed Literary Agent Sam Hiyate for his advice. Watch the video to find…

  • How Much Character Development is Too Much?

    How Much Character Development is Too Much?

    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…

  • The Submission Package: Your One Chance to Impress

    The Submission Package: Your One Chance to Impress

    By Jessica De Bruyn, Professional Editor The scariest time to be a writer is when you’re sending your work out into the world for the first time. You have likely toiled for months or even years on this piece and now finally you’re ready to start that road to publishing. If you’re planning to go the traditional…