Beta Reader Questions That Will Save Your Novel (Part 3)
Getting beta reader feedback is only half the battle. Here's how to prepare your readers, ask the right questions, and actually use what they tell you.
How to Find Beta Readers for Your Book (Part 2)
Finding beta readers is one thing. Finding the right ones is another. Here's where to look, what to pay, and how to choose wisely.
Your Villain Deserves Better: 7 Tips for Writing Antagonists
Good villains stick with you long after the story ends. Here's how to write an antagonist with real depth, motivation, and staying power.
How to Write Fictional Friendships Readers Will Never Forget
Friendships in fiction can be just as powerful as any romance. Here's how to write platonic bonds so real your readers will laugh, cry, and never forget them.
Beta Readers vs. Critique Partners vs. Editors: Which Do You Need? (Part 1)
Not all feedback is created equal. Here's how to tell the difference between beta readers, critique partners, and editors.
Is Your Novel Idea Good Enough? 8 Ways to Find Out
Before you spend months writing a novel, run your idea through this 8-step assessment to find out if it has what it takes.
How to Write Characters Who Are Nothing Like You
If your characters all feel like slightly rebranded versions of you, this one's for you. Here's how to write characters who are truly distinct.
How to Edit Your First Draft: A Step-by-Step Guide
Here's a step-by-step process for editing your first draft without completely losing your mind.
10 Overused Phrases in Fiction That Are Killing Your Prose
An honest breakdown from the desk of a developmental editor of the most common cliché phrases in fiction, and exactly what to write instead.
9 Common Writing Mistakes New Fiction Writers Make
A developmental editor's honest breakdown of the 9 most common mistakes new fiction writers make, and exactly how to fix each one.
Ernest Hemingway's Writing Routine (And What to Steal From It)
Here’s a breakdown of Hemingway's daily writing routine. What worked for a Nobel Prize winner might actually work for you, too.
How to Choose a Great Book Title (With Genre Analysis)
Struggling to title your novel? Here's a step-by-step brainstorming process plus a deep dive into what's working in fantasy, sci-fi, horror, and more.