How to write science fiction
Want to write science fiction? Have the confidence of your own strangeness, says Matthew de Abaitua.
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Latest Posts
MASTERCLASS: How to Build a Writing Habit That Lasts – with Bec Evans and Chris Smith
Get your writing year off to a flying start with this masterclass packed full of advice and inspiration from the
Masterclasses
MASTERCLASS: How to Build a Writing Habit That Lasts – with Bec Evans and Chris Smith
Get your writing year off to a flying start with this masterclass packed full of advice and inspiration from the
Getting Published
How many words in a novel? Average word count for books by genre
How many words in a novel? Here are the average word counts and page numbers by genre – so that you know what to aim for!
Writing
Writing and mental health: 8 psychological benefits of writing
From clearer thinking to the confidence that comes with mastering a skill to processing difficult life events – not to mention the sheer pleasure of creativity – here are some of the ways writing can give your mental health a boost.
Marketing
10 ways to market your book if you really don’t like marketing
You need to market your book. But what if you really, really, don’t like marketing? You became a writer to write, after all – not to sell. Here are some ways to approach marketing if you really don’t like marketing.
Ask an Agent
MASTERCLASS: How to Perfect Your Submission to Agents and Publishers – with Scott Pack
If you want to get traditionally published, you need to submit a compelling book proposal to agents or publishers. This masterclass with Scott Pack will maximize your chances of success.
Self-Publishing
London Book Fair 2022: Top takeaways for authors
The London Book Fair is back! And so am I. Here are my top takeaways for authors.
Interviews
INTERVIEW: Kindle bestseller Nicola May considers the pros and cons of self-publishing v. traditional publishing
Nicola May is a self-publishing sensation, and the author of a dozen romantic comedies. In 2019 she hit the #1 Kindle bestseller spot in the UK with The Corner Shop in Cockleberry Bay. Now she’s signed a three-book deal with Hodder. Jon Reed asked her why.
How to write about food
Have you ever wanted to write about food? Award-winning food writer and journalist Andrew Webb shares his advice for capturing the culinary.
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Publishing Talk Magazine issue 6 – Children’s Publishing
In our first children’s publishing themed issue we’re delighted to have an exclusive interview with Children’s Laureate Malorie Blackman. She speaks to our contributing editor Lucy Coats about her path to publication, top writing tips – and the need for greater diversity in children’s books. This issue also features Kit Berry, Kate Wilson, Hilary Delamere, Steven Lenton, Nicola Morgan, Tom Evans and Suzanne Collier.
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Three business models for self-publishing your books in print
There are more options than ever for authors to self-publish print books. But they really boil down to three business models: Commission-Based, Upfront-Fee or Subscription, says Sarah Juckes, who outlines the pros and cons of each. Which one is right for you?
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Backdoor Routes to Getting a Literary Agent
Kirsty McLachlan of DGA Ltd answers one of your most commonly-asked questions: “How do I get an agent?” She reveals ways to get noticed – and avoid languishing in the slush pile.
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From fantasy to reality – how Ben Galley became a successful self-publishing authorpreneur
Ben Galley is the self-published fantasy author of The Emaneska Series. Zealous about inspiring other authors and writers, he also runs the popular advice site Shelf Help, and is the co-founder of ebook store Libiro. Ben became a successful full-time ‘authorpreneur’ at the age of 26 and within a few years of publishing his first book. Jon Reed asks him how he did it.
Read More10 Ways to Win with WordPress
WordPress is the blogging software I always recommend. It is flexible, extendible, easy to use – and free. But there is more to it than writing a personal online journal. You can use it to build a website, promote your books – and build a community. Here are 10 ways to make the most of it.
Read MoreDon't Panic! 6 science fiction themes that illustrate a positive future for publishing
While some publishers view digital as a dystopian nightmare, Alastair Horne considers six science fiction themes and how they illustrate a more positive future for the industry.
Read MoreBologna Children's Book Fair round-up 2014
Some called it the ‘Quietly Confident Fair’, some the ‘Smiley Fair’ – and one literary scout called it the ‘Fair of the Partial Submission’. There were no empty stands – and the Halls were buzzing. So what really made the 51st Bologna Children’s Book Fair tick? What was hot (and what was not)?
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Publishing Talk Magazine issue 5 – Science Fiction
In our science fiction and fantasy themed issue ‘High Priestess of British Steampunk’ Liesel Schwarz reveals her path to publication, while self-published fantasy author Ben Galley reveals how he became a successful ‘authorpreneur’. This issue also features Matthew de Abaitua, Keith Mansfield, Alastair Horne, Anna Lewis, Nelle Andrew, Tom Evans and Suzanne Collier.
Read MoreIs your blog killing your job search?
Many careers advisors say that you need to make yourself visible by blogging in order to get a job. But this is not necessarily the case: your blog could be working against you and killing your job prospects instead of helping you land the job you so richly want, says Suzanne Collier.
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How to write a winning book proposal
How to write a book proposal and what exactly it needs to include are two of the questions I am asked most frequently as a literary agent – and not just by new writers. Even seasoned authors and experienced journalists may not have written a book proposal previously. In any book submission process the competition will be immense and the turndown rate high, so it is worth taking the time to get a proposal right. But what does that mean?
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