Self-publishing vs traditional publishing: which is better for your first book?
So you’ve finally finished your manuscript – congratulations – that’s already a huge achievement! Now you’re staring at the big question: should you go the traditional publishing route or take the self publishing plunge? I get asked this question all the time in my writing coach sessions, and honestly, there’s no one-size-fits-all answer. It really depends on your goals, your budget, your timeline, and your tolerance for uncertainty and hard work.
How self-publishing empowers writers (and what you need to know to succeed)
There has never been a better time to be a writer, especially a self-published one. Gone are the days when your only path to becoming a published author involved years of rejection letters, hunting for literary agents, and hoping a traditional publisher would take a chance on your work.
Why research is important even for fiction writers
Research isn’t just for non-fiction writers. Even fantasy and science fiction, genres that seem to have complete creative freedom, rely heavily on research to create believable worlds.
New writer? What genre are you writing?
Genre can feel like a mysterious box you’re supposed to fit your story into. But think about it like a helpful roadmap that tells readers what kind of journey they’re about to embark on.
Why reading fiction is beneficial for both children and adults
Research shows that reading fiction rewires your brain in ways that make you smarter, more empathetic, and better at navigating life. The research on this stuff is genuinely fascinating, and the practical benefits go way beyond what most people realize.
Why Working with a Writing Coach Beats Going It Alone
You don’t have to struggle and navigate the writing and publishing journey by yourself. Working with a writing coach can transform your writing experience from a lonely struggle into a guided, strategic path toward publication.
Writing a Novel: Should You Outline First?
The age-old question that splits the novel writing community right down the middle. Should you meticulously plan every chapter, scene, and character arc before you write word one? Or should you dive in headfirst and let the story unfold naturally as you go?
Writing Stories with Plot Twists That Readers Don’t See Coming
You know that feeling when you’re reading a book and BAM, the twist hits you like a freight train? Your jaw drops, you flip back through pages thinking “How did I miss that?” and you immediately want to tell everyone about it. That’s the magic we’re chasing as writers. The plot twist that feels both completely shocking and utterly inevitable once it’s revealed.
Stop procrastinating. Finish what you start.
One of my biggest problems as a writer is finishing what I’ve started. I always have lots of different ideas in my head at the same time, so I have a hard time committing to one project. Perhaps you’re like me and you have folders full of abandoned novels and short stories on your computer? Or […]
How to stop starting several projects and finally finish your book
This article tackles a common struggle for creative writers: having too many ideas and not finishing any of them. While starting new projects feels exciting, unfinished manuscripts can’t be published, read, or make an impact.