Thou shalt read the writing rules... well they are just
guidelines because every writer is different.
However there are some rules
that you can’t break.
1. Don’t send a manuscript out to a publisher in Comic
Sans font.
2. Don’t submit your child’s drawings as illustrations with
a picture book manuscript.
I’m sure you can think of a couple more.
Ruth Harris has a comprehensive post on writing rules and guidelines, which is well worth a careful read.
Kris Rusch has another stellar post on brand and defining your target audience. I always struggle with this. Kris has some great advice.
This is a timely read.
Angela Ackerman and Becca Puglisi are two rock stars in the
writing blogosphere. They have a great post on helping authors succeed, because
we are all in this together. Angela has put together a list of actions that
everyone can do to help others. They have a pay it forward mentality... so of
course they also reached out to promote Kristen Lamb’s first fiction book. Kristen
has a great post about running your own race in your writing career but choose
carefully who your running buddies will be.
Jane Friedman has an interesting post on FOMO (fear of
missing out) and how it can cripple your productivity. How do you stay focused
on the writing prize?
Danica Davidson has an inspirational post on 7 things to do when you want to give up. (Instead of giving up.) When you read she started
submitting novels as a teen you realise she does know what she is talking
about.
Penny Sansevieri has a must read post on book sales. It’s
not about how many followers you have... it’s about engagement. Think super
fans and micro influencers....
Derek Murphy likes to change things up by breaking rules or guidelines.... Recently he wrote
about the weird ideas he does to write and publish bestsellers. He starts from
the cover....
Julie Munroe Martin was writing recently on Writer Unboxed
about putting together a survival pack if you are a writer. (No. Not a pack
full of wine...) A way to keep you hitting your writing goals.
This weekend is the second 2017 Indie Fringe event run by the
Alliance of Independent Authors. This free one day online conference has the
focus of book marketing and some great topics will be covered check out the speakers!
In The Craft Section,
Story grid your non fiction book- Shawn Coyne
5 writer goals to avoid overwhelm- C S Lakin
9 things your Main character needs- 10 minute novelist-
Bookmark
Legal myths debunked for authors- Bookworks- Bookmark
Ways to start your novel- Now Novel- Bookmark
How to strengthen characters- Jami Gold - Bookmark
6 things to remember after you've finished the MS- Jody Hedlund
In The Marketing Section,
Two great posts from Book Marketing Tools, Put calls to action in your books and Loglines – how to write them. – Bookmark Both
Three Keys to writing back copy- Chris Syme- Bookmark
Insiders guide to author websites- Bookworks
14 Book Cover sites- Nate Hoffelder- Bookmark
Optimizing Blog posts- Rachel Thompson
To Finish,
Reedsy has pulled out another great infographic. This one is on copyright. This is a comprehensive fact filled How To and Go To guide on the
subject.
Copyright is one rule you should not break!
Maureen
@craicer
