Tips and Inspiration to
Guide Your Writing Journey
Explore articles on storytelling, mindset, publishing, and more to support your writing journey. Browse the blog posts below or choose a category to dive deeper.

Understanding Book ISBNs and Copyrights
Publishing a book comes with more than just writing, editing, and choosing a cover. Two important components every author should understand are ISBNs and copyrights. Both are essential tools that help protect your work and make it discoverable. Here’s what you need to know.

How Much Does It Cost to Publish a Book?
A very common question as writers are moving toward having a completed manuscript is: how much does it cost to publish a book? The answer depends on your publishing path—traditional or self-publishing—and your goals for the book.
Here is an overview of book publication costs and what to consider as you bring your book to the market.

How to Read a Publishing Contract (Key Clauses to Watch For)
Signing a publishing contract is a significant step in any writer’s journey. While I am not a lawyer, (please consult one before signing a contract), it can be helpful to have a baseline understanding. These documents can be long, dense, and packed with legal language that isn’t always easy to decode. Whether you’re working with an agent or navigating the process independently, understanding what you're agreeing to is essential. Here are the key clauses to pay attention to before putting pen to paper.

Self-Publishing vs. Traditional Publishing: Which Is Right for You?
If you are writing a book, at some point along the journey the question starts to creep in: How am I going to publish this? For many writers, the choice between self-publishing and traditional publishing can feel confusing and uncertain. Each path comes with its own benefits, challenges, and considerations. Understanding how they differ can help you make a more informed decision that aligns with your goals, values, and vision for your book.

How to Write a Query Letter That Gets Attention
You’ve written a novel. Now you’re standing at the threshold of a whole new part of the publishing journey: querying literary agents. This is where many writers become both elevated and discourage. Not because their story isn’t worth sharing, but because reducing an entire book into a single page can feel intimidating. But a query letter isn’t about squeezing your creativity into a tight container. It’s about creating a compelling invitation.

How to Prepare Your Manuscript for Submission
You’ve written your manuscript—congratulations! Completing a book is a huge accomplishment and I hope you are taking the time to celebrate!
Now, you might be wondering what is next? Time to start submitting your book to publishers? Great idea! But before you hit “send” on that submission email, there are a few critical steps to ensure your work is polished, professional, and ready for agents, publishers, or contests. Here’s a step-by-step guide to preparing your manuscript for submission.

How to Write a Book Proposal That Sells
If you’re looking to publish a book, particularly in the traditional publishing world, a strong book proposal is your ticket to success. Think of it as your pitch to literary agents and publishers—a roadmap that outlines why your book matters, who it’s for, and why you’re the person to write it. Crafting a book proposal that sells requires strategy, clarity, and a dash of creativity. Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you create a proposal that stands out.

The Complete Timeline for Writing and Publishing Your First Book
If you write a book and no one reads it, did the book ever exist? Okay, that might be a little extreme, but many writers share a goal: to get published. While writing a book is a journey in itself, there comes a time when every author asks, “How do I publish my book?”