This is it. You’ve finally decided that you’re going to do it; you’re going to write a book. So, you’ve got an idea, a concept, maybe even a flicker of excitement. But there’s one last thing you’ve got to ask yourself: What makes a book successful? 

The first question every aspiring writer ponders over – right after asking how to use a semicolon – is how much to expect from selling their first book.  The answer, though I wish I could say differently, is a tragically nebulous “it depends.”

While we’d all like a solid answer, writing isn’t like working a nine-to-five job where the salary is solidly established. Most writers enter the literary field because they have a passion, a story inside them that they’re itching to get onto the page.

But how much can passion pay? Let’s break it down.

So you've finished your manuscript and can't wait to send it off. You've mastered your story, checked for typos, and decided which agents and publishers to contact. That just leaves one more step: formatting. However boring it may sound, correct formatting is essential for any prospective author. Read on for some basic how-tos and tips for formatting your manuscript.

The publishing world is daunting. How do you navigate contracts, promotions, and events while also producing your best work? Even seasoned authors struggle to find balance.

But don't worry; we’ve compiled a list of the biggest mistakes new authors make. Avoid these common missteps and you’ll have that much more time to work on what really matters: your writing!