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Fiction Writing Blues: Why Book Editors Reject Manuscripts

Why do book editors reject manuscripts? As a fiction-writing coach, I'm asked that question a lot. Most authors are baffled by the vague correspondence that book editors send. For example: "Thank you for the opportunity to read (Title of…
Writing Novels That Sell with Adrienne deWolfe
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Get Better Book Reviews, More Sales

Sure, every author wants to receive glowing book reviews. But do book reviews help sales? That's the million dollar question. As an Indie author, I've had my mind blown. In the old days, when I was published in paperback by Bantam and Avon,…
Writing Novels That Sell with Adrienne deWolfe

Humor: 7 Stages of Fiction Frenzy while Writing a Novel

So you're writing a novel?  Good for you!  But be forewarned: no TRUE writer escapes the Seven Stages of Fiction Frenzy... 1. Eureka! An Idea! Nothing is better than that first spark of inspiration. You feel alive. Your Muse is finally…
Writing Novels That Sell with Adrienne deWolfe

How to Promote Your eBook with an Excerpt

What considerations should go into choosing a book excerpt for a blog tour or a post on social media? First and foremost, you must understand that an excerpt is a sales tool. If you keep that in mind, you’re already leagues ahead of most…
Writing Novels That Sell with Adrienne deWolfe

10 Tips to Make Your Cozy Mystery Sell

Want to keep your Cozy Mystery reader turning pages? Then read on! Today's guest columnist is Nancy J. Cohen, sleuth writer extraordinaire. Nancy is the author of the writer's guidebook, Writing the Cozy Mystery, and she comes bearing gifts!…
Writing Novels That Sell with Adrienne deWolfe
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Story Critiques: Tips for Ending the Trash Talk

One of my favorite literary mottoes comes from Alexander Dumas’s The Three Musketeers:  “All for One, and One for All!”  I’ve often thought that any kind of critique – whether it be of a fiction manuscript or a friend’s hair…
Writing Novels That Sell with Adrienne deWolfe
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6 Reasons Why Judging a Novel-Writing Contest Helps Your Career

If you're writing commercial fiction, you can jumpstart your career by judging writing contests. Many aspiring authors already know the benefits of entering writing contests. These days, even the larger regional contests have celebrity judges. …

Writing Help for the Hostage Muse

As a book writing coach, I often get “True Confessions” emails from my students.  These messages – which are full of angst and guilt – start with, “I haven’t forgotten about my writing assignment…” then spew forth every…
Writing Novels That Sell with Adrienne deWolfe

Bust Writer’s Block: Tackle a New Genre to Flex Your Writing Muscles

Recently, I overcame a bout of writer’s block by challenging myself.  Since April is Poetry Month, I entered a poetry contest. Entering that contest while I was doubting my fiction-writing skills wasn’t an easy choice.  I had to overcome…
How to Write Novels, Fiction Coaching, Creative Writing, How to Write Romance, How to Write Fiction, Adrienne deWolfe

Career Killer: Sometimes Your First Book Shouldn’t Be Published

Sometimes your first book shouldn't be published. Long before I was writing novels that sell, my first published mentor took me under her wing.  After reading my manuscript for the first time, she sat me down in a public restaurant to teach…