Advice and Articles > Authors (Page 8 of 8)

10 Reasons to Hire a Professional Editor

Good writing comes from good editing. A professional editor does more than correct mistakes; they can help you turn lead into gold! The following are 10 reasons to hire a professional editor.

Making Comparisons

This is the second in a series of articles addressing several common grammatical issues. This article explains phantom or one-sided comparisons, which might be the most prevalent issue of all, particularly in academic papers.

How to Write a Plot

A straight path is rarely interesting. Twists and turns that increase the sense of struggle provide an opportunity for the readers to build stronger emotional bonds with the character and build suspense.

How to Write a Plot Outline

There are many names for a plot outline; one of our favorites is the plot skeleton. Whatever you refer to it as, the plot outline is what will hold up your story if you know how to use it—or cause it to collapse if you don't.

How to Write a Query Letter

Writing a pitch or query letter is the first step to getting published. Agents and editors read query letters to find new material they are interested in selling or publishing. Most agents and editors will never read unsolicited material, but they will almost always read an unsolicited pitch.

Plot Resolution: Bringing Your Plot to a Good Resolution

If you already have a plot outline and are in the process of writing your story, you need to consider how you are planning on ending your novel. Remember our mantra: a plot is a complication followed by a plot resolution.

Creating Believable Characters

Any seasoned writer will tell you that creating characters that are believable takes some work. It's a little like painting a picture, stroke by stroke. Characters have to be constructed, bit by bit, until the whole, complex individual finally comes into view.

How to Get Published

Congratulations! You've completed the long, arduous task of writing a novel. You have an error-free book, and we've helped you put together a winning query package. It's time to send your baby out to seek its fame and fortune.

The Golden Rules for a Good Plot

Everyone wants to know the secret behind amazing novels. Scribendi.com's editors offer five helpful plot rules that will ensure your novel has a good plot, one that will grab and keep your reader's attention.

Writing Short Stories: 11 Hot Tips

We love short stories. At Scribendi.com, we admire the authors who produce these mini manuscripts, what with their complete plots and well-developed characters.

Plot Structures for Books in a Series

When writing a book series, it is important to keep plot structures in mind; each book must have its own plot, a plot which is concluded within its own pages.

Ebook Publishing

Ebook publishing may not meet everyone's needs, but don't reject the idea of making your book into a downloadable product without at least considering the pros and cons.

Understanding the Change to ISBN-13

A short history of the ISBN system and recent changes to the standard are posted here for your reference.

Traditional Publishing versus Self-Publishing: What's the Difference?

Traditional publishing or self-publishing: which should you choose? Let us walk you through the advantages and disadvantages of each so that you can choose the best option for your book.