Blog - kn literary arts

The Blessing of Writing an Unsalable Book

“Your first book goes in a drawer.” This was a phrase I learned almost as soon as I entered the publishing business. Among book industry pros it’s commonly understood that first-time authors may need to “cleanse the palate” with an unpublishable manuscript before they...

How to Find a Great Editor in Four Steps

There’s a lot to learn as an aspiring author. But nothing is more important than understanding how to find a great editor. A good editorial relationship can be the difference between loving your book journey and feeling overwhelmed, under-supported and just plain...

Four Writing Goals You Will Actually Keep

The New Year is underway, and I have just one question for you: Did you make writing resolutions that you’ll actually be able to keep? Every year I watch dozens of aspiring authors set themselves ambitious writing goals. And just a few days later they’ve already let...

The Best Gift for Writers

I don’t know about you, but I got more than my fair share of gifts around the holidays. Both because I love celebrating Christmas (and force those around me to love it too, haha) but also because Christmas is my birthday! And as a writer, there are lots of gifts I...

How to Measure Book Launch Success

I’ve been overwhelmed by the support I’ve received these past few months in relationship to the launch of The Book You Were Born to Write. Good wishes, congratulations and positive feedback have been abundant. But there’s one question that’s lingering in the air…a...

To Strategize Your Platform-Building, Start with This Pyramid

If I’ve heard it once, I’ve heard it a thousand times. “How big a platform do I need to turn the head of a traditional publisher?” When I throw out ballpark figures, my authors often wilt. “How am I going to get that many subscribers? I don’t know nearly that many...

For the Love of God, Back Up Your Book Files!

Recently I was chatting with my friend and fellow author Bridget Fonger. We were recording an episode of her podcast, Superhero of Love, when she told me something awful. Not just a little awful—unthinkably awful. Like, don’t-make-me-even-contemplate-this brutal. What...

How to Prepare for a Writing Retreat

What’s a great way to kickstart your book dream—or revive it, after a dormant period? Plan yourself a writing retreat! You probably know how to book yourself a sweet Airbnb by the ocean or a cabin in the mountains. (Or a spot at a beautiful retreat center—I’d love to...

Overcoming Self-Criticism and Writing Your Book

How to overcome self-criticism on your way to becoming a successful published author.