3 Roadbumps You’ll (Probably) Encounter When Writing a Book About Your Life

If I’ve said it once, I’ve said it a thousand times. If you have a book in you—if you hear the call to write—it’s because Life is asking for your story. Unfortunately, my many years of working with authors has taught me this lesson: You’re gonna hit some bumps on the road when you’re writing … Read more

Three Types of Memoirs that Sell

types of memoirs

“Do you think my memoir can get published?” A client recently posed this question at the top of the hour we had scheduled for a book consultation. If I’m honest, it’s a question I sort of dread. It asks for a black-or-white answer to a question that’s decidedly gray. When this kind of question lands on … Read more

A Tour of the Publishing World with Rob Kandell

publishing world

Ready to throw in the towel because you’ve received 3 rejections? 10? Kelly says not so fast. Take a listen to her conversation with teacher, coach, and lecturer Rob Kandell on his podcast Tuff Love. Kelly addresses the real reasons you should–or should not–write a book, how the publishing industry has changed since she got started 20+ … Read more

Approaching a Publisher: You Gotta Have One or the Other

Approaching a publisher

When I started KN Literary, I used to write, edit and coach most of our clients. But as we’ve grown, so have my responsibilities. There was a point about two years ago when I had to stop taking on long-term editorial and writing projects. Why? Because I spent most of my time on projects being … Read more

Three Signs that Writing Is Your Spiritual Path

spiritual path

If you’re anything like me, there’s a gift in the darkest season of the year. At the end of each year, I dive deep within and write myself a New Year’s letter. I look back over the previous year, the trials and triumphs. (The things I’m most proud of are often the quietest, the least … Read more

Quick Writing Quiz: Bad Timing…or Resistance in Disguise?

If you’re anything like, um, I don’t know, every writer I’ve ever met, then there will be times in your writing journey when you’ll wonder how, how, how you’ll ever get that book finished. Or even started. Sound familiar? Regardless the flavor of your particular writing crazy, the excuses reasons most writers have for not … Read more

Why Writing a Book Is an Act of Courage

writing a book

Each time I meet someone who wants to write a book, I send up a little prayer. May your book be of service in the world. May you find the help you need to get it out there. And may you have the bravery to follow your book journey all the way to the end. … Read more

Good Bones: Crafting a Solid Book Structure

book structure

A great title, cover and concept are often enough to get a reader to pull your book off the shelf. But what keeps her reading until the every end, and gets her to recommend the book to friends? The answer is an amazing reading experience. One where the content of the book flows so seamlessly … Read more

Creating a Simple Writing Plan You Can Stick To

writing plan

What’s the hardest part about writing? DOING IT! You can have the greatest ideas in the world, but setting aside the time to sit down and put pen to paper (or fingertips to keyboard) is a whole different story. So how do I help my authors skirt the deadly territory of “writer who isn’t writing?” I … Read more

How to Become Your Own Publisher: Why to Buy Your Own ISBN

isbn

So, I’m going to go ahead and come out with it: while I enjoy helping authors pursue and acquire book deals, I’m also super excited about self-publishing. The whole thing gives me energy. I like the idea of creative control. I like knowing that artists are out there, doing every single thing their own way. … Read more