The First Step to Writing a Nonfiction Book

Want to know the super-important, often-overlooked first step to writing a nonfiction book? (We consider skipping this to be at the top of our imaginary “nonfiction mistakes” list.) If you want to write your memoir, a self-help/personal growth book, a spirituality book, or any kind of transformational nonfiction, this first step will save you a … Read more

What Are 3 Things That Good Writers Do?

Just like playing the banjo, knitting, and competing in hot dog-eating competitions, writing is a skill that you can always get better at! Some people may seem like they have natural writing talent. However, research shows that practice leads to better results than talent alone.  With decades of experience in the publishing industry, we like … Read more

Author Spotlight: Teri Dillion, Self-Published Author of “No Pressure, No Diamonds”

I’ve known Teri Dillion for over a decade, having first met on a month-long meditation retreat in Colorado in 2008. Back then if you’d asked me about her, I would have spoken of her devotion to her practice and her penetrating blue eyes. Today, if you asked me about her, I would speak of courage, … Read more

Promoting Your Self-Published Book: Publicity Secrets from Dawn Michelle Hardy

If you’re self-publishing your book, does that mean you can’t get publicity? Not according to my guest today, the publicist Dawn Michelle Hardy, who is also a friend of mine. She’s going to give us a good schooling in how a self-published author can and ought to seek publicity for their book. Dawn is a … Read more

What’s a Sensitivity Read, and Why Is It Important? By Felice Laverne

sensitivity reader

We invited our friend and colleague, Felice Laverne, to guest blog about the importance of a sensitivity read. Felice is a Diversity & Inclusion coach, literary agent, book editor, and author coach. She has established Diversity & Inclusion initiatives at global brands such as HarperCollins Publishers, and she has edited books such as Zerlina Maxwell’s … Read more

Writing for Change and Justice

writing for change

If you’re reading this newsletter, it means you’re a writer interested in helping transform, uplift and inspire others to live more joyful, fulfilling and service-oriented lives. So I’m pretty certain you care about basic human rights. For everyone. You probably also care about leading with love and compassion; fighting to end oppression; and dismantling systemic … Read more

How These 5 Editing Types Take Your Book from Good to Great

Readers hold a high standard for books because of the expectations set by traditional publishers. That means that whether you’re going the self-publishing or traditional publishing route, you need to meet the current market standard. We all know traditional houses have entire teams focused on taking a book from good to great. But it doesn’t … Read more

What Does a Literary Agent Do? An Interview with Lucinda Halpern

Some of the biggest questions for authors who want to traditionally publish is, Will I find an agent to represent my book? What does a literary agent do? And if I want one, how do I best position myself for success? That’s why we decided to sit down with our friend Lucinda Halpern, founder and … Read more

How a Book Coach Can Help You Finish Your Book

  I’ve been posting a lot of content on Youtube lately that’s focused on one thing: Writing inspiration. Reminding you not only that you can write this book, but that you have to write it! If you have a book dream in your heart, Life is planning something. Something important. And it’s your job to follow … Read more

Journaling Ideas That Will Make You a Better Writer

I was scrolling through my feed on Instagram when I came across a picture of a pile of journals by bestselling author Elizabeth Gilbert. In the caption she wrote: “The journals of 2019. My companions, my teachers. Each book is a handprint in time that says: ‘I was here. And I took notes.’ I had … Read more