Entering a writing competition is an act of opportunity. Each one represents a door that may lead to recognition, publication or the attention of an agent. In this post I have gathered the competitions closing between now and Christmas, spanning…
The Digest
Writing Competitions: An Insider’s Guide
Writing competitions are often misunderstood. Some writers dismiss them as distractions while others see them as golden tickets to publishing fame. In truth they are neither. From my perspective as an acquisitions editor in London with a career shaped by…
How to Organise a Successful Book Launch for Self Publishers
Self publishers often ask how to organise a book launch for self publishers without a large budget or a professional publicity team. The good news is that with planning, creativity and resourcefulness you can create a sparkling and professional event…
Your Book is Not a Baby: Publishing Myths to Drop Before You Start
If you have ever referred to your manuscript as your “baby” it is time to rethink. Your book is not a baby. Writers across all genres from horror to haiku, romance to regional travel guides have been known to cradle…
Illustrated Book of Poetry: Book Layout Template
Create a Stunning Illustrated Book of Poetry with Canva Pro – No Drawing Skills Needed! Have you ever dreamed of publishing your own illustrated book of poetry but felt held back by your artistic skills? Good news! You don’t need…
The Creative Writing Process
When most people think of writing, they imagine it as a tidy activity: sentences constructed according to grammar rules, paragraphs lined up like obedient soldiers, a message delivered cleanly and clearly. But if you’re a writer, whether you’re scribbling poems…
