Should you use images on your blog?
The right images can help draw readers to your blog, or get them to click on that link to read the rest of a post.
But how do we choose photos and illustrations, and how do we use them?
These are some things that I’ve learned about how to use images, and where to find them. (more…)
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Writers, are you backed up?
(Image via Bigstock)
It’s like exercising regularly and eating healthy food. We all know we should do it. But sometimes we don’t.
Backup, that is.
Our books-in-progress are valuable. Don’t let yours become a victim of a hacker or a technology failure.
I’ve heard so many horror stories lately that it has challenged me to develop some better backup strategies. Here’s some tips for what you could do. (more…)
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Grammar is NOT the most important thing about a book
Image from Bigstock/Markus Mainka
Do I have your attention now?
How can an editor say grammar doesn’t matter? Isn’t that like a doctor breaking the hypocratic oath? Will grammar primers and dictionaries around the world suddenly burst into flames??
Read on, and find out what I’m talking about… Continue Reading…
There are both artistic and practical considerations in choosing a pen name
Image via Bigstock
If you’ve decided to use a pen name, how do you choose it? There are so many options! (more…)
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A rose by any other name might smell as sweet, but will it sell as many books?
Should you write under your own name, or a pen name? (more…)
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The End is just the beginning
Image via Bigstock
Picture this: you’ve typed The End on your manuscript. You want to stand on a mountain top, fling your arms in the air and shout to the world, “Yes, I’m finished!”
Er, well, no, actually. You’re not. The End is not the end, it’s just the beginning! 
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Twitter for writers: Make friends, not sales
Image via Bigstock
Twitter can be a confusing place for writers, and the internet is awash with conflicting opinions on how you should use it.
Let’s cut through some of that noise, and get to the simple underlying principles.
Being a good Twitter citizen (Twitizen?) boils down to two golden rules. (more…)
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Usually, you won’t see an author appearing in their own book trailer. But sometimes it’s exactly the right thing to do.
Book trailers are like the movie trailers you see at the cinema before the feature, except they’re about a book… a 2-4 minute teaser, designed to pique the curiosity of an audience. They can be made for both novels and non-fiction books. (more…)
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How do you find a good beta reader or “test pilot” to critique your manuscript, preferably for free?
“Beta reader” is just a fancy term for a person who reads your manuscript, and gives you feedback to help you make it even better.
I’ve written before about why beta readers are so valuable, and described the characteristics of the ideal beta reader.
Finding the ideal beta reader can be a challenge. But here are some tips for where to start. (more…)
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Everyone says we have to include video on our blogs these days, but how do we do it? Not only do we have to be author, publisher, marketing manager and general dogsbody, but apparently Martin Scorsese and Gwyneth Paltrow too!
In this post, I’ll talk you through a short video I just made for my blog (my first!), to show you what I learned and give you some ideas for getting started yourself. Please also share your video production ideas and experiences with us all, in the comments. Let’s help each other!
My advertising promise: I will only allow advertising on this site for products that I use myself, and love. These are some of my favourites, which I hope might make your writing-and-publishing life easier.
More info on Scrivener 2 for Mac OS X
More info on Scrivener for Windows
Belinda is an Author, Editor and Publishing Consultant based in Australia and communicating globally 
