Melanie Harlow’s Top Author Books
Melanie Harlow has joined us for Inkers Con for three years and brings valuable craft and marketing advice each year. We asked Melanie what her
Why the Dirty Alley is Not a Bad Place for Writers
Years ago, I read a post that changed my first draft and editing mindset. I can’t find the original article, so I’m going to summarize it to the best of my ability.
Help! I’m looking for a _____________!
Are you looking to hire a cover designer, editor, beta reader, book formatter, or something else? We often get emails from authors who wanting to find someone who ________________ (fill in the blank).
While we’ve worked with a lot of freelancers, someone perfect for us might not be a good fit for you, based on several factors.
The Hook
What is your story’s hook?
There’s a lot of “rules” out there about writing, and while I abide by some of them, others I ignore. Writing is a very personal journey, and great storytelling can use different shapes and delivery methods.
How a Brain Reacts to Your Book
Want to know a secret? I’m not super smart but I’m really, really good at sitting next to the smartest people in the room and absorbing their knowledge in the same way that this dog steals treats:
Book Cover Design Do’s and Don’ts
Did you know my first ever book cover did a LOT of things wrong, but was just clickable enough to launch my entire career?
I made so many mistakes with that cover, but it did have one important thing going for it:
Ready to Create Your Author Website?
If you don’t already have a website, it’s one of the first things that any author needs, and should be the go-to place for readers to learn about you and purchase your books.
Here is a Fun Exercise to Make Your Scene Descriptions Better
Recently I was asked about using description when writing scenes. Description is one of those ingredients that can be difficult (especially in the beginning) for authors to use. Some common questions I get are:
Diving into Deep POV
I’d written over 20 novels before I was introduced to the concept of Deep POV. As it turned out, I had been writing in deep point of view and hadn’t realized it. So what is deep point of view and how should it be executed?
Tips to Make Your Back Matter Sizzle
Did you know your #1 chance for a repeat sale is right when the reader finishes your book?
It’s your prime opportunity, because:
How to Write a Great Plot Twist
A great plot twist will leave a reader stunned, their jaw working open and closed in disbelief as their mind works frantically to connect pieces of a puzzle they weren’t aware of until now.
Should you enter a writing contest?
What does it mean to be an “award-winning” author?
It depends. Similar to the “bestselling author” moniker, readers have grown unimpressed by this title, unless it comes from a highly reputable (and recognizable) source.
Your Re-release Questions Answered
Rebranding a backlist book is a common way to improve its appeal and give it fresh exposure to readers. But the idea of rebranding often raises a lot of questions. We’ve assembled the most frequently asked and answer them below.
Goodreads Tips for Authors
Goodreads has over 125M readers and some fantastic free resources and opportunities for you to promote your books.
Here are my top tips for Goodreads:
Holiday Sale Ideas
The holidays are fast approaching, which means it’s time to…
☕ binge on pumpkin spice lattes
? put on the holiday music
? take advantage of extra earning opportunities for authors