How to choose the right comp titles for your novel
There are a lot of hurdles to overcome on the road to publication. One of the elements that many writers find really stressful is finding the right comp titles. Not only are they an essential part of writing an effective query letter, there’s a lot of misinformation...
Signed, sealed, delivered: using letters in historical fiction
Throughout history, letter-writing has been a vital part of human interaction, connecting people separated by time, place or social circumstances. From the early 19th to mid-20th century, with the rise in literacy and the establishment of postal services,...
Murder in the past: building a plausible mystery before forensics
Murder. It holds a timeless fascination that few other crimes can match. It’s hard to get excited about a character wearing excessively pointy shoes or selling underweight loaves – but when a corpse turns up, people pay attention. Modern forensic techniques are, well,...
How to write a historical series that will hook readers
In today’s publishing landscape, publishers are looking for writers who will establish a following amongst readers, to create loyal fans who will come back every time you release a new book. One of the ways to encourage this kind of loyalty is to write a series, so...
What is ‘filtering’ in writing? (And what to do instead)
When you’re first developing your writing skills, there can be a lot of advice and techniques to keep track of! “Filtering” is an essential writing term that sometimes gets lost in the shuffle, but which all new writers should be aware of. Knowing when to use it and...
Why author bios matter and how to write one
The author bio (biography) introduces you, the author. It is commonly seen inside the back of a book, on websites, social media, Amazon pages, etc. It supplements the blurb, which introduces the story premise, and is normally seen first. A good author bio is an...
A cover is a door: invite your readers in
You’ve finished writing your novel and are excited to share it with readers, but before you look for reviews, bloggers, podcasts, or book clubs to get the word out, take time to consider your cover. A great design will entice readers to click on it or pick it up...
Biographical fiction: the pleasure and pain of writing about real lives
All historical novels, perhaps all novels, blur the edges of fact and fiction. Our characters inhabit places and periods defined by known geography and history, sometimes in very specific ways (say mediaeval York, or the reign of a particular monarch). But why do so...
Publishing models: out with the old, in with the older?
One of the hardest parts of being a writer of historical fiction (after writing the book, obviously) is deciding how to get your work in front of your readers. For most, there will be the pull of traditional publishing; of having your work accepted by a storied agent...