Mystery novels have a unique allure, drawing readers into a web of intrigue, suspense, and thrilling surprises. As a writer who has ventured into the realm of mystery fiction, I understand the art of crafting a compelling mystery that keeps readers eagerly turning the pages. In this comprehensive guide, I'll share the essential steps, techniques, and insights you need to write a gripping mystery novel that will leave your audience craving for more. Let's dive into the intricate world of mystery writing, starting with the foundations:
Advice
for Writers
Advice
for Writers
Meeting one-on-one with an Acquisitions Editor (AE) is an exciting opportunity for you to learn about the publishing process and to ask whatever questions you have. Publication is a long-term partnership, and this call is how we determine whether teaming up on your book is the right fit for both sides. It's the final step of our acceptance process.
Authors around the world are facing an alarming rise in scams designed to exploit their passion for writing. From vanity presses demanding upfront fees to fraudulent literary agents and fake review services, unscrupulous actors are constantly finding new ways to target writers. Recent waves even include AI-generated emails that mimic personalized pitches based on your book’s description, making author scams harder to spot.
Writing a book is rarely a straight path. Even the most dedicated authors encounter moments of doubt, distraction, and frustration. Perhaps the story refuses to flow, or the outline feels tangled, or motivation simply wanes mid-project… These writing challenges are not signs of failure—they are part of the writing process itself!
Colleen Alles is a writer, former librarian & teacher, and Michigan girl for life. She earned her bachelor’s degree in English from Michigan State University (2005) and her MLIS from Wayne State University (2015). Her fiction and poetry have appeared in Red Cedar Review, Tar River Poetry, The Write Michigan Anthology, The Michigan Poet, and other places. Her fiction has been longlisted for The Fugere Book Prize for Finely Crafted Novellas in 2023 (Regal House Publishing).
A Collaborative Publishing Model What is hybrid publishing? It’s a collaborative model that combines the best aspects of traditional and self-publishing. Authors …
If you’re exploring hybrid or self-publishing options, Atmosphere Press vs. Archway Publishing is a comparison worth considering. Both offer alternatives to traditional publishing, but they differ in approach, cost, author experience, and community engagement.
Every month, Atmosphere Press receives more than 1500 submissions! That’s a lot. And we ultimately move forward with roughly 30 publishing contracts per month. Obviously, it’s a mutual decision to move forward on a contract, because we need to want to work with an author and an author needs to want to work with us.
Vicky Pinpin-Feinstein is a former college lecturer, communications technology and society professional, and a writer. With Social Science graduate degrees, her career focused on media and society at various institutions before she became a writer. Her first book, A Thousand Little Deaths, is an account of her experience under the autocratic rule of Ferdinand Marcos in the Philippines. Her second and recently published book, Beyond Fear and Suspicion: The New Americans in Little Ethiopia, focuses on forced migration, immigrant identity, trauma, and resilience among members of the African diaspora.
Publishing a book is one of the most rewarding yet challenging experiences an author can undertake. From polishing a manuscript to navigating the intricacies of the publishing world, writers often face hurdles that can feel overwhelming at times. Whether you’re aiming for a traditional publishing deal or exploring self-publishing, the process comes with unique obstacles that can impact your timeline, budget, and overall success.