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!
A Collaborative Publishing Model What is hybrid publishing? It’s a collaborative model that combines the best aspects of traditional and self-publishing. Authors co-invest in their books while working with professional editors, designers, and marketers, retaining creative control and earning higher…
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.
If you’re exploring hybrid or self-publishing options, Atmosphere Press vs. Mascot Books is a comparison worth exploring. While both publishers offer alternatives to traditional publishing, they differ in approach, cost, and the author experience they provide.
Getting book reviews before publishing is one of the most important steps you can take to set your work up for success. Reviews act as social proof, showing potential readers that your book is worth their time! They can also help your book stand out in crowded marketplaces like Amazon or Goodreads and give you valuable feedback before your official launch.
Finishing a manuscript can feel impossible, no matter how much time you’ve poured into it. Characters feel alive, plot threads shimmer with promise, yet The End always seems juuust out of reach. If you’re ready to move past writer’s block, self-doubt, or structural confusion, Manuscript Makers from Atmosphere Press is built for you!
Building a strong author brand is more than a logo or a social media profile—it’s how readers recognize, connect with, and remember your work! At Atmosphere Press, we know that creating a consistent and compelling author identity is essential for establishing credibility and growing a loyal audience.
If you’re exploring hybrid or self-publishing options, Atmosphere Press vs. BookBaby is a comparison worth exploring. While both publishers offer alternatives to traditional publishing, they differ in approach, cost, and the author experience they provide.
Unlike a copy editor who focuses on grammar or a proofreader who catches typos, a developmental editor works at the big-picture level. Their role is to strengthen your manuscript’s structure, pacing, character development, and thematic clarity so that the story resonates with readers and meets the expectations of your genre.
If you’re weighing hybrid publishers, two names you’ll inevitably see are Atmosphere Press and Greenleaf Book Group. Both are reputable and both serve authors who want more than the do-it-yourself route — but the experience, cost structure, and community offerings are very different.
In this guide, I’ll walk you through how to write a compelling book synopsis that captures the attention of agents and publishers. We’ll cover length, structure, common pitfalls, and I’ll even share an example so you can see what a professional synopsis looks like in practice!
If you’re aiming for traditional publishing, securing a literary agent is one of the most important steps you can take. But with so many agents out there—and each one specializing in particular genres—the search can feel overwhelming. The good news is that finding an agent who not only represents your genre but also believes in your work is absolutely possible with the right strategy.
When it comes to writing a mystery novel, the detective character is often the heart and soul of the story. How you write your detective character can make the difference between a forgettable mystery and one that hooks readers from the first page!
Red herrings are one of the most powerful tools in a mystery writer’s arsenal—and one of the easiest to misuse. If you’ve ever tried to keep your reader guessing only to leave them confused, frustrated, or (worst of all) unimpressed, you’re not alone.
If you’re looking for novel rewriting tips, you already know one truth of the writing life: the first draft is never the final word. Finishing a draft is a huge achievement—but it’s only the beginning. The real work of shaping your story into something publishable happens in the rewrite.
So: You’ve just polished off your manuscript, and you’re buzzing with excitement. Your first instinct? Probably to celebrate (as you should!) and then jump into pre-publication book marketing—because the most successful authors know that marketing their books 6 to 12 months before publication is key to building buzz and momentum.
In an age filled with writing software and digital tools, there’s something timeless—and surprisingly powerful—about notecard novel planning. Mapping your book by hand using physical notecards lets you see your story’s structure in a tactile, flexible way. This low-tech approach frees you from screen distractions and helps you engage more deeply with your plot, characters, and pacing.
When it comes to crafting a compelling story, many novelists can learn a lot from filmmakers. Screenwriting techniques focus on clear structure, precise pacing, and vivid storytelling—all essential elements that can elevate your novel to the next level. By borrowing tools from the world of film, novel writers can create tighter plots, more dynamic scenes, and characters that leap off the page.
Marketing your book can feel overwhelming or even uncomfortable—especially if you worry about coming across as pushy or “selling out.” But it doesn’t have to be that way. Authentic marketing is about sharing your story and passion in a way that feels genuine and respectful to both you and your readers.