In this article, you’ll learn what a foreword is and who should write it, how to craft a compelling preface, what makes a strong introduction, and why an afterword can leave a lasting impression. By the end, you’ll have clear guidance on how to approach the parts of a book so your work feels polished, professional, and reader-ready!
This guide will show you how to punctuate dialogue clearly and confidently. We’ll cover the essential rules, common mistakes to avoid, and advanced scenarios. By the end, you’ll know exactly how to make your dialogue read smoothly and professionally!
AI training and author rights have become one of the most urgent issues in modern publishing. As artificial intelligence systems become increasingly capable of writing, summarizing, and even mimicking human style, authors are asking: Where did these models get their data — and was it used with permission? The recent Anthropic settlement highlighted that copyrighted books have sometimes been used to train large language models (LLMs) without the authors’ consent.
Horror novels have a way of ensnaring readers, eliciting spine-tingling chills, and leaving them sleepless long after the final page. But how do you go about writing a horror novel that does justice to the genre? In this guide, I’ll walk you through the essential steps and key elements that will help you craft a gripping horror masterpiece.
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:
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 co-invest in their books while working with professional editors, designers, and marketers, retaining creative control and earning higher…
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.
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.