Tax Season for Authors
Whether you’re a full-time novelist, a freelance writer, or a self-published creator, understanding what the IRS considers writing income is essential. Mistakes can lead to penalties, missed deductions, or unnecessary stress.
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How to Write a Light Novel
A light novel isn’t just a short novel. It’s a distinct storytelling format with its own tone, pacing, and reader expectations. They are written in accessible language and often paired with illustrations, which helps blend the depth of fiction with…
Book Formatting Industry Standards: A Clear, Practical Guide for Authors
Industry standards for book formatting are the shared conventions publishers use to ensure readability, visual consistency, and print compatibility. These standards aren’t arbitrary rules, and they have withstood the test of time because they support how books are manufactured, distributed,…
Making the Most of Book Publicity with Atmosphere Press
For many authors, the publicity stage of publishing is one of the most exciting—and sometimes most daunting—parts of the process. Once your book is written, edited, designed, and produced, the next step is getting it into the hands of readers.
Atmosphere Press Staff Spotlight: Trista Edwards
My primary roles at Atmosphere Press are as an Acquisitions Editor and a Developmental Editor. As an Acquisitions Editor, I love discovering new voices and compelling stories that truly resonate and then having the privilege of bringing those authors into…
Romance Novel Ideas: 40+ Story Starters, Tropes, and High-Concept Prompts Writers Love
Why Romance Novel Ideas Matter More Than Ever Romance is often described as the most “forgiving” genre to write in because, after all, readers know how the story will end. But it’s exactly that familiarity that makes strong romance novel…
Love Across Genres: How Romance Fits in Every Story
Romance doesn’t always need to be the central focus of a novel; it can subtly weave its way into genres like science fiction, fantasy, thriller, or historical fiction, adding depth and emotional resonance. After all, love permeates our everyday lives—it’s…
Slow Burn Romance: Writing One Spark at a Time
Writing Slow Burn Romance: Patience + Passion Writing slow burn romance is one of the most rewarding yet challenging endeavors in the romance genre. This beloved subgenre is known for its gradual, simmering build-up of attraction and emotional connection between…
A Cautionary Note to Writers: Scammers
Recently, The Guardian reported on an international publishing scam in which fraudsters cloned legitimate small-press websites, fabricated staff pages using AI-generated images, and solicited large upfront payments from authors under false pretenses. In some cases, these impersonators copied real publishers’…
How to Write a Romance Novel
How to Write a Romance Novel: A Step-by-Step Guide for Aspiring Authors Writing a romance novel requires more than bringing two characters together. At its core, romance is about emotional transformation, rising tension, and a satisfying resolution that feels earned.…
A Guide to Blurbs & How They Benefit Authors
Are you an author struggling to get your book noticed in the vast sea of literature? Feeling lost in the labyrinth of marketing and promotion? You’ve probably heard of book blurbs, those elusive yet essential snippets of praise adorning book…
Writing Dark Fiction: Techniques, Tropes, and Tools for Atmospheric Storytelling
As writers immersed in the world of dark fiction, it’s easy to be drawn to the intricate dance between light and shadow within the human psyche. Exploring moral dilemmas in storytelling is like embarking on a thrilling journey through the…
Editorial Coaching: What It Is and Who It’s For
How Editorial Coaching Can Transform Your Manuscript Most writers eventually reach a point where feedback alone isn’t enough. You might have pages of notes from beta readers, editors, or critique partners that feel overwhelming or even contradictory. You may know…
The Author–Publisher Relationship
Publishing a book involves both creativity and professionalism, and how authors and publishers work together matters as much as the manuscript itself. A strong author–publisher relationship helps projects run smoothly, keeps communication clear, and supports the book in reaching its…
Beyond the Basics: Exploring Unique Kinds of Poems
Writing poetry isn’t just about choosing words that rhyme or fit a rhythm. The poetry you write—whether a traditional sonnet, a free verse experiment, or a visual concrete poem—directly shapes how readers experience your ideas and emotions. Understanding the different…
Metaphor vs. Analogy: Using Comparison Effectively
Writers often struggle with metaphor vs. analogy. Both compare ideas, but in different ways—and picking the right one can make your writing stronger, clearer, and more memorable! Metaphors help readers feel an idea. Analogies help readers understand an idea.
Your Book’s Production Timeline
Publishing a book is a process with many moving parts—from shaping your manuscript to final launch. At Atmosphere Press, we’ve designed a hybrid publishing timeline that balances quality, clarity, and efficiency, so authors know exactly what to expect at every…
Writing in Third Person
3rd person POV is a versatile narrative style that uses “he,” “she,” or “they” instead of “I” or “we.” It allows writers to explore multiple characters, reveal plot details, and maintain a professional, polished voice.
Atmosphere Press House Style Guide
At Atmosphere Press, we believe great books are built on both strong individual voice and clear, consistent presentation. This style guide explains the editorial standards our team typically follows during proofreading and production—and, just as importantly, how those standards interact…
What Makes a Novella Special? Writing & Publishing Short Fiction
While definitions vary slightly, most writers and publishers consider a novella to be roughly 20,000 to 50,000 words, long enough to explore a complete story with meaningful character development but short enough to maintain a focused, fast-moving plot. This makes…