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Sally Collings
Jun 21
How to Plan the Structure of Your Book.
Although non-fiction books don't follow the classic narrative arc of novels, they still need to take the reader on a journey of...
Sally Collings
May 30
Leadership Memoirs and Why You Should Write One (Yes, You!)
Calling out to business leaders, social activists, change-makers, and sports champions – this one’s for you. Ever thought about writing a...
Sally Collings
Feb 21, 2022
7 things you need to know about hybrid publishing.
Hybrid publishing: AKA author-assisted publishing, indie publishing, partnership publishing, and co-publishing. It’s an umbrella term for...
Sally Collings
Feb 14, 2022
What’s the best way to get your book published?
Dreaming of a book deal with Penguin Random House, Macmillan, or HarperCollins? You’re not alone. SO not alone. Before you join that long...
Sally Collings
Feb 9, 2022
Podcasts are the new author credential.
Podcasts have become the latest hunting ground for agents and editors to find new voices. Just as long-form journalism has been a place...
Sally Collings
Jan 31, 2022
What’s your author persona?
A writer’s persona communicates to their audience who they are. It’s not only a chance to give writing a little personality, it is also...
Sally Collings
Jan 24, 2022
Every author dreams of this.
My last couple of posts (here and here) have been about choosing between traditional publishing and self-publishing. But what if you...
Sally Collings
Jan 17, 2022
The pros and cons of traditional publishing.
Every author needs to weigh up whether they seriously want a traditional publisher. It may seem like the holy grail, providing...
Sally Collings
Jan 10, 2022
Be honest. Do you really want a publishing deal?
Earlier this week, I started work with a new client. She asked me to review and edit her book proposal, which is for a coffee-table book...
Sally Collings
Jan 4, 2022
How much ego is too much in your book proposal?
Getting the balance between humility and hubris in your nonfiction book proposal is hard. Many authors are naturally self-effacing...
Sally Collings
Dec 28, 2021
Show off with your sample chapters.
It’s easy to think of a book proposal as entirely separate from your book manuscript. Truth is, your book proposal must include a solid...
Sally Collings
Dec 20, 2021
How to write a killer chapter outline.
In your book proposal, the chapter outline is where you reveal your book’s shape: how it unfolds for the reader, chapter by chapter. It...
Sally Collings
Dec 13, 2021
How to Plan the Structure of Your Book
Although non-fiction books don't contain the classic narrative arc of novels, they still need to take the reader on a journey of...
Sally Collings
Dec 1, 2021
Put Your Book Proposal To the “So What” Test.
You’ve got a matter of seconds to engage an agent or editor with your “big story” before they flip on to the next book proposal in the...
Sally Collings
Nov 22, 2021
How to write your author bio
Unless you’re a “household-name” author (Steven King, JK Rowling, Malcolm Gladwell, I’m looking at you), most literary agents and editors...
Sally Collings
Nov 15, 2021
What’s an Author Platform?
For first-time authors, there is one topic that can feel overwhelming at first but is absolutely necessary when it comes to connecting...
Sally Collings
Nov 8, 2021
Get ready to write a book proposal.
Most weeks I get a call or email from at least one author wanting me to work with them on their nonfiction book proposal. Sadly, I’d say...
Sally Collings
Nov 1, 2021
Analyze your competition like a pro.
I’ve heard it said that every book has already been written at least once, and it’s somewhat true. Don’t let that discourage you. It...
Sally Collings
Oct 25, 2021
Three ways to a literary agent’s heart.
In the past year, I’ve collaborated on three nonfiction book proposals. All three have been picked up by leading literary agents within a...
Sally Collings
Oct 18, 2021
Literary agents hate manuscripts.
As a rule, if there’s one thing most publishers and literary agents really hate to see, it’s a manuscript. You’re probably surprised by...
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