Terrible publishing advice for memoir writers.
This week, I’m offering the 5 worst pieces of advice a memoir writer can follow if they want to land a publishing deal. #1. Think of your...
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Sally Collings
Nov 28, 2022
Publish me! (I’m begging you.) Writing a query letter for your memoir.
You’ve written your memoir, you’ve produced your book proposal. Now it’s time to reach out to your chosen literary agents and/or editors....
Sally Collings
Nov 4, 2022
Writing about writing is the hardest thing.
The day has come. You’ve written, polished, and honed the manuscript for your memoir. Go you! Now it’s time to get that baby out there,...
Sally Collings
Oct 20, 2022
Fall in love with your book proposal: especially for memoir writers.
You’ve written your memoir. Now what? Finishing your memoir is not the end of the path to publication. You’re going to need a book...
Sally Collings
Oct 14, 2022
It’s twins! Kind of. Two new courses to help you write your book proposal.
This week I’m launching not one, but two new courses to help writers who are wrestling with their book proposal—whether they’re already...
Sally Collings
Aug 4, 2022
How to make a bestseller.
The third day of the antitrust trial over the sale of Simon & Schuster to Penguin Random House offers a fascinating glimpse into the...
Sally Collings
Jul 6, 2022
Two authors tell: promoting your book, the unvarnished truth.
In this post, I’m continuing my discussion with Meredith Sandland & Carl Orsbourn, authors of Delivering the Digital Restaurant: Your...
Sally Collings
Apr 11, 2022
Two authors tell: promoting your book, the unvarnished truth.
I’ve been blessed to work with some amazing clients who have had great success with their books. They have signed deals with leading...
Sally Collings
Apr 4, 2022
Fearlessly Different: a shout-out to author Mickey Rowe.
One of the most rewarding projects I worked on last year was Mickey Rowe’s book, Fearlessly Different. When Mickey approached me, he had...
Sally Collings
Mar 14, 2022
Spring is in the air.
Next week, I'm heading out of town to enjoy a Midwest spring break. I'll be lolling in the sunshine by Lake Michigan, enjoying the...
Sally Collings
Mar 7, 2022
Craft an elevator pitch for your book.
Every author needs an elevator pitch. A brief but irresistible description that condenses the spirit of your book into a few sentences. ...
Sally Collings
Feb 25, 2022
6 steps you need to take before writing your book proposal.
If you are planning to write a nonfiction book, and you’re planning to seek a publishing deal, the first thing you need is a book...
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 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
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...
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