Not sure which is right for you?
Take our quiz!
Big 5 Publishers: What They Publish and How to Get a Deal in 2026
TL;DR: Penguin Random House, HarperCollins, Simon & Schuster, Hachette Book Group, and Macmillan are the Big 5 publishers, the five publishing houses that control roughly 80% of US trade book revenue. Getting a deal with one requires a literary agent, since none...
How Many Words Are in a Novel? Word Counts by Genre & Age (2026 Guide)
TL;DR Most novels run 70,000–100,000 words. Your target depends on genre and audience: romance and mystery sit around 70,000–90,000, fantasy and sci-fi run 90,000–120,000+, and middle-grade stays between 20,000–55,000. Hit your genre’s expected range and you...
How to Use Imagery in Writing: Create Strong Visual Imagery (+ 5 Examples)
TL;DR Imagery is descriptive language that appeals to the reader’s five senses—sight, smell, taste, sound, and touch—to create a vivid mental picture. The most effective way to write imagery is to show instead of tell, use concrete sensory detail your reader can...
Character Names: Expert Tips for Naming Characters Readers Won’t Forget
TL;DR: The right character name matches your genre, era, and your character’s personality, and it’s easy to say out loud. This guide covers proven methods for generating character names, the best free character name generators, and tips for making...
Story Arcs: 5 Key Elements, Examples & How To Write Them Well
TL;DR: A story arc is the shape your plot takes from beginning to end: exposition, rising action, climax, falling action, and resolution. Most novels also follow one of six recognizable arc types, like rags to riches or the voyage and return. Understanding both...
Book Back Cover: What to Include And How to Write One That Sells
TL;DR A book back cover is the panel opposite the front cover, and it’s one of your strongest sales tools. It typically includes a tagline, a blurb (the sales pitch), testimonials, an author bio, and, for print books, the ISBN barcode and price. The front cover...
Leadership Determines Results: An Interview with Elite Author Patrick Finneran
Putting profit over purpose is not sustainable, but there is a way to successfully lead businesses to long-term success for all stakeholders. In Enduring Impact, Patrick Finneran draws on decades of experience as a Marine Corps officer and senior aerospace...
200+ Descriptive Adjectives List for Vivid, Concrete Writing
TL;DR Descriptive adjectives are words that modify nouns by adding concrete detail, telling readers how something looks, sounds, feels, tastes, or smells. Use this list to swap vague words for vivid ones, organized by sense: voice, appearance, movement, sight, color,...