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When to Write a Novel vs. Novella: 5 Key Factors
TL;DR A novella runs 17,500–40,000 words and focuses on a single conflict, one point of view, and tight pacing. A novel runs 40,000–100,000+ words and can support multiple subplots, a larger cast, and more complex character arcs. The right format depends on your...
Unpacking the Alex Hormozi Book Launch Success
TL;DR: Alex Hormozi has written three business books: $100M Offers (2021), $100M Leads (2023), and $100M Money Models (2025). Each one builds on the last, forming a complete playbook for building a high-revenue business. His 2025 launch of $100M Money Models broke the...
Balboa Press Review: Is Balboa Press Worth The Cost?
TL;DR: Balboa Press is a vanity publisher – a paid publishing service operated by Author Solutions, a division of Hay House. Packages range from $1,099 to $14,999, but most services included are available free or cheaply elsewhere. Trustpilot reviewers rate the...
What Is a Manuscript? Definition, Meaning and 8 Tips for Writing One
TL;DR A manuscript is the unpublished, working version of a book—the document a writer creates, revises, and eventually submits for publication or editing. It is not yet a book. Every published book starts as a manuscript. Before you can self-publish, traditionally...
The 10 Best Distraction-Free Writing Apps of 2026
TL;DR: The best distraction-free writing apps strip away notifications, toolbars, and the temptation of the internet so you can focus on getting words on the page. Top picks include iA Writer (best overall), Ulysses (best for Apple users who want organization),...
What is an Anthology? Definition, Examples, & More
TL;DR: An anthology is a curated collection of literary works (poems, short stories, essays, or other written pieces) gathered into a single publication. Unlike a collection (which features one author), anthologies typically bring together multiple authors united by a...
How to Write a Novella: 8 Steps to a Complete, Publishable Story
TL;DR A novella is a work of fiction between 20,000 and 50,000 words—longer than a short story, shorter than a novel. To write one successfully: choose a single central conflict, outline before you draft, maintain one clear point of view, keep your cast small, and...
The Top Self-Publishing Companies (2026 Guide)
TL;DR The top self-publishing companies in 2026 include Amazon KDP, Barnes & Noble Press, Kobo, Apple Books, IngramSpark, Draft2Digital, and PublishDrive—each serving a different purpose. Most successful authors use a combination: KDP for U.S. dominance,...