The SECRET of Submitting your Manuscript to Publishers

IMAGINE! You have slaved over your beloved story, completing your manuscript to perfection! What’s your next step in getting your story published? How do you develop a kick-ass submission package that will eXcite and ignite a Publisher?

**I wrote this blog to unblock my paralyzing FEAR of submitting to Publishers. For too long I’ve allowed […]

New Writing Gig: Writing Features for a PRINT Magazine

Editor, Wendy Johnson of South City Bulletin magazine in Brisbane requested I write monthly features on writing topics for her magazine. An irresistible opportunity, I couldn’t refuse!

From today to March 2012, you’ll see me over at Logan’s FREE premium magazine as their resident Writing Adviser.

South City Bulletin broadcasts to a wide circulation delivering […]

My Newspaper Life Story is OUT!

SQUEE! Finally my gutsy news story has hit the streets! My heart is pattering with exhilaration, my stomach clenched with apprehension. For two years, I’ve hidden myself here on […]

Secret Writing Habits of Productive Writers

photo arztsamui

My Writing Mantra: Each day I create brand new stories or expand on existing writing projects. I keep the creative juices gurgling and flowing so they don’t dry up. Every day I generate opportunities in my writing career by taking calculated risks and build on successes. Creative writing […]

How to Engage an Audience at a Writing Seminar

Not hail, nor rain nor severe weather warnings kept my audience away at my Author Platform/ Book Marketing presentation in Brisbane last night. My smile widened as each eager participant sloshed through the door. I warmly welcomed each partaker as they arrived, inviting them to introduce themselves and divulge their writing passion. Yes, everyone loved […]

WRITERS: How to Prime yourself for the Publishing Race

The race to publishing is the most frustrating, the most daunting and the most exhilarating experience imaginable. One week you’re a champion, ecstatic after receiving news your short story reached first place. The next week, you’re devastated your novel was rejected … All experiences I understand too well.

How can I balance out this manic […]

Turn a Rejection Letter into a Plan for Success!

What a Roller Coaster writing week!

One day I receive a MORE DOCS PLEASE email for one publisher and another day a NO THANKS from another.

Last week a rejection letter arrived in my email inbox for SAYONARA.

I was mortified! How could a publisher reject the first three chapters of my beloved crime […]

How to write a *WINNING* Book Proposal

How can I be MORE pro-active in getting my books published?

What’s the best way to pitch my book to a Publisher? … The answer is … a *WINNING* book proposal.

More and more publishers are requesting Book Proposals as part of their submission package. A well researched kick-ass book proposal can excite and ignite […]

QUERY LETTER – How to write a KICK-ASS Query Letter for a Publisher

WHAT IF: your dream Publisher OR Agent advertised for Manuscripts?

What would you send them?

First of all, you create a KICK-ASS query letter, one that spurs the agent or publisher to read on. It must be professional, intelligent, concise, and intriguing. It accompanies your submission. Your cover letter must capture their attention, begging for […]

NURTURE WRITER –How to Nurture the Writer Within

After completing #3 novels and a memoir back-to-back over the last two years, I’m embracing time out to pause, reflect and nurture the writer within.

My previous self-sacrificing schedule consisted of writing eight hours plus per day, finishing one book then beginning the next …

>Plotting and planning. >Writing. >Rewriting. >Redrafting times ten. >Tweaking and […]