Anatomy of a Character-Driven Mystery A guide for authors striving for emphasis on characterization in all genres of popular fiction

[by Ross Browne]

“Character driven” is a phrase one hears a lot in editing and publishing. In simple terms, it’s something we say when the experience of a book is shaped as much (or nearly as much) by the characters as by the story itself. 

It’s generally a compliment and often thought […]

By |2025-02-12T22:06:11+00:00|The Writer’s Craft|Comments Off on Anatomy of a Character-Driven Mystery A guide for authors striving for emphasis on characterization in all genres of popular fiction

How Ten Bestselling Authors Introduce Protagonists in First-Person Narratives A guide for novelists of all genres

[by Ross Browne]

I’ve been editing novels for more than 30 years, and one thing that still fascinates me to no end is the art and craft of introducing (and cultivating quick engagement with) viewpoint characters when writing in the first person.

Like many readers, I enjoy first-person narratives because of […]

By |2025-02-12T22:12:19+00:00|Behind The Bestsellers, The Writer’s Craft|Comments Off on How Ten Bestselling Authors Introduce Protagonists in First-Person Narratives A guide for novelists of all genres

News, Insights, and New Resources for Authors Considering Self-Publishing

It sometimes seems like too much is changing too fast in the publishing world. But there’s at least one area where all that change is for the better in our view: self-publishing. […]
By |2025-05-10T16:28:57+00:00|Self Publishing|Comments Off on News, Insights, and New Resources for Authors Considering Self-Publishing

In Praise of Literary Writing An editor's primer on the unique allure of literary fiction—and what it takes to write it well

[by Gregory Collins]

The lines are blurry and the exceptions are many, but if literary writing tends to emphasize character and realism while genre writing tends to emphasize plot and tropes, then I trace my interest in literary writing to my childhood and adolescence in Kenya, east Africa. My parents—and grandparents and great grandparents—were missionaries there and […]

By |2025-02-12T22:13:12+00:00|The Writer’s Craft|Comments Off on In Praise of Literary Writing An editor's primer on the unique allure of literary fiction—and what it takes to write it well

PATHS TO PUBLISHING: A Decision Guide on Traditional and Self Publishing Options for 2025

[by Ross Browne and John Robert Marlow]

Publishing has changed a lot in the 45 years since The Editorial Department opened its doors—and not necessarily for the better, in the eyes of many. But it’s nonetheless an exciting time to be a writer, in large part because when it comes to getting published or self published, […]

By |2025-02-12T17:22:40+00:00January 1st, 2024|Industry Insights|Comments Off on PATHS TO PUBLISHING: A Decision Guide on Traditional and Self Publishing Options for 2025

EDITOR’S EAVESDROP: Award-Winning Bestselling Author Joe Ide Dishes Truth on Getting Traditionally Published (And making a living as a novelist!)

[by Ross Browne]

Joe Ide is a brilliant, critically acclaimed author. He also turns out to be a refreshingly straight shooter on what aspiring writers need to know about the business of publishing and how to maximize their chances of making a successful career out […]

By |2025-02-12T22:36:32+00:00|Getting Published|Comments Off on EDITOR’S EAVESDROP: Award-Winning Bestselling Author Joe Ide Dishes Truth on Getting Traditionally Published (And making a living as a novelist!)
Go to Top