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Book reviews, writing tips, and guidance on writing, publishing, and getting published from Ross Browne, owner of publishing’s oldest freelance editorial firm.

How Ten Bestselling Authors Introduce Their 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 |2024-07-08T19:26:23+00:00|Behind The Bestsellers, The Writer’s Craft|Comments Off on How Ten Bestselling Authors Introduce Their Protagonists in First-Person Narratives A guide for novelists of all genres
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PATHS TO PUBLISHING: A Decision Guide on Traditional and Independent Publishing Options for 2024

[by Ross Browne and John Robert Marlow]

Publishing has changed a lot in the 43 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, you have more […]

By |2024-02-12T17:44:54+00:00January 1st, 2024|Industry Insights|Comments Off on PATHS TO PUBLISHING: A Decision Guide on Traditional and Independent Publishing Options for 2024
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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 |2024-01-06T22:51:11+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!)
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How P.J. Vernon Delivers Fresh, Distinctive Characterization in Mystery Fiction

[by Ross Browne]

When You Find Me was, without a doubt, one of the most pleasant literary surprises I’ve had in a long time. It’s a debut novel that got a warm reception from readers and critics alike, and with good reason. It’s a Southern gothic-style thriller with an inventive […]

By |2024-01-18T15:45:21+00:00December 14th, 2023|Behind The Bestsellers|Comments Off on How P.J. Vernon Delivers Fresh, Distinctive Characterization in Mystery Fiction
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Exploring Ken Follett’s Masterful Handling of Plot, Characterization, and Historical Storytelling in THE PILLARS OF THE EARTH

[by Ross Browne]

If you’ve read any of Ken Follett’s work, it probably comes as no surprise that he was able to turn his own personal fascination with cathedrals and how they’re built into a damn good novel. But from a fiction technique viewpoint, what he done with The Pillars of The Earth transcends good and might be seen […]

By |2024-01-07T20:57:18+00:00September 14th, 2022|Behind The Bestsellers|Comments Off on Exploring Ken Follett’s Masterful Handling of Plot, Characterization, and Historical Storytelling in THE PILLARS OF THE EARTH
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Considering The Lessons of Eight Bestselling Series in Crime Fiction What authors can learn from John Sandford, Lee Child, CJ Box, and others about how to cultivate a loyal readership

[by Ross Browne]

One piece of advice authors who write popular fiction often hear is that your odds of landing an agent and a traditional publishing deal can improve considerably when your novel is conceived as (or has the potential to work as) a series. This should come as no surprise to anyone who enjoys settling down […]

By |2024-01-20T17:37:19+00:00|Getting Published|Comments Off on Considering The Lessons of Eight Bestselling Series in Crime Fiction What authors can learn from John Sandford, Lee Child, CJ Box, and others about how to cultivate a loyal readership
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