A (Hope)ful Blog

Ageism in Publishing

How Much Marketing Do I Need to Do for My Book?

How Hard is it to Get a Book Traditionally Published?

So you wrote a book in 9 days (and got a contract)

15 Ways to Believe in Yourself Again

What Does the Book of Daniel Have to do with Teens?

BLAZE: The story of the name change

5 Truths for Every Christian Writer

Five Foolproof Ways to Catch a Literary Agent's Eye

Into the Den

Publishers and Agents Aren't "Chum"

My boss, the head of the publisher I work for, told me that a recent conference she attended made her feel less than human. Not a moment...

"God Told Me to Write" Is Not Enough

Okay, so before I get any angry comments or emails, let me explain. When a writer tells me, "God told me to write this book," I'm so...

How to Be Happy for Your Friends' Publishing Successes (When you Feel Left Behind)

Jealousy. We've all become familiar with the feeling. How the same friend, who is the same age as you (or younger), who attended the same...

10 Red Flags to Watch for in Editors

Continuing what is apparently a heated series of blog posts on editors, I do feel the need to explain why I have such a deep passion for...

Editors, Stay in Your Lane

Weird title, I know. But there's a saying. It may be a saying by yours truly, but a saying nonetheless. "Anyone can be a writer. Not...

Why Are Publishers and Agents so Hard to Get a Hold Of?

"If you give them an inch, they'll take a mile." My acquisitions editor friend told me this. And although she was referring to a...

What Happens if My Publisher Goes Under?

What happens if my publisher goes under? It's more common than you think. In the traditional market, authors are bound to experience...

Lift Other Writers to Be Lifted Up

It doesn't seem like a radical concept until you get your first publishing contract. I had no idea just how many authors were out there...

Why Do I Have to Read Books Published in the Last Five Years?

If you've read any of my newsletters, you'll recognize this tip. I almost always include it. "If you want to write in a genre, read books...

Traditionally Published Authors Have it Easy, Right?

Wrong. Having worked with six traditional publishers I can tell you, it doesn't get any easier. Yes, I've found what avenues do and don't...

HOPE BOLINGER