• Introducing Xulon’s New Editorial Critique Service

    In 2014, the most helpful feedback that the editorial department received from our authors was that they wished they could have received more in-depth feedback on their manuscripts prior to going into editing and production. The manuscript review was of course helpful, but it wasn’t the thorough read-through and analyzation of a book’s content, structure, characterization, and so forth, like many authors may desire to receive. While some authors are fine with a short overview and review of their book, there are some that truly want to improve their book, have their strengths identified in detail as well as their areas of improvement with…

  • Perfectionism Kills Books!

    As the Director of Acquisitions here at Xulon Press, I can honestly say I love what I do. There is no greater reward than helping a budding author envision their book and bring it to reality. But I often note a common factor holding writers back. Perfectionism. People think they have to make their book perfect before they can even consider publishing. Now, I am not saying an author shouldn’t work on making his or her book the best it can be, but I am saying the fear of perfectionism kills books. Here’s what I commonly hear: I am not an expert…

  • How to Show Emphasis Without Typing in All-Capitals

    As an editor here at Xulon Press, I have read hundreds of manuscripts. Maybe even thousands. However, the top three things that I’ve seen on a consistent basis is: overuse of the exclamation point, misuse of the semicolon, and capitalizing words and phrases in order to convey emphasis to the reader. While we’ve covered the first two, we haven’t covered what it means to capitalize entire words and phrases, so allow me to explain. It’s pretty well-known that if someone says something to you through text, email, instant message, or any other written/typed communication in all capitals, it means they’re…

  • Become part of a special class!

    Just like a graduating class, many writers in 2014 made the decision to move forward with having their book published for others to read and enjoy. This unique group ranges from those who just have a raw book idea they need help developing to those who have finished writing and editing. I want you to join this group! I love hearing people’s stories. How they’ve had their book dreams for awhile but just didn’t know what to do. Nothing compares to hearing them share how their book idea was birthed inside of them in prayer or through a series of…