• woman holding green hardcover book; what you need to know about the epilogue

    What You Need to Know about the Epilogue

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    There you are, finishing up the last chapter of your story. However, the work doesn’t feel quite done yet. Somehow, there’s still more to be said beyond the falling actions of your story. Enter the epilogue. All great stories require a great conclusion that leaves readers stirring on the implications of the narrative and feeling fulfilled with their time spent reading. No one likes to be left hanging! What Is an Epilogue? An epilogue is “a concluding section that rounds out the design of a literary work.”1 In layman’s terms, it’s a section separate from the final chapter of a fiction book that helps…

  • woman working at a desk with books stacked; manuscript review

    What to Expect from a Manuscript Review

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    At Salem Author Services, our editors offer a Manuscript Review, sometimes called an MDR, for all authors. A Manuscript Review allows an editor to become thoroughly acquainted with a piece. Manuscript Reviews are not only an important step in the editing process, but they are the very first step! Let’s dive into what these Manuscript Reviews are all about. What Is in a Manuscript Review? The Manuscript Review starts out with the title of the reviewed piece, the author’s name (or pen name), and the word count. Simple enough so far, right? Then it goes into the general overview—what the editor believes your…

  • man typing on laptop; editorial critique

    The Editorial Critique: An In-Depth Review of an Author’s Manuscript

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    One of the most popular editorial services offered at Xulon Press is the Manuscript Review, a short, yet detailed review that offers authors a handful of strengths and suggested areas of improvement along with other helpful recommendations for their work. But for the authors who want a more in-depth look into their manuscript and even more recommendations on how to strengthen their work, look no further than the Editorial Critique. Now, the word “critique” can sound rather daunting to writers, but there is no need to feel weary as the Editorial Critique is far from the verbal “bashing” service it may…

  • Football players holding up a football

    You Can Learn a Lot About Self-Publishing From Football

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    As a self-publishing author, think of yourself as the quarterback of a football game. You get to call the shots. So, it’s important to have a game plan to help you reach the end zone. You’ll face challenges and obstacles on the way. Be Prepared. Be Flexible. Envision this: You are on a football field—right in the center. Your team is lined up to the right of you and the left of you. You stand up. You see a clear view down the field. What do you feel? Do you feel overwhelmed? Nervous? Excited? Determined? Is this your first time…