• Quick Start Guide: Using Beta Reader Feedback

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    Receiving the first round of beta reader feedback on your manuscript can stir up a mix of emotions. On the one hand, you will feel a sense of pride and accomplishment for making it this far in the process and having real reader feedback in your hands. The flip side of that—you may find yourself in another battle with self-doubt as you page through the comments. So, how can you use that beta reader feedback to take your story to the next level? This article covers exactly how to use your beta reader feedback to improve your writing. Organize the…

  • Beta Readers are More Important than You Think

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    You’ve successfully finished the first draft of your manuscript and are feeling pretty good about your story overall. Maybe you’re ready to take some time off before diving into revisions; or worse yet, you think it’s ready for editing. There is an integral piece of the revision process, however, many writers miss out on—beta readers. After proofreading your first draft, beta readers should be your next step. Who Are Beta Readers? Think of beta readers as test subjects, or guinea pigs, for your book. They are typically the first group of people to read your manuscript in its entirety. When…

  • man standing in a library doing research, Citations 101

    Citations 101: Becoming an Endnotes Rockstar

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    Writing a book or research paper is an exhaustive process in and of itself. Then suddenly, you’re finished—and what’s left for you to do? Citations. The word alone makes you hang your head with stress over accomplishing yet another tedious feat. However, citations don’t have to be difficult—especially not when you’re using endnotes. Unlike a bibliography, endnotes use superscript numbers that correspond to a numbered note on the endnotes page. Let’s take a look at how this in-text citation would appear in your manuscript: Similar to Bob Dylan, I too live “like a rolling stone,”4 but I try to keep…

  • songwriter playing keys on a piano and writing down notes on paper; Permissions for My Book

    Getting the Right Permissions for My Book

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    . Ever have those relatable lyrics of a song, that one incredible picture, or those motivational Bible verses that have inspired you so much that you wish to include in your book to inspire others? Of course you have, but before you publish your book, keep in mind a very important fact. Make sure you have the correct permissions to use any and all of the aforementioned. It can seem daunting at first to acquire permissions. Issues with permissions may not even happen once you are published, but our Xulon Press team believe it’s better to be safe than sorry…