• June Author of the Month: Sarah Patterson

    Sarah Marie Patterson, a Christian doctor and writer native to Phoenix, Arizona, graciously shares the inner workings of her heart and soul with all who are willing to listen through powerful poetry. Her experiences as a woman dealing with mental illness, unexpected heartbreak, and harsh challenges during her medical career prove that there is nothing that cannot be overcome with the strength and support of friends, family, and most importantly, our Heavenly Father. Keep reading to learn more about Sarah Marie Patterson, our Xulon Press June Author of the Month. Sarah’s Poetry Collections In her three-book series of poetry collections,…

  • Writing a Book About Your Life

    You have been through it all—the ups, the downs, and everything in between. Now, you want to take your experiences and all you’ve learned and write a book about your life. After all, your life holds meaning and purpose, so telling it can help others find theirs. But where do you start? Writing a piece that dwells on pivotal moments in your life, reflecting on their importance, and telling your story can inspire readers and help them understand what it means to walk in your shoes. Keep reading to learn more about how to write a book about your life.…

  • How to Write a Poetry Collection

    From Robert Frost and Emily Dickinson to Timothy Liu and Audre Lorde, it is clear that each of these poets has a special knack for words. All possess a unique style and voice, and they all write about topics that are important to them. If you are a poet and are thinking about writing a poetry collection, here are some tips to get started and ensure that your work truly reflects what you feel. What Is a Poem? With modern poetry becoming more and more experimental, it is sometimes difficult to determine what a poem is. Poetry can be a million different…

  • What to Expect from a Manuscript Review

    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…