• 10 Steps to Becoming a Highly Effective Writer

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    Writing and procrastination might stereotypically go hand-in-hand, but no one has ever written a book by procrastinating. The only way to write a book is to write. It’s a crazy concept—I know. But if F. Scott Fitzgerald procrastinated on The Great Gatsby, none of us would even know such a book existed. So, how do we reverse procrastination, start putting words on paper, and cross the finish line? Let’s break it down. Here are 10 habits you can adopt to become a highly effective writer. Become a reader. The best writers are the best readers. Read anything and everything you can get your…

  • Writing Tips for Poets

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    Here at Xulon Press, we regularly see wonderful collections of devotional and creative poetry. Poetry is an art form that pours from the heart, encompassing a wide range of passions, from joy and thanksgiving to sorrow and grief. While poetry is both beloved and reviled, many readers feel uncertain about how to interact with such a subjective genre. Poets themselves often struggle with the balance between artistic license and necessary structure when penning their poems. To help navigate these difficulties, we have a few basic poetry tips for how to write and publish your best poetic work. Clarifying Your Intentions…

  • Developing Backstory for Your Novel

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    The backstory is an extremely important step in writing a well-developed story. Developing your protagonist’s history leading up to the story in your novel paints a picture for the reader. The way in which that backstory is used and incorporated into your novel is just as important though. When developing background information for your characters, record it in a separate document from your manuscript. In that space, tell yourself about your protagonist. Who is he? What are his likes/dislikes? Is there an inciting moment led him to the current state of his life that readers will find him in your…

  • How to Write Back Cover Copy for Your Novel

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    Your front cover design is what sparks a reader’s attention. The back cover summary of your novel will help book buyers decide if they want to purchase and read your book. To capture book shoppers’ attention, you’ll need a good hook. The challenge, however, is doing that with such limited space. How to do it What’s Next for Your Novel Test your finished back cover copy with potential readers and ask for their honest feedback. Do they want to read the whole book now? Was there enough mystery to draw readers into the book? You’ll know if your book summary…