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Learn and get informedPublic Domain Power: How to Spot and Use It Safely
The public domain can feel like a treasure chest for authors. From Shakespeare to Sherlock Holmes, works in the public domain for writers open the door to endless creative possibilities. But how do you know if something is truly free to use? And how can you use it...
Beyond the Hashtag: Real Connections in a Digital Age
Hashtags are like glitter—flashy, fun, and hard to miss. But glitter fades fast, and so do hashtags. If you want to grow as an author in 2025, the real magic isn’t in trending tags. You know where to find it? It’s in building real connections in digital age. A hashtag...
Email Lists vs. Algorithms: Building a Reader Base That Lasts
Here’s the thing every author asks at some point: Should I rely on social media algorithms to grow my audience, or should I focus on building an email list? The truth is, when it comes to email lists vs. algorithms, one offers control while the other leaves you at the...
Do Authors Need Social Media in 2025
Here’s the big question that keeps floating through writing circles: Do authors still need social media in 2025? For more than a decade, platforms like Twitter (now known as X), Instagram, and TikTok have been the standard answer to the question, “How do I get readers...
Online Presence in 2025: Choosing Author Platforms that Work
Let’s be honest: the internet can feel like a never-ending game of hopscotch. One year it’s Facebook, the next it’s Instagram, then suddenly TikTok takes over—and now everyone’s whispering about Substack. Authors have lots of platforms to choose from. So, where should...
Boost Your Book Launch with a Blog Tour in 2025
Author book blog tours in 2025 are the modern-day answer to in-person book signings—only without the travel, scheduling headaches, or hotel expenses. A blog tour is a virtual book tour where authors share guest posts, interviews, excerpts, or reviews across multiple...
Citing Sources Made Easy For Every Writer
Citing sources can feel intimidating at first, with style guides, rules, and endless formatting details. But here’s the good news: citing sources made easy is possible—it doesn’t have to be hard. In fact, citing sources correctly is one of the simplest ways to protect...
Writing Ethically: A Simple Guide to Citing Sources Correctly
Citing sources might feel like one of those “small details” you can save for later—but it’s actually one of the most important parts of professional writing. Whether you’re working on nonfiction, drafting a blog post, or weaving references into a story, citing sources...
Editor Red Flags Every Author Should Spot
Hiring the wrong editor can be one of the most expensive mistakes an author makes. The signs are often there if you know what to look for. These red flags in book editors can save you from wasted money, frustration, and a stalled project. The good news? If you know...
The Ultimate Editing Checklist for Authors
Congratulations! You've decided to invest in professional editing for your manuscript—a significant step toward publishing a polished book. But the process doesn't begin and end with simply sending off your draft. To make the most of your editor's expertise and ensure...
Effective Self-Editing Strategies for Your Manuscript
When you’re hiring a professional editor (which we highly recommend), applying some self-editing strategies is a crucial part of the publishing process. Why? Because the cleaner your manuscript is, the easier and more affordable it is to edit. Plus, catching those...
What If You Disagree With Your Editor?
You finally did it! You handed off your manuscript, took a deep breath, and waited for the editing magic. But instead of gentle polishing, you received a wave of red ink and a suggestion to cut your favorite chapter. It's easy to feel a jolt of alarm, but the truth...
What to Expect When Working with a Book Editor
So you've decided to hire an editor for your manuscript and are ready to begin working with a book editor. Congratulations! This is a major step toward bringing your book to life. But now you might be feeling nervous, wondering, "What happens next?" Will they rip my...
How to Find a Book Editor You Can Trust
So, you’ve figured out what kind of editing your book needs. You’re feeling brave. Hopeful. Ready to let another human look at your manuscript. Now comes the hard part: how to find a book editor who's right for you. A good editor is part technician, part storyteller,...
How Much Does Book Editing Cost—And Is It Worth It?
Let’s be real: the book editing cost can feel expensive. Like, “I could buy a new laptop” expensive. So when you start getting quotes for hundreds (or even thousands) of dollars, it’s totally normal to feel your wallet flinch. But remember, editing is an investment,...
Which Book Editing Services Do You Really Need?
If you’ve got a finished draft or maybe a second draft, or even a heavily marked-up fourth draft that still haunts you, one thing is clear: it’s time to figure out what kind of book editing services you need. But which editor should you hire? Do you go big-picture...
The 4 Types of Book Editors (And What They Actually Fix)
If you’ve ever Googled “book editor,” you’ve probably fallen into a rabbit hole of confusing terms: developmental, copy, line, proof… Wait, how many editors do I need? Don’t panic. Think of your book like a house. You don’t just slap on a coat of paint and call it...
What Editors Do (and Don’t): Understanding the Role of Book Editors
Before you send your manuscript into the world (or even to your mom), there’s someone you need to meet: your future editor. If you’re wondering what editors do, let’s get straight to the point: editors help shape your book into its best form, but they’re not here to...
12 August Reads That’ll Make You Skip Plans
If you're hunting for the perfect page-turner to close out summer, this roundup is your ticket. This month’s August book recommendations are so good, they deserve your full attention. Whether you're craving a twisty thriller, a swoony romance, or a sweeping tale that...
Beta Readers and Sensitivity Readers: Why Authors Need Both
So, your manuscript is done—or at least you think it is. Before it heads into professional editing or submission, there’s one step that can elevate your story and help you catch blind spots: reader feedback. Specifically, through beta readers and sensitivity readers....
Writing a Character Arc That Feels Real
Stories stay with us not just because of what happens, but because of how those events change the people involved. Readers connect most with characters who grow, struggle, and transform, who enter the story one way and leave it another. In short, that’s the power of a...
Subplots in Writing: The Secret to Richer Storytelling
Your story is progressing smoothly. The main plot is solid, your characters are growing, and everything’s falling into place. And yet… something still feels a little too predictable. That’s where subplots come in - those secondary storylines that can add emotional...
How to Write a Main Plot That Holds Your Story Together
Have you ever started writing a story that had great scenes and characters, but somehow felt like it was going nowhere? Learning how to write a main plot is one of the most important storytelling skills you can master. A strong main plot acts as the spine of your...
Publishing a Series vs. a Standalone Book: What to Consider
You’ve finished your first book, or maybe you’re outlining it, and a question keeps tugging at you: Should this be a standalone, or the start of a series? At Winterwolf Press, we get this question a lot from authors during the submission stage. And honestly? There’s...
Manuscript Formatting Guide for Writers
So, your manuscript is ready to meet the world, or at least, a publisher’s inbox. That’s exciting! But before you hit send, there’s one important thing to double-check: your manuscript formatting. Why? Because a poorly formatted manuscript can distract from your...
How to Write a Professional Author Bio
If you’ve ever stared at a blinking cursor while trying to write an author bio, you’re not alone. Writing an author bio for a book or a website can feel awkward, especially for debut authors who are just starting out. But the good news is, your biography doesn't need...
Beta Readers vs. Critique Partners: What’s the Difference?
How’s your manuscript coming along? If you’re anywhere near the "draft complete" milestone, you’ve probably heard terms like beta reader and critique partner thrown around like punctuation at a grammar nerd convention. If you’ve ever smiled and nodded while silently...
Book Logistics 101: ISBNs, Barcodes, and Selling Strategies
Completing a manuscript is a milestone. Still, preparing it for readers requires understanding the essential logistics of book publishing. From ISBNs and barcodes to pricing and distribution, these behind-the-scenes elements are crucial for getting your book into the...
Building Your Author Brand: A Guide for New Writers
Publishing a book is a major accomplishment. But in today’s world, it’s only part of the equation. Whether you’re pursuing traditional or hybrid publishing, your author brand can have just as much impact on your success as your manuscript. At Winterwolf Press, we see...
The Editing Process Explained: From Developmental to Proofreading
So you’ve finished your manuscript—congratulations! That’s a huge milestone. But before your book is ready for readers, it needs to go through the book editing process. A series of editing stages that shape your draft into a professional, polished manuscript. Whether...
Print on Demand vs. Bulk Printing: Which Is Right for Your Book?
Wondering whether to use print-on-demand or go the bulk printing route for your book? Each option comes with its pros, cons, and price tags. In this article, we’ll break down how both methods work, what kind of author each one fits best, and how to make the right...
How to Make Your Manuscript Submission Stand Out to Publishers
Every year, book publishers receive countless submissions. While many of them are promising, only a few rise to the top. If you're wondering how to make your manuscript submission stand out to publishers, you're not alone. And you're asking the right question. At...
Vanity Presses vs Real Publishers: What Writers Should Know
If you’ve Googled how to publish a book, chances are you’ve stumbled across some glossy websites promising to make you a bestseller—for a fee. They might offer editing, cover design, distribution, and even interviews on radio shows you’ve never heard of. These are...
Red Flags to Watch for When Choosing a Publisher (Hybrid or Otherwise)
Finishing your manuscript is a huge accomplishment. Congratulations! Now comes the next big step: getting it published. Whether you're exploring traditional, hybrid, or self-publishing, it's crucial to know the red flags in publishing that could cost you time, money,...
Publishing Graphic Novels for Beginners: Your First Steps to the Shelf
If you're a storyteller with a love for visuals and a dream of seeing your graphic novel in readers’ hands, welcome—you’re in the right place. Publishing graphic novels might feel like standing at the foot of a massive, illustrated mountain, but don’t worry. With the...
Publishing Children’s Books: A Beginner’s Guide to Picture Books, Early Readers & More
Thinking of publishing children’s books? Whether it’s a quirky picture book or an early chapter series, getting your story into young readers’ hands is magical, and surprisingly complex. From illustrations to format choices, publishing children's books comes with...
Hybrid Publishing: How It Works (And Why More Authors Are Choosing It)
Publishing a book today isn’t limited to just two choices—traditional or self-publishing. Hybrid publishing offers a third path that combines the best of both worlds. It gives authors access to professional editing, design, and distribution while allowing them to...
How to Publish a Memoir and Share Your Story with the World
Whether you're chasing a publishing deal or going indie, here’s how to publish your memoir step by step. So, you’ve lived through something meaningful—maybe wild, painful, beautiful, or a blend of it all—and now you’re ready to turn it into a book. Your life story....
SEO Maintenance: Keeping Your Site Optimized Long-Term
You've optimized your posts, picked the right keywords, and celebrated all those green lights in Yoast. But SEO isn’t a one-and-done task. It’s an ongoing process that evolves with your content, your readers, and even Google’s algorithm updates. That’s why regular SEO...
Troubleshooting Common Yoast SEO Issues: What to Do When Things Don’t Work
If you're using Yoast to optimize your website, you've probably noticed that little traffic-light system: red, orange, and green indicators for both SEO and readability. But here’s the thing: Chasing that green light can sometimes lead to frustration. And worse, it...
Boost Your SEO with Better Slugs, Categories, and Tags
When it comes to SEO, most people focus on keywords, content, and titles. But behind the scenes, tiny elements can quietly boost (or block) your visibility. Want to boost your SEO with better slugs, categories, and tags? These small but powerful elements can quietly...
Optimize Your Posts Like a Pro Using Yoast
Using Yoast for optimization isn’t just about chasing green lights. It’s about making your content more findable, readable, and helpful. When done well, page and post optimization can boost your visibility and make your blog more useful to both readers and search...
Using Internal and Outbound Links Like a Strategist
When you’re building a blog, every link is a thread in the web you’re weaving, for readers and for Google. Using internal and outbound links is one of the most strategic ways to guide your audience and improve your search visibility. But if you’ve ever stared at...
Image Optimization with Yoast (Alt Text, Titles, and More)
Images do more than make your blog pretty. They help your content get discovered. For authors and creatives, optimizing images is an easy way to boost your visibility without overhauling your entire website. The good news? Yoast SEO gives you some handy tools to make...
How to Find a Writing Community (Even If You’re Just Starting Out)
Starting out as a writer can be exhilarating and lonely. If you've ever felt like you're shouting your brilliant ideas into the void, you're not alone. Writing groups can offer the support, feedback, and friendship that help your writing thrive. The good news? You...
Copyrights in Publishing: What Every Author Needs to Know
Why Copyright Matters to Authors You poured your heart into every chapter. Your characters feel like real people. Your story is uniquely yours. But is it protected? Copyrights in publishing aren’t just legal technicalities—they’re your first line of defense in making...
Understanding Publishing Contracts: Key Terms Every Author Should Know
You’ve written the book, polished the manuscript, and now you’re on the brink of getting published. Congratulations! Now, you’re preparing for that next big step. Before you move forward, though, it’s essential to understand publishing contracts to know exactly what...
Book Marketing vs. Book Publicity: What Authors Need to Know
When you're finally nearing the finish line and getting ready to share your book with the world, you're probably staring down a tangled mess of advice about how to promote it. Googling “book marketing” alone can make your head spin with millions of results. But here’s...
Marketing for Indie Authors: A Guide That Won’t Break Your Brain
Marketing your book as an indie author doesn't have to feel like a soul-sucking corporate nightmare or an endless shout into the void. You don’t need to be a polished influencer, spend a fortune on ads, or master every algorithm out there. What you need is a clear,...
Smart Book Launch Strategies That Actually Work
How was your week? If you’ve been pacing the floor wondering how to launch your book without becoming a full-time publicist, I see you. Book launches come with a lot of pressure: sell the book, build the buzz, stay “on” for weeks. But most writers aren’t wired to...