First-Time Novelist Archives - Page 2 of 6

Blog, First-Time Novelist, General, Novel / Fiction, Resources

Epub vs. Mobi: Which eBook Format Do You Need to Publish?

Most writers, deep in their first drafts, are not wondering about ebook file formats. But at some point, particularly if you’re self-publishing, […]

Alan WattAugust 23, 2026

Blog, First-Time Novelist, Free, General, Novel / Fiction, Resources

How Much Does It Cost to Publish a Book? A Realistic Breakdown

At some point, after the manuscript is finished and the relief of typing “the end” has worn off, you start to think […]

Alan WattAugust 22, 2026

Blog, First-Time Novelist, Free, General, Novel / Fiction, Resources

The Caregiver Archetype: Writing the Character Who Loves at Their Own Expense

A Caregiver archetype is someone who keeps everyone else in the story together. They are the ones who are insightful enough to […]

Alan WattAugust 21, 2026

Blog, First-Time Novelist, General, Novel / Fiction, Resources, Rewriting

Collaborative Editing: How to Receive Feedback Without Losing Your Voice

Collaborative editing goes beyond the technical aspects. It’s a partnership to make your work the best it can be. Writing begins independently, […]

Alan WattAugust 19, 2026

Blog, First-Time Novelist, General, Novel / Fiction, Resources, Rewriting

Critical Feedback

You’ve finally sent your manuscript to a beta reader, critique partner, or editor. You’re very eager to hear what they have to […]

Alan WattAugust 18, 2026

Blog, First-Time Novelist, Free, General, Novel / Fiction, Resources, Rewriting

The Benefit of Sensitivity Readers

You’ve written something brave, but it explores areas you’re concerned might potentially offend a specific group of people or culture. Perhaps you’ve […]

Alan WattAugust 17, 2026

Blog, First-Time Novelist, Free, General, Novel / Fiction, Resources

Contractions in Writing

You may have been taught to avoid contractions in your writing, but that rule typically applies to formal academic writing. There isn’t […]

Alan WattAugust 15, 2026

Blog, First-Time Novelist, Free, General, Novel / Fiction

Amazon Marketing Services Explained: Beginner’s Guide to Amazon Ads

You’ve completed your manuscript. You’ve gone through revision and editing. You’ve nailed down the cover and written a blurb you’re ecstatic about. […]

Alan WattAugust 14, 2026

Blog, First-Time Novelist, Free, General, Novel / Fiction, Rewriting

The 4 Stages of Book Editing

You finished a polished draft of your manuscript. Congratulations! That is a huge accomplishment, and I’m going to tell you something that […]

Alan WattAugust 10, 2026

Blog, First-Time Novelist, General, Novel / Fiction, Resources

How to Publish a Book on Amazon KDP (A Step-by-Step Guide)

If you have done any research into self-publishing, you have probably seen the same name appearing everywhere: Kindle Direct Publishing (KDP). This […]

Alan WattAugust 8, 2026

Blog, First-Time Novelist, Free, General, Novel / Fiction, Resources

Character Sheet Template: The Secret Tool for Creating Unforgettable Characters

A character sheet template can be the difference between a character who feels real on the page and one who constantly contradicts […]

Alan WattJuly 22, 2026

Blog, First-Time Novelist, General, Novel / Fiction, Resources

How Many Words Per Page in a Book?

Have you ever found yourself comparing the length of your manuscript to other books, and wondering if you’ve written too much or […]

Alan WattJuly 21, 2026

Blog, First-Time Novelist, Free, Novel / Fiction, Resources, Rewriting

The Critique Circle Every Serious Writer Eventually Needs

Is there value in joining a critique circle? Writing is one of the most solitary of all professions. You sit alone, staring […]

Alan WattJuly 19, 2026

Blog, First-Time Novelist, Free, General, Resources

The No-Excuses Guide to Avoiding Plagiarism

Avoiding plagiarism seems like a simple task: Just don’t steal someone else’s work. But when you’re immersed in research with tabs open […]

Alan WattJuly 18, 2026

Blog, First-Time Novelist, Free, Resources

The Cumulative Sentence: How to Write Lines that Pull Readers In

The cumulative sentence is a versatile sentence structure that helps writers develop rhythm, reveal character, and enrich description within a single line. […]

Alan WattJuly 16, 2026

Blog, First-Time Novelist, Novel / Fiction, Rewriting

Line Editing: Transform Good Writing Into Great Writing

Perhaps you’ve been working hard on your rewrite, but something is still off and you’re not quite sure how to fix it. […]

Alan WattJuly 15, 2026

Blog, First-Time Novelist, General, Inspiration, Resources

Writing Challenges: How Small Daily Commitments Create Extraordinary Results

The writing challenge is a commitment to write each day. A few years ago, I noticed that the writers in my workshops […]

Alan WattJuly 14, 2026

Blog, First-Time Novelist, General, Novel / Fiction, Resources

The Hero Archetype: Building a Character Worth Following

One of the oldest and most enduring patterns in storytelling is the Hero archetype. All stories require a main perspective for the […]

Alan WattJuly 12, 2026