Writing Short Stories that Sell

by Susan Sondheimer | Blog

As writers, we’ve all been there – pouring your heart and soul into a short story, only to have it rejected by literary magazines or ignored by readers. It doesn’t have to be this way. The truth is, writing short stories that sell is an art that can be mastered with the right techniques, strategies, and mindset. In this post, we’ll dive into the essential elements of crafting short stories that captivate readers and leave them wanting more.

Crafting Compelling Characters

When it comes to short stories, character development is crucial. You don’t have the luxury of hundreds of pages to flesh out your characters, so you need to make every word count. So, how do you create characters that readers care about? Here are some tips:

• Give your characters distinct voices, motivations. This will help them stand out and make their interactions more believable.
• Make your characters relatable. Give them universal desires, fears, and hopes that readers can identify with.
• Keep your character’s backstory concise. You don’t need to info-dump their entire history, just give readers enough to understand their motivations.

Remember, the key to crafting compelling characters is to make them relatable and believable. If readers can’t connect with your characters, they won’t invest in your story.

Plotting Your Path to Success

A strong plot is the backbone of any successful short story. It provides the structure, tension, and conflict that keeps readers engaged. So, how do you craft a plot that sells? Here are some tips:

• Start with a strong hook. Your opening sentence should grab readers’ attention and draw them into your world.
• Create a clear three-act structure. This will help you build tension, conflict, and resolution.
• Make sure your plot twists are surprising but not implausible. You want to keep readers guessing, not frustrated.

Remember, a strong plot is all about pacing, tension, and conflict. Keep your readers on the edge of their seats, and they’ll devour your story.

The Power of Editing and Revisions

Once you’ve crafted your short story, the real work begins – editing and revisions. This is where you refine your ideas, tighten up your writing, and eliminate any errors. So, how do you edit your work effectively? Here are some tips:

• Take a break from your work. This will help you approach your story with fresh eyes and a clear mind.
• Get feedback from beta readers, or writing communities. This will help you identify areas for improvement and catch any errors.
• Be ruthless. Cut any scenes, characters, or sentences that aren’t necessary to the story.

Remember, editing and revisions are crucial to crafting a sellable short story. Don’t be afraid to cut scenes or characters that aren’t working.

As the great writer, Neil Gaiman, once said:

“The main rule of writing is that if you do it with enough assurance and confidence you’re young enough, you can get away with anything.”

This quote speaks to the heart of writing short stories that sell. It’s all about confidence, creativity, and perseverance. So, don’t be discouraged by rejections or criticism. Keep writing, editing, and submitting. With persistence and dedication, you can craft short stories that captivate readers and leave them wanting more.

If you’re new to writing, check out our post on Writing Advice for Newbies for more tips and resources. And if you’re ready to take your short stories to the next level, explore our guide on How to Craft a Compelling Pitch.

In conclusion, writing short stories that sell is an art that requires skill, creativity, and persistence. By crafting compelling characters, plotting your path to success, and editing your work effectively, you can increase your chances of publication and success. Remember to always keep learning, growing, and pushing yourself as a writer. And most importantly, never give up on your passion for storytelling.

Writing Advice for Newbies

by Susan Sondheimer | Blog

Embarking on a writing journey can be both exhilarating and intimidating. As a fellow writer, I’ve been in your shoes, wondering where to start, how to stay motivated, and what it takes to produce something worth reading. If you’re new to writing, you’re likely bursting with ideas, passion, and a willingness to learn. That’s exactly where you should be! In this article, I’ll share practical advice, tips, and insights to help you navigate the writing landscape and set yourself up for success.

Finding Your Writing Flow

One of the biggest hurdles new writers face is developing a consistent writing habit. You might feel like you’re constantly battling procrastination, self-doubt, or the daunting task of staring at a blank page. Here’s the truth: it takes time, patience, and practice to find your writing flow. Here are a few strategies to help you get into a rhythm:

• Set achievable goals: Start with small, manageable writing sessions (20-30 minutes) and gradually increase your time as you build momentum.
• Choose a conducive writing environment: Identify a quiet, comfortable spot where you can focus, free from distractions. Invest in a good chair, and consider using a noise-cancelling headset or a writing app like Freedom to help you stay on track.
• Develop a pre-writing routine: Engage in activities that stimulate your creativity, such as reading, journaling, or taking a short walk. This helps signal to your brain that it’s time to write.
• Warm up with exercises: Doing writing exercises, like freewriting or prompts, can help loosen up your writing muscles and get you in the right mindset.

Crafting Compelling Content

Now that you’re finding your writing flow, it’s time to focus on crafting compelling content. This is where the magic happens, and your unique voice starts to shine through. Remember, writing is a skill that develops over time with practice, patience, and persistence. Here’s how to improve your writing craft:

For more in-depth guidance on refining your pitch, check out How to Craft a Compelling Pitch, which covers the essential elements of a winning pitch.

Self-Publishing Success

With the rise of self-publishing, it’s never been easier to share your writing with the world. As a self-published author, you have full creative control, flexibility, and the potential for higher royalties. To achieve self-publishing success, it’s essential to approach it as a business. Here are a few essential steps to get you started:

• Write, edit, publish, repeat: Focus on producing high-quality content, editing, formatting, and publishing it in a professional manner.
• Invest in a professional cover design: Your cover is often the first impression potential readers have of your work. Use a design tool like Canva or hire a professional designer to create a cover that grabs attention.
• Format your book correctly: Use a formatting tool like Vellum to ensure your book looks great in digital and print.

For a more comprehensive guide to self-publishing, check out Write, Edit, Publish, Repeat: Self-Publishing Success, which covers everything from writing to marketing your book.

As you embark on your writing journey, remember that success is not solely defined by the number of books you sell or the accolades you receive. It’s about staying true to your vision, continuously improving your craft, and connecting with readers who resonate with your message. As the renowned author, Maya Angelou, once said:

Do the best you can do, and do it with the greatest of passion, love, and respect for the craft, and the rest will follow.

Keep writing, learning, and growing, and most importantly, stay committed to your passion. You got this!

How to Craft a Compelling Pitch

by Susan Sondheimer | Blog

As writers, we’ve all been there: staring at a blank page, wondering how to condense our entire manuscript into a few sentences that will hook readers and make them beg for more. Crafting a compelling pitch is an essential skill that can make or break your self-publishing journey. Whether you’re pitching to agents, editors, or readers, a well-crafted pitch can help you stand out in a crowded market. So, let’s dive in and explore the art of crafting a pitch that will leave readers eager to turn the page.

A pitch is essentially a sales pitch for your book. It should entice readers, and provide a clear idea of what your book is about, its tone, and what sets it apart from other books in the same genre. When writing your pitch, it’s essential to keep in mind that you’re not just selling your book, you’re selling yourself as an author.

So, how do you craft a compelling pitch? Here are a few tips to get you started:

• Determine the central conflict or problem of your story and how it’s resolved. This will help you distill the essence of your book into a concise and compelling pitch.
• Identify your target audience and tailor your pitch accordingly. What resonates with your target audience? What sets your book apart from others in the same genre?
• Keep it concise. Your pitch should be no more than 1-2 paragraphs. You want to entice readers, not overwhelm them with too much information.
• Use active voice and present tense. This will help bring your pitch to life and make it more engaging.
• Use sensory language to create a vivid picture in the reader’s mind. This will help them connect with your story on a deeper level.

Here’s an example of a pitch that incorporates these elements:

In the small town of Willow Creek, 17-year-old Emily Wilson discovers a mysterious letter in her attic that sets her on a quest to uncover the secrets of her family’s past. As she digs deeper, she uncovers a web of lies and deceit that threatens to destroy everything she thought she knew about her family. With the help of her best friend, Olivia, Emily must navigate the treacherous world of small-town politics and family secrets to uncover the truth. Will she be able to uncover the secrets before it’s too late, or will the truth tear her family apart?

This pitch uses active voice, present tense, and sensory language to create a vivid picture of the story. It also identifies the central conflict and how it’s resolved, and provides a clear idea of the tone and genre of the book.

Using Visual Aids to Enhance Your Pitch

Visual aids can be a powerful tool in enhancing your pitch. Whether it’s a book trailer, a Pinterest board, or a graphic design, visual aids can help bring your story to life and make it more engaging for readers.

One of the most popular visual aids for authors is Canva, a graphic design software that allows you to create professional-looking graphics, book covers, and social media graphics. Canva offers a range of templates and design tools that make it easy to create a visual aid that matches your brand and style.

Another popular visual aid is the Pinterest board. Pinterest boards allow you to create a visual representation of your story, characters, and setting. You can pin images that evoke the mood and atmosphere of your story, as well as character inspirations and setting inspirations.

Here’s an example of a Pinterest board for the above pitch:

Write, Edit, Publish, Repeat: Self-Publishing Success provides more in-depth information on how to create a visual brand for your book, including how to create a Pinterest board that showcases your story.

The Power of Confidence

Confidence is key when it comes to pitching your book. You believe in your story, and that enthusiasm is infectious. When you’re pitching your book, remember that you’re not just selling your book, you’re selling yourself as an author. So, own it!

Believe in yourself, take the leap of faith and watch the universe conspire to make your dreams a reality. – Rumi

Remember, pitching your book is not just about selling your book, it’s about building a loyal reader base that will follow you throughout your writing career. So, take a deep breath, and remember that you’ve got this!

Putting it all Together

Crafting a compelling pitch is an essential skill that can make or break your self-publishing journey. By following these tips, and using visual aids to enhance your pitch, you can create a pitch that will leave readers eager to turn the page.

And, don’t forget to check out

Write, Edit, Publish, Repeat: Self-Publishing Success

by Susan Sondheimer | Blog

As an indie author, self-publishing can be a daunting task, especially if you’re new to the game. With so many options and platforms available, it’s easy to get lost in the noise. However, with a clear understanding of the process and a willingness to learn, you can achieve self-publishing success.

Understanding the Cycle

The key to self-publishing success is understanding the cycle: write, edit, publish, repeat. This cycle is not a one-time event, but rather a process that requires continuous effort and improvement. Each stage builds upon the last, and skipping or rushing through any part of the cycle can negatively impact your book’s success.

Let’s break down each stage of the cycle:

• Write: This is the creative stage where you pour your heart and soul into your manuscript. This stage requires dedication, discipline, and a willingness to take risks.
• Edit: This stage is where you refine your manuscript, making sure it’s error-free and polished. This stage requires attention to detail, patience, and a willingness to make changes.
• Publish: This stage is where you share your work with the world. This stage requires knowledge of formatting, design, and distribution channels.

By understanding each stage of the cycle, you’ll be able to identify areas for improvement and optimize your process for success.

Tools and Resources

To navigate the self-publishing landscape, you’ll need the right resources. Here are a few essentials to get you started:

For writing and editing:

• Vellum: A formatting tool that helps you create professional-looking eBooks and print books.
• Grammarly: A writing tool that helps you refine your writing and catch errors.

For design and formatting:

• Canva: A design tool that helps you create professional-looking book covers and interior designs.
• Chapbook Design Essentials for Indie Authors: A comprehensive guide to designing and formatting your chapbook.

For distribution and sales:

• Amazon Kindle Direct Publishing (KDP): A platform that allows you to publish and distribute your eBook to a wide audience.
• Write, Print, Sell: Fast Track Guide: A comprehensive guide to self-publishing and selling your print book.

Overcoming Obstacles

As you navigate the self-publishing cycle, you’ll inevitably face obstacles and setbacks. Here are a few tips to help you overcome them:

“The only way to do great work is to love what you do.” – Steve Jobs

Remember, self-publishing is a hobby or a career, it’s essential to stay motivated and focused on your goals. Here are a few tips to help you stay on track:

Set realistic goals and deadlines for each stage of the cycle.

Join a community of indie authors to connect with others who understand the challenges and triumphs of self-publishing.

Continuously educate yourself on the latest trends, tools, and best practices in self-publishing.

Stay flexible and open to feedback and constructive criticism.

And most importantly, keep writing, editing, publishing, and repeating the cycle.

Self-publishing success is not a one-time event, but rather a continuous process of growth, improvement, and learning. By understanding the cycle, utilizing the right tools and overcoming obstacles, you’ll be well on your way to achieving self-publishing success.

Write, Print, Sell: Fast Track Guide

by Susan Sondheimer | Blog

As an indie author, you’re not just a writer – you’re an entrepreneur. You’re responsible for crafting your message, designing your product, and getting it into the hands of your audience. This can be overwhelming, especially when it comes to creating a physical chapbook. But what if I told you there’s a faster, more efficient way to write, print, and sell your chapbook?

Write with Intention

Before you start designing your chapbook, you need to focus on the writing itself. This is where most authors get stuck. They spend months, even years, perfecting their manuscript. But the truth is, perfection is the enemy of progress. Instead, focus on writing with intention.

This means setting a goal for yourself and sticking to it. Write a certain number of words each day, no matter what. This will help you stay focused and ensure that you’re making progress on your manuscript. And don’t worry too much about editing at this stage – just focus on getting your ideas down on paper.

For example, if you’re writing a chapbook of poetry, try to write at least 5-10 poems per week. This will give you a solid foundation and help you develop your unique voice. And remember, the most important thing is to get your ideas down – you can refine them later.

Design with Ease

Once you have your manuscript, it’s time to design your chapbook. This can be a daunting task, especially if you have no design experience. But don’t worry – there are many resources available to help you design a professional-looking chapbook.

One of the most popular design tools for indie authors is Vellum. This software is specifically designed for book design and is incredibly user-friendly. With Vellum, you can easily create a beautifully designed chapbook that will rival any traditionally published book.

Another great tool is Canva. This design platform is free and offers a range of templates and design elements to help you create a stunning chapbook. And if you need more guidance, be sure to check out our Chapbook Design Essentials for Indie Authors article for more tips and resources.

Print with Quality

you’ve designed your chapbook, it’s time to print. This is where many authors get stuck – they’re not sure what paper to use, how to bind their book, or what printing options are available. But don’t worry – I’ve got you covered.

When it comes to paper, you want to choose a high-quality option that will make your chapbook feel luxurious. Look for papers with a minimum weight of 80gsm – this will give your book a premium feel. And when it comes to binding, consider using a saddle-stitch or perfect bind – these options are both professional and affordable.

For printing, consider using a local print shop or online printer like IngramSpark. These options offer high-quality printing and a range of distribution options to get your chapbook into the hands of your audience.

As author and poet, Adrienne Rich once said:

” Poetry is the breakdown of silence and that, for a writer, is a violent act.”

Remember, creating a chapbook is not just about putting words on paper – it’s about creating a work of art that will resonate with your audience.

Here are some final tips to help you write, print, and sell your chapbook:

• Set a writing goal for yourself and stick to it – this will help you stay focused and ensure that you’re making progress on your manuscript.
• Don’t worry too much about editing at this stage – just focus on getting your ideas down on paper.
• Use design tools like Vellum and Canva to create a professional-looking chapbook.
• Choose high-quality paper with a minimum weight of 80gsm.

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• Consider using a saddle-stitch or perfect bind for your chapbook.
• Use local print shops or online printers like IngramSpark for high-quality printing and distribution.
• Remember to break those writing habits to break – they’re holding you back from creating your best work.
• Finally, don’t be afraid to try new things – and don’t be afraid to take risks. As Essential Chapbook Writing Tips, remember that the most important thing is to create a work of art that resonates with your audience.

By following these tips and staying focused on your goals, you can create a stunning chapbook that will resonate with your audience and help you build a loyal following of readers. So, what are you waiting for? Start creating your chapbook today!