Kill Your Darlings: 20 Advice Articles for Fiction Writers

Bestselling novelist Mike Wells shares 20 of his most popular blog posts in one volume. With more than two decades of experience in both traditional and indie publishing, Wells covers everything from a quick and easy way to write short book synopses to querying agents and editors to how to hook your readers on the first page of a story.


"This is the best advice on creating a synopsis I've read." - Melissa Stark, Author


"I should tattoo these tips on my arm, Angelina Jolie style." - Cynthia Wright, Author


"This has been fantastic help." - Marie O'Halloran, Author


"Terrific summary of what we writers need to look out for." - Julie Glover, Author


"I am writing my first manuscript and have found this very interesting and helpful." - Dave Perlmutter, Author


Content:

A "Secret" Formula for Creating a Short Synopsis for Your Book

6 Tips to Help You Get That Novel Written

The Importance of "Candy Bar" Scenes in Your Writing

Three Ways to Make Your Story Pull Readers In from the First Page

The Fast Yes and The Slow No

Should You Self-Publish or Go the Traditional Route?

Developing a Thick Skin

Does Bruce Willis Have a Dog? Less is More

Developing Your Artistic Style

5 Steps to Landing a Good Literary Agent

15 Common Mistakes Found in Query Letters

A Dozen+ Reasons Books are Rejected by Agents & Editors

Common Questions about Agents & Publishers

Writing: A Career You Can Fall Forward On

Dealing with Rejection from Literary Agents and Publishers

Readers, Writers, and The Curse of Genre

What Lady Gaga Taught Me about Fiction Writing

What's a Good Title for a Book? Ask a Tabloid Journalist

Getting Professional Feedback on Your Writing

How a Public Speaking Phobia Nearly Destroyed My Career