We’re starting a new blog series on Tuesdays in which we will answer your writers’ questions on writing, publishing, or marketing, or find someone else to. We have plenty of friends in the industry and hope to draw them in to give answers; it won’t be just Phyllis and Suzanne answering your questions. So, what are […]
Trad pub, small press, or indie publishing: which is right for you?
Fiction writers, should you aim for traditional publication, small press, or indie publishing? It’s a tough decision in a situation where publishers aren’t doing very well. You can tell that because they consolidate, sell out, buy each other up, and generally act unstable. There isn’t much money to be had in publishing these days, except […]
Is Your Manuscript Ready For Publication?
One of my favorite parts of being the editorial director at Castle Gate Press is the sense of hope that fills me every time I open an e-mail with a submission. Each one brings the possibility of a great story, memorable characters, and plot twists I won’t see coming. I almost hold my breath as I […]
The Importance of a Story Hook
After months of writing and revising, you’ve finally finished your first novel. You’ve agonized over writing a synopsis and rewritten your query letter a dozen times. Now, your e-mail holds your very first request for a partial manuscript. All that hard work is paying off, and you’re well on your way to publication, right? MAYBE… […]
Caption time! Something’s wrong at the dance!
Quick, make up a story for us! What’s happening at the dance?
The Journey of a Novel: The Day She Died
Thousands of books line the shelves of bookstores and libraries. They each share information or a story. But each one also has a story behind the story—why the author chose to write it, and how it moved from an idea to a manuscript to a published book. Castle Gate Press’ first book, a time travel […]