Sample query letter to a literary agent
If you want to secure a literary agent in the traditional publishing world, crafting a compelling query letter is essential. Literary agents are some of the busiest people you’ll ever meet, so make sure your query is tight and free of fluff. Here is a sample query letter to use as a template for your […]
Read MoreAuthor conferences & events in 2025
Calendar of national & regional gatherings on the writing craft The 2025 conference season is already upon us. For both aspiring and veteran authors, conferences and live events offer a great way to hone your craft, learn new tricks, and take your publishing career to the next level. We’ve compiled the calendar below to help […]
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An AI looks at 5 Science Fiction bestsellers
Here's a look at top-selling Science Fiction novels and what an AI can tell us about the patterns it detects in the titles that hit the top of the charts.
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Comparing 5 top editing tools for authors
Here's a look at five major author tools — Marlowe, Grammarly, Pro Writing Aid, AutoCrit and Sudowrite — and how they stack up against each other.
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FDF #75: How to add humor to romance and suspense writing
Happening on Friday, March 22, 2024 at 5 pm ET. In this episode of First Draft Friday, our guest is instant #1 New York Times bestselling author Lucy Score. Lucy will discuss how she adds humor to her work - and share tips on how you can do the same. You won’t want to miss this FREE live chat! In this First Draft Friday video chat, Lucy will answer your questions and share her experience.
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FDF #73: Writing Third-Person Thrillers
In this episode of First Draft Friday, our guest, bestselling thriller author Melissa Miller, discusses writing in multiple third-person POV thrillers.
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FDF #72: Creating Dark Anti-Heroes
In this episode of First Draft Friday, our guest is bestselling romantic fantasy author Scarlett St. Clair. Scarlett discusses how she creates dark anti-heroes who readers fall in love with.
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FDF: Writing in Different Voices
Happening on Friday, June 7, 2024 at 5pm ET! In this episode of First Draft Friday, our guest is New York Times bestselling thriller author Brett Battles. Brett will discuss writing in different voices and styles. You won’t want to miss this FREE live chat! In this First Draft Friday video chat, Brett will answer your questions and share his experience.
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Our AI dissects the bestsellers of 2023
The AI analysis tool from Authors AI examines the plot structure, story beats and pacing of five bestselling novels of 2023.
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FDF #76: From Research to Stories
Happening on Friday, April 26, 2024 at 12pm Noon ET! In this episode of First Draft Friday, our guest is bestselling historical romance author Audrey Harrison. Audrey will discuss researching historical romances and how that research inspires and creates the ideas for bestselling novels. You won’t want to miss this FREE live chat! In this First Draft Friday video chat, Audrey will answer your questions and share her experience.
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FDF #71a: Tips on Pivoting
Variety is the spice of life - but is it also the secret to a long and prosperous author career? Our guest, Wall Street Journal bestselling author Jeff Wheeler, knows his stuff, and with a recent pivot into writing thrillers, he's the perfect author to have this discussion with.
Read MoreFDF #71: Writing as a Hybrid Author
In this episode of First Draft Friday from Authors A.I. our guest is bestselling contemporary romance author Xio Axelrod. Alessandra Torre and Xio Axelrod discuss themes related to writing romance, and Xio's journey from indie to published author.
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