Rob Parnell's Writing Academy Blog

Today, we look at staying on top of your writing game. It's been a great week writing-wise - but it reminded me how fragile we are as humans - and how we've got to look after ourselves, even if all we aspire to is comfort and happiness. I finished the first draft of a new novel Wednesday last.  My partner's doing a proof of it now so that  it's ready for publication next week. Finishing a project brings up odd emotions.  Nearing the end of the MS last Friday, I felt a curious wave of sadness - as though I was composing farewells to old friends I would miss dearly. By Tuesday, and the completion of the final chapter 'wrap up', this feeling had morphed into elation at a job (I thought) well done.  Riding this high, I did something I never do: A complete copy edit in one go.  Took me seven hours not stop Wednesday to go through and do a final proof before handing the MS over to Robyn. I guess I deliberately wanted to get...

I hope you're well and happy and writing! We're releasing two more ebooks on Magellan this week. The success of the first two books has been a welcome and gratifying surprise to myself and the authors. Both Billie Williams and Ian Randall have received high praise for their books - and now have royalties due to them as a result! Why not send in your own ebook for us to publish? ( See our FAQs ) I'm sure it'll be worth your while! THIS WEEK'S ARTICLE: Writing at the Pit Face I often get emails about how to submit correctly to publishers and agents. The guidelines for most publishers and agents is easily attained, usually on their websites - or in offline Writer's Guides at your library. The most fundamental issue here is that you shouldn't even consider submitting a manuscript UNLESS you've read those guidelines. Never think that you can shirk this primary consideration! In general terms though, the majority of guidelines go like this: 1. Double spaced...