Read our article on the top 29 independent publishers in the UK, from publishers specialising in elevating diverse voices to publishers focused on amplifying progressive ideas - there’s something for every aspiring author in this list!

A literary consultancy can help authors to boost their chances of getting published. In this guide, we’ll discuss what a literacy consultancy does and how it can make a difference.

A synopsis is an integral component of a query letter or submission pack that writers send out to publishers or agents. The aim of a synopsis is to provide a summary of the story covering the beginning, middle and end. Find out what an effective synopsis should include.

Cough, rough, though, and through do not rhyme, but pony and bologna do. There are more exceptions to the i before e rule than there are instances when it applies. In short, English is weird! But have you ever wondered why that is? 

Words of wisdom on the world of traditional publishing from an award-winning author.

So, you've decided that you want to try the NaNoWriMo challenge? Congratulations! This guide will help take you through some preparatory steps - and a suggested timeline - for preparing to write your novel and signing up for the challenge. It also takes you through some of the pitfalls of NaNoWriMo itself.

At some point in their lives, many people set out to write a novel. Head brimming with ideas, they sit down at the keyboard and blast away. But sooner or later, they realize they're in over their heads, and often quit altogether. So, how do you successfully push through and finish that beast? This article covers the five bog-standard basics of writing your first novel.

If historical—or period—fiction is where your interests lie (and you've yet to pen your first novel), this piece should prepare you for that exciting journey into the past. Not only does it underscore the defining features of quality historical fiction, but it shows how historical verisimilitude can be achieved in narrative and dialogue.  

No genre inspires greater devotion than science fiction. Here are some of our top tips on writing science fiction, and avoiding common hurdles.

Voice gap is the difference between your writing voice at the start of a project, and your writing voice when you finally finish the first draft of a manuscript. This article will teach you how to identify and fix voice gap quickly and efficiently.

A post for readers who have received a manuscript assessment report. Where do you go from here?

Although writing, literally writing down words, may be something we are all taught at a very young age, creative writing is different.  By 'creative writing', we mean writing in a way that will make readers keep turning the page, engage with an audience and convey a compelling message—that type of writing requires technique and skill.  Honing your creative writing craft and skills is, undoubtedly, the key to your success as a writer.

As the author Tony Hillerman said, ‘The best way to learn to write is by reading.  Reading critically, noticing paragraphs that get the job done, how your favourite writers use verbs, all the useful techniques.  A scene catches you?  Go back and study it. Find out how it works.’

In this analysis of how Charlotte Brontë weaves social critique through Jane Eyre, we will address what is arguably the novel’s most notable and prominent vehicle for social critique: character.

Nowadays, you should complete most of the editing before you submit your manuscript to agents and publishers. But what type of edits should you undertake before you send your work out?

Social critique, when executed well, shouldn’t leave your reader feeling like they’re sitting in on a lecture. It isn’t a vehicle for teaching, but poses the opportunity for readers to dive a little deeper into the world you’ve created and draw comparisons between it and our own world.

Many of the lessons writers can learn from reading and analysing the classics are timeless. Though written for a different time and audience, the classics remain an important source of insight for aspiring and experienced writers alike.

Sarah participated in our interview series, which we devised to give our readers greater insight into the experiences of other authors.

Find out more about the founders of Marginalia Manuscripts and why they launched their novel critique and manuscript assessment services.

Important things you should be aware of before you decide to get a manuscript assessment.