Crafting the Perfect Title for Your Book

Choosing a book title can feel like one of the most daunting tasks in the writing process. It’s the first impression your book will make on readers, and it has to capture the essence of your story while sparking curiosity. A compelling title can be the difference between someone picking up your book or passing it by. So how do you find a title that resonates?

Let’s discuss tips and strategies for crafting the perfect book title that not only captures the spirit of your work but also entices readers to dive in.

1. Keep It Short and Memorable

A title that’s easy to remember will stick with readers. Short, punchy titles are often more effective than long, complicated ones. Think about how your title will look on a book cover or in a search engine. Can a reader easily recall it?

• Example: The Catcher in the Rye, Gone with the Wind, The Great Gatsby—all short, sharp titles that are easy to remember.

2. Reflect the Genre

Your title should give readers a hint of the genre they’re about to experience. If you’re writing a fantasy novel, your title should evoke that magical or adventurous feeling. If you’re writing a thriller, your title should hint at suspense or danger. A title can be a powerful way to set expectations.

• Fantasy Titles: The Name of the Wind, A Song of Ice and Fire

• Romantic Titles: Pride and Prejudice, Me Before You

• Thriller Titles: The Girl on the Train, Gone Girl

Make sure your title speaks to the genre’s core elements—whether it’s romance, mystery, science fiction, or historical fiction.

3. Evoke Emotion or Intrigue

A compelling title stirs something inside the reader. It might evoke curiosity, sadness, excitement, or even fear. Your title should tap into the emotional core of your story and make the reader feel something instantly.

• Example: The Fault in Our Stars—this title immediately evokes feelings of heartbreak and love, and it makes readers want to explore the story further.

4. Use Symbolism or Metaphor

Metaphors, symbols, and abstract references can make your title more layered and intriguing. These titles often give readers a glimpse into the deeper themes of your story, encouraging them to make connections and think more deeply.

• Example: The Bell Jar (Sylvia Plath) uses the metaphor of a bell jar to symbolize mental illness and suffocation, while also being a subtle hint to the book’s themes of personal struggle and confinement.

5. Consider Wordplay

A clever play on words can make your title stand out and catch the reader’s attention. Wordplay can add layers of meaning and make your title more memorable. Whether it’s through alliteration, puns, or a twist on a familiar phrase, playful titles are fun and engaging.

• Example: The Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy—a fun, quirky title that perfectly matches the tone of the book.

6. Test Your Title with Others

Once you have a few title ideas, test them with friends, family, or fellow writers. Getting feedback can help you gauge how others perceive the title. Does it spark curiosity? Does it make sense with the tone of your story? Do people remember it after hearing it just once?

• Tip: Consider using online groups or writing forums to run a poll or ask for feedback.

7. Avoid Generic or Overused Phrases

It’s easy to fall into the trap of using overused or generic titles, such as The Last Summer or The Secret Door. While these may sound appealing, they’re often vague and don’t offer anything unique or specific to your book. Try to find something that stands out and speaks directly to your story’s heart.

• Tip: Use a title generator to brainstorm, but make sure it’s original and true to your book’s unique voice.

8. Make Sure It’s Searchable

In today’s digital world, the right title can help your book get noticed online. A title that’s unique and easy to spell is important for discoverability. Readers should be able to easily search for your book without confusion.

• Tip: Before settling on a title, check if there are already books with the same or similar titles. If your title is too common, it could make it harder for your book to stand out.

Steps to Finding the Perfect Title:

1. Brainstorm Keywords: Write down words or phrases that relate to your book’s themes, genre, and key events. Think about the tone, mood, and imagery your story evokes.

2. Experiment with Combinations: Mix and match the words you’ve brainstormed to see what sounds good. Don’t be afraid to get creative—combine unexpected words, or tweak the phrasing to create something unique.

3. Play with Emotion: What emotion do you want to evoke in your readers? Focus on words that stir up that feeling. It could be excitement, fear, curiosity, joy, or mystery.

4. Get Feedback: Share your ideas with trusted friends, family, or writing groups. A fresh perspective can help you refine your options.

5. Shortlist Your Titles: Once you have a few strong contenders, shortlist them and imagine how they’ll look on your book cover. How do they sound when you say them aloud? Do they feel like a fit for your story?

6. Test It: Google the title to ensure it’s not already widely used, and check if a URL or social media handle is available (if you plan to use it for marketing).

Common Grammar Mistakes Writers Make and How to Avoid Them

Whether we’re penning a novel, crafting a blog post, or composing a business proposal, the goal is clear: to communicate our ideas as clearly and effectively as possible. And while storytelling and creativity are at the heart of writing, proper grammar is what ensures that your words resonate with readers in the way you intend.

I get a lot of grammar related questions, so I wanted to put together a list of common ones, as well as some tips for success:

1. Misusing Apostrophes

Apostrophes cause more confusion than they should, and many writers struggle with when to use them correctly. Here are the two primary cases:

• Possession: Use an apostrophe to show that something belongs to someone or something.

• Correct: The cat's toy (the toy of the cat).

• Incorrect: The cats toy (this would imply that there’s a plural subject, but no possession is indicated).

• Contractions: Apostrophes are used in contractions to replace missing letters.

• Correct: Don’t (Do not), It’s (It is).

• Incorrect: Its (possessive form of "it") vs. It’s (contraction for "it is" or "it has").

Tip: A helpful rule of thumb is that if you're indicating possession, the apostrophe typically goes after the s (e.g., the dogs' bones if it's multiple dogs), and if you're using a contraction, the apostrophe replaces the omitted letter(s).

2. Confusing Homophones

Homophones are words that sound the same but have different meanings and spellings. These can be tricky, especially when writing quickly or in a rush. Some common examples include:

• There, Their, They’re

• There: Refers to a place.

• Example: I left my keys over there.

• Their: Shows possession.

• Example: Their house is beautiful.

• They’re: Contraction of "they are."

• Example: They’re going to the party tonight.

• Your vs. You’re

• Your: A possessive adjective.

• Example: Is this your pen?

• You’re: Contraction for "you are."

• Example: You’re the best writer I know!

Tip: When writing, slow down and double-check your homophones. Reading your sentence out loud can often help you identify whether you’ve used the correct one.

3. Sentence Fragments

A sentence fragment occurs when a sentence is incomplete and lacks a subject or a verb (or both). Sentence fragments can confuse readers and make your writing sound disjointed.

• Incorrect: While going to the store.

• Correct: While going to the store, I ran into an old friend.

To avoid sentence fragments, ensure that every sentence has at least one subject and one verb, and that it expresses a complete thought.

Tip: If your sentence leaves you wondering, “What happens next?” it’s probably a fragment.

4. Run-On Sentences

Run-on sentences happen when two or more independent clauses (complete thoughts) are joined incorrectly. This can happen if you don’t use punctuation or conjunctions properly.

• Incorrect: I love writing books I have so many ideas.

• Correct: I love writing books, and I have so many ideas.

• Or: I love writing books. I have so many ideas.

Tip: If you find yourself out of breath while reading a sentence, you might need to break it up into smaller, more digestible parts. Always make sure your independent clauses are properly punctuated or joined by conjunctions.

5. Subject-Verb Agreement

Subject-verb agreement ensures that the subject and verb in a sentence agree in number (singular or plural). A common mistake happens when writers mix up singular and plural forms.

• Incorrect: The team are playing well.

• Correct: The team is playing well.
  (Note: "Team" is a collective noun and is treated as singular.)

• Incorrect: She don’t like coffee.

• Correct: She doesn’t like coffee.

Tip: Pay attention to whether the subject is singular or plural, and ensure the verb matches. If you’re unsure, always check whether the verb is in its singular or plural form.

6. Using "Less" vs. "Fewer" Incorrectly

"Less" and "fewer" are often used interchangeably, but they aren’t always correct in that context. The distinction is important, and here’s when to use each:

• Fewer: Use for countable objects or things that can be individually counted.

• Example: Fewer apples, fewer books.

• Less: Use for uncountable quantities or things that can't be divided into individual units.

• Example: Less water, less time.

Tip: If you can count the noun (like books, people, or ideas), use "fewer." If you’re talking about something that can’t be counted (like sugar, sand, or air), use "less."

7. Dangling Modifiers

A dangling modifier occurs when a descriptive phrase doesn’t clearly or logically modify the noun it’s supposed to describe, leading to confusion or a humorous, unintended meaning.

• Incorrect: Running to the store, the rain started.

• Correct: While I was running to the store, the rain started.

In the incorrect sentence, it seems as though "the rain" was running to the store. The correction clarifies that "I" was running.

Tip: Ensure your modifiers clearly describe the subject of the sentence. If in doubt, place the modifier as close to the noun it’s modifying as possible.

8. Incorrect Use of Commas

Commas are necessary for clarity and flow, but many writers misplace or omit them. Here are some common pitfalls:

• Incorrect: I went to the store and bought apples oranges and bananas.

• Correct: I went to the store and bought apples, oranges, and bananas.

• Tip: Use commas to separate items in a list. The last comma before “and” is optional (Oxford comma), but it can often add clarity.

• Incorrect: After the meeting we went to lunch.

• Correct: After the meeting, we went to lunch.

Tip: If a pause is needed in a sentence, that’s usually a sign you should add a comma.

To you and your book!

Megan

Accountability Partners for Authors

One of the toughest challenges many authors face is staying motivated and focused on their writing goals. It’s easy to get distracted, lose track of deadlines, or even doubt your progress. But what if you had someone in your corner, helping you stay on track, celebrate small wins, and encourage you through the tough days? That’s where an accountability partner comes in. In today’s newsletter, we’ll dive into the process of finding an accountability partner, how to work together, and how this dynamic can push you toward achieving your writing goals.

What Is an Accountability Partner?

An accountability partner is someone you team up with to share and track your writing goals. This person helps keep you on track by offering encouragement, providing feedback, and holding you accountable to the deadlines you set for yourself. In short, they’re there to help you stay motivated, focused, and energized as you navigate the writing process. But it’s not just about checking in on your goals—it’s about mutual support. An accountability partnership works best when both people are helping each other, giving advice, and pushing one another forward.

Why Should You Have an Accountability Partner?

There are a lot of reasons why having an accountability partner can make a huge difference in your writing journey. Here are just a few:

• Motivation: Having someone to check in with and celebrate your milestones can help you stay motivated, especially on days when writing feels like a struggle.

• Discipline: Regular check-ins create a sense of commitment. Knowing you’re expected to report your progress makes it harder to procrastinate.

• Perspective: An accountability partner can offer fresh perspectives on your work, helping you to see things from a different angle and identify areas for improvement.

• Community: Writing can be a lonely pursuit, but with an accountability partner, you have someone to share the highs and lows with. You can both celebrate successes and push through challenges together.

How to Find the Right Accountability Partner

Choosing the right person to partner with is key to a productive and supportive relationship. Here’s what to look for:

1. Shared Goals or Similar Writing Style

While you don’t need to write in the same genre or have identical goals, it helps if your writing styles or goals align somewhat. If you’re working on a novel, a partner who is also focused on long-form writing might understand the challenges better than someone focused on short stories or poetry.

• Ask yourself: Are you both working toward similar writing milestones (finishing a first draft, editing a manuscript, completing a chapter)? This alignment will make for smoother, more focused conversations.

2. Reliability and Commitment

Your accountability partner should be someone who is equally committed to their writing goals. This partnership is based on mutual respect and consistency, so finding someone who is reliable and organized is crucial.

• Ask yourself: Is this person reliable in their commitments? Will they follow through on promises to check in, offer feedback, or celebrate wins together?

3. Honest and Constructive Feedback

A great accountability partner is not only supportive but also provides honest and constructive feedback. You want someone who will gently push you to improve while offering encouragement along the way.

• Ask yourself: Is this person capable of giving constructive criticism, while still being encouraging? Do they have a positive, solution-oriented approach?

4. Similar Availability and Work Ethic

If you’re both on very different writing schedules, it can be tough to stay in sync. Find someone who writes during similar hours, or at least is available for regular check-ins that work for both of you.

• Ask yourself: Does this person have a similar writing routine, or at least flexibility to adapt to yours? Are you both willing to be accountable on a regular basis?

How to Set Up Your Accountability Partnership

Once you’ve found the right partner, it’s time to structure your partnership. Here are some ways to make your partnership successful:

1. Set Clear Goals

Be specific about what you each want to achieve. Whether it’s writing a certain word count per week, finishing a chapter by a particular date, or editing a manuscript, the more specific your goals are, the easier it is to track progress.

• Example goals: Write 500 words a day, complete one chapter per week, finish revising the first draft by the end of the month.

2. Check-In Frequency

Decide how often you’ll check in with each other. Some authors prefer weekly check-ins, while others may benefit from daily or bi-weekly updates. The key is to be consistent and accountable to one another.

• Example check-ins: Daily emails or messages, weekly phone calls or video chats, or even a shared document where you track progress and offer feedback.

3. Celebrate Wins and Support Through Struggles

It’s important to not only focus on what still needs to be done but also celebrate what has been accomplished. Share your successes, whether big or small, and support each other when things don’t go according to plan.

• Example celebration: When your partner hits their writing goal for the week, celebrate by sharing a small treat, giving a shoutout on social media, or simply offering a heartfelt “well done!”

4. Give Feedback and Offer Constructive Criticism

Take turns reading and offering feedback on each other’s work. The goal is to help each other improve, so be prepared to give suggestions that are actionable and kind.

• Tip: Keep feedback focused on the work, not the writer. Critique the content and writing style rather than making it personal.

5. Hold Each Other Accountable

When one partner starts to slip, the other can gently remind them of their goals and the importance of staying focused. But accountability shouldn’t be punitive - it’s about being supportive and understanding while encouraging each other to get back on track.

• Example accountability: If you miss your writing goal for the week, your partner can ask you what’s going on and help you create a strategy to get back on track.

Remember, a successful accountability partnership is built on trust, mutual support, and respect for each other’s writing journey. It’s not just about reaching your goals, but also about enjoying the process together. With the right partner, you’ll not only achieve your writing goals but create a lasting bond that helps both of you grow as writers.

Happy writing!

Until next time,

Megan

Quantum Leaps in Storytelling: Elevate Your Sci-Fi Novel Game

Writing a compelling science fiction novel is all about blending imagination with thoughtful world-building, engaging characters, and thought-provoking themes. Whether you’re exploring distant galaxies or envisioning futuristic technologies, here are some tips to help you craft a standout science fiction story:

1. Build a Consistent and Believable World
   Science fiction often involves creating entire universes, but no matter how outlandish your setting, it needs to be consistent. Think about the rules that govern your world, from politics to technology to social structures. Every element should make sense within the framework you’ve built, even if it’s fantastical!

2. Blend Science with Imagination
   The best sci-fi books balance real science with speculative ideas. While you don’t need to be a scientist, grounding your story in plausible science (or a logical extension of current science) can make your world more immersive. At the same time, don’t be afraid to let your imagination run wild – sci-fi is about exploring the "what ifs."

3. Focus on Human (or Alien) Nature
   At its heart, great sci-fi is about the human (or alien) experience, often set against futuristic backdrops. How does technology shape human relationships? What moral dilemmas arise from technological advancements? Even in space, characters should feel real, with motivations and emotions that readers can connect with.

4. Incorporate Thought-Provoking Themes
   Sci-fi excels at exploring big questions – about humanity, society, technology, and the future. Consider how your story might explore themes like ethics, artificial intelligence, or environmental sustainability. Use your narrative to ask questions and challenge assumptions, but always tie these big ideas back to your characters’ journeys.

5. Create a Strong Plot with Stakes
   Even in the most “out of this world” settings, your plot should have clear stakes. Whether it’s saving the world, navigating a personal crisis, or resolving an intergalactic conflict, ensure that the tension builds throughout the story. Sci-fi is all about exploration, but without stakes, your story could feel aimless.

6. Use Technology as a Tool, Not a Crutch
   While gadgets and futuristic inventions are staples of sci-fi, they shouldn’t overshadow your characters or story. Technology should serve the plot or theme, not distract from it. Make sure your focus is on how the technology impacts the people and world around it, rather than just showing off inventions.

7. Don’t Forget the Human Element
   Sci-fi can sometimes feel like it’s all about the futuristic setting or mind-bending concepts, but the best sci-fi novels are grounded in the human (or sentient) condition. Your readers should care about the characters and their struggles, whether they’re fighting off alien invaders or trying to make sense of their place in a rapidly changing world.

Writing science fiction gives you the freedom to explore new worlds, technologies, and ideas, but it’s the human stories within those worlds that truly make your novel stand out. So embrace the endless possibilities and dive into the unknown!

Selecting a Self-Publisher: A Guide for Authors

Here is an author question I received: I also always hear agents and editors saying that self-publishing is a bad choice for writers like me. I’ve heard stories in the news about self-published authors who have made it big, though – what about E.L. James?

Self-publishing can be such a heated topic to talk about.  Authors feel like the underdog no matter what, and that is understandable. The most important thing to remember is that you need to be an informed consumer. No matter which type of publishing you decide to pursue – traditional or self – you need to keep in mind that you will be a very small fish in a VERY large pond.  You just have to decide which pond you want to be in.

If your book has a very “niche” topic (i.e. “Growing Chrysanthemums in North Dakota” or “Tuning Your 1984 Steinway Piano”) or would attract a smaller audience (i.e. a collection of your grandfather’s barbecue recipes or a collection of letters sent between you and your husband) self-publishing is definitely  the best option for you. If you are a professional speaker and are planning on selling your book in the back of the room, self-publishing might be the best option for you, too. If you are prepared to spend every waking moment of your life on marketing and promotion, self-publishing might be a good choice for you as well.

However, you need to make sure you understand what you are getting into. Lots of self-publishing companies promise authors many things that they are unable to deliver on. No one can make you a New York Times bestseller, unless they are personally planning on buying thousands and thousands of copies of your book. They may advertise your book, but it may be in a teeny tiny ad with several other books. Just as you would want to choose the best agent for yourself, you want to make sure you choose the best self-publishing company for yourself.

You need to also keep in mind that the reason you heard about a self-published author hitting the big time is because it is a newsworthy – meaning if this happened all the time, you would not be hearing about it on the news.  Most self-published authors sell fewer than 50 books in their whole lifetimes.

So ask yourself – what do you think you need help with, when it comes to publishing? Is your book ready to publish, and all you want to do is get it uploaded and into the digital hands of readers? Or do you want a bit more hand-holding, with assistance in connection with editing, cover design, etc.?

To get you started, here is a list Reedsy put together of some of the best self-publishing companies to work with: https://blog.reedsy.com/best-self-publishing-companies/

When you have some contenders, you will also want to make sure you read up on the reputations of those companies. Websites like Predators and Editors (https://pred-ed.com/) and Writers Beware (https://www.sfwa.org/other-resources/for-authors/writer-beware/) are great places to start.

The steps to self-publishing are:

·      Write the book

·      Edit the book

·      Design the cover and layout

·      Publish

·      Market the heck out of your book

You can hire help for every one of those steps, both on your own and though the self-publishing company. (Most self-publishing companies have freelancers working for them who can help you with your editorial and design needs, for example.)

Curious as to how much everything might cost? Reedsy has another great resource on that: https://blog.reedsy.com/cost-to-self-publish-a-book/

Do you have a self-publishing success story to share? Or some great advice for newbies? Feel free to comment below.

To you and your book!

How to Build Suspense in Your Thriller Novel

Suspense is the lifeblood of any thriller. It keeps readers on the edge of their seats, eager to turn the next page. But how do you build that heart-pounding tension and keep your audience hooked? Here are some tips to master the art of suspense in your thriller: 

Create High Stakes

For suspense to truly resonate, your story needs high stakes. What will happen if the protagonist fails? Whether it’s a life-or-death situation, a personal loss, or a societal collapse, the consequences of failure should feel significant. The higher the stakes, the more invested readers will become in the outcome.

Master Pacing

Suspense thrives on pacing. Vary the speed of your scenes – slow down for moments of reflection or building tension, then speed up during moments of action or revelation. Short, punchy sentences during high-stakes scenes can create urgency, while longer passages can allow the tension to simmer before the next big twist.

Foreshadow and Drop Clues

Foreshadowing is a key tool for building suspense. Dropping small clues and hints about future events creates an underlying tension that keeps readers anticipating what will happen next. Just be careful not to give away too much too soon – keep them guessing!

Unreliable Narrators and Deception

An unreliable narrator can add layers of suspense, as readers can’t fully trust what they’re being told. Whether your protagonist is keeping secrets or misinterpreting events, this sense of uncertainty will leave readers questioning everything and craving more information.

Introduce Red Herrings

Throw in a few curveballs! Red herrings keep readers on their toes and make them second-guess their theories. Introduce suspects, motives, or events that seem important, only to reveal later that they were distractions. This keeps the suspense high as readers try to figure out what’s really going on.

Use Cliffhangers

Ending chapters (or scenes) with a cliffhanger is a tried-and-true method for building suspense. A character in danger, a mysterious discovery, or an unexpected twist will have readers rushing to the next page to see what happens.

Control the Reveal

Don’t give everything away at once. Keep secrets from your readers until the perfect moment to reveal them. The more you withhold and tease, the more suspense you create. Time your reveals to maximize the emotional impact and drive the plot forward.

Thrillers are all about building tension, creating uncertainty, and giving readers just enough to keep them hooked – but never enough to let them relax. Master the art of suspense, and you’ll have readers hanging on to every word!

The Quick and Dirty Guide to Writing an Awesome Query Letter

When you are pitching your book project to literary agents, the first thing you will send over is a query letter. With this letter (usually an email, but in letter form), you are “querying” to see if they would be interested in hearing more about you and your book. Your query letter introduces them to your book, the potential readers of your book, and you and your qualifications as an author.

To begin with, query letters should not be longer that a single page, single spaced.  (Usually less than 450 words, but the number of words is less important than the quality of them.)

Now let’s get into the structure:

The intro, or “housekeeping” – Your book’s genre, word count (if you’re writing fiction), and title.  You can also personalize this section by explaining why you are reaching out to this particular agent/editor.  While this section is necessary to pass along specific information, you can also inject a bit of flair here.

The “hook” – A description of your story, major plotlines, and character development.  Usually about 150-300 words.  Who is your main character?  What journey is she on?  If you’re writing a nonfiction book, present your main argument and supporting ideas. is not supposed to be a summary of every single thing – that you can be saved for the synopsis.

The bio – An introduction to you, and any relevant information that speaks to your qualities as a writer.  (If you have an MFA, mention it, but if you are a retired FBI agent and are writing a thriller, your job history is absolutely relevant.)  Mention any publication credits, special research you’ve done (if you spent a year in the jungle and your book is set in the rainforest, for example), and any major awards you’ve won.

The closing – your thank you.

Make sure that you do your research, both for the agents/editors to whom you are going to send your book, and how they want to receive your book (this information is generally on the agency/company’s website).  Some agents want you to send your first 30 pages immediately, some want to request it based on your query.  Depending on the size of the company you are reaching out to, hundreds of queries might be received every day.  Don’t risk having yours ignored just because you send an unsolicited attachment.

Questions about pitching your project? Think you’re ready to start querying? Let me know in the comments below.

Setting Good vs. Bad Writing Goals: A Quick Guide for Authors

As authors, setting goals is essential to keep us on track and motivated. But not all writing goals are created equal! The difference between good and bad goals can make or break your productivity and growth as an author.

Bad Writing Goals:

❌ "Write 5,000 words every day." – Unrealistic and unsustainable. Consistency is key, but this kind of pressure can lead to burnout.

❌ "Finish my novel in a month." – While it's great to have a target, focusing on completion at the expense of quality can lead to rushed, unfinished work.

❌ "Become a bestselling author - immediately." – Success takes time. It’s important to focus on the journey, not just the destination.

Good Writing Goals:

✅ "Write 500 words a day, five days a week." – Achievable and consistent. It allows for flexibility while keeping momentum going.

✅ "Complete one chapter a month." – Breaks the process down into manageable chunks and encourages steady progress.

✅ "Edit one page a day." – Focus on quality over quantity to refine your writing and strengthen your story.

Remember, good goals are realistic, specific, and motivating. They focus on the process and celebrate small wins rather than just the end result.

So, what’s your next writing goal? Let’s set some realistic and meaningful ones together! 📚✨

For Authors: Selling Secondary Rights to Your Book Projects

As an author, you’ve likely spent countless hours crafting your story, and now that you’ve written your book, you might be wondering how to get it out into the world in other ways. One exciting avenue for authors is selling secondary rights to their work. These rights open up a range of opportunities for your book to be adapted, transformed, and marketed in various formats and platforms. (Please note, I am not a lawyer, and none of this constitutes as legal advice!)

What Are Secondary Rights?

Secondary rights (also known as subsidiary or subsidiary rights) refer to the rights that go beyond the core book deal – essentially, these are the rights to adapt, reproduce, or distribute your work in ways other than traditional print or ebook formats. Some of the most common secondary rights include:

1. Film and Television Rights: The right to adapt your book into a movie, TV show, or limited series.

2. Audiobook Rights: The right to produce an audiobook version of your written work.

3. Foreign Language Rights: The right to translate your book and sell it in other languages and markets.

4. Merchandising Rights: The right to produce and sell items based on your book (e.g., t-shirts, posters, toys).

5. Serialized Rights: The right to publish your book in parts or installments, often in magazines or newspapers.

6. Digital Rights: The right to publish or distribute your book digitally in other formats or on other platforms.

These rights are often separate from the initial book deal and can provide additional revenue streams or help promote your work in different formats.

How Do You Sell Secondary Rights?

Selling secondary rights can be an exciting opportunity, but it’s important to understand the process. Here’s how you can navigate selling these rights:

1. Work with Your Literary Agent

For many authors, a literary agent is key to selling secondary rights. Agents often have the connections and expertise needed to sell rights to film production companies, foreign publishers, and more. If you don’t already have an agent, consider finding one who specializes in the rights you want to sell.

• How they help: Your agent will be able to negotiate deals, pitch your work to the right parties, and handle legal agreements.

• Their role in secondary rights: Agents may help sell specific rights, such as film, foreign language, and audiobook rights, while leaving others (like merchandising) for you to handle independently.

2. Sell Rights Independently

If you don’t have an agent, or if you want to retain more control over your book’s secondary rights, you can negotiate directly with publishers, production companies, or distributors.

• Film/TV Rights: If you have a film or TV adaptation in mind, you can approach production companies directly or through an entertainment lawyer. Sometimes, production companies will find you if your book garners enough attention, but it’s still important to be proactive.

• Foreign Rights: Publishers in different countries may be interested in purchasing the translation rights. These deals are often made at international book fairs, such as the Frankfurt Book Fair, where publishers gather to buy and sell rights.

• Audiobook Rights: You can approach audiobook production companies (like Audible, Findaway Voices, or independent audiobook producers) to sell the rights to create an audio version of your book.

3. Understand Your Contract

When selling secondary rights, be sure to read the terms carefully. Here are some key aspects to look out for:

• Exclusivity: Some rights deals are exclusive, meaning that only one company or producer can use the rights for a set period of time. Others may be non-exclusive, which allows you to sell the rights to more than one party.

• Territory: Pay attention to the territory or region in which the rights are sold. For example, if you sell the film rights for North America, that won’t prevent you from selling the rights for international markets.

• Revenue: The payment structure will vary depending on the type of rights. For instance, film rights are often sold for a lump sum, while audiobook rights may be sold for royalties or a flat fee. Understand how you will be compensated.

• Duration: The length of time the rights are being sold for matters. For example, you might sell film rights for five years or a specific number of adaptations.

4. Know the Value of Your Rights

Before you sell any rights, it’s important to understand the potential value of your work in other formats. Some things to consider:

• Popularity and demand: Books with existing fan bases or those that are trending may have more value in terms of film/TV adaptations or foreign sales.

• Genre: Certain genres, like thrillers, fantasy, or romance, often have higher demand for film adaptations or foreign translations. Consider how your book fits into broader market trends.

• Adaptability: If your story has strong visual elements or a unique concept, it may be more attractive to film producers or merchandise companies.

5. Leveraging the Rights Sale for Marketing

Selling secondary rights can also work as a tool for marketing your book in its original format. For instance:

• Film/TV Deals: A book that’s optioned for film or television often gets a boost in visibility. Even if it’s not immediately adapted, the announcement of a deal can drive interest in your book.

• Foreign Sales: Translating your book into another language can open up new markets and new readers who might then explore your book in its original format.

6. Rights Reversion: What Happens After the Deal?

In some cases, rights deals may revert to the author after a certain period, such as if the book is not adapted or the agreement expires. Understanding your reversion clauses is critical so you can regain control over the rights if necessary.

Selling secondary rights is an excellent way to expand the reach of your work and gain additional income streams. It can open up new audiences, new opportunities, and even give your book a second life in different formats.

To you and your book!

Megan

How to Incorporate Humor Into Your Writing: A Guide for Authors

Humor can be a powerful tool in storytelling, whether you're writing fiction, nonfiction, or memoir. It can lighten the mood, deepen characters, and make your work more relatable. But how do you add humor to your writing without it feeling forced? Here are a few tips that might help:

1. Know Your Audience: Humor is subjective. Think about your readers and what they might find funny. Is it dry humor, witty banter, or slapstick comedy? Understanding your audience helps you tailor your humor to their tastes.

2. Use Relatable Situations: Some of the funniest moments come from real-life situations we can all relate to – awkward social interactions, misunderstandings, or everyday struggles. Infuse these scenarios with your characters' unique perspectives to create humor that feels natural.

3. Play with Dialogue: One of the easiest ways to inject humor is through character dialogue. Quick-witted exchanges, sarcasm, or well-timed punchlines can bring lightness to your scenes while deepening character relationships.

4. Embrace the Unexpected: Humor often thrives in the unexpected. Surprising your readers with an unexpected twist or character reaction can create a memorable and funny moment. The key is to keep it consistent with your characters and plot.

5. Self-Deprecating Humor: Don’t be afraid to laugh at yourself (or your characters!). Self-deprecating humor can create a connection with readers, making your characters more endearing and relatable.

 Remember, humor is about timing and subtlety. It doesn’t need to overpower your story – it just needs to enhance it. And most importantly, have fun with it! 😊