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Self-improvement books didn't magically jump out of "Think Positive" mugs to grace the shelves of our bookstores. They've been around for centuries – in some form or the other. Let's take a brief look at their origins. The self-help phenomena Self-help Books: From Ancient Roots to Bestseller Lists While early Egyptians did not have Pinterest to curate their aesthetic, they did have Sebayt  scrolls. Like papyrus post-it notes, these scrolls had tips on everything from manners to morals. Ancient wisdom on leadership Fast forward to medieval Europe, where conduct books were all the rage. Think of them as Emily Post for knights, offering etiquette advice like, "Don't pick your teeth at the banquet table, Sir Reginald," and "Remember, chivalry isn't just for jousting," and "How to blow your nose in polite society."   Then came the 19th century and the "pull yourself up by your bootstraps" mentality. Enter Samuel Smiles, the godfather of modern self-help. His book, Self-Help , was a Victorian blockbuster, urging readers to embrace thrift, hard work, and "moral muscle." Picture a TED Talk delivered by a stern Victorian uncle, and you get the gist.   How to Win Friends But self-help wasn't all stoicism and stiff upper lips. The 20th century saw the rise of pop psychology and motivational gurus like Dale Carnegie. How to Win Friends and Influence People  (published in 1939) still tops the list of best self-help books. Suddenly, self-improvement wasn't just about morals and chivalry but also about mastering the art of the back pat and the winning elevator pitch . How to Win Friends and Influence People - Dale Carnegie. First Edition Signed By the mid-60s, the humble self-help book leaped into cultural phenomenon status. Major themes emerged, including self-management, growth, relationships, and identity. Books such as Psycho-Cybernetics, A New Way to Get More Living Out of Life , Pursuit of Loneliness , and Men are From Mars, Women are From Venus  were on bestseller lists.   And here we are in the 21st century, where self-help has exploded into a billion-dollar industry. Despite much criticism over the years, the genre is still growing , with more focus on work-life balance. From productivity hacks to mindfulness mantras, there's a book for every angle of your well-being. Marie Kondo is decluttering your closets, Brené Brown is teaching you vulnerability, and somewhere, a squirrel is probably writing a guide on nut hoarding efficiency. It's a self-help buffet. The rise of self-help tweets. Is There Space on the Self-Help Shelf? You're probably thinking that the self-help shelves are already groaning, but that's just the mainstream. There are niches crying out for your unique perspective, your lived experiences, your quirky wisdom. Be the author who breaks the mold, who writes the book that no one knew they needed until they held it in their hands. A genre hungry for fresh voices. A world of stories waiting to be told. So, pick up your pen, tap away at your keyboard, and unleash the self-help guru within. The world is waiting for your story.   Within the self-help/self-improvement book genre, there are many niche topics to choose from. Which one is yours? 1. Personal development 2. Business and Leadership 3. Parenting 4. Personal Finance 5. Career and Productivity 6. Mental and physical health 7. Relationships 8. Communication 9. Support and guidance 10. Religious and spiritual 11. Inspirational Memoirs 12. Journaling and creative expression   Like I said before, it's a self-help buffet. An array of self-help books – how many have you read? Ready to turn your expertise into a book that empowers and inspires? Not sure how to get started? Let's chat! As a book editor and coach specializing in non-fiction, I'm here to help you take your manuscript from dream to publish date.   The self-help world awaits your unique voice. Shamila Iyer - your content partner from idea to publication. (Acknowledgment: 'How to Win Friends' and the Tweet book were sourced from Google images.)

Are you a first-time non-fiction author wondering how to get your book published? Do you go the traditional route and seek out a literary agent? Or do you take matters into your own hands and self-publish? What about hybrid publishing or crowdfunding publishing? With so many different book publishing routes available today, deciding which is right for you can be overwhelming. As someone who is passionate about book writing, I am determined to help aspiring authors fulfill their book publishing dreams. That's why I've put together this guide, which breaks down the advantages and disadvantages of each publishing route. I've also included some examples of non-fiction bestsellers that have succeeded using each method. Whether you're a self-help trailblazer or a science buff, this article will provide you with valuable insights into the different publishing options available to you. So, sit back, grab a cup of coffee, and let's get to it! What's in this guide? The three different publishing routes plus one extra Choosing the right path for your non-fiction book Making a decision—factors to keep in mind Final thoughts 1. The three different book publishing routes I. Traditional Publishing This is the most traditional route for publishing a book. Authors submit a book proposal to a literary agent or publisher, who decides whether to represent or publish the book. The publisher takes care of editing, design, printing, distribution, and marketing of the book. This route typically offers advances and royalties to the author. My books have been published using this publishing route. Here are some advantages and disadvantages of going down the traditional publishing path. Advantages Publishers carry the costs and take the risks. Access to professional editing, design, printing, distribution, and marketing services. Prestige and validation from being published by a reputable publisher. Possibility of receiving an advance payment and royalties. Wider distribution and bookstore placement. Disadvantages Waiting to hear back (acceptance) after submission can take 6-12 weeks. High competition and difficulty in getting published by a traditional publisher. Longer publishing timeline, as publishers typically take 1-2 years to bring a book to market. Less control over editorial decisions and book design. Lower royalty rates compared to self-publishing. Some of the world's top traditional book publishing companies include Penguin Random House, Macmillan Publishers, Simon & Schuster, and HarperCollins. Smaller publishing houses, also known as Indie publishers , include Soho Press, Graywolf Press, Akashic Books, and Qwirk Books. When choosing which publisher to approach, look for those with a reputable track record in your genre. For instance, Crown Publishing is renowned for business books and biographies. Examples of non-fiction bestsellers published via traditional publishing: "Becoming" by Michelle Obama: This memoir by the former First Lady of the United States was published by Crown Publishing Group in 2018 and became a worldwide bestseller, selling over 15 million copies. "The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People" by Stephen Covey: This self-help book was first published by Simon & Schuster in 1989 and has since sold over 25 million copies worldwide. "Unbroken" by Laura Hillenbrand: This biography of World War II hero Louis Zamperini was published by Random House in 2010 and spent over four years on The New York Times bestseller list. "A Brief History of Time" by Stephen Hawking: This popular science book was first published by Bantam Books in 1988 and has sold over 10 million copies worldwide, making it one of the best-selling non-fiction books of all time. II. Self-Publishing Some authors I work with prefer to go down this path, mostly because they want full control over all aspects of the publishing process. I plan on exploring this option or the Hybrid one for my next book. The choice I make will depend on my budget at the time. In choosing this route, the author takes full responsibility for editing, design, printing, distribution, and marketing of the book. It may cost you more, but as the author, you retain all rights and profits from the book. Don't worry, though; you don't have to flounder about 100% on your own. There are service providers who help authors self-publish. These include retailers such as Amazon KDP, Barnes & Noble, and Kobo. Companies such as KDP Print, Smashwords, and Draft2Digital provide distribution support. Full-service companies that offer everything from editing to distribution include Book Baby, Matador, and IngramSpark. Advantages Full control over editorial decisions, book design, and distribution. Higher royalty rates and greater profit potential. Faster publishing timeline, as authors can bring their books to market in a matter of weeks. Access to online platforms such as Amazon and Barnes & Noble. Disadvantages No access to professional editing, design, and marketing services unless the author hires and pays for them. Less prestige and validation compared to traditional publishing. (An ongoing debate.) Limited bookstore placement and distribution unless the author invests in additional marketing efforts. Examples of non-fiction bestsellers published via self-publishing: "The Barefoot Investor" by Scott Pape: This personal finance book was self-published by the author in 2016 and became an instant bestseller in Australia, selling over 2 million copies. "The Paleo Solution" by Robb Wolf: This diet and health book was self-published by the author in 2010 and became a New York Times bestseller, selling over 100,000 copies. "The Freedom Journal" by John Lee Dumas: This productivity and goal-setting journal was self-published by the author in 2016 and became a bestseller on Amazon, selling over 10,000 copies in its first week. "The Subtle Art of Not Giving a F*ck" by Mark Manson: This self-help book was self-published by the author in 2016 and became a bestseller, selling over 13 million copies worldwide. "The 5 Love Languages" by Gary Chapman: This relationship advice book was originally published by a small Christian publisher in 1992, but the author later acquired the rights and began self-publishing it. It has since become a bestseller, selling over 12 million copies. "Crushing It!" by Gary Vaynerchuk: This business and marketing book was self-published by the author in 2018 and became a bestseller, debuting at # 2 on The New York Times bestseller list. Authors are more involved in the marketing process now than in the past. III. Hybrid Publishing This is a combination of traditional and self-publishing. The author pays a fee to a publisher, who provides editorial, design, printing, and distribution services. The author retains the rights to the book and receives royalties from book sales. I am currently working with an author who has chosen this route because, as she says, “I need all the help I can get while still retaining some control.” Advantages Access to professional editing, design, printing, marketing and distribution services. More control over editorial decisions and book design than traditional publishing. Faster publishing timeline than traditional publishing. Retention of the rights and royalties by the author. Disadvantages High upfront costs, as authors are required to pay for the services the publisher provides. Limited bookstore placement and distribution unless the author invests in additional marketing efforts. Less prestige and validation compared to traditional publishing. There are many hybrid publishers out there. Some of the more reputable ones that I’ve come across are IdeaPress Publishing, Greenleaf Book Group, Forbes Books, She Writes Press, Amplify, and those listed in the examples below. Be sure to do your research thoroughly before choosing the right one for you. Examples of non-fiction bestsellers that have been published via hybrid publishing: "The 10X Rule" by Grant Cardone: This business and self-help book was published by Cardone's own hybrid publishing company, Cardone Ventures, in 2011. It has since become a bestseller, selling over 1 million copies worldwide. "The Happiness Project" by Gretchen Rubin: This memoir and self-help book was published by HarperCollins in 2009, but the author worked with a hybrid publisher, CreativeSpace, to produce a special edition that included a reader's guide and author Q&A. "The Lean Startup" by Eric Ries: This business book was originally self-published in 2011 before being picked up by Crown Publishing Group. The author worked with a hybrid publisher, Greenleaf Book Group, to produce and distribute the book to bookstores. "The Compound Effect" by Darren Hardy: This self-help book was published by Hardy's own hybrid publishing company, SUCCESS Books, in 2010. It has since become a bestseller, selling over 1 million copies worldwide. + Crowdfunding Publishing Crowdfunding is not strictly one of the publishing routes but more a funding method to help get your book published. Using crowdfunding platforms , the author raises money from supporters to fund the publishing process. The author can use the funds to pay for the book's editing, design, printing, distribution, and marketing. This route allows authors to retain full control over the book. An author I know on LinkedIn used this method to fund the publishing of his book. He had a good marketing and promotion strategy, which he used in 2022 to promote his book before publishing. This way, he got his followers to buy his book before the launch in 2023 to fund his publishing costs. Advantages Full control over editorial decisions, book design, and distribution. No upfront costs for publishing the book. Ability to generate buzz and pre-orders for the book. Higher royalty rates and greater profit potential. Disadvantages Risk of not meeting the crowdfunding goal and not being able to publish the book. No access to professional editing, design, and marketing services unless the author hires and pays for them. Less prestige and validation compared to traditional publishing. Examples of non-fiction bestsellers that have been published via crowdfunding publishing: "Rebel Ideas" by Matthew Syed: This non-fiction book on diversity and innovation was published in 2019 via Unbound, a crowdfunding publisher. It became a bestseller in the UK, where it was originally released. "Eager: The Surprising, Secret Life of Beavers and Why They Matter" by Ben Goldfarb: This non-fiction book on environmentalism and conservation was published in 2018 via Island Press, a traditional publisher that utilized a crowdfunding campaign to help promote the book. "The Good Immigrant" edited by Nikesh Shukla: This anthology of essays by black, Asian, and minority ethnic writers was published in 2016 via Unbound, a crowdfunding publisher. It became a bestseller in the UK and won numerous awards. 2. Choosing the Right Path for Your Non-Fiction Book When deciding which publishing route to take for your non-fiction book, there are several factors to consider, including: Your goals: What do you hope to achieve by publishing your book? Are you looking to make a profit, establish yourself as an expert in your field, or simply share your story or knowledge with others? Time and resources: How much time and money do you have to invest in the publishing process? Traditional publishing may take longer and require more upfront investment, while self-publishing may allow for greater control over the timeline and costs. Target audience: Who is your book intended for? Understanding your target audience and their preferences can help you choose the publishing route that will best reach and engage them. Genre and niche: What type of non-fiction book are you writing, and is there a particular niche or subgenre it falls into? Some publishing routes may be better suited for certain genres or niches. Marketing and promotion: How will you promote and market your book once it's published? Some publishing routes may offer more support in this area than others, while others may require you to take a more active role in promoting your book. 3. Making a Decision Once you've considered these factors, you can begin to weigh the pros and cons of each publishing route and make a decision based on your individual needs and goals. Some key considerations to keep in mind include the following: Cost: How much are you willing and able to invest in the publishing process? Control: How much power do you want over the content, design, and distribution of your book? Timeline: How soon do you want your book to be published? Reach: How important is it for you to reach a wide audience, and how will you achieve that? Support: How much help do you want or need throughout the publishing process, and which route will offer the most support? Final Thoughts Ultimately, the decision of which publishing path to choose for your non-fiction book is a personal one that will depend on your individual goals, resources, and preferences. By understanding the factors to consider when choosing a publishing route, you can confidently navigate the publishing landscape and achieve your goals as a writer. So, take the time to do your research, connect with other writers and industry professionals, and stay focused on your vision for your non-fiction book. Have a question or something to add, connect with me on LinkedIn . Be sure to keep an eye out for more blog articles about the book-writing process coming to you in the next few weeks. Shamila Iyer - your content partner from idea to publication. Write. Edit. Coach. (*Article updated - February 2025)

Trending genres In 2025, book trends are shifting towards AI-assisted writing, self-publishing, niche subgenres, and genre blending. Digital formats, such as audiobooks, continue to grow in popularity. Globally, there is a growing demand for diverse stories and voices. What does this mean for aspiring authors? Keeping track of changes in the book writing, marketing, and publishing industries will help you make crucial decisions about your book. Read on to find out what the current book trends are and how they affect you.   An overview of key book trends to watch out for in the next few years   1. The status of self-publishing  is improving and gaining more recognition. As a result, the self-publishing market is booming , with a 17% annual growth rate as opposed to 1% growth in traditional publishing. 2. Earnings have increased substantially for creators on platforms like Amazon KDP. This is largely due to the growing popularity of e-books  and the ability to reach global audiences. 3. Trending text-driven book genres  are romance, young adult, fantasy, mystery, thriller, historical fiction, science fiction, religious and inspirational, self-help, and memoirs. Young Adult (YA) and LGBTQIA+ books continue to gain popularity. 4. Genre blending , where authors combine different genres, such as sci-fi and mystery, is also attracting attention. Genres such as magical realism, which blend realistic elements with fantasy or the supernatural, are rising in popularity. Other examples of genre blending to look out for include dramady (drama + comedy), romantic suspense, and literary horror. 5. The need for greater diversity in the book industry  is being recognized. Publishers are joining the movement to support diverse voices , diversify their workforces, and provide more opportunities for underrepresented creators. Diverse stories resonate with readers, and books that reflect global diversity  are becoming increasingly popular. 6. Children's books  have traditionally enjoyed strong sales but are now expanding to include more topics on diversity and inclusion, emotional intelligence, mental health, and environmental awareness. Interactive formats, such as flaps, pop-up designs, sound effects, and game elements, continue to be favourites among kids and parents.   Children's books are still popular. 7. Graphic novels  remain popular, and an increasing number of photo books are being created. Their ability to engage readers visually appeals to a wider and more diverse audience. 8. There is a growing demand for short-form content , including bite-sized tips, serialized stories, zines, and flash fiction, due to "shrinking attention spans and an overabundance of content" in digital publishing. Short-form content is in demand. Other book industry trends to note   9. AI has begun to play a transformational role in writing, editing, proofreading, design, marketing, book searchability, and data analytics. How to use AI responsibly  remains one of the hottest topics in the book industry. The Authors Guild has compiled a comprehensive list of best practices  on how authors can utilize generative AI ethically. If you are an AI user, I recommend reading the article. 10. Direct-to-consumer (DTC) sales of books are gaining traction, especially among emerging authors and creators. Authors can sell directly to their readers via personal websites, newsletters and emails, book fairs and literary festivals, or ecommerce platforms such as Shopify. DTC book-selling provides you, as the author, with the opportunity to build your own brand, earn a larger share of the revenue by cutting out the middleman, and engage directly with your readers. 11. An increasing awareness of sustainability  in the book industry is leading to the adoption of more print-on-demand services and digital formats, as well as the recycling of paper and the use of environmentally friendly packaging. The print-on-demand trend has contributed to the increase in e-book sales. Hold your horses, though; print books are still in demand and are not going to become obsolete anytime soon. 12. The use of social media for book marketing  is on the rise, particularly on platforms like Instagram and TikTok. #Booktok allows authors to connect directly with their fans. BookThreads, a subgroup within the Threads app, is useful if you're looking for niche books. 13. Online book communities  are growing and gaining more readers. These platforms foster a sense of community amongst readers as well as authors. They enable readers to share their thoughts and reading experiences. As an author, you can promote your books, build an audience, and interact directly with your readers.   The Rise and Growth of Audiobooks: A Shift in Reading Habits There has been a surge in people listening to books instead of reading them, partly due to the increased prevalence of multitasking. Although print books are still the most popular book format, there has been a significant increase in audiobook and e-book sales . Nonfiction audiobooks in genres such as self-development, business, and health and wellness are gaining traction. Audiobook Sales. Source: grandviewresearch The advent of Streaming-Books-On-Demand (SBOD) models has significantly contributed to the increase in audiobook sales. Platforms like Spotify and Audible have recently expanded their audiobook offerings. AI tools such as AI-powered translations make audiobooks more accessible in multiple languages.   What does this mean for authors? The power of social media, the rise of digital content, and the increasing popularity of self-publishing are transforming the industry. This transformation brings with it a wealth of opportunities for authors. The book publishing world continues to evolve, encompassing emerging trends and new technologies, and offering a promising future for those ready to adapt. While publishers and bookstores learn to adapt to these changes, what does all this mean for aspiring authors?   Stay informed about the evolving trends in publishing. Discover the various  publishing options  available and select the one that best suits your budget and needs. Explore and embrace emerging digital marketing trends that allow you to connect with your readers  and reach a wider audience. Ultimately, remember that quality always prevails over quantity. To stand out from the crowd, focus on the quality of your book. This is your chance to inspire and captivate your readers. Investing in a good editor or book coach  is one of the smartest things you can do to ensure your book shines in a competitive market. Happy Writing Shamila

Unpacking self-publishing costs so you can work out your budget ahead of publication. In recent years, an increasing number of authors have chosen to break free from the constraints of traditional publishing and have opted to self-publish instead. If you are one of these authors, it's important to understand the costs associated with publishing a book in 2025. Here are some services you may need to pay for:   1. Editing Costs – this will vary depending on the type of editing you require 2. Cover design costs – if you hire a graphic designer to create your book cover 3. Book design & formatting costs – for platforms like Amazon KDP 4. Marketing costs – includes services like reviews and digital ads   In this article, I break down each of the costs listed above and give you a general idea of how much each service (if you hire out) will set you back. Book Publishing Costs in 2025 I did a little digging into the costs of the above services and compared price tags amongst the various businesses, freelancers, and publishers offering them. For this article, I decided to use Reedsy to give you a rough idea of the costs involved. Reedsy is not a hybrid publisher but more of a marketing platform that helps authors find and hire professionals in the book industry. According to Reedsy, publishing a book in 2025 will cost authors between $2,940 and $5,660. The exact costs will differ depending on the services you require. Side-note: Hybrid Publishers A hybrid publisher is a combination of traditional and self-publishing. The author pays a fee to the publisher, who provides editorial, design, printing, and distribution services. As the author, you will retain the rights to the book and receive royalties from book sales. Some reputable hybrid publishers I've encountered are IdeaPress Publishing, Greenleaf Book Group, Forbes Books, She Writes Press, Amplify, Book Baby, CreativeSpace, and Success Books. Alternatively, you can work with a traditional publisher or publish as an indie publisher. The decision of which publishing path to choose for your book is a personal one that will depend on your goals, resources, and preferences. To help you decide, I've compiled a guide, Non-Fiction Book Publishing: A Guide for First-time Authors , which breaks down the advantages and disadvantages of each publishing method. Not sure? An author/book coach can help you choose your publishing route. A General Idea of What It Will Cost You to Self-publish Whether you work with a hybrid publisher or self-publish, here is a general idea of the costs. Note:  These numbers are based on real market data but can fluctuate according to your chosen service provider. 1. Editing Costs Independent editors, such as myself, specialize in either one of the four different types of editing  or offer comprehensive editing services . This means we provide more than one type of editing. Fees vary according to the editor's qualifications and experience, as well as the genre of the book and the number of words. Reedsy editors charge an average of $2,000 - $4,500 for an 80k-word book. This is for one round of developmental editing and copyediting. Should you decide to self-edit, getting another pair of eyes on your manuscript before publishing is always a good idea. Hiring a proofreader to catch minor errors and typos is a worthy investment. Proofreading fees typically range from $0.01 to $0.04 per word. Hourly rates range from $20 to $50 per hour for standard proofreading services. Word count, document type, and turnaround time will influence a proofreader's rates. Tip:  Always conduct thorough research (check portfolios for experience, qualifications, & client reviews) before hiring an editor. Hiring the right person who meets your specific needs can save you money in the long run.   2. Book Cover Design Costs Choosing the right book cover is not only about aesthetics. Your book cover acts as an ad for your book. We often say, "Don't judge a book by its cover," but we do, don't we? Readers are attracted to the cover first before they read the blurb on the back. Your book cover needs to sell your book  and attract the right audience. A good cover design can cost up to $800. This will depend on the style you want and how complex it is. For your book to stand out, you need an attention-grabbing cover design. At the same time, your book cover should convey vital information about your book's genre, content, and tone. 3. Layout and Formatting Costs Having an attractive cover is one thing; you must also ensure your book looks good on the inside. You can do it yourself if you already know how to format for ebook or print. If not, you can hire a professional book formatter (yes, they exist) or learn how to do it yourself to save on costs. There are tons of resources online (YouTube videos, for instance) that teach you how to format your book for print and digital. If you decide to hire a pro, charges range from around $500 to $2000 for the service. This will depend on how much specialist formatting your book needs. Books with customized fonts, complex illustrations, intricate layouts, or numerous images will cost more to format. Note:  Some books, such as cookbooks or photo books, might need the services of a specialist book interior designer. The interior design of such a book can cost you anything from $250 to $750. A book with more pictures, requiring a precise layout, such as a cookbook, will cost more to format.   Software Options An alternative to hybrid publishing is to self-publish your book on platforms such as Amazon KDP. If you're publishing on KDP and not using the services of a hybrid publisher, you can save $500 by learning how to format it yourself. Amazon Kindle Direct Publishing (KDP) provides a step-by-step guide to help you format and publish your book on their platform. You can publish your book in eBook format, print copy, or both. Self-publishing platform IngramSpark also offers an excellent free guide on "how to format your book like a boss." Download it from their website. You can use MS Word to format your book if you're a Microsoft user. Remember to save it as a PDF for printing or ebook submission. Other popular software options for book formatting are Scrivener, Vellum, Atticus, and Adobe InDesign.   4. Marketing and Promotion Your book is not going to sell itself. You will need to budget for marketing campaigns. These can take the form of paid professional campaigns (around $1000 to $5000). Marketing and promoting your book should start before you even publish it. You can use a marketing company, paid ads on platforms like Instagram or Facebook, or promote the book yourself. If you decide not to hire a pro, you can plan and execute your own marketing strategy for minimal costs. Promote your book on social media platforms, consider hosting virtual book launches, attend book promo events, and get family and friends to chat about your book in their circles. Tip: When promoting your book on social media, use book-specific hashtags, such as #bookstagram, #booklover, #bookworm, #selfhelp, #memoir, #businessbook, #newbook, #booklaunch, #reading. You can also use the title of your book as a hashtag. E.g., #DemystifyingSelfpublishingCosts Other Costs These can range from manuscript evaluations/reviews to hiring Beta readers  to literary agent fees. Not all of these are incurred if you self-publish. Most traditional publishers require you to approach them via a literary agent . Beta readers and MS reviews are optional. To sell your book in stores, you will need an ISBN (International Standard Book Number) and a barcode. These can set you back anywhere from $25 for a barcode to $125 for an ISBN. One last thing:  If you decide to market and sell your print book yourself (not using a platform like Amazon), you should also budget for postage and packing costs.     Final Thoughts Writing your book is only one part of the journey. You must also consider publishing routes and sales. Many authors I work with start looking into these costs as early as the writing or editing stages. Writing and publishing a book is a big investment. Knowing all the costs can help you plan and budget, saving you from financial surprises. To first-time authors, please don't rush to publish. Take some time out to research all your options thoroughly. I wish you tons of success in your book-writing and publishing journey.   Shamila Iyer – Write. Edit. Coach. Empowering aspiring authors to share their perspectives with the world. Follow me on LinkedIn for more book writing and publishing tips.

As a ghostwriter, you can use your portfolio to showcase ghostwritten projects. FAQ: How do I showcase my ghostwritten projects in my portfolio? Content writers new to the freelance world often pop up in my LinkedIn DMs seeking guidance on how to get started as a freelance writer. One of the topics that frequently comes up in our discussions centers around building a credible portfolio. Many new freelance writers I chat with began their writing careers as ghostwriters on freelance platforms like Upwork and Fiverr. In most cases, they have nothing else to use to build up their portfolios, so they would like to find some way of including their ghostwritten projects. The problem: They are not the authors credited with the writing projects they work on, which makes it difficult to add the projects to their portfolios. If you find yourself in this conundrum, read on to find out how you can showcase your ghostwriting projects in your portfolio without running into problems with your clients. But before we dive into how to add your ghostwritten projects to your portfolio, let's look at some other questions that need answers first. Do I have to have a portfolio? Yes. As a freelance writer, it helps to have a portfolio to showcase your writing. Clients prefer to see samples of your written work before hiring you. Having your writing samples in a portfolio is one of the most efficient ways of presenting them. There are many free online sites available to help you build a good digital portfolio. Some are easier to use than others. Do your comparison research thoroughly and choose the one that best suits the work you want to display. Check out sites like: 1. Journo Portfolio – Specifically designed to create digital portfolios and easy to use. This site offers pre-built templates and supports a high level of customization. 2. Clippings.me – A highly visual, free portfolio maker used primarily by journalists and writers. 3. About.me – Create a personalized homepage highlighting who you are and what you do. Used by freelancers and entrepreneurs to grow their audience. Offers free and paid plans. 4. Squarespace – Offers template options for portfolios and add-ons for selling products and services. 5. Behance – A social media platform that allows you to showcase your work for free. Connect to your Adobe Portfolio. Used mostly by designers but hosts all creatives. 6. Wix – An all-in-one website builder similar to WordPress, which allows you to build your site for free. The site offers both free and paid plan options. Easy to use and navigate. Free templates. 7. WordPress – A website-building site similar to Wix. Popular with bloggers. It offers over 1000 themes and templates to help you build your portfolio. Includes free and paid plan options. 8. Adobe Portfolio – Create your portfolio or build a personalized website to showcase your work. Free if you have a Creative Cloud subscription.   When building your portfolio, include a diverse range of your work. This will demonstrate your versatility as a writer and give potential clients a comprehensive view of your capabilities. Remember to update your portfolio regularly as you gain more experience and add new projects. Can I display ghostwritten work in my portfolio, and how do I do that? You can display your ghostwritten projects on your portfolio page. However, you must always consider your confidentiality and legal agreements  with your clients before doing so. An NDA (non-disclosure agreement) is a legally binding document that creates a confidential relationship between you and your client. Ghostwriting projects are typically conducted under a non-disclosure agreement (NDA), so it's important to verify if you can showcase them publicly.   No NDA? You will still need to request permission directly from the client to display parts of the work or links to blog articles. Remember, the work belongs to your client, not you. What if I cannot get hold of the client, or they don't give me permission? In that case, here are a few ways you can work around this problem:   1. Use general descriptions: Provide a general overview of the project and the type of work you did without disclosing specific details or the client's name.   2. Showcase the genre/niche: Mention the genre of the book you worked on without revealing the title or the author's name. The same goes for the subject area or niche of the article you worked on.   3. Share the results: Highlight the book's success, such as whether it was a bestseller or received great reviews or if your blog article garnered many views or positive feedback. If it ranked high on Google's first page, definitely mention this.   4. Use before and after examples: Display excerpts of the writing before and after editing or rewriting without revealing the client's name or the book or blog's title. Use screenshots.   5. Create a page for ghostwritten projects: Create a separate page on your website for ghostwritten projects and password-protect it so only potential clients can view it. Example: Two pages from my writing portfolio on Wix. It is crucial to be transparent about the fact that certain projects in your portfolio are ghostwritten. This transparency will build trust with potential clients. You can also mention that you cannot disclose the client's name due to a non-disclosure or confidentiality agreement. With the right approach and respect for your client's rights, it is possible to showcase your work and build a strong portfolio.   Happy Portfolio Creating Shamila When I first ventured into the world of freelance content writing, I took on a few ghostwriting projects (books and articles). Since then, I've moved on, but I still refer to some of these projects in my portfolio. Knowing that I have a writing background helps to establish more confidence in my coaching and editing clients. I bring my author and writing experience into my coaching and editing work. Book a free 15-minute chat to discover how I can help you with your writing goals.

“I’m done writing my non-fiction book; what do I do now?” If you have already had your book professionally edited, the next step is to think about how you would like to publish your book. You can choose one of four publishing routes . If you still need to edit your manuscript, consider hiring an editor to help you polish it up before publishing. I think I learned most from editing, both editing myself and having someone else edit me. It's not always easy to have someone criticize your work, your baby. But if you can swallow your ego, you can really learn from the editing. ~Christopher Paolini “I’ve heard there are different types of freelance editors. How do I choose one?” What kind of editor do you need? There are four types of editing. Most editors specialize in one of the four types. For instance, I specialize in developmental editing, which includes content and structure. Developmental and line editing focus more on content, whereas copy editing and proofreading focus more on mechanical elements. Comprehensive editing (a service I sometimes offer) combines one or more of the four editing types. For example, line and copy editing. "What are the different stages of editing? Most successful books go through four stages of editing. Developmental Editing is the first stage, followed by Line Editing, then Copy editing, and finally Proofreading. I've put together a slide presentation that provides a detailed description of the different types and stages of editing to help you choose the right editor for your needs. The presentation includes an explanation of what is a manuscript evaluation and the functions of a manuscript reviewer. If you would like to learn more about which type of editing best suits you, feel free to contact me. An editor who is a mentor, advisor, and psychiatrist. Don't kid yourself—a good editor will make your book better. ~Guy Kawasaki Shamila Iyer - your content partner from idea to publication. Write. Edit. Coach.

Welcome to my writing tips blog! I'm thrilled to launch this new platform to share my thoughts, insights, and expertise with you. As a writer, editor, and author coach, I'm passionate about helping others bring their writing wishes to life. With this blog, I hope to offer you a window into my world and provide valuable tips, resources, and inspiration for your writing journey. Who am I? Before we dive into my world of writing, let me introduce myself. My name is Shamila Iyer, and I'm a writer and writing mentor with over a decade of experience in the industry. I've worked with writers of all genres and backgrounds, from first-time writers to seasoned professionals, and I'm committed to helping each of my clients achieve their unique writing goals. On my website, you'll find a range of services that can help turn your writing wishes into reality. Whether you're looking for one-on-one coaching to help you develop your ideas, manuscript editing to refine your writing, or author coaching to navigate the complex world of writing and publishing, I've got you covered. I offer a personalized approach to each project, taking the time to understand your needs and goals and providing customized solutions that meet your specific wishes. What can you expect from my blog? I'll be sharing insights on the writing process, tips for staying motivated and productive, advice on navigating the publishing landscape, and reflections on the joys and challenges of the writing life. I'll also be featuring interviews with other writers, editors, and publishing professionals, as well as book reviews and recommendations for great reads. Writing is a journey that requires patience, perseverance, and a willingness to learn and grow. And with the right support and guidance, anyone can achieve their writing dreams. Whether you're just starting out on your writing journey or you're a seasoned pro, I'm here to help you take your writing to the next level. Thank you for joining me on this journey; I look forward to sharing my accumulated knowledge and experiences with you in the coming weeks and months. If you're ready to take the next step in your writing journey, I invite you to explore my services and contact me to schedule a free consultation. Let's bring your writing wishes to life; together. Happy Writing! Your Content Solutionist formerly known as The Writing Genie. PS: Find over 90 of my bite-sized writing tips posts on LinkedIn .

Do you know the difference between a developmental editor, content editor, structural editor, line editor, copy editor, and proofreader? I bet you didn't realize there were so many different types of editing, right? To make it easier for you to decide which type of editor you need, I've put together a carousel outlining the different types and stages of editing. You can choose your editor based on your needs and the editing stage you are currently at in your book-writing journey. Browse through the sample gallery below or download and save the full 14-page PDF for future reference. Still not sure? Perhaps a manuscript evaluation and review will help. To find out more, book a free 15-minute clarity call. "The best advice on writing was given to me by my first editor, Michael Korda, of Simon and Schuster, while writing my first book. 'Finish your first draft and then we'll talk,' he said. It took me a long time to realize how good the advice was. Even if you write it wrong, write and finish your first draft. Only then, when you have a flawed whole, do you know what you have to fix." - Dominick Dunne

You started your year determined to meet your 2024 writing goals. In January, the ideas gushed out of you as fast as a burst water pipe. In February, you wished you could type as rapidly as your brain spat out the words. Then comes March … er … uhm, the flow has slowed considerably. Then nothing; the cursor's blinking, "I'm waiting," it seems to say accusingly. Writer's block got you? Every writer knows the struggle of staring at a blank page, waiting for inspiration to strike. Writer's block can be frustrating and demotivating, but it's a common hurdle you can overcome.   Conquering Writer's Block Try these tips to help you get past writer's block and get back to writing. Take a break Change your routine Change your environment Set realistic goals Use writing prompts Write freely Read for inspiration Chat with other writers Practice mindfulness Seek feedback Engage in the comments   1. Take a break I know, I know, everyone says 'take a break', but trust me stepping away from that blinking cursor for a short while does work. A study on the analysis of writer's block, found that the most common causes described by respondents were physiological and motivational. Writers stated that one of the most useful strategies for overcoming writer's block was to take a break from writing. Not sure what to do in this "break"? Try engaging in a different creative activity or do some stretching exercises. Physical activity can improve your mental clarity and focus. I find that a refreshing beach walk or pottering in the kitchen works for me. Giving your mind a break from your writing project helps refresh your creativity and perspective. Try a different creative or physical activity. 2. Change your routine If it's your habit to write in the mornings, try writing in the afternoon or evening instead. Switch it up for a week or two and see what happens. Sometimes a simple switch in routine can positively influence your creative processes.   3. Change your environment A change of scenery can do wonders for your creativity. Try writing in a different location, such as a coffee shop, park, library, or even a friend's patio. A new environment can stimulate your brain and inspire new ideas. A combination of a walk and a change of environment can work wonders. 4. Set realistic goals Break your writing task into smaller, manageable goals. Set a timer for 20-30 minutes and focus on writing without interruptions. Celebrate small victories to stay motivated.   5. Try writing prompts Writing prompts can help jumpstart your creativity. Use prompts to write about a different topic or explore a new genre. You might discover a new story idea or writing style.   6. Write freely Don't worry about writing perfectly. Permit yourself to write whatever comes to mind. The goal is to get words on the page, even if they're not perfect. You can always revise and edit later. Write first, edit later. 7. Read for inspiration Reading books, articles, or poems by writers you admire can spark new ideas and help you see things from a different perspective. Pay attention to the writing style, structure, and themes in the works you read. Read content in your genre, or explore something completely different.   8. Talk to other writers Join a writing group or connect with other writers online. Sharing your struggles and successes with fellow writers can provide encouragement and new insights.   9. Practice mindfulness Mindfulness techniques, such as meditation or deep breathing, can help calm your mind and reduce stress. A relaxed mind is more open to creative ideas. A book that helped me pick up some great breathing techniques Think Like a Monk , by Jay Shetty, is worth a read. Try some breathing techniques. 10. Seek feedback Getting feedback on your work can provide valuable insights and help you see your writing from a different perspective. Consider joining a writing workshop or hiring a writing coach for personalized feedback.   11. Engage in the comments Commenting is something that works for me when I scroll social media platforms. Dropping meaningful comments works particularly well for LinkedIn (where I spend most of my SM-allocated time). Reading posts that spark my interest enough to get me to drop a comment inspires me. Engaging gets the creative juices flowing again. New ideas are frequently born from the comments section of posts. Try it for yourself and see what happens.   Final Thoughts: Stay Positive Writer's block is a common challenge that all writers face at some point, but it is a temporary setback. Yes, it can be frustrating, but don't let it stop you from writing. Remember that every writer faces obstacles. Overcoming them makes you a stronger writer. By trying different strategies, staying consistent, and seeking support from other writers, you can overcome writer's block and continue your writing journey. The key is to experiment and find what works for you.   Happy Writing Shamila

I HAD NO IDEA WHERE TO START when I re-entered the World of Work almost three years ago after being a stay-at-home mum for 11 years. Me with my kids Matt and Kenya more than ten years ago Then my chiropractor told me about Upwork. He’d hired a ghostwriter through the platform. He knew I’d written a few books and wanted to explore the freelancing arena. So, I did some research and read up on the various freelancing platforms. Discovered some blogs run by successful freelance writers and registered on Upwork. Hmmm…they needed a profile photo and a profile. What I had was an old-fashioned CV. You see, I had not applied for a job in 15 years or more. The publishers I'd worked with usually approached me with a project. The online world was a foreign land to me. I had no cooking clue as to what I was doing. Nevertheless, it was time to step out of my extremely comfortable comfort zone and explore new territories. *** But wait, before I proceed with my story I need to throw in this aside for those of you who are frowning at my use of the term "stay-at-home mum." Yes, yes, I know the term is a bit outdated, but stay-at-home mum who wrote books when the kids went to bed at night is a bit of a mouthful. And I can't find another word to replace SAHM (only this acronym). Can you? *** From Comfort Zone to Stay-At-Home Mum Freelancer Now where was I? Oh yes, my chiropractor suggested Upwork. So, I gave it a shot. I hastily put together a profile for Upwork . My daughter snapped a couple of pics for my profile. Someone in one of those blogs I read mentioned LinkedIn for jobs, so I quickly put together a LinkedIn profile too. I’d registered 100 years ago and promptly forgot about it. After sending out a few proposals on Upwork, I realized that: 1. The ten books I had co-authored while I was a stay-at-home mum did not matter. 2. My 20 years of experience as a lecturer of Business English, SBM, and Management Communication did not matter. 3. My three years of Educational Management experience did not matter. 4. All the qualifications I had gathered over the years did not matter. 5. The admiration family and friends had for my organizational and multi-tasking skills did not matter. 6. Knowing how to put together killer themed birthday parties for kids did not matter. It soon became evident to me that Upwork was to be my most humble and leveling playing field. The competition was tough; I had to get off my high horse and jump into the trenches to win. In other words, start from scratch. Stay-at-home mum freelancer (Mumlancer?) Five-dollar project Do you know what my first job was on Upwork? Despite all my experience and qualifications, a 5-dollar proofreading job for Instagram posts. Yup. I applied, got the job, and got a great 5-star review. Kept the same client for over two years (the second image). Feedback from Maria after job 1 Feedback from Maria two years later and my feedback to her The first review led to the next excellent review and another returning client. This was for a series of summary workbooks I completed for a publisher based on bestseller non-fiction books. Feedback from Publisher Client after two books Feedback from Publisher client after the 4th book My feedback to Publisher client above In my first two months on Upwork, I sent out 48 proposals which resulted in 6 jobs. In the next 12 months, I focused on learning as much as I could. I read every tip I could find online. Watched every YouTube video on writing proposals and winning jobs on Upwork. Always be learning I polished up my writing, editing, and proofreading skills. I learned everything there was to learn about SEO (a completely foreign concept to me then.) I didn’t even know what B2B and B2C stood for. And I worked! Between the learning and the low-paid content writing jobs that demanded an article every day, I worked! From 8 am to 10 pm (later sometimes) and over the weekends, I hunched over my desk. (My chiro started seeing me more often and my gym less often.) I slogged. There was so much to learn! But the more I wrote, the more I learned, and my SEO article writing improved. My posture didn’t, but let’s worry about one thing at a time. As for my social life – don’t even go there. My superpowers – I love to read, I absorb information rapidly, and research is my passion. My other powers – I am stubborn, determined, and never give up. In those 12 months, I sent out 108 proposals. Yup, 108! Some of those were client invites. I got 15 of those contracts. Yes, that’s right, 15 out of 108. But after the first five, the rest were big projects, good stuff, and by now, I could pick and choose which clients I wanted to work with and the projects I was comfortable doing. Feedback from some of my Upwork clients The complicated ones are the best Last year, I upped my activity on LinkedIn, and by the end of 2022, I started getting clients from LinkedIn too. That same year I sent out 52 Upwork proposals. This year I’ve sent out 29 proposals and received 78 invites which I’ve turned down or passed on to other writers in my network. Why am I not accepting invites I would have killed to get two years ago, you wonder? The answer is simple - I changed my niche. My focus has changed direction while remaining within the scope of my experience and qualifications. And this is why I started sending out proposals again. But this time, I carefully pick the ones I will accept. My weakness – I do not like to be bored. So, I look for the most challenging job posts or invites. (A long way from my comfort zone!) The ones I know are going to be tough. Those are the ones that nobody else in the niche wants to tackle because they appear complicated. But I love those types of jobs. Have you noticed how they often come with great clients? Love what you do Which brings me to another point. Bear with me, dear reader, my ramble is almost over. The most important takeaway I have to share from the past 2.5 years is this: care for your clients and let your passion for what you do show. I love what I do and always develop a wonderful relationship with every client because we are both passionate about their project. And it shows. When you love what you do, the extra mile is not extra. It’s part of who you are. Part of a review from one of my top author clients. This project included a manuscript review, developmental editing, research, rewrites, coaching, and general editing. What are some key takeaways for you from this article? 1. You have to start somewhere, even if you have to start from the bottom again. Start. 2. Never stop learning and improving your game. 3. Client feedback is important , so do your best to get good feedback. 4. Develop a good client relationship and provide honest feedback in return. 5. Trying out a few different niches when you are starting is okay. Establish yourself first, develop a good reputation, and then think about narrowing down your niche. 6. Giving up is a luxury. Don’t even think about quitting. 7. You don’t need to pay for information. It is freely available through multiple channels. You can find everything you need to know through blogs, YouTube videos, Pinterest , and LinkedIn. 8. Do what you love. Find a way to make it profitable. And love what you do. 9. Let your passion for what you do show in your work, your client calls, and your posts. 10. Go the extra mile – it pays off. Yes, I've been around for a while. So I know a few things. 😉 Need help with your writing? Let’s chat about how I can help you level up your writing to produce content that: - captivates - engages and - moves your target audience to take action. I provide writing, editing, and book coaching services. Pirate Shamila - courtesy of a good friend I met on LinkedIn. The pic was in support of a bullying campaign. Shamila Iyer From learner to lecturer to learning materials designer to mum to author to ghostwriter to beardless pirate to writing mentor, editor, and book coach. PS: Shoutout to my hubby Andy Ogle for being my sounding board and listening to all my frustrations and complaints about how I “can’t do this.” Thank you, I appreciate you. And to my Gen Z kids, Matt and Kenya Ogle, for patiently explaining all the new tech jargon to this Gen X dinosaur. Love you guys.

Writing stories that captivate and engage your audience from start to finish is essential for any writer. Using the active voice makes your writing more concise, clear, and direct. How you tell your story can make all the difference in its effectiveness. When you write in an engaging way, people will want to read what you have to say. They'll be more likely to share your content with others, look forward to your subsequent publication, and return to your blog or website repeatedly. Don't underestimate the power of the active voice in storytelling. Using an active voice helps you tell a story that sticks in people's minds and keeps them engaged. In this article, we'll explore the power of the active voice in storytelling and why you should stay away from the passive voice. What is the Active Voice? Active voice is a type of grammar that makes the subject of the sentence stand out as the one who does the action. The passive voice spotlights the receiver of the action, which is the object of the sentence. For example, “ The chef prepared a delicious five-course meal for her guests ,” with the chef serving as the subject. This is the active voice. In contrast, the sentence, “A delicious five-course meal was prepared for the guests by the chef”, is written in a passive voice because it spotlights the object delicious five-course meal. The Role of The Active Voice in Storytelling In storytelling, an active voice: makes your characters the doers of the action, adding depth and dimension to their personalities, makes your story more relatable and engaging for your audience, who can empathize with the characters and feel connected to the story, makes your writing more engaging and compelling, makes your sentences more straightforward and to the point, emphasizes the action and makes the story come alive, creates a sense of urgency and momentum, keeps the story moving forward, and creates a feeling of excitement and anticipation in the reader. Active voice in storytelling also helps to create more vivid images in the reader's mind. You paint a clear picture of what's happening in the story. Your audience can imagine the action and become invested in the story's outcome. It creates a sense of urgency, momentum, involvement, and vivid imagery, immersing your audience in the experience and allowing them to feel like active participants in the story rather than passive observers. Example 1: Emily's heart raced with fear as the sun set behind the mountains. She was lost in the wilderness, miles away from civilization, and her phone was dead. Her hiking trip had taken a dangerous turn when she wandered off the trail, and now she had no idea how to return. With each passing moment, she knew her chances of survival dwindled. Emily had to think fast and devise a plan before it was too late. She took a deep breath and started running, hoping to find a way out of the woods before nightfall. Example 2: It's easy to get caught up in the craziness of today's world and lose sight of what's essential. Spending a few minutes each day to pause, reflect, and practice mindfulness can significantly influence your mental and emotional health. This daily routine can help you become more present, grounded, and prepared to face obstacles. So put your phone down, step away from your computer, and take a few deep breaths. You'll be surprised at how much of a difference it can make. By using active verbs and focusing on the subject of the sentence, the writer can craft dynamic, engaging, and memorable stories, driving the narrative forward. This makes your audience feel like they are in the thick of the action. The Benefits of The Active Voice in Storytelling Using the active voice in your storytelling has several benefits. We’ll take a closer look at three of them: 1. Direct and Persuasive The active voice is direct and persuasive, making it easier for your audience to follow the story and understand its purpose. When your characters do the action, your audience can easily follow the story's flow, and the action becomes more compelling. 2. Evocative The active voice is evocative, allowing you to create a sense of emotion and urgency in your storytelling. You can capture your audience's attention and keep them engaged in the story's experience, allowing them to feel the characters' emotions. 3. Motivating The active voice motivates and inspires your audience to take action. When you craft a story that resonates with your audience, they are more likely to take action based on the story's message. Five Tips for Identifying Passive Voice in Writing 1. Look for forms of the verb "to be": Passive voice often uses a form of the verb "to be," such as "is," "are," "was," "were," "been," or "being." When you come across one of these words, see if the sentence focuses on the subject performing the action or the object receiving the action. 2. Check for prepositions: Passive voice may also use prepositions like "by" or "of" to indicate who performed the action. For example, "A successful fundraiser to support a local charity was organized by the students" is passive. In contrast, "The students organized a successful fundraiser to support a local charity" is active. 3. Look for a lack of clarity about who is performing the action: In passive voice, the subject or doer of the sentence may be unclear or absent. If it's not clear who is performing the action in the sentence, it may be written in passive voice. For example: "Freelancers are being scammed on Upwork." 4. Consider the tone and style of the writing: Passive voice often creates a more distant, detached tone in writing. If your writing feels less engaging or less direct, it may be because you're using passive voice. 5. Read your writing aloud: Reading your story aloud can help you identify instances of passive voice more easily. If a sentence feels awkward or unclear when spoken aloud, you may have written it in passive voice. Use Strong Verbs Strong verbs are crucial to writing in an active voice. This will help your audience to envision the scene and experience the story's action. Use strong verbs to emphasize the action in your story. Verbs that describe your characters' actions create a sense of movement and make them as specific and vivid as possible. This will help your audience visualize the scene and experience the story's action. Strong verbs such as "ran," "jumped," and "screamed" make the story come alive and add energy to your writing. Avoid using weak verbs such as "was," "is," and "were." These verbs add little to the story and can make it feel flat and uninteresting. They lack specificity and fail to convey the full range of emotions, actions, and descriptions needed to bring a story to life. Weak verbs can also create distance between the reader and the story's characters, making it harder for them to empathize and connect with the narrative. For example, let's consider the following story excerpt that uses weak verbs: Samantha was walking down the street when she saw a dog. The dog was cute and friendly. Samantha was happy to see the dog and went to pet it. While this story is grammatically correct, it feels dull and lacks depth. The weak verbs fail to convey Samantha's emotions or the dog's personality, making it hard to connect with the story. Let's rewrite the same story using stronger verbs and more descriptive language: As Samantha strolled down the street, she caught sight of a scruffy terrier wagging its tail on the sidewalk. The dog bounded up to her, its tongue lolling out in a panting grin. Samantha's heart swelled with delight as she reached to scratch behind the pup's ears. By using more specific and evocative verbs like "strolled," "caught sight," "bounded," and "swelled," the story comes alive with imagery and emotion. Readers can easily picture Samantha's actions and reactions, creating a more immersive and engaging reading experience. When drafting your stories, take the time to choose your verbs carefully and consider how they impact the overall tone and effect of the narrative. Avoid using weak verbs and opt for stronger, more descriptive ones that bring your story to life. How to Avoid Passive Voice in Storytelling Remember I mentioned earlier that there are two voices in English: the active and the passive voice. While the active voice carries your readers along, the passive voice speaks to those at the back, the detached audience. I also gave you tips for identifying the passive voice in your writing. The question now is, how do you avoid passive voice? Here are 5 easy tips to avoid passive voice: focus on using active verbs and putting the subject at the forefront, make sure your sentence structure follows the subject-verb-object format, focus on describing actions and events as they happen, avoid using "to be" verbs excessively, vary sentence length and structure to keep the story flowing smoothly. Following these techniques can help create a more engaging and active story that draws readers in and keeps them hooked. If you must use passive voice, ensure it serves a purpose and helps convey the desired tone or message. Using an active voice and being intentional with the passive voice can bring your storytelling to life and keep your readers engaged from beginning to end. Here are a few examples of passive and active voice: Passive Voice: A new product was designed by the company that exceeded all expectations. Active Voice: The company designed a new product that exceeded all expectations. Passive Voice: The complex theory was explained by the professor in a way that all the students could understand. Active Voice: The professor explained the complex theory in a way that all the students could understand. Passive Voice: The world record in the 100-meter dash was broken by the athlete. Active Voice: The athlete broke the world record in the 100-meter dash. The active voice emphasizes the action and makes the story come alive, while the passive voice makes it seem dull and unengaging. Conclusion In conclusion, the use of active voice in storytelling has a remarkable impact on the effectiveness of the narrative. You should not overstate the power of the active voice, whether you are writing fiction or non-fiction. It is a vital tool that every writer should use to create engaging and memorable stories that will resonate with readers long after they have finished reading and encourage them to act. The active voice can help create a more immersive experience as you craft a heartwarming narrative, or a thrilling adventure, leaving a lasting impression on the audience. So, the next time you're crafting a story, remember the power of active voice and the remarkable impact it can have on the effectiveness of your narrative. Don't be afraid to take risks, experiment with your writing style, and embrace the power of the active voice to bring your stories to life! About the Author Hi, I'm Boluwatife Segun-Oluwayomi. Friends call me Tife. I am an eagle-eyed copy editor with more than a decade of experience working with authors, professionals, students, and brands to ensure their work sparkles. My love for grammar and attention to detail have become my career paths, making me a highly sought-after professional in the industry. My dedication to excellence has fostered a culture of success, training others to meet the same high standards I have set for myself.

In a time where AI writing tools are pervasive, freelance writers must constantly be at the top of their game. With AI on the rise, there is no chance for mediocrity in our line of work anymore. And to continue getting hired as a freelance writer, you must approach each project with a human touch and aim to write a better post than AI. Learning to write compelling blog posts isn’t only necessary for you to keep getting projects as a writer but is also important for your client's business. The efforts and content marketing strategies of your clients will most likely fail if you aren’t able to write compelling articles for their blogs. And what good are the blogs of your clients if the content doesn't inspire readers to take actions that will benefit their business? It, therefore, becomes necessary for you as a writer to learn the art of crafting great blog posts. Posts that command actions from readers to help your clients thrive in their businesses. This guide aims to provide you with best practices to plan and write blog posts that are compelling enough for readers to take favorable actions. What's in this guide? 1. Identify and Understand Your Audience 2. Defining Your Purpose 3. Crafting Captivating Headlines 4. Structuring Blog Posts for Maximum Impact 5. Enhancing On-Page SEO in Blog Posts 6. Using Storytelling to Engage Readers 7. Editing and Polishing Your Blog Posts 8. Conclusion Identify and Understand Your Audience The very first step you must take when it comes to writing a compelling blog post is to identify and understand your target audience. This is one of the fundamental rules of content marketing. And that is because every business has a unique target audience. Even businesses in the same industry tend to target different audiences; therefore, it is important not to assume the same audience for every project you work on. Especially for freelancers who have niched down to a specific industry. For instance, suppose you have two clients in the cannabis industry. Both clients can have target audiences that are entirely different from each other. This is why you need to, first of all, identify and understand the target audience of each client. Alternatively, your clients could have different products that target different audiences. Another reason for identifying your target audience is that it provides you with direction. Once you identify and understand your target audience by getting to know their interests, demographics, pain points, and so on, your tone of voice, your writing style, and your choice of words can be easily defined. Furthermore, identifying the “who” also helps you define the “why” of your blog post. Defining Your Purpose When you are able to answer the “why” question, things become more clear. Is the blog post meant to educate, inform, entertain, or persuade readers? Since your tone of writing differs depending on the purpose of the blog post, it is important to take time to define its purpose. For instance, a post meant to educate on a particular topic will have a different tone of voice and choice of words from a post meant to persuade readers to buy a product or sign up for a certain service. The latter will have a persuasive tone. Crafting Captivating Headlines You've probably heard that posts' headlines play a major role in how well they perform, and that is very true. The headline of a blog post is a call to action. It is the first CTA of any post, meaning your headline should be able to compel people who come across it to click on it and read your article. Why Are Headlines Important? Four items appear on a Google search result page for each webpage on the page. The website's title, the URL, the brief meta description that provides information about the post, and the words that are boldly written in blue. Among these four things, guess the one that is screaming, “Click me, I’m important”? It is the headline. This is what draws attention to the article and gets clicks if it is compelling enough. If the headline fails to get clicks, the article ultimately suffers. Elements of an Effective Headline What makes a headline a “show-stopper”? A headline that performs well mostly contains the following elements: Power words, Numbers or statistics, Creates curiosity, or Poses questions. Use of Power Words or Phrases Power words or phrases are words that are capable of commanding readers' attention and triggering them to take action, like clicking on a headline or an ad or sharing a post they came across with their network. Power words are believed to trigger psychological or emotional responses, which is why a single power word in your headline or CTA can increase your click-through rate. For example, adding a power word like free or cheap creates a perception of value and emphasizes affordability, which can be a great way of increasing your click-through rate. For a detailed list of SEO power words to use in your headlines, check out this article by Thimpress . Incorporating Numbers or Statistics Headlines with numbers have been proven to resonate with readers, which is why you shouldn’t hesitate to use them. Numbers also tend to trigger a psychological response from readers. Numbers help to quantify your content, giving readers an insight into what to expect if they click on the headline. Numbers also spark the curiosity of readers. For instance, if a reader comes across a headline that reads “13 unique ways for driving traffic to your website”, such a headline can make a reader curious as to what those 13 ways might be, especially if they know just five ways of driving traffic to their website. Creating Curiosity Another way you can increase the click-through rate of your headlines is by creating curiosity. For instance, you can hint at a solution to a common problem or state a surprising fact that will leave readers wanting more. You can also use descriptive adjectives like “life-changing,” “mind-blowing,” “bizarre,” “unbelievable,” and so on. Posing Questions The structure of your headline can add more appeal. For instance, when you structure your headline as a question, it makes readers feel like you understand them. After all, most people type their search queries as questions. The "what," "how,” “when," and “why” being typed on Google are all opportunities for you to answer the queries of your target audience using your headlines and the content of the post. Having a question in your headline also makes the readers reflect and try to answer it even before they click to read the article. Numerous studies show headlines with questions tend to have a high click-through rate. Tools for Headline Generation If your headline doesn’t compel clicks, your content suffers, so here are five free tools that you can utilize to write better headlines. Answer the Public – free and basic to use, but great for generating headlines. One focus keyword or keyphrase can produce a bank of blog ideas and headline suggestions. Google Auto-Suggests – Google’s auto-suggestions on your focus keyword are topics that your audience is actively searching for answers to. Headline Studio by CoSchedule – Apart from their nice and user-friendly interface, they provide you with suggestions and an AI tool to make your headline stronger. Headline Analyzer by MonsterInsights – This free tool also helps you with suggestions and provides you with a list of power words and ways to improve your headlines. Sharethrough Headline Analyzer – This headline analyzer allows you to compare various versions of your headline so you can pick the one with a better score. Structuring Blog Posts for Maximum Impact Have you come across blog posts that make reading tedious? Well, I have, and guess what I do? I bolt as fast as I can. I won’t let a blog post shatter my reading spirit, not when I know I can get the same relevant information from another page that has thought of my “reading feelings” before hitting the publish button. In the same way, I leave those pages without reading all of their content, your audience will also leave and not read your article if you don’t structure it in a way that makes it easy to grasp the information in the post. The fact is that blog posts and other online content are structured differently. Unlike academic or research papers, newspapers, or books, blog posts are structured in a way that makes reading as seamless as possible. This is due to the numerous distractions available online, so you need to focus on keeping your readers' interest and avoid boring them. You can structure the post for easier reading by dividing it into three sections — the introduction, the body content, and the conclusion. Introduction Your blog post introduction should do two things — the first is to hook your readers, and the second is to establish and state the purpose of the post. While headlines are important, so is the introduction to your article. Your introduction could be the reason someone stays on your page or leaves. If they leave the page, it indicates that either your introduction didn’t intrigue them enough to read the rest of the content or that it stated a purpose different from what the headline promised. It is important for your introduction to quickly establish the post's purpose in a way that will pique readers' interest so that they want to continue reading. Body Content When it comes to the body of your blog post, you want to make it as easy as possible for your readers to read and digest the content of the post. Thanks to paragraphs, subheadings, and white spaces, you can structure the body of your content to improve scannability and readability. You can also improve the readability of your content by incorporating relevant examples, anecdotes, or case studies. Examples help you paint a clearer picture for your audience and also help break down complex ideas. You should also make sure the flow of the post isn’t interrupted by drifting away from the subject. Conclusion Conclusion, key takeaways, final thoughts — title it however you want. This part of your blog post is mostly a summary of your whole blog post. It is also the part that mostly contains your CTA or directs your readers on the next steps to take. By following these best practices for structuring your blog posts, you make them easy to read and digest for your audience. Enhancing On-Page SEO in Blog Posts Although Google’s newest algorithm prioritizes relevant content, there are still some SEO practices you need to follow for your blog posts to perform better in search results. Think of SEO as structuring your blog post for search engines just as you structure your post for your audience to be able to easily read and scan through your content for the information they need. Why On-Page SEO is Important for Blog Posts You must follow search engines' rules for your blog posts to be prominently displayed on a search engine results page. Search engines basically expect you to follow two rules. The first is to produce relevant content, and the second is to optimize your content for search engines. When you follow the rules, search engines love you for it and tend to prioritize your blog post by showing it to those who are actively searching for content like the one you have published. Hence, you must always optimize your blog posts for search engines if you want them to perform well in searches. Keyword Research and Optimization What are some other keywords and long-tail phrases related to your focus keywords? You must be able to identify such keywords so you can incorporate them into your blog post along with your focus keywords. Interestingly, there are free tools out there that you can install on your computer to give you related keywords or long-tail phrases whenever you type your focus keyword in Google. Two of these free tools are: Keyword Surfer Keywords Everywhere With any of these free Chrome extensions on your computer, you can get keyword suggestions when you type in your focus keywords on Google. Remember that the key to incorporating keywords in your post is to do it naturally. It isn’t advisable to forcefully add keywords to your post. Search engine bots can penalize you for stuffing keywords in your post just to rank high. Optimizing Meta Tags, URLs, and Image Alt Tags SEO tools like Yoast and Rank Math all highlight these elements — meta descriptions, URLs, and alt tags. These tools consider the three elements mentioned above when it comes to giving your blog post an SEO score, which means they also contribute their quota to the search rankings of posts. Although Google's algorithm might not take meta descriptions into account, they are still displayed on search results pages. They may not be a ranking factor, but they can increase your click-through rate. So make sure to add creative descriptions with your target keywords and keep it under 160 characters. Rank Math SEO tool suggests you also write a URL under 75 characters with your focus keywords and add alt texts to the images in your blog posts. Preferably, at least one of your image alt texts should also contain your focus keyword. Utilizing Internal and External Links Another important aspect of on-page SEO is links. Linking to external sources tells Google you have performed your research and are knowledgeable about the topic you are writing on. Linking from one page to another on your website gives authority to the pages being linked to. Internal linking also helps Google index new pages on a website faster. Using Storytelling to Engage Readers Storytelling doesn’t only apply to fiction writing. Non-fiction writing, such as blog posts, also uses storytelling to get readers more intrigued. After all, who doesn’t love a good story? The Power of Storytelling in Blog Posts A good story is capable of hooking your readers and getting them to read every single word of your blog post. Stories are what transform boring guides into fun, digestible bites of information. They are what make us forget our exhaustion and bury our heads in books till 3:30 a.m. Stories are powerful, and you don’t need to be one of the greatest storytellers out there to incorporate them into your blog posts. Using stories can aid in creating unique and memorable content. You can start incorporating stories into your post by using anecdotes, client or customer experiences, or even your personal experiences. Remember to use active voice when telling your story. This makes it more engaging, interesting and gives it a smooth flow. For more ideas on how to incorporate storytelling techniques into your non-fiction content, check out this post by The Writing Genie. Balancing Storytelling with Informative or Educational Aspects Remember that you need to strike a balance between your engaging story and providing informative or educational content. Your audience still needs to be able to understand the core message of your blog post. You can strike a balance between your story and your blog post by aligning the story with the main topic. That is, you need to ensure that the story is relevant to the topic and that you are using examples strategically to supplement the informative aspect of the post. Also, try to maintain clarity and coherence. Make sure your story still flows and is structured in a way that guides readers through the narrative. It should keep them engaged while they understand the core message of the post. Editing and Polishing Your Blog Posts Every first draft needs thorough editing. It is the crucial last step that cannot be ignored. If you are afraid to edit and cut off the part of your first draft that messes up the rest of your content, then you cannot expect to arrive at a great article. You must be willing to cut out all the fluff in your content, even if it reduces your word count. Editing: Best Practices Cut-out fluff words – These are words that, when cut off, the sentence still maintains its meaning. Words such as really, very, actually, that, etc. Proofreading for grammar, spelling, and punctuation errors – One of the things that put most readers off is the sight of grammatical errors or spelling mistakes. This is why you need to proofread your work repeatedly to ensure it is free of such errors. You can choose to use tools like Grammarly, Hemingway Editor, and Pro Writing Aid to help with grammatical corrections and spelling errors. You can also give your post to a colleague or friend to proofread to be sure you aren’t missing anything. Streamlining sentences and paragraphs for clarity and conciseness – Go through your sentences and paragraphs to verify they are short and clear. Divide sentences that are too long to read. Seeking feedback and revising as necessary – When you are done editing, submit for your client’s review and be willing to accept feedback and make changes. For 25 quick self-editing tips, check out this post . Conclusion Crafting a compelling blog post begins with understanding the target audience for the post you are writing. In addition, the purpose of the post will give you better insight into the tone of voice and choice of words to use. The headline of your blog post is important and determines whether readers will click on it. However, a great blog post needs more than just a compelling headline; it also needs relevant content that has been structured for easy readability and scannability. The editing stage is the stage that polishes your content and gets it ready for your audience, and it is a stage that needs extra focus so you don’t miss anything. Keep in mind that being able to craft compelling blog posts isn’t something that happens overnight. It takes a lot of practice and experimenting with different techniques to find your unique voice and writing style. So keep writing and experimenting until you find what works for you. About the Author Hi, I’m Elfrida , a freelance content writer for hire. When it comes to my work, I am passionate about two things – crafting compelling blog posts and helping my clients rank their websites for relevant keywords with decent search volumes. When I'm not working, I enjoy taking long walks and spending time with loved ones. Connect with me on LinkedIn , where I share my experiences as a freelance content writer.