Archive:

The Writing Craft

How Many Words in a Book? Your Guide to Fiction and Nonfiction Book Word Counts

December 8, 2025

  Want Jerry as Your Mentor? Learn More As a reader, I’ve never felt a good book was too long, even more than a thousand pages. And I’ve never found a bad book short enough. One of the most common questions writers ask me: “How long should my manuscript be?” Well, different publishers look for […]

Read More

How to Format Your Manuscript (Even If You Hate Computers)

December 8, 2025

Before an Acquisitions Editor or an Agent reads a word of your manuscript they can tell if it’s properly formatted. That’s crucial. Why? It’s about more than looks. Sure, they’re going to decide on buying your work largely on the writing and market potential. So why is formatting so important? Any errors will have to […]

Read More

Creative Writing 101

December 8, 2025

  Want Jerry as Your Mentor? Learn More You love to write and have been told you have a way with words. So you’ve decided to give writing a try—creative writing. The problem is, you’re finding it tougher than you thought it would be. You have a great story idea, but you’re not sure how […]

Read More

How to Improve Your Writing Skills: 15 Simple Tips

December 8, 2025

Would you believe that even after writing and publishing nearly 200 books, including 21 New York Times bestsellers, I still take daily steps to hone my writing skills? Whether you’re a beginner or have been at it for decades as I have, writing well takes work. No shortcut, no secret sauce will turn you into […]

Read More

Finding the Best Creative Writing Blogs on the Internet

December 8, 2025

Regardless how many books I’ve written or sold, if I’m not still educating myself about writing, I’m stagnating. My late mother taught me the value of life-long learning. Not only was she a piano teacher into her eighties, but she was also a piano student.  One of the most powerful learning tools today is the […]

Read More