How to Edit Your Own Manuscript

Just as it is dangerous to call your first draft “finished,” jumping into revising your work right away can hinder your creative juices. Learn how to improve your writing and increase your chances of getting published, while gaining confidence in knowing when to submit your manuscript to editors and publishers. You’ll gain key pointers in this
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The Essential Elements of a Book Proposal

The nuts and bolts of writing a book proposal. What publishers need and why. How to write one without letting it become a daunting task. A practical, hands on discussion. Based on Andy Roger’s essay on the same topic in Jot That Down. A.L. Rogers is an award-winning writer and an editor at HarperCollins Christian Publishing.
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Don’t Be a Mosquito! Organize your writing with a map

Do you get tangled up in your ideas when you write an article? Does one idea get too big and squeeze out five other ideas? Do your examples support one thesis? Learn from a pro about how to organize your article (or sermon or blog) with a writing map. If you train other writers, you
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12 Top Tips on Writing for Young Readers

Youth are our future leaders. How are you going to reach, shepherd and help shape their hearts and minds? In today’s digital world, content still matters. Learn the top tips on how to write compelling and engaging materials for young readers. Award-winning author Lawrence Darmani is also an entrepreneurial publisher  and the managing editor of
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How transparent should we be for our readers?

“Mom, are you writing about me again?” My daughter sounded offended. “Again everyone will look at me, ‘Are you the girl who doesn’t like to apologize?’” I hugged her and showed her the letter I was writing was not about her. But her question made me think—she had a right to be disappointed. I had
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The Challenge for American Christian Authors

By Dan Balow The majority of Christian books published every year are written in English by authors in the United States. U.S. Christian publishers in a billion dollar industry publish many thousands of new titles every year. Still, I am not sure all American authors who desire to have their books spread across the globe
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Rewriting Is Rewarding

By Lawrence Darmani It took me a long time to write the devotional article I had been assigned. When I submitted it, I was sure I had done my best, but my publishers pointed out several weaknesses and asked if I would rewrite it. In my writing life, I’ve discovered several secrets about rewriting: (1)
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Dare I? Of course, I don’t!

By Joan Campbell Fear has many facets, and recently I discovered an unexpected one, which has taken a sneaky hold of my life. I’m not quite sure how to shake it, but naming it may be a good start, so here goes. Not too long ago, I was reading an article on the psychology of
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Beware of these blunders in writing for children

Avoid these common misconceptions when writing children’s books. Award-winning children’s author Emily Lim shared these points in her recent MAI webinar, “Writing for Children: Commandments to follow & sins to avoid.” 1. Writing for children is easier than writing for adults. This is very far from the truth. Adults may be willing to stay with
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Interview: Award-winning Children’s Author Emily Lim

Author Emily Lim of Singapore offers insights on her journey as a writer and tips on writing for children in this exclusive interview with MAI. Enjoy this preview of her upcoming MAI webinar on May 20. MAI: Your children’s stories have great characters and story lines. How do you come up with your story ideas?
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