In her eagerness to sell books, our much-published writer almost signed contracts that would have hurt her writing career and spirit. Her advice may spare you such pain.

As a 911 emergency-response dispatcher, the author found herself turning to writing as a way to cope with the stress. It led to a published memoir.

When a magazine freelancer began work on her memoir, it was like a sprinter needing to learn how to go the distance.

In the second installment of our new bimonthly column, our writer critiques the opening of a story that aims to show an artist’s gloomy mood upon descending into New York City.

Kathi Appelt, an acclaimed children’s author and writing teacher, tells how to engage young people across multiple genres.

Isn't it time you got beyond awesome and incredible? Our wordsmith will upgrade your descriptive powers.

Turn the problem-solving methods of professional mediators inside out to give your work subtlety and complexity.

Call it people skills, or call it emotional intelligence. Whatever it is, it’s a vital part the formula for success in the publishing world.

Burnout is an occupational hazard for always-hustling freelance writers. We asked four of them what they’ve learned about how to avoid it—while still finding success.

Sometimes certain “rules” of freelancing—such as “Never turn down an assignment” and “Never send queries to multiple publications”—should be tossed aside, our writer argues.

How a self-employed writer-editor has learned to work her connections and keep the jobs coming.

Peter Abrahams—Stephen King’s favorite suspense novelist—has forged a successful three-decade writing career wearing three literary hats.

Hearing your words is a great way to detect bad phrasing, rhythm, pacing and more.

Follow these 12 tips for an agreement that smooths over any problems that may arise.

Earn reputable bylines and professional rates by targeting magazine websites. Here’s how.

This month’s spotlight is on the literary journal The Fourth River, describing its tone, preferences and contributors.

The Novelists's Lexicon: Writers on the Words That Define Their Work, edited by Villa Billet/Le Monde, and One Word: Contemporary Writers on the Words They Love or Loathe, edited by Molly McQuade

Euphemania: Our Love Affair With Euphemisms by Ralph Keyes

The Writer's Guide to Psychology: How to Write Accurately About Psychological Disorders, Clinical Treatment and Human Behavior by Carolyn Kaufman

This month, a list of writing contests to enter this year, plus upcoming conferences and, in Market Q&A, helpful tips from contest administrator Stacy Bodziak.

For the prolific James Reasoner, author of more than 200 novels, “A lot of my skill just comes from being an avid reader.”