Wondering if your novel is finally ready for publication? Our April issue is here to help.
Inside you’ll also find essential national resources for writing research, the winners of our 2019 flash contest, an open letter to the last typo standing in your manuscript, and plenty of products and prompts for poets – it is National Poetry Month in April, after all!
Features
Crossing the finish line
By Jack SmithIt’s easy to keep tinkering with a manuscript forever, but at some point, it’s time to cut the cord. Here’s how pro authors evaluate a novel to see if it’s ready for publication – and how you can, too.
Treasure hunt
By Jennifer L. BlanckFrom the Library of Congress to the Smithsonian Institution, national research resources abound for the curious writer. Here’s how to use them.
Words as medicine
By Melissa HartHow Oakland’s OG Rev aims to make the world a better place through verse.
Announcing the winners of our flash contest
By Mindy McGinnis, Keith Carter, and Kara DonadtWe invited readers to submit work in any genre – fiction or nonfiction – as long as the final submission fell under 1,000 words. Here are the first-, second-, and third-place winners of our 2019 contest.
Departments
Objects in Mirror are Closer Than They Appear
By Yi Shun LaiMake blind spots work for you.
The risk-free freelancer
By Pete CroattoBecoming a successful freelance writer means mastering both emotional and financial components.
Kaleidoscope
By Melissa HartBouchercon World Mystery Convention
By Melissa HartAlso in Every Issue
From the Editor
Take Note
Markets
How I Write
Richard Blanco