Blog by Toby Welch

How to Keep Editors Happy, Part 2

November 23rd, 2019
Here are even more ways to stay on an editor’s good side: - Never, never, never mention how much your mother or your best friend loves your work. - If an editor rejects your story or pitch, say thanks and move on. Do not try to convince the editor to change his mind. - Avoid being cutesy. Letters with animal stickers and manuscripts tied with ribbons and fake flowers won’t win you any poin ...

How to Keep Editors Happy, Part 1

November 16th, 2019
Editors are often the ticket to a writer getting published. Having them on your side is vital. Here are suggestions on how to get on an editor’s good side, compiled from men and women who hold the job: - When pitching an idea to a book or magazine editor, do your research; make sure what you are proposing is in their scope of work. Don’t query a safety magazine an idea about doll houses. Don ...

Habits of Famous Writers

November 10th, 2019
Here are some habits of literary geniuses: Truman Capote had to write lying down on his bed or couch with a pencil in one hand and a drink in the other. The drinks each day ran the gamut from coffee to mint tea to sherry and finally martinis. John Grisham as a beginning writer would be at his desk at 5:30 a.m., his first cup of coffee in hand. William Faulkner had to have whiskey around wh ...

Thoughts on Coming Up With a Title

November 3rd, 2019
What if you’re stumped and can’t think of a title, even a mediocre one? Give brainstorming a try. Find a quiet spot and grab a piece of paper and your favorite writing instrument, one that allows you to write fast. Close your eyes and think about your book for a couple minutes. Run through it chronologically in your mind. When you get to the end, open your eyes and jot down the first 20 title ...