We get it. You have a burning passion to get those words out. You want to write that non-fiction book that will change someone’s life or share that novel that will keep readers turning the pages past bedtime. But how do you get a book out when you can’t even control the pile of laundry that seems to multiply like the feeding of the five thousand? 

Although it seems like it’s impossible to do it all and write the words in your heart, there are ways to make your burning dream a reality. It’s about taking advantage of the margins and pockets in your day to write down words. You don’t have to block out multiple unbroken hours in a day to write. It doesn’t have to be an overwhelming process that needs the right conditions to succeed. The key is believing in your dream enough to intentionally invest in the process instead of losing time with things like mindless scrolling on the internet. (I know, ouch!) 

Here are five helpful tips that you can do in only fifteen minutes that will turn you...

You’ve poured your sweat and tears—and lots of fuel in the form of coffee—into what you consider to be an amazing manuscript. Great job! But, now what? It’s no secret that publishing has shifted considerably over the past few years. With print-on-demand offering affordable printing options, and companies like Amazon KDP, Ingram Spark and Lulu serving as distributors, writers can release their books through an independent route with increasing ease. 

However, the on-ramp to traditional publishing is a bit more complex. It is a competitive process, with publishers receiving hundreds to thousands of manuscripts a year. Agents have increasingly become an important part of the publishing pipeline—gatekeepers that help traditional publishers with the sorting process. It may seem like a scary prospect to approach an agent, but they are meant to be your best advocate, depending on which publishing route you take.

Here are 5 questions to ask to help you know if you need an agent: 

1. Who is t...