book publishing

Quantum Leaps in Storytelling: Elevate Your Sci-Fi Novel Game

Writing a compelling science fiction novel is all about blending imagination with thoughtful world-building, engaging characters, and thought-provoking themes. Whether you’re exploring distant galaxies or envisioning futuristic technologies, here are some tips to help you craft a standout science fiction story:

  1. Build a Consistent and Believable World
    Science fiction often involves creating entire universes, but no matter how outlandish your setting, it needs to be consistent. Think about the rules that govern your world, from politics to technology to social structures. Every element should make sense within the framework you’ve built, even if it’s fantastical!

  2. Blend Science with Imagination
    The best sci-fi books balance real science with speculative ideas. While you don’t need to be a scientist, grounding your story in plausible science (or a logical extension of current science) can make your world more immersive. At the same time, don’t be afraid to let your imagination run wild – sci-fi is about exploring the "what ifs."

  3. Focus on Human (or Alien) Nature
    At its heart, great sci-fi is about the human (or alien) experience, often set against futuristic backdrops. How does technology shape human relationships? What moral dilemmas arise from technological advancements? Even in space, characters should feel real, with motivations and emotions that readers can connect with.

  4. Incorporate Thought-Provoking Themes
    Sci-fi excels at exploring big questions – about humanity, society, technology, and the future. Consider how your story might explore themes like ethics, artificial intelligence, or environmental sustainability. Use your narrative to ask questions and challenge assumptions, but always tie these big ideas back to your characters’ journeys.

  5. Create a Strong Plot with Stakes
    Even in the most “out of this world” settings, your plot should have clear stakes. Whether it’s saving the world, navigating a personal crisis, or resolving an intergalactic conflict, ensure that the tension builds throughout the story. Sci-fi is all about exploration, but without stakes, your story could feel aimless.

  6. Use Technology as a Tool, Not a Crutch
    While gadgets and futuristic inventions are staples of sci-fi, they shouldn’t overshadow your characters or story. Technology should serve the plot or theme, not distract from it. Make sure your focus is on how the technology impacts the people and world around it, rather than just showing off inventions.

  7. Don’t Forget the Human Element
    Sci-fi can sometimes feel like it’s all about the futuristic setting or mind-bending concepts, but the best sci-fi novels are grounded in the human (or sentient) condition. Your readers should care about the characters and their struggles, whether they’re fighting off alien invaders or trying to make sense of their place in a rapidly changing world.

Writing science fiction gives you the freedom to explore new worlds, technologies, and ideas, but it’s the human stories within those worlds that truly make your novel stand out. So embrace the endless possibilities and dive into the unknown!

Selecting a Self-Publisher: A Guide for Authors

Here is an author question I received: I also always hear agents and editors saying that self-publishing is a bad choice for writers like me. I’ve heard stories in the news about self-published authors who have made it big, though – what about E.L. James?

 

Self-publishing can be such a heated topic to talk about.  Authors feel like the underdog no matter what, and that is understandable. The most important thing to remember is that you need to be an informed consumer. No matter which type of publishing you decide to pursue – traditional or self – you need to keep in mind that you will be a very small fish in a VERY large pond.  You just have to decide which pond you want to be in.

 

If your book has a very “niche” topic (i.e. “Growing Chrysanthemums in North Dakota” or “Tuning Your 1984 Steinway Piano”) or would attract a smaller audience (i.e. a collection of your grandfather’s barbecue recipes or a collection of letters sent between you and your husband) self-publishing is definitely  the best option for you. If you are a professional speaker and are planning on selling your book in the back of the room, self-publishing might be the best option for you, too. If you are prepared to spend every waking moment of your life on marketing and promotion, self-publishing might be a good choice for you as well.

 

However, you need to make sure you understand what you are getting into. Lots of self-publishing companies promise authors many things that they are unable to deliver on. No one can make you a New York Times bestseller, unless they are personally planning on buying thousands and thousands of copies of your book. They may advertise your book, but it may be in a teeny tiny ad with several other books. Just as you would want to choose the best agent for yourself, you want to make sure you choose the best self-publishing company for yourself.

 

You need to also keep in mind that the reason you heard about a self-published author hitting the big time is because it is a newsworthy – meaning if this happened all the time, you would not be hearing about it on the news.  Most self-published authors sell fewer than 50 books in their whole lifetimes.

 

So ask yourself – what do you think you need help with, when it comes to publishing? Is your book ready to publish, and all you want to do is get it uploaded and into the digital hands of readers? Or do you want a bit more hand-holding, with assistance in connection with editing, cover design, etc.?

 

To get you started, here is a list Reedsy put together of some of the best self-publishing companies to work with: https://blog.reedsy.com/best-self-publishing-companies/

 

When you have some contenders, you will also want to make sure you read up on the reputations of those companies. Websites like Predators and Editors (https://pred-ed.com/) and Writers Beware (https://www.sfwa.org/other-resources/for-authors/writer-beware/) are great places to start.

 

The steps to self-publishing are:

·      Write the book

·      Edit the book

·      Design the cover and layout

·      Publish

·      Market the heck out of your book

 

You can hire help for every one of those steps, both on your own and though the self-publishing company. (Most self-publishing companies have freelancers working for them who can help you with your editorial and design needs, for example.)

 

Curious as to how much everything might cost? Reedsy has another great resource on that: https://blog.reedsy.com/cost-to-self-publish-a-book/

 

Do you have a self-publishing success story to share? Or some great advice for newbies? Feel free to comment below.

 

To you and your book!

How to Build Suspense in Your Thriller Novel

Suspense is the lifeblood of any thriller. It keeps readers on the edge of their seats, eager to turn the next page. But how do you build that heart-pounding tension and keep your audience hooked? Here are some tips to master the art of suspense in your thriller: 

Create High Stakes

For suspense to truly resonate, your story needs high stakes. What will happen if the protagonist fails? Whether it’s a life-or-death situation, a personal loss, or a societal collapse, the consequences of failure should feel significant. The higher the stakes, the more invested readers will become in the outcome.

Master Pacing

Suspense thrives on pacing. Vary the speed of your scenes – slow down for moments of reflection or building tension, then speed up during moments of action or revelation. Short, punchy sentences during high-stakes scenes can create urgency, while longer passages can allow the tension to simmer before the next big twist.

Foreshadow and Drop Clues

Foreshadowing is a key tool for building suspense. Dropping small clues and hints about future events creates an underlying tension that keeps readers anticipating what will happen next. Just be careful not to give away too much too soon – keep them guessing!

Unreliable Narrators and Deception

An unreliable narrator can add layers of suspense, as readers can’t fully trust what they’re being told. Whether your protagonist is keeping secrets or misinterpreting events, this sense of uncertainty will leave readers questioning everything and craving more information.

Introduce Red Herrings

Throw in a few curveballs! Red herrings keep readers on their toes and make them second-guess their theories. Introduce suspects, motives, or events that seem important, only to reveal later that they were distractions. This keeps the suspense high as readers try to figure out what’s really going on.

Use Cliffhangers

Ending chapters (or scenes) with a cliffhanger is a tried-and-true method for building suspense. A character in danger, a mysterious discovery, or an unexpected twist will have readers rushing to the next page to see what happens.

Control the Reveal

Don’t give everything away at once. Keep secrets from your readers until the perfect moment to reveal them. The more you withhold and tease, the more suspense you create. Time your reveals to maximize the emotional impact and drive the plot forward.

Thrillers are all about building tension, creating uncertainty, and giving readers just enough to keep them hooked – but never enough to let them relax. Master the art of suspense, and you’ll have readers hanging on to every word!

The Quick and Dirty Guide to Writing an Awesome Query Letter

When you are pitching your book project to literary agents, the first thing you will send over is a query letter. With this letter (usually an email, but in letter form), you are “querying” to see if they would be interested in hearing more about you and your book. Your query letter introduces them to your book, the potential readers of your book, and you and your qualifications as an author.

To begin with, query letters should not be longer that a single page, single spaced.  (Usually less than 450 words, but the number of words is less important than the quality of them.)

Now let’s get into the structure:

The intro, or “housekeeping” – Your book’s genre, word count (if you’re writing fiction), and title.  You can also personalize this section by explaining why you are reaching out to this particular agent/editor.  While this section is necessary to pass along specific information, you can also inject a bit of flair here.

The “hook” – A description of your story, major plotlines, and character development.  Usually about 150-300 words.  Who is your main character?  What journey is she on?  If you’re writing a nonfiction book, present your main argument and supporting ideas. is not supposed to be a summary of every single thing – that you can be saved for the synopsis.

The bio – An introduction to you, and any relevant information that speaks to your qualities as a writer.  (If you have an MFA, mention it, but if you are a retired FBI agent and are writing a thriller, your job history is absolutely relevant.)  Mention any publication credits, special research you’ve done (if you spent a year in the jungle and your book is set in the rainforest, for example), and any major awards you’ve won.

The closing – your thank you.

Make sure that you do your research, both for the agents/editors to whom you are going to send your book, and how they want to receive your book (this information is generally on the agency/company’s website).  Some agents want you to send your first 30 pages immediately, some want to request it based on your query.  Depending on the size of the company you are reaching out to, hundreds of queries might be received every day.  Don’t risk having yours ignored just because you send an unsolicited attachment.

Questions about pitching your project? Think you’re ready to start querying? Let me know in the comments below.

Setting Good vs. Bad Writing Goals: A Quick Guide for Authors

As authors, setting goals is essential to keep us on track and motivated. But not all writing goals are created equal! The difference between good and bad goals can make or break your productivity and growth as an author.

Bad Writing Goals:

❌ "Write 5,000 words every day." – Unrealistic and unsustainable. Consistency is key, but this kind of pressure can lead to burnout.

❌ "Finish my novel in a month." – While it's great to have a target, focusing on completion at the expense of quality can lead to rushed, unfinished work.

❌ "Become a bestselling author - immediately." – Success takes time. It’s important to focus on the journey, not just the destination.

Good Writing Goals:

✅ "Write 500 words a day, five days a week." – Achievable and consistent. It allows for flexibility while keeping momentum going.

✅ "Complete one chapter a month." – Breaks the process down into manageable chunks and encourages steady progress.

✅ "Edit one page a day." – Focus on quality over quantity to refine your writing and strengthen your story.

Remember, good goals are realistic, specific, and motivating. They focus on the process and celebrate small wins rather than just the end result.

So, what’s your next writing goal? Let’s set some realistic and meaningful ones together! 📚✨

For Authors: Selling Secondary Rights to Your Book Projects

As an author, you’ve likely spent countless hours crafting your story, and now that you’ve written your book, you might be wondering how to get it out into the world in other ways. One exciting avenue for authors is selling secondary rights to their work. These rights open up a range of opportunities for your book to be adapted, transformed, and marketed in various formats and platforms. (Please note, I am not a lawyer, and none of this constitutes as legal advice!)

 

What Are Secondary Rights?

 

Secondary rights (also known as subsidiary or subsidiary rights) refer to the rights that go beyond the core book deal – essentially, these are the rights to adapt, reproduce, or distribute your work in ways other than traditional print or ebook formats. Some of the most common secondary rights include:

 

  1. Film and Television Rights: The right to adapt your book into a movie, TV show, or limited series.

  2. Audiobook Rights: The right to produce an audiobook version of your written work.

  3. Foreign Language Rights: The right to translate your book and sell it in other languages and markets.

  4. Merchandising Rights: The right to produce and sell items based on your book (e.g., t-shirts, posters, toys).

  5. Serialized Rights: The right to publish your book in parts or installments, often in magazines or newspapers.

  6. Digital Rights: The right to publish or distribute your book digitally in other formats or on other platforms.

 

These rights are often separate from the initial book deal and can provide additional revenue streams or help promote your work in different formats.

 

How Do You Sell Secondary Rights?

 

Selling secondary rights can be an exciting opportunity, but it’s important to understand the process. Here’s how you can navigate selling these rights:

 

1. Work with Your Literary Agent

 

For many authors, a literary agent is key to selling secondary rights. Agents often have the connections and expertise needed to sell rights to film production companies, foreign publishers, and more. If you don’t already have an agent, consider finding one who specializes in the rights you want to sell.

 

  • How they help: Your agent will be able to negotiate deals, pitch your work to the right parties, and handle legal agreements.

  • Their role in secondary rights: Agents may help sell specific rights, such as film, foreign language, and audiobook rights, while leaving others (like merchandising) for you to handle independently.

 

2. Sell Rights Independently

 

If you don’t have an agent, or if you want to retain more control over your book’s secondary rights, you can negotiate directly with publishers, production companies, or distributors.

 

  • Film/TV Rights: If you have a film or TV adaptation in mind, you can approach production companies directly or through an entertainment lawyer. Sometimes, production companies will find you if your book garners enough attention, but it’s still important to be proactive.

  • Foreign Rights: Publishers in different countries may be interested in purchasing the translation rights. These deals are often made at international book fairs, such as the Frankfurt Book Fair, where publishers gather to buy and sell rights.

  • Audiobook Rights: You can approach audiobook production companies (like Audible, Findaway Voices, or independent audiobook producers) to sell the rights to create an audio version of your book.

 

3. Understand Your Contract

 

When selling secondary rights, be sure to read the terms carefully. Here are some key aspects to look out for:

 

  • Exclusivity: Some rights deals are exclusive, meaning that only one company or producer can use the rights for a set period of time. Others may be non-exclusive, which allows you to sell the rights to more than one party.

  • Territory: Pay attention to the territory or region in which the rights are sold. For example, if you sell the film rights for North America, that won’t prevent you from selling the rights for international markets.

  • Revenue: The payment structure will vary depending on the type of rights. For instance, film rights are often sold for a lump sum, while audiobook rights may be sold for royalties or a flat fee. Understand how you will be compensated.

  • Duration: The length of time the rights are being sold for matters. For example, you might sell film rights for five years or a specific number of adaptations.

 

4. Know the Value of Your Rights

 

Before you sell any rights, it’s important to understand the potential value of your work in other formats. Some things to consider:

 

  • Popularity and demand: Books with existing fan bases or those that are trending may have more value in terms of film/TV adaptations or foreign sales.

  • Genre: Certain genres, like thrillers, fantasy, or romance, often have higher demand for film adaptations or foreign translations. Consider how your book fits into broader market trends.

  • Adaptability: If your story has strong visual elements or a unique concept, it may be more attractive to film producers or merchandise companies.

 

5. Leveraging the Rights Sale for Marketing

Selling secondary rights can also work as a tool for marketing your book in its original format. For instance:

 

  • Film/TV Deals: A book that’s optioned for film or television often gets a boost in visibility. Even if it’s not immediately adapted, the announcement of a deal can drive interest in your book.

  • Foreign Sales: Translating your book into another language can open up new markets and new readers who might then explore your book in its original format.

 

6. Rights Reversion: What Happens After the Deal?

In some cases, rights deals may revert to the author after a certain period, such as if the book is not adapted or the agreement expires. Understanding your reversion clauses is critical so you can regain control over the rights if necessary.

 

Selling secondary rights is an excellent way to expand the reach of your work and gain additional income streams. It can open up new audiences, new opportunities, and even give your book a second life in different formats.

 

To you and your book!

 

Megan

Choosing Your Book's Genre

Book genres are used to categorize your books. There are lots of benefits to this, of course – if a reader wants to read a romantic story, they will be grateful to find the romance section, as opposed to looking at every single book in the bookstore to see if it aligns with their interests.

 

Additionally, a genre helps agents know which editors to pitch your book to, and it helps editors know how they can package and sell your book to readers. Not every agent is interested in the same genres, just as some publishing imprints specialize in some genres over others.

 

Below you’ll see a list of the main genres in the publishing world. Note that these are main genres, and that there are often subgenres associated with a category (for instance, there are different types of mysteries – cozy mystery, police procedural, etc.).

 

When you are pitching your book, it is essential you know the genre your book lives under (e.g., “My 110,000-word novel, Murderous Kisses, is a romantic police procedural…”). As you can see in the example, you will likely have elements of more than one genre – however, you’ll want to have one be the primary focus (in the example, the book is a police procedural that also has romance.)

 

It also helps to use comparative titles when pitching, as it gives the agent or editor a shorthand understanding of your book’s potential spot in the marketplace (for instance, “my self-help empowerment guide for women has the sassiness of Girl, Wash Your Face and the spiritual elements like those in The Universe Has Your Back”).

 

Here are three lists of genres (fiction, nonfiction, and bonus) to get you started:

 

Fiction Genres

 

1.     Fantasy

2.     Adventure

3.     Mystery

4.     Romance/Erotica

5.     Literary

6.     Contemporary

7.     Dystopian

8.     Horror

9.     Thriller

10.  Paranormal

11.  Magic Realism

12.  Historical Fiction

13.  Science Fiction

14.  Children’s

15.  Young Adult

16.  New Adult

17.  Realist

18.  Upmarket

19.  Mainstream

20.  “Women’s”

 

Nonfiction

1.     Memoir/Autobiography

2.     Self-Help/Personal Development

3.     Cooking

4.     Art/Photography

5.     Health/Fitness

6.     History

7.     Travel

8.     Guide/How-To

9.     Families/Relationships/Parenting

10.  Humor

11.  True Crime

12.  Biography

13.  Business/Money

14.  Politics/Social Sciences

15.  Science/Technology

16.  Religion/Spirituality

17.  Essays

18.  Poetry

19.  Children’s

20.  Young Adult

21.  New Adult

 

Bonus Genres:

1.     Graphic Novel

2.     Short Stories

3.     LGBTQ+

4.     Bildungsroman

 

What genre are you writing? Let me know in the comments below.

Publishing Your Poetry Book: A Guide for Poets Ready to Share Their Work

Publishing Your Poetry Book: A Guide for Poets Ready to Share Their Work

Writing poetry is an intimate, deeply personal experience. Whether you’re delving into emotions, experiences, or painting vivid imagery, your poems are reflections of who you are. The thought of sharing your poems with a wider audience can be both thrilling and intimidating. and the journey to publishing your poetry book doesn’t need to be overwhelming. 

By understanding the key steps, you’ll be ready to take your poetry from the notebook to the bookshelf, whether you’re looking to pursue traditional publishing or self-publish.

Looking for some reading recommendations?

Many clients published books in 2024, and some have done so even more recently. I’ve been fortunate enough to work on projects in a variety of genres, but memoirs in particular have been more and more popular over the past few years.

Why do I enjoy working on memoirs and self-help books? Because the authors very much want to help readers. They want to share their pain, their triumphs, their lessons learned, so that others can benefit from that hard-won expertise. While ALL books can be helpful (nothing fills my heart with more joy than curling up with a glass of wine and a good book!), these brave authors really put themselves out there, and the insight they share with readers is so valuable.

I try not to choose favorites, but here are the recently-published books by some clients I have enjoyed working with in particular!

Jet Lag Junkie: Unfiltered Tales of a Compulsive Wanderer by Jeff Johns

2025 Feathered Quill Award Finalist - Best Memoir

Jeff, an overweight and insecure college student on the verge of dropping out, follows an uncontrollable urge ending up alone nearly 10,000 miles from home weeks after the 2004 Tsunami in Southeast Asia. Desperate to chase every experience possible, Jet Lag Junkie is the vulnerable and raw journey behind one man's quest to find meaning, belonging, and love amidst an ever-changing backdrop of the most unique places on Earth.

Through deeply personal struggles with severe ADHD, imposter syndrome, anxiety, body image, and burnout, Jeff’s two-decade journey through nearly 100 countries reveals issues seldom discussed in a world that worships perfection and happiness on every screen. Brought to life through adventures from Mount Everest Base Camp in Nepal, being held at gunpoint in Malaysia, being impossibly lost in Bangladesh and detained by military police in Tajikistan,
Jet Lag Junkie inspires readers to experience life more deeply, and to get a bit uncomfortable while doing it.

Often humorous, always intimate,
Jet Lag Junkie reveals the compulsive search and painful struggles of growing up. Testing the limits of what Jeff is capable of, how much he is willing to sacrifice before stopping long enough to find someone to enjoy it all with?

Jumpseat: Jet Setting in the 1970s by Dianna Bennett

When a 20-year-old college student stumbles on her way to marriage, she finds solace in a new life of travel and intrigue. In 1969, with the Viet Nam War raging and the youth of America on fire, Dianna runs away from the pain of rejection and the embarrassment of an engagement gone wrong. As she searches for meaning, two strangers steer her into the arms of Trans World Airlines and the "Jet Set" age of travel. With each new assignment, especially on the Boeing 747, she soon forgets about the life she left behind. Open eyed, yet naive, she earns her wings as she maneuvers through the new and exciting minefields of international travel.

A Real Nobody a Fake Somebody and Me: A Memoir of Forced and Closed Adoption by Sherry Bridgette Healey:

In her haunting memoir, A Real Nobody A Fake Somebody and Me, Sherry Bridgette Healey unveils a lifetime of secrets buried beneath layers of deception. Born into anonymity, Sherry Bridgette’s existence was erased by a government mandate, and from the moment she took her first breath, she was condemned to a life of invisibility, and forced to become ‘Sherry.’ But behind this facade of non-existence lies a tale of resilience, redemption, and the relentless pursuit of truth as the true identity of Bridgette, voices her story.

From the depths of abandonment to the heights of self-discovery, her journey is a testament to the power of the human spirit. As she unravels the tangled web of lies that shroud her past, she confronts the ghosts of her childhood, navigating a treacherous landscape of psychological abuse and emotional neglect. But amidst the darkness, glimmers of hope emerge as Bridgette discovers the power of embracing her fractured identity and reclaiming her stolen heritage.

As she unveils the layers of her fragmented self, she invites readers to explore the secret underbelly of institutionalized adoption practices, drawing chilling parallels to the darkest chapters of history. But
A Real Nobody A Fake Somebody and Me is more than a memoir – it’s a rallying cry for justice, and a roadmap for healing and transformation to all who have felt the pain of rejection and the trauma of lost identity and the ongoing injustices and violations against our basic human rights. With raw honesty, poignant insights, and practical wisdom, Bridgette shares her journey from victim to victor, inviting readers to join her on an expedition of healing and transformation, inspiring hope in the hearts of those who dare to reclaim their true selves.

Hip Hop x Finance: Become a Financial Gangster! Get off Debt Row and Stack your Cash Flow by Drew Boyer:

Hip Hop x Finance is a unique financial guide that blends personal finance education with the powerful influence of hip-hop culture. Written by a 20+ year veteran of the financial services industry and CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER®, author Drew Boyer takes readers on an engaging journey through the all-to-common money mistakes, lessons, and successes that shaped both his own financial journey and the world of hip-hop.

Drawing from personal experiences of making financial missteps in his early adulthood, Drew parallels his story with the financial rise and fall of famous hip-hop artists. From the extravagant lifestyles of MC Hammer and 50 Cent to the financial wisdom of moguls like Jay-Z and Dr. Dre, Hip Hop x Finance uses real-life examples from the music industry to illustrate critical money lessons including managing debt, building cash flow, investing wisely, and avoiding common money pitfalls.

With chapter titles inspired by iconic hip-hop tracks, clever wordplay, and excerpts of classic rhymes, the book entertains while providing practical education on how to turn financial struggles into wealth-building opportunities for Gen X, Y, and Z. Break free from the "Debt Row" trap, become an entrepreneurial hustler to stack your cash flow, and learn the basic tricks about how to build lasting financial success.

Activate Your Future Self: The Secret to Effortlessly Becoming the Happiest, Healthiest and Wealthiest You by Mimi Bouchard

FINALLY GET EVERYTHING YOU WANT OUT OF LIFE

In this transformative book, Mimi Bouchard, founder of the revolutionary Activations app, offers simple but powerful strategies to shift every aspect of your life – from your health and relationships to your career and finances – and help you become the happiest, most successful, most abundant version of yourself. You’ll discover how to:

  • Gain clarity on what your dream life looks like and what you really want

  • Change your self-image and become your Future Self through visualization, mental rehearsal, Activations, writing prompts and more

  • Maintain your Future Self frequency every day using Mimi’s unique achievement tool, the Bounce Back Rate™

You have potential inside of you that you haven’t tapped into yet. This book will show you how to achieve that potential, quickly recover from setbacks and finally become who you’ve always wanted to be. Remember: to create the life you want, you must first become the kind of person that has it.

It’s time to activate your Future Self.

Moving Forward with Bold Uncertainty by Lisa Rose:

How do I move forward? What will this new life hold for me?

If others can get "there," will I be able to get "there" too? What does "there" even look like for me, anyway?

Those of us dealing with separation, divorce, or significant loss face difficult questions like these. Author Lisa Rose explores answers to them, sharing raw, personal stories from her own journey through divorce and toward discovering her "there."

Life has a way of sending storms into our lives that make us face how harsh reality can be. Setbacks, mistakes, and missteps might cause us to stumble. Failures, hurdles, and disappointments might sneak up on us. Losses, rejection, and exclusion might catch us by surprise.

A retired Christian life coach, Lisa helps others find answers and shares eight pivotal lessons guiding readers in figuring out their own "there", cultivating the necessary grace and courage to let go of what once was to Moving Forward with Bold Uncertainty into a life full of hidden blessings and unexpected new beginnings. Whatever challenge we face, there are possibilities out there to claim, if we are ready and bold enough to step forward to grasp them.

The Science of Miracles: One doctor's journey to find hope and healing beyond the broken medical system by Robin Youngson

Driven by childhood trauma, a passionate engineer turned doctor confronts the suffering within the medical system. Expecting to find compassion and care, he instead encounters a broken, inhumane and corrupt system. As his journey leads him to question his own deeply held beliefs, he uncovers an urgent need for strategies prioritizing human connection over technical fixes.

Through profound encounters with patients and wise teachers, the author discovers a new scientific reality where healing flourishes and miracles occur daily – insights with the potential to transform medical practice. After winning New Zealand's highest medical award, he makes a bold decision to leave the system and embrace his true calling as a healer and teacher.

This honest and captivating medical memoir explores how societal myths and trauma misshape our beliefs, and our innate capacity to heal. Blending cutting-edge neuroscience with extraordinary stories of compassion and healing, this book offers fresh insights and new hope by showing how challenging our assumptions can transform our lives and the world we are part of.

I hope you will take the time to check out one of these books – or even work on your own!

To you and your book!

Megan

Why Artificial Intelligence Will Never Replace the Real-World Skills of a Book Editor and Writing Coach

Why Artificial Intelligence Will Never Replace the Real-World Skills of a Book Editor and Writing Coach

I get asked about artificial intelligence a lot - what does it mean for book editors? While there will always be people who will take the cheaper route, and AI does offer a much cheaper route, AI also does not offer many of the skills that book editors and writing coaches do.