I admit complete confusion over the proper use of the en dash, em dash, and hyphen. Back in the Stone Age, our journalism professors didn’t touch on this. After all, that was almost 50 years…

At least two to three times a year, I get an email from a public relations group I belong to asking if I have the time or interest to judge a competition. I usually say…

We are on the cusp of major changes in the publishing industry. Publishing power is becoming more consolidated at the top. Meanwhile, smaller presses and self-publishing options are flourishing in response. The reality, though, is…

Whether you are a writer and reader of fiction, or a reporter of non-fictive happenings, you are telling a story. Researchers tell us that regardless of the content, authors have only three seconds to engage…

There are many types of writing. I was trained as a journalist, so my comfort level lies in reporting facts, providing analyses of data and recapping current events. But my ability to embellish or deviate…

It seems pretty straightforward. Self-publishing is easy and accessible. Just create a document, find a platform, upload your story and wait for the clicks and payment to roll your way. Not! Anyone who has written…

Does the word “interview” evoke fear and apprehension in your heart and mind? Whether you are the questioner or the questioned, being asked or asking others about work and life experience, accomplishments, weaknesses, dreams and…

Are you wondering how to increase media coverage for your newest publication, research or product? A survey conducted by Propel, a PR software platform, indicates extensive use of media pitches, despite limited success. The survey…

Here at the Ruff Drafts editorial desk, we spend our time reviewing and editing your submissions. We try to keep your story and voice intact while catching grammatical faux pas, misspellings and typos. It’s not…

Over the years, I’ve marveled at how accomplished our members are. So many books are published by our prolific community in such a short time! Many of the books are self-published, or produced by small…

Writing is an art that requires a mastery of tools. Technology can be an asset or an annoyance for writers. But with a slew of tools out there, finding the ones that fit your needs…

Many DWAA members design their own promotional materials. In 2005, Robert W. Bly published “The Content Marketing Handbook” to help writers increase the appeal of their work. This article summarizes the 10 most common graphic…