How to Break Into the Writing Industry: 5 Practical Tips for New Writers

From Edie: Want to break into the writing industry? Katherine Hutchinson-Hayes shares five practical tips for new writers on building a writing career, improving your craft, making industry connections, and taking the first steps toward publication.

How to Break Into the Writing Industry: 5 Practical Tips for New Writers

by Katherine Hutchinson-Hayes @KHutch0767

Years ago, I began my career as a beat journalist. I wrote for a variety of local magazines and newspapers in New York, venturing into the music scene to cover emerging artists and their backstories. My employers took advantage of my naivety and hunger for exposure. Some of these stories featured musicians who later rose to enormous stardom. I, on the other hand, was never paid for the coverage. I only received a paycheck if I sold ad space. It was a challenging, humbling lesson, and nowadays I realize that breaking into the writing industry can be both challenging and overwhelming. Many aspiring authors believe they need the perfect manuscript, endless connections, or years of experience before anyone takes them seriously. The truth is that most successful writers began with an idea, determination, and a willingness to learn. Whether you dream of writing novels, devotionals, children’s books, or articles, there are practical steps you can take today to start building a writing career. And no, none of these steps involves selling ads. 

Why Consistency Matters More Than Ever for Author Email Newsletters

From Edie: Kate Huff shares why writers need to send consistent email newsletters. Learn how regular newsletters improve inbox placement, increase reader engagement, strengthen your author platform, and help keep your emails out of spam folders.

Why Consistency Matters More Than Ever for Author Email Newsletters

by Kate Huff @KateOlivaHuff

Buckle up y'all. I've got news today and some of you might not like me after you read this. I'm sorry in advance. But please, don't shoot the messenger!

On average, 170 billion spam emails are sent every single day.

Daily, y'all. Not weekly. Not monthly. DAILY.

Of those 170 billion spam emails, 3.4 billion are phishing emails. If you're not familiar with phishing, you've probably been a recipient without realizing it. Phishing is a type of online scam that targets consumers by sending them an email that appears to be from a well-known source — an internet service provider, a bank, or a mortgage company, for example. In the author world, phishing emails also include those impersonating people in the publishing industry and those from the infamous "book clubs."

These emails are wreaking havoc in our inboxes! I'm sure you feel the pain of these emails daily, as we all receive them.

Do Authors Really Need a Book Launch Team? What Every Writer Should Know

From Edie: Do authors really need a book launch team? Tammy Karasek shares why launch teams matter for both self-published and traditionally published writers, plus practical tips for creating a successful book launch strategy.

Do Authors Really Need a Book Launch Team? What Every Writer Should Know

by Tammy Karasek @TickledPinkTam

Every writer, no matter if they choose to independently publish or go the traditional publishing route will need to know the answer to this question—now that my book is finished, how do I let people know it’s available?

YouTube for Writers Part 9: Mastering Upload Defaults and SEO to Get Your Videos Found

From Edie: Let Samantha Tschritter share how to upload YouTube videos for maximum visibility with this step-by-step guide to YouTube SEO, metadata, titles, thumbnails, tags, playlists, and channel settings. Perfect for authors, influencers, and content creators who want more views and subscribers.

YouTube for Writers Part 9: Mastering Upload Defaults and SEO to Get Your Videos Found

by Samantha Tschritter @SETschritter

If you are actively posting videos to YouTube, this will be one of the most helpful blogs you’ve ever read. In this post I’ll share helpful tips on uploading a YouTube video, by going through each category in the video description section.

If you are uploading a video, you may want to print this blog and use it as a checklist as you fill in the meta data. At the end, I will show you TWO TIME-SAVING TIPS you will not want to miss! 

How to Create a Self-Publishing Budget: A Christian Writer’s Guide to Counting the Cost

From Edie: Miriah Taverna shares how to create a realistic self-publishing budget with this faith-filled guide for Christian writers. Discover the true costs of publishing a book, avoid costly mistakes, and plan wisely for your writing journey.

How to Create a Self-Publishing Budget: A Christian Writer’s Guide to Counting the Cost

by Miriah Taverna

Are you looking at your book budget and thinking, “God, I have no idea how I am going to afford this?” Or maybe you’re wondering, “What even is a book budget?”

If so, then you have two reasons to be encouraged. One, you’re in the right place. And two, you’re not alone. 

A book budget is a simple plan that helps you prepare for the costs of self-publishing your book so you can move forward with clarity and confidence.

The Writer’s Countdown: How to Keep Going While Waiting to Be Published

From Edie: Julie Lavender knows waiting to be published can feel overwhelming and uncertain. Discover faith-filled encouragement and practical tips to help writers stay motivated, grow their craft, and keep moving forward during the long countdown to publication.

The Writer’s Countdown: How to Keep Going While Waiting to Be Published

by Julie Lavender @JLavenderWrites

Since last summer, I’ve taken part in the countdown for 2026 Blue Ridge Mountains Christian Writers Conference grand celebration—50 years of BRMCWC! Almost every Wednesday I’ve posted a countdown meme on social media and a question about the conference.

Why Your Motives Matter More Than Your Writing Platform

From Edie: Discover why a writer’s motives matter more than platform growth or visibility. Learn how ambition, opportunity, and calling can quietly drift apart—and how to seek God’s direction before saying yes.

Why Your Motives Matter More Than Your Writing Platform

by Heidi Gray McGill @HeidiGrayMcGill

What drives you to the desk matters as much as what you produce there.

I had not been to a conference yet. I did not know what I was doing, so I did what most new authors do. I studied the writers who had it together and took my cues from them. Some of that served me well. Participating in Facebook Reader Group parties, connecting with readers, and learning how the community worked were all good things.