Finished Your First Draft? What Writers Should Do After “The End”

From Edie: Cindy Sproles shares what writers should do after “The End,” from editing and polishing your manuscript to embracing what comes next.

Finished Your First Draft? What Writers Should Do After “The End”

by Cindy K. Sproles @CindyDevoted

I just typed those wonderful last words—THE END. It’s been months of work. Writing, rewriting. Character development, names, and name changes. I’ve even been known to scream upon occasion when I can’t get a scene to work, or even when a scene works perfectly. Either way, once a writer hits those last six letters that turn into two huge words, folks seem to think the work is done.

What Happens After You Sign a Book Contract? A First-Time Author's Guide to Working with a Publisher

From Edie: Cindy K. Sproles shares what happens after you sign a book contract. Learn how traditional publishing works, what to expect from editors, and how to build a strong relationship with your publisher.

What Happens After You Sign a Book Contract? A First-Time Author's Guide to Working with a Publisher

by Cindy K. Sproles @CindyDevoted

There are five super exciting times in a writer's life:

1. THE END - Finishing a manuscript
2. Signing with an agent
3. Landing a contract
4. Holding that book in your hand
5. Your first royalty check

It’s hard to say which of the five is the most exciting. For me, the level of thrill was equal. Just when I thought I couldn’t be happier, something else popped in. It proves that the world of writing can be a wonderful adventure filled with joy and accomplishment.

Why Writers Should Enter Contests: 6 Lessons That Build Writing Success

From Edie: Cindy Sproles shares why writers should enter contests and how feedback, deadlines, critiques, and competition can strengthen your craft, build confidence, and support long-term writing success.

Why Writers Should Enter Contests: 6 Lessons That Build Writing Success

by Cindy K. Sproles @CindyDevoted

Many of us have just returned from the 2026 Blue Ridge Mountains Christian Writers Conference, where we met new friends, reunited with the old, and . . . we entered contests.

I’m a firm believer in entering contests for a number of reasons, but most importantly, contests teach us to step out of our comfort zones. It’s one thing to pour into a work, but then to have it judged. Suddenly, the bravest of the brave shrink a bit. Still, contests are vital to the writer. In fact, I’d say if you are in any profession where contests are available, you should enter—they’re that important.

The Hidden Cost of Free Books for Authors

From Edie: Discover the hidden financial and emotional cost of giving away free books. Learn how authors can set healthy boundaries, educate readers, and protect their writing career without losing generosity.

The Hidden Cost of Free Books for Authors

By Cindy K. Sproles @CindyDevoted

Generosity is a good thing, and most of the authors I know are incredibly generous with their time and kindness in giving away products. Still, there is a limit to what every writer should give away. To address this, we need to talk candidly about our readers.

We all know that readers are pretty much our bread and butter. These are the people who spread the word about our books, who physically purchase them, and who cheer us on. We love our readers. They are vital to our success, but just as they can be the icing on the cake, they can also be the cause of our demise. 

AI for Writers: When It Helps—and When It Hurts a Writer's Voice

From Edie: Wondering if AI is helping or hurting your writing? Learn when AI can be a useful tool and how to protect your unique voice, creativity, and authenticity as a writer.

AI for Writers: When It Helps—and When It Hurts a Writer's Voice

by Cindy K. Sproles @CindyDevoted

AI is all the rage. Every direction we turn, we see it. In fact, it’s so vivid that we can hardly distinguish it from reality, and the controversy within the writing world is growing tense. Do you use the assistance of AI? How far is too far? Can publishers track the use? What’s wrong with using AI?

Those are all great questions, and we should address them from a different viewpoint, leaving out the “wannas and I think we shoulds,” and turn to the creative answer.

What Writers Should Do After a Book’s Sales Slow Down

From Edie: Book sales eventually slow for most authors. Learn what writers should do next to stay visible, keep creating, and move their careers forward.

What Writers Should Do After a Book’s Sales Slow Down

by Cindy K. Sproles @CindyDevoted

Planning for what comes next sort of sounds like an obituary, doesn't it? No worries. You don't have to pull out the sympathy cards or gear up to send flowers, but that said, any good thing winds down at some point. So does the labor of a book.

There are levels of winding down, just like in our 9-5 jobs. The tide will shift. When it does, the writer needs to know what the next phase is.

Understanding the Editing Process: What Every Writer Should Know About Working With Editors

From Edie: Discover the essential stages of the publishing edit and learn how writers can work effectively with content, copy, and proof editors. Gain practical tips for meeting deadlines, improving clarity, and building strong editor partnerships to help your manuscript shine.

Understanding the Editing Process: What Every Writer Should Know About Working With Editors

by Cindy K. Sproles @CindyDevoted

They came. I wondered when they would arrive, and they finally came—my proofing edits from the publisher. Once your book is contracted and begins its journey down the publishing pipeline, you’ll meet up with several different editors. 

Let’s take a second to familiarize ourselves with the types of editors (and these are just a few). The content editor will review your manuscript, identifying any plot discrepancies or areas that require clarification. They’ll note when descriptions are not working, or characters may become lost in the story. Content editors are responsible for ensuring the story flows smoothly from beginning to end and that all the plot points work together effectively. 

After content, you’ll meet up with a general editor who’ll begin to clean up grammar, make sure all your sentence construction is in order, and that everything is clear. 

Depending on the need, you may be assigned to a sensitivity editor whose role is to ensure that cultural and racial implications are appropriately addressed and corrected if necessary.

Write With Imagination: How to Stay True to Your Voice and Avoid Predictable Stories

From Edie: Discover how to stay true to your storytelling voice, unleash your imagination, and avoid predictable plots. Learn why authentic writing resonates more deeply than chasing trends—and how to let your creativity lead the way.

Write With Imagination: How to Stay True to Your Voice and Avoid Predictable Stories

by Cindy K. Sproles @CindyDevoted

The writing world is a wonderful place to adventure through. There are stories of fantasy, intrigue, joy, and hardship. One only has to close their eyes and imagine.

Imagine! That's the key. Imagination drives our creative sources and allows us to craft a story, but without it, our stories grow dull and fall flat. They become—predictable. So, why do I mention imagination? I bring it to your attention for a couple of reasons.

Essential Tools Every Writer Needs: Common-Sense Musts for a Successful Writing Career

From Edie: Discover the essential tools every writer needs for success. Learn the common-sense habits, software, and skills that build a strong writing career.

Essential Tools Every Writer Needs: Common-Sense Musts for a Successful Writing Career

by Cindy K. Sproles @CindyDevoted

Being a new writer is hard. We never know what to expect or what others expect of us. As a result, newer writers tend to imagine what they think they need. Those preconceived ideas can help us slip by, but more often than not, they throw roadblocks in our pathway.

Taking the time to find the necessary common-sense tools to keep in your toolbox is well worth the effort. You may not use every tool in the beginning, but as your writing skills grow, you’ll find the value in having these things at your fingertips. 

Small vs. Large Writers Conferences: Pros, Cons, and How to Choose

From Edie: Not sure which writers conference to attend? Discover the differences between small and large events and how to pick the right one for you.

Small vs. Large Writers Conferences: Pros, Cons, and How to Choose

by Cindy K. Sproles @CindyDevoted

Yearly, writers conferences pop up across the country. They range in size, format, and cost, and it can be challenging to decide which one is best for you. Of course, only you really know your specific needs, but I'd like to offer you some guidance on how to choose an appropriate conference that best suits you.

Necessary Items that Make the Novel You're Writing Work

by Cindy K. Sproles @CindyDevoted

Writing a novel isn’t easy. However, there is an abundance of new writers who have completed their first one. I say kudos to them. These new writers have stuck to the time constraints of writing. They’ve fought through getting every word on the page until they can type, The End on a finished work. What an accomplishment. The next step in the new writer’s eye is to pitch this work to a publisher or agent. 

STOP! Do not pass go. There are steps you may have missed. As I said earlier, writing a novel isn’t easy, and just putting the words on the page doesn’t a novel make. New writers often assume that once the work is written, it’s ready. 

A Writers Guide to Conferencing

by Cindy Sproles @CindyDevoted

It’s conference time across the country, and that means preparation. I’m embarrassed to admit it, but I’m going to share some things about my first conference ever. The conference was great. Don’t get me wrong. But poor me—so green you couldn’t snap me in half if you tried.

In all fairness to me, I’d never attended a conference before. Not just a writers conference but any conference. You have to remember, I’m a mountain gal, and though I’m not stuffed into the crevice of a mountain fold, I wasn’t exposed to a lot of outside events like conferences. You could say I was naive. So, attending my first conference was a true learning experience.

Who Are You as a Writer on the Page?

by Cindy K. Sproles @CindyDevoted

Every year, there seems to be a particular buzzword(s) from conference to conference. This year, I’ve heard the word “voice.” I addressed this some time back, but since it was coming to light again, I thought it best to dedicate a few words to “voice.”

Get More from a Writing Conference When You follow These Seven Tips

by Cindy K. Sproles @CindyDevoted

As more and more conferences kick into gear, the tension is rising. If you are a first-timer, then it’s especially stressful. I’ve just come off of directing the Asheville Christian Writers Conference and there were a few things I noticed in new conferees that I wanted to share with you. These are things that I hope will ease the stress of attending your first conference.

Let’s walk through a few things together.

When You are Called to Write

by Cindy K. Sproles @CindyDevoted

You have chosen to write for God. Daily, you read this blog by Edie Melson and find guidance, teaching, and encouragement. Competition in the writing industry is stiff. It's tough in the Christian market, but if you think it's hard there, hold on should you aim toward the general market. 

We need to move our sights toward the general market. Write clean, write truth, and raise the standard bar, but it won't be easy. The world lurks behind the shelves, placing temptation and obstacles in your way. 

6 Ways to Beat the Writing Blues

by Cindy K. Sproles @CindyDevoted

There's not a writer alive who hasn't sat in front of their computer and stared at a blank screen. It doesn't matter if they are a novice or a well-seasoned and successful writer. Sometimes, life pushes in directions that cause us to question ourselves and our calling.

It's important to remember that you aren't the only one in this dark hole. Finding ways to pull yourself out and renew your excitement for writing is key.

The Benefits of Brainstorming for Writers: Part 1

by Cindy K. Sproles @CindyDevoted

Brainstorming—who needs it? Right? But for the record—we all need to brainstorm with a like-minded person from time to time. Brainstorming is a valuable skill that can help a writer in a pinch or help develop an already “in play” plotline. 

I have a friend who is a gifted brainstormer. Give him one line and his brain runs in a hundred different directions. I gave him my idea of a Civil War soldier with a secret and a box of gold. That was all it took before he’d spit out numerous ideas in minutes—one of which I used. 

Tips to Help Develop a Healthy Perspective on Winning Writing Awards

by Cindy K. Sproles @CindyDevoted

Let me begin this post by saying winning a writing award is always honey on the toast—but sweets can make us crave more. All right, I'm no famous philosopher, but hang with me. If you enter a contest (and you should) and you win—congratulations. That's wonderful. Share your joy. Accept your pat on the back. We don't always get those in the writing world. 

Two Things that Control Your Writer’s Superpower

by Cindy K. Sproles @CindyDevoted

Superpower! Wow. Imagine that. As a writer, you’re superhuman—sorta. Writers do have power. Sometimes, we don’t realize how much.

Words are strong, and one reason we’re told in scripture to control the tongue. The things we say and write, wielded incorrectly, can be devastating. This power is especially strong on social media. As we approach the 2024 presidential election, strong voices will rise on social media, driving chaos and division, but you have the power to be different.

When the Writing Life Doesn’t Go As Planned We Learn to Roll with the Punches

by Cindy K. Sproles @CindyDevoted

Expectations! We all have them—from the newest writer to the most seasoned, we have expectations for our writing. But what happens when we’re thrown a few side punches that send us sailing off course?

It’s easy for writers to “buck up” and share that “buck up” attitude. You know how it is. You hit a roadblock, and your writer friends show you a moment of compassion and then say, “Just keep at it. Rejection is part of the plan. Buck up and get a thick skin.”