KL Forslund
Writer FAQ v1.1
This FAQ is aimed at new writers and thus I’ve captured the kinds of questions I see most often plus a few I think should have been asked. If you have a question not asked or a site that answers a question, add it to the comments. The goal here is to answer with links to reputable articles. An aspiring writer would do well to study everything here.
NOTE: This is an evergreen article, I plan to update and make additions as time permits.
Creativity
What should I name a character?
http://www.writersdigest.com/online-editor/the-7-rules-of-picking-names-for-fictional-characters
https://writeitsideways.com/what-not-to-name-your-characters/
https://thewritelife.com/6-creative-ways-to-name-your-fictional-characters/
How do I get over writer’s block?
What should I write about?
https://writeitsideways.com/what-should-i-write-about-finding-inspiration/
https://medium.com/on-writing-2/what-should-you-write-about-29dd3fcf86c1
What should my title be?
http://scottberkun.com/2012/the-truth-about-picking-book-titles/
https://self-publishingschool.com/book-title-ideas-choose-perfect-title-book/
Writing
Is Story Structure Formulaic?
What is Deep POV?
What are common writing mistakes?
What is an Unreliable Narrator?
What is form?
What is structure?
https://study.com/academy/lesson/what-is-structure-in-writing-and-how-does-it-affect-meaning.html
http://www.writersdigest.com/tip-of-the-day/six-logical-writing-structures
What is prose?
What is Scene and Sequel?
https://www.helpingwritersbecomeauthors.com/how-to-structure-scenes/
http://thewritersaurus.com/2015/09/11/scene-and-sequel-the-scene/
https://awritingguide.com/2014/09/18/scene-sequel-structure/
Are adverbs bad?
https://www.brainpickings.org/2013/03/13/stephen-king-on-adverbs/
http://www.writersdigest.com/editor-blogs/there-are-no-rules/dont-dismiss-adverbs
https://www.justpublishingadvice.com/stephen-kings-no-adverbs-rule-is-going-out-of-fashion/
http://ka-writing.com/why-adverbs-are-almost-always-a-bad-idea/
What is passive voice?
How should I write dialog?
https://www.thebalance.com/top-tips-for-writing-dialogue-1277070
http://www.writersdigest.com/online-editor/the-7-tools-of-dialogue
Where can I find free or low-cost writing classes?
How do I write a novel?
http://www.writersdigest.com/online-editor/7-things-will-doom-novel-avoid
https://www.advancedfictionwriting.com/articles/snowflake-method/
Should I use an outline?
http://www.writersdigest.com/online-editor/7-steps-to-creating-a-flexible-outline-for-any-story
https://www.helpingwritersbecomeauthors.com/how-to-outline-your-novel/
How can I organize my notes?
What does Show, don't Tell mean?
Editing
How can I edit my work without any money?
How do I get a Beta Reader?
https://www.helpingwritersbecomeauthors.com/find-your-next-beta-reader/
https://www.thebookdesigner.com/2014/03/5-things-you-should-know-about-working-with-beta-readers/
How do I use a Beta reader?
http://blog.bookbaby.com/2016/08/how-to-be-a-good-beta-reader/
https://www.helpingwritersbecomeauthors.com/beta-reader-etiquette/
What are the stages of editing?
How much does an editor cost?
Publishing (Submitting/Querying, Agents and Editors)
How much does a book cover cost?
How do I write a query letter?
https://nybookeditors.com/2015/12/how-to-write-a-darn-good-query-letter/
http://www.writersdigest.com/online-editor/how-to-write-the-perfect-query-letter
Where can I submit a short story?
http://www.writersdigest.com/uncategorized/how-to-get-a-short-story-published-like-a-pro
https://submittable.help/submitters/common-questions/why-should-i-use-submittable-to-submit-my-work
Should I get an Agent?
http://www.sfwa.org/why-a-writer-needs-an-agent/
How much should I pay to Publish my book?
How do I self-publish my book?
How do I get my book published?
Why is my work getting rejected?
http://terribleminds.com/ramble/2011/12/13/25-things-writers-should-know-about-rejection/
https://writersedit.com/fiction-writing/writing-rejected-cope/
https://nybookeditors.com/2017/05/tips-dealing-inevitable-rejection/
Promoting
How should I respond to a negative review?
Should I use a Pen Name?
http://www.writersdigest.com/online-editor/three-reasons-use-pen-name
http://penandmuse.com/when-you-should-and-shouldnt-use-a-pen-name/
https://writebrilliant.com/using-pen-name-risk-writers-shouldnt-take/
How do I get more sales?
How do I promote my book?
https://www.justpublishingadvice.com/whats-the-best-way-to-promote-my-self-published-book/
http://www.writersdigest.com/writing-articles/by-writing-goal/marketing-your-work
How do I get more followers?
What is Author Platform?
How do I get my book into a library?
https://www.bookworks.com/2016/07/how-indie-authors-can-get-their-books-into-libraries/
https://www.thecreativepenn.com/2015/02/26/bookstores-debbie-young/
How to I get an author signing event?
https://www.thebalance.com/author-readings-book-signings-2799979
http://maryrobinettekowal.com/journal/debut-author-lessons-10-things-about-signing-books/
http://www.writersdigest.com/wp-content/uploads/How-to-Set-Up-a-Successful-Book-Signing-Event.pdf
How do I get on a speaker panel at a conference/convention?
How can I get reviews of my work?
How can I get feedback on my writing?
http://www.christopherfielden.com/short-story-tips-and-writing-advice/free-writing-critiques.php
https://www.helpingwritersbecomeauthors.com/how-to-get-feedback-on-your-writing-and/
Business
How can I become a full time writer?
How do I copyright my work (US)?
http://www.lulu.com/blog/2301/copyrighting-your-work-101-2/#sthash.58fPNluD.dpbs
https://www.newmediarights.org/business_models/artist/do_i_need_put_copyright_notice_my_work
Should I post my work online?
MIsc.
What should I worry about as a writer?
What can you do to persuade me not to write
Should I call myself an aspiring writer