Jane Friedman
@janefriedman.com
I report on the publishing industry through my paid newsletter, The Bottom Line, and educate writers on the business of authorship in THE BUSINESS OF BEING A WRITER (University of Chicago Press).
Learn how to find anthology opportunities, plus red flags to watch for before you sign a contract, from @markleslie.bsky.social and @mattydalrymple.bsky.social.
Before You Say Yes: What Writers Need to Know About Anthology Offers | Jane Friedman
Learn how to find and assess anthology opportunities, which offer short fiction authors income and visibility by sharing audiences across contributors.
janefriedman.com
November 6, 2025 at 6:21 PM
Learn how to find anthology opportunities, plus red flags to watch for before you sign a contract, from @markleslie.bsky.social and @mattydalrymple.bsky.social.
An author with no significant platform lands a book deal for a nonfiction book, then fears that it will be taken away when publishing professionals realize they've made a huge mistake.
But there's much more to the story than that, from Dr. Kerry Makin-Byrd.
But there's much more to the story than that, from Dr. Kerry Makin-Byrd.
How I Secured a Big Five Publishing Deal with Almost No Social Media Platform | Jane Friedman
Learn how one author’s publishing “fairy tale” hides years of struggle, with practical lessons to unlock your own resilience.
janefriedman.com
November 5, 2025 at 5:26 PM
An author with no significant platform lands a book deal for a nonfiction book, then fears that it will be taken away when publishing professionals realize they've made a huge mistake.
But there's much more to the story than that, from Dr. Kerry Makin-Byrd.
But there's much more to the story than that, from Dr. Kerry Makin-Byrd.
"In knitting’s rhythmic nature, fluffy yarns, and a pair of smooth nickel-plated needles, I found comfort, something all writers need at one time or another because the profession is hard and makes no promises, not even the reward of effort." —@rlmaizes.bsky.social
Make Good Knots: How Learning to Knit Saved My Novel | Jane Friedman
Learning to knit renewed one author’s confidence, allowing her to take a risk revising a manuscript that was already out on submission.
janefriedman.com
November 4, 2025 at 4:03 PM
"In knitting’s rhythmic nature, fluffy yarns, and a pair of smooth nickel-plated needles, I found comfort, something all writers need at one time or another because the profession is hard and makes no promises, not even the reward of effort." —@rlmaizes.bsky.social
Been warned against using a prologue?
I often issue that warning. But prologues do have a place in some stories, if they're done well.
Several different types of prologues are reviewed here, along with examples of effective ones, from @marykabiaggio.bsky.social.
I often issue that warning. But prologues do have a place in some stories, if they're done well.
Several different types of prologues are reviewed here, along with examples of effective ones, from @marykabiaggio.bsky.social.
Prologues That Work and Why | Jane Friedman
Prologues get a bad rap as backstory or info dumps but, done well, they can intrigue readers and ignite interest in the story to come.
janefriedman.com
October 30, 2025 at 2:33 PM
Been warned against using a prologue?
I often issue that warning. But prologues do have a place in some stories, if they're done well.
Several different types of prologues are reviewed here, along with examples of effective ones, from @marykabiaggio.bsky.social.
I often issue that warning. But prologues do have a place in some stories, if they're done well.
Several different types of prologues are reviewed here, along with examples of effective ones, from @marykabiaggio.bsky.social.
What's the difference between vanity publishing and hybrid publishing? How can you find a "good" hybrid publisher?
These questions are not straightforward to answer.
If you're considering any kind of paid publishing arrangement, hybrid or otherwise, I encourage you to read this Q&A with David Wilk
These questions are not straightforward to answer.
If you're considering any kind of paid publishing arrangement, hybrid or otherwise, I encourage you to read this Q&A with David Wilk
The Current State of Hybrid Publishing: Q&A with David Wilk | Jane Friedman
An in-depth discussion of hybrid publishing today: what has driven its growth, and what should you know before investing?
janefriedman.com
October 28, 2025 at 12:37 PM
What's the difference between vanity publishing and hybrid publishing? How can you find a "good" hybrid publisher?
These questions are not straightforward to answer.
If you're considering any kind of paid publishing arrangement, hybrid or otherwise, I encourage you to read this Q&A with David Wilk
These questions are not straightforward to answer.
If you're considering any kind of paid publishing arrangement, hybrid or otherwise, I encourage you to read this Q&A with David Wilk
People seek out life coaches for many reasons, but one theme is ever-present: people strive to achieve a goal but are trapped in a cage of their own patterns, until they gain an insight that sets them free.
Learn how to use the toolkit of a life coach for fiction character building.
Learn how to use the toolkit of a life coach for fiction character building.
Coach Your Characters: A Life Coach’s Toolkit Offers a New Lens | Jane Friedman
Life coaches help clients gain insights about how we shape our own life stories, and the same tools can be used to create richer characters.
janefriedman.com
October 22, 2025 at 3:56 PM
People seek out life coaches for many reasons, but one theme is ever-present: people strive to achieve a goal but are trapped in a cage of their own patterns, until they gain an insight that sets them free.
Learn how to use the toolkit of a life coach for fiction character building.
Learn how to use the toolkit of a life coach for fiction character building.
Recently I taught a class that discussed hybrid publishing, and it made me realize that some writers believe paying a hybrid will relieve them of marketing and promoting their book. Unhappy wake-up call: it doesn't matter how you publish. You still have to market and promote if you want sales.
October 21, 2025 at 6:49 PM
Recently I taught a class that discussed hybrid publishing, and it made me realize that some writers believe paying a hybrid will relieve them of marketing and promoting their book. Unhappy wake-up call: it doesn't matter how you publish. You still have to market and promote if you want sales.
One of my favorite things is when a piece I write takes on a new life in someone else’s hands.
Tiffany Graham Charkosky read my 2022 article describing the types of memoirists who land book deals & found a new way to look at her journey.
Her memoir releases today: janefriedman.com/all-others-t...
Tiffany Graham Charkosky read my 2022 article describing the types of memoirists who land book deals & found a new way to look at her journey.
Her memoir releases today: janefriedman.com/all-others-t...
“All Others”: The Memoir Writers Who Keep Going | Jane Friedman
Jane’s reporting has shown that unknown authors still land memoir deals, a fact which gave one writer the will to persevere—and succeed.
janefriedman.com
October 21, 2025 at 2:22 PM
One of my favorite things is when a piece I write takes on a new life in someone else’s hands.
Tiffany Graham Charkosky read my 2022 article describing the types of memoirists who land book deals & found a new way to look at her journey.
Her memoir releases today: janefriedman.com/all-others-t...
Tiffany Graham Charkosky read my 2022 article describing the types of memoirists who land book deals & found a new way to look at her journey.
Her memoir releases today: janefriedman.com/all-others-t...
Your book is about more than your book. It’s about transformation—the shift you want your readers to experience after engaging with your work.
Insight from @chadrallen.bsky.social.
Insight from @chadrallen.bsky.social.
Why Your Book Isn’t Enough (and Why That’s Good News) | Jane Friedman
If we view platform-building as part of a mission to transform lives, not just sell books, the possibilities for engagement are endless.
janefriedman.com
October 15, 2025 at 1:43 PM
Your book is about more than your book. It’s about transformation—the shift you want your readers to experience after engaging with your work.
Insight from @chadrallen.bsky.social.
Insight from @chadrallen.bsky.social.
A practical look at how authors and illustrators can avoid burnout and bad contracts in publishing, by @mandacomisari.bsky.social.
Good Intentions Aren’t Enough in Publishing Deals: How Creators Can Protect Themselves | Jane Friedman
What every creator should know before signing a contract—protect your work, your time, and your well-being.
janefriedman.com
October 14, 2025 at 2:30 PM
A practical look at how authors and illustrators can avoid burnout and bad contracts in publishing, by @mandacomisari.bsky.social.
This author found a publisher for his memoir, but ultimately realized it was the wrong publisher after the book released. So he took the book off the market and re-published it himself.
Learn about that, plus the Netflix adaptation releasing this week, courtesy of @sarahchauncey.com.
Learn about that, plus the Netflix adaptation releasing this week, courtesy of @sarahchauncey.com.
How a Memoir Became Netflix’s Boots | Jane Friedman
The author of The Pink Marine discusses his publishing path, writing for books versus screen, what development execs look for, and more.
janefriedman.com
October 9, 2025 at 3:17 PM
This author found a publisher for his memoir, but ultimately realized it was the wrong publisher after the book released. So he took the book off the market and re-published it himself.
Learn about that, plus the Netflix adaptation releasing this week, courtesy of @sarahchauncey.com.
Learn about that, plus the Netflix adaptation releasing this week, courtesy of @sarahchauncey.com.
When I graduated with my writing degree in the late 1990s, it was still feasible to earn a living freelancing for newspapers, magazines, and other publications.
That path has all but dried up, but every once in a while, you'll find someone who is still muscling through—like @nberlat.bsky.social.
That path has all but dried up, but every once in a while, you'll find someone who is still muscling through—like @nberlat.bsky.social.
How Do Freelancers Survive Today? An Interview with a 20-Year Veteran | Jane Friedman
The landscape is very different today: publications have folded, arts coverage has dried up, and most opinion writing is on Substack.
janefriedman.com
October 7, 2025 at 2:23 PM
When I graduated with my writing degree in the late 1990s, it was still feasible to earn a living freelancing for newspapers, magazines, and other publications.
That path has all but dried up, but every once in a while, you'll find someone who is still muscling through—like @nberlat.bsky.social.
That path has all but dried up, but every once in a while, you'll find someone who is still muscling through—like @nberlat.bsky.social.
Authors, you can now search an official database to see if your books are part of the Anthropic settlement.
My book is in there, and I just filed my claim. 💸
Search here: secure.anthropiccopyrightsettlement.com/lookup
My book is in there, and I just filed my claim. 💸
Search here: secure.anthropiccopyrightsettlement.com/lookup
Submit a Claim
secure.anthropiccopyrightsettlement.com
October 2, 2025 at 3:18 PM
Authors, you can now search an official database to see if your books are part of the Anthropic settlement.
My book is in there, and I just filed my claim. 💸
Search here: secure.anthropiccopyrightsettlement.com/lookup
My book is in there, and I just filed my claim. 💸
Search here: secure.anthropiccopyrightsettlement.com/lookup
What if your life experiences do not necessarily translate into “good” writing? Christina Larocco describes how her writing is circular, referential, fragmented—all qualities typically identified as weaknesses.
Discovering My Brain’s Native Language | Jane Friedman
An AuDHD writer considers where her mind’s fragmentary and circular style of expression fits in a paradigm of linear storytelling.
janefriedman.com
October 1, 2025 at 6:21 PM
What if your life experiences do not necessarily translate into “good” writing? Christina Larocco describes how her writing is circular, referential, fragmented—all qualities typically identified as weaknesses.
Any writers out there who also knit? How do you handle messing things up?
You'll enjoy this from @nitacollinswriter.bsky.social.
You'll enjoy this from @nitacollinswriter.bsky.social.
Knit One, Revise Two: What Being a Knitter Taught Me About Writing | Jane Friedman
Knitting and writing both teach us that mistakes can be instructive. Every dropped stitch, every tangled subplot is an invitation to learn.
janefriedman.com
September 30, 2025 at 2:39 PM
Any writers out there who also knit? How do you handle messing things up?
You'll enjoy this from @nitacollinswriter.bsky.social.
You'll enjoy this from @nitacollinswriter.bsky.social.
Absolutely delighted to be in conversation with @grammargirl.bsky.social on the topic of AI this week, for her show AI Sidequest. With AI, there is always *so* much to talk about. We cover AI scams, AI note taking, AI website builders, and more.
AI Sidequest
News about AI for writers, editors, marketers, and educators. No hype. No hate.
www.youtube.com
September 25, 2025 at 9:14 PM
Absolutely delighted to be in conversation with @grammargirl.bsky.social on the topic of AI this week, for her show AI Sidequest. With AI, there is always *so* much to talk about. We cover AI scams, AI note taking, AI website builders, and more.
For writers, voice matters—enormously—for a story's success. But it's an elusive thing to teach someone. What makes it powerful or intriguing or distinct? And if it’s too strong or distinctive, might it not draw attention to itself?
@tiffanyyatesmartin.bsky.social advises.
@tiffanyyatesmartin.bsky.social advises.
What Does It Mean to Have a Compelling Voice in Your Story? | Jane Friedman
In storytelling, voice can refer to three different elements: character voice, narrative voice, and author voice—and they can often overlap.
janefriedman.com
September 18, 2025 at 5:38 PM
For writers, voice matters—enormously—for a story's success. But it's an elusive thing to teach someone. What makes it powerful or intriguing or distinct? And if it’s too strong or distinctive, might it not draw attention to itself?
@tiffanyyatesmartin.bsky.social advises.
@tiffanyyatesmartin.bsky.social advises.
Many 19th-century novels have fallen by the wayside, while Jane Austen continues to draw new readers and admirers every year. Much of her appeal may be understood in the way she built her plots.
Dissect the plot of PRIDE AND PREJUDICE with Robin Henry.
Dissect the plot of PRIDE AND PREJUDICE with Robin Henry.
Writing Lessons from Jane Austen: Cause and Effect in Pride and Prejudice | Jane Friedman
While many 19th century novels have fallen by the wayside, Austen’s continual appeal may be understood in the way she built her plots.
janefriedman.com
September 17, 2025 at 8:48 PM
Many 19th-century novels have fallen by the wayside, while Jane Austen continues to draw new readers and admirers every year. Much of her appeal may be understood in the way she built her plots.
Dissect the plot of PRIDE AND PREJUDICE with Robin Henry.
Dissect the plot of PRIDE AND PREJUDICE with Robin Henry.
“I’m just bad at marketing.”
But why? It bears examination, says Colleen M. Story.
But why? It bears examination, says Colleen M. Story.
If Book Marketing Feels Miserable, Read This Now | Jane Friedman
Most of us feel unskilled at marketing, but real resistance to it might reveal an emotional pattern that protects us when visibility feels risky.
janefriedman.com
September 16, 2025 at 1:48 PM
“I’m just bad at marketing.”
But why? It bears examination, says Colleen M. Story.
But why? It bears examination, says Colleen M. Story.
"Publishers have some great in-house teams, but I tell every author I work with: you are not the only author your publisher is doing publicity for."
Publicist Shanetta McDonald discusses what she wishes authors knew about book launches.
Publicist Shanetta McDonald discusses what she wishes authors knew about book launches.
3 Publicity Mistakes Debut Authors Make (and How to Avoid Them) | Jane Friedman
It’s hard to execute book publicity perfectly the first time around, but there’s a lot you can do to give your project the best shot at visibility.
janefriedman.com
September 11, 2025 at 3:14 PM
"Publishers have some great in-house teams, but I tell every author I work with: you are not the only author your publisher is doing publicity for."
Publicist Shanetta McDonald discusses what she wishes authors knew about book launches.
Publicist Shanetta McDonald discusses what she wishes authors knew about book launches.
What kind of food do your story's characters reach for when in distress? Do they have a culinary weakness or a food allergy that someone might take advantage of?
There are different ways storytellers can use food to bring their characters to life, says Karmen H. Špiljak.
There are different ways storytellers can use food to bring their characters to life, says Karmen H. Špiljak.
Breaking Bread: The Role of Food in Building Character | Jane Friedman
Food is a powerful storytelling element that can help develop characters, and a great tool for putting ‘show, don’t tell’ into practice.
janefriedman.com
September 10, 2025 at 4:04 PM
What kind of food do your story's characters reach for when in distress? Do they have a culinary weakness or a food allergy that someone might take advantage of?
There are different ways storytellers can use food to bring their characters to life, says Karmen H. Špiljak.
There are different ways storytellers can use food to bring their characters to life, says Karmen H. Špiljak.
Earlier today I got into a Bluesky convo about how publishers & authors will split proceeds in the Anthropic settlement. Thanks to @publisherslunch.bsky.social, I offer this reminder: the Anthropic settlement is for piracy/copyright infringement and not AI training.
September 9, 2025 at 10:25 PM
Earlier today I got into a Bluesky convo about how publishers & authors will split proceeds in the Anthropic settlement. Thanks to @publisherslunch.bsky.social, I offer this reminder: the Anthropic settlement is for piracy/copyright infringement and not AI training.
If every publisher doesn't do this, I would not be surprised to see come kind of collective action, depending on how many authors are affected.
Update: we just received a statement from Macmillan/Tor taking full responsibility for failing to register copyright, promising to make us whole and pay us any settlement money we lost out on due to that error, and promising to find & correct the lapses that caused this.
Every pub should do this.
Every pub should do this.
this part right here is gonna create massive resentment in the industry. the copyright registration system and the fact that you apparently have to pay a bonus fee for protection from big companies pirating your work (and that tons of publishers never paid the bonus fee...)
September 9, 2025 at 9:46 PM
If every publisher doesn't do this, I would not be surprised to see come kind of collective action, depending on how many authors are affected.
Ever pop open your manuscript file and feel … nothing? Not dread, not excitement—just a dull emptiness.
Author and book coach Anne F. Haag suggests what you might do next.
Author and book coach Anne F. Haag suggests what you might do next.
How to Reconnect with a Draft You No Longer Want to Write | Jane Friedman
If the manuscript you once felt passionate about has fallen silent, here’s why this may be happening and how to gently find your way back.
janefriedman.com
September 9, 2025 at 4:18 PM
Ever pop open your manuscript file and feel … nothing? Not dread, not excitement—just a dull emptiness.
Author and book coach Anne F. Haag suggests what you might do next.
Author and book coach Anne F. Haag suggests what you might do next.
In honor of the 10-year anniversary of my newsletter, I wrote about what I think has most meaningfully changed in book publishing since 2015.
Spoiler alert: I don't think the last 10 years were as transformational as the 10 years before that.
Spoiler alert: I don't think the last 10 years were as transformational as the 10 years before that.
How Publishing Has Changed Since 2015 | Jane Friedman
To mark the 10-year anniversary of this newsletter’s launch, here’s a look at some of the biggest industry changes in the past decade.
janefriedman.com
September 4, 2025 at 6:54 PM
In honor of the 10-year anniversary of my newsletter, I wrote about what I think has most meaningfully changed in book publishing since 2015.
Spoiler alert: I don't think the last 10 years were as transformational as the 10 years before that.
Spoiler alert: I don't think the last 10 years were as transformational as the 10 years before that.