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).
The problems that afflict the first draft of a screenplay also plague the first draft of a novel.
Learn why (and how to fix) from screenwriter & author @lesleykrueger.bsky.social.
Learn why (and how to fix) from screenwriter & author @lesleykrueger.bsky.social.
Edit Your Book As If It’s a Screenplay | Jane Friedman
A writer’s script-editing experience helped fix her novel’s problems with pacing, flat characters, and scenes that didn’t propel the story.
janefriedman.com
November 25, 2025 at 6:43 PM
The problems that afflict the first draft of a screenplay also plague the first draft of a novel.
Learn why (and how to fix) from screenwriter & author @lesleykrueger.bsky.social.
Learn why (and how to fix) from screenwriter & author @lesleykrueger.bsky.social.
In crime fiction, the most powerful moments often aren’t about car chases or shootouts—they’re about impossible choices.
Learn more from the authors of The Night Police novels.
Learn more from the authors of The Night Police novels.
Crafting Ethical and Moral Dilemmas in Crime Fiction | Jane Friedman
In crime fiction, the most powerful moments often aren’t about car chases or shootouts—they’re about impossible choices.
janefriedman.com
November 20, 2025 at 3:30 PM
In crime fiction, the most powerful moments often aren’t about car chases or shootouts—they’re about impossible choices.
Learn more from the authors of The Night Police novels.
Learn more from the authors of The Night Police novels.
You don’t need to be writing a “workplace novel” for work to be integral to your protagonist’s life. But using it as more than a backdrop can supercharge conflict and character development, says Jennifer Landau.
Using the Workplace to Add Depth to Your Novel | Jane Friedman
Using the workplace as more than a backdrop can supercharge the stakes, conflict, and character development of your fiction.
janefriedman.com
November 19, 2025 at 3:31 PM
You don’t need to be writing a “workplace novel” for work to be integral to your protagonist’s life. But using it as more than a backdrop can supercharge conflict and character development, says Jennifer Landau.
"When I would get interviewed and then rejected, it was annoying. When I received a form rejection, it was annoying. When I received no response, it was annoying. But nothing stalled me for one minute." —Libby James
How a 100 Rejections Challenge Prepared Me for Life’s Biggest Rejection | Jane Friedman
A slew of literary rejections helped one writer develop the perseverance needed when a failed marriage left her urgently seeking a new job.
janefriedman.com
November 18, 2025 at 3:31 PM
"When I would get interviewed and then rejected, it was annoying. When I received a form rejection, it was annoying. When I received no response, it was annoying. But nothing stalled me for one minute." —Libby James
I was a writer-in-residence at Good Contrivance Farm this year, and it's one of the most generous and quality organizations I've worked with.
What @janefriedman.com says!
If you can, please support writers, readers, and the Good Contrivance Farm Writers' Retreat.
secure.givelively.org/donate/good-...
If you can, please support writers, readers, and the Good Contrivance Farm Writers' Retreat.
secure.givelively.org/donate/good-...
November 14, 2025 at 3:54 PM
I was a writer-in-residence at Good Contrivance Farm this year, and it's one of the most generous and quality organizations I've worked with.
"I used to think memoir was navel gazing, the writing equivalent of pouting and blaming others. I may have decided this because of how I was raised, thinking that I was supposed to be strong at all times." —@ronitplank.bsky.social
Even writers themselves have misconceptions about memoir.
Even writers themselves have misconceptions about memoir.
What I Got Wrong About Memoir and What I Now Understand About the Genre | Jane Friedman
An author reconsiders her biases, finding the best memoir writing to be courageous, complex, and capable of transforming others and ourselves.
janefriedman.com
November 13, 2025 at 3:36 PM
"I used to think memoir was navel gazing, the writing equivalent of pouting and blaming others. I may have decided this because of how I was raised, thinking that I was supposed to be strong at all times." —@ronitplank.bsky.social
Even writers themselves have misconceptions about memoir.
Even writers themselves have misconceptions about memoir.
"I had heard of book awards, but I wasn’t confident in two things: the contest fees and the idea of competing against other books. I felt I didn’t stand a chance."
@chitalmehta.bsky.social did, in fact, stand a chance.
@chitalmehta.bsky.social did, in fact, stand a chance.
How Revising My Novel While Querying Helped Me Win a Book Award | Jane Friedman
When agents suggest further revision, we might need time and distance to see our MS through their eyes—but doing the work can pay dividends.
janefriedman.com
November 12, 2025 at 4:21 PM
"I had heard of book awards, but I wasn’t confident in two things: the contest fees and the idea of competing against other books. I felt I didn’t stand a chance."
@chitalmehta.bsky.social did, in fact, stand a chance.
@chitalmehta.bsky.social did, in fact, stand a chance.
Emotion isn’t just about characters laughing or crying. What truly defines a character’s emotional depth is not just what they feel, but how they express it.
Much to consider here from Jordan Rosenfeld.
Much to consider here from Jordan Rosenfeld.
What Makes Character Voice Memorable: Emotion | Jane Friedman
This excerpt from a new craft book by Jordan Rosenfeld explores the many ways our fictional characters manifest their internal emotions.
janefriedman.com
November 11, 2025 at 2:37 PM
Emotion isn’t just about characters laughing or crying. What truly defines a character’s emotional depth is not just what they feel, but how they express it.
Much to consider here from Jordan Rosenfeld.
Much to consider here from Jordan Rosenfeld.
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.