Reader Questions on Writing and Publishing

How Do I Find a Legit Press?

A novelist wrote in wondering how to find a legit press to publish her book: "I don't want to self-publish; I want a real publishing company to publish my book and help me promote it. Is there a directory for reputable publishing companies?"

Is It OK to Publish an Excerpt of My Novel?

Reader Cammie wrote in asking, "I read your write-up about how to seek out an agent, and thought you might be the right person to ask this question: is it ethical/beneficial as an unpublished novelist to submit a chapter from my novel to a short story publication?"

How Do I Find an Online Writing Class?

Reader Tami wrote in about online writing classes: "I've been writing in some form all of my life. I'm now considering the big plunge -- a novel. Could you recommend an online school or workshop? There are so many."

Advice on Book Revision

One reader wrote in asking about "how to subtly interweave character revelation with storytelling, without letting the story drag (which, to me, sounds about as easy as sticking an elephant through a pin hole!)."