Follow my story of getting—and eventually parting ways with—a literary agent, and the empowering lessons I learned about finding the right creative partner for your book.

By Julie Tyler Ruiz

CONTENTS:

• Beyond the yes
• Part one: the dream
• Part two: the drift
• Part three: the tough decision
• The most important lessons

Beyond the yes: a candid look at getting (and saying goodbye to) a literary agent

Getting a literary agent is a dream for so many writers. For years, it was mine too.

I’d bought into the idea—common in many writing circles—that traditional publishing was the way to be taken seriously, to reach readers at scale, and to prove I was good enough. I wasn’t actively investigating other publishing avenues. I had, in many ways, brushed them aside.

In the years leading up to signing with an agent, I’d test-pitched dozens of agents in person at conferences. In almost every case, they expressed interest and personally invited me to query and send sample pages. So by the tim...

Discover how to find and work with literary agents and explore smart, actionable paths to publication in this empowering guide for authors.

By Julie Tyler Ruiz

CONTENTS:

• What is a literary agent?
• What does a literary agent do?
• Do you need a literary agent?
• How to get a literary agent: 4 key steps
• Author-agent fit and shifting the power dynamic
• Getting published without an agent 

What is a literary agent? 

A literary agent is a publishing industry professional who represents authors and their work to publishers. Writers often think of agents as gatekeepers, given that they serve as the primary point of access to many traditional publishers, especially the larger houses that do not accept unsolicited manuscripts. But they are much more than gatekeepers. Landing an agent means you've recruited a champion for your work, someone who'll use their industry expertise and networks to advocate for your story in a competitive marketplace.

You can also think of literary agents as bu...

By Julie Tyler Ruiz

CONTENTS:

• Why we seek out the "best books of all time"
• Self-discovery quiz: What kind of reader are you? 
• 60 of the best books of all time, categorized by what you're looking for
• How to rethink your own "best books" list

Why we seek out the "best books of all time"

By Julie Tyler Ruiz

CONTENT

• Introduction. Navigating the AI writing landscape in 2025
• Chapter 1. What is AI writing?
• Chapter 2. Ethics of AI writing
• Chapter 3. Using AI to write: what you gain and lose
• Chapter 4. AI prompt writing: best practices
• Chapter 5. AI writing tools 
• Chapter 6. AI writing events
• Chapter 7. AI in book publishing: industry news and trends 
• Chapter 8. How I use AI to write: my dos and don'ts
• Chapter 9. How to establish your own AI writing practice

Introduction. Navigating the AI writing landscape in 2025 

By 2025, most of us are using generative AI for a variety of writing tasks or at least experimenting with AI to see what it can do, from automating content or generating pages of material in a matte...

Want to know how to get a book published in 2025? Traditional publishing is competitive, but writers who balance authenticity with strategy have a real chance at success. This guide breaks down the key steps to securing a deal, from understanding market trends to crafting a strong pitch.

By Julie Tyler Ruiz

 CONTENTS: 

• Traditional publishing in 2025: opportunities for authentic writers
• How to get a book published: 6 steps
• Beyond the deal: what authors need to know
• Cultivating a success mindset for your publishing journey

Traditional publishing in 2025: opportunities for authentic writers

Securing a traditional publishing deal requires more than just writing a great manuscript. It demands a strategic approach, understanding the industry, and crafting a compelling pitch. While the path is competitive, opportunities abound for writers who embrace both authenticity and strategy. Publishers are always on the lookout for fresh voices and compelling stories. Writing a book that ex...

Explore flexible writing side hustles that turn your passion for writing into a profitable pursuit and get my step-by-step guide to getting started. 

By Julie Tyler Ruiz

CONTENTS:

• Why start a writing side hustle in 2025?
• 11 writing side hustles to explore
• How to start your writing side hustle 

Why start a writing side hustle in 2025?

Writing side hustles are a fantastic way to earn money while putting pen to paper. Whether you're supplementing your income, gaining valuable experience, or supporting your creative writing dreams, these flexible opportunities let you achieve your goals without the 40-hour-a-week commitment of full-time employment.

If you're a stay-at-home parent seeking a professional outlet with flexible hours, an aspiring entrepreneur eager to turn a side gig into a lucrative business, or a full-time professional planning a career pivot, writing side hustles can fit your needs. Best of all, with the right skills, a steady stream of clients, and a commitment ...

Learn how to craft a story ending that resonates deeply with readers, using practical steps, examples, and creative prompts to bring your conclusion to life.

By Julie Tyler Ruiz

CONTENTS:

• Story endings overview
• 10 ways to end a story: examples + exercises 
• How to write your story's ending: 3 steps

Story endings overview

10 ways to end a story: examples + exercises

Learn how to start a story using 12 unique methods, with examples and actionable steps to craft an opening that hooks readers from the first line.

By Julie Tyler Ruiz

CONTENTS:

• The beginning of a story: an overview
• How to start a story: 12 methods + examples
• How to write the beginning of a story: 3 steps

The beginning of a story: an overview

The beginning of your story is your first—and perhaps only—chance to hook readers. A strong opening doesn’t just grab attention; it sets the tone, introduces the character’s predicament, and reveals the central conflict. These elements are non-negotiable, but how you present them is where creativity shines.

Whether you’re writing an epic fantasy, a cozy mystery, or a contemporary romance, the way you open your story should align with your themes, genre, and the emotional experience you want to create for readers. From diving straight into the action to opening with a subtle, symbolic detail, you have many options for hooking readers fro...

Explore 13 transformative books—fiction and nonfiction—that inspire, challenge, and change lives across generations.

By Julie Tyler Ruiz

CONTENTS:

• What makes a book life-changing?
• What I look for in a life-changing book
• How I compiled this book list
• 13 books that will change your life

What makes a book life-changing?

Books have the power to shape how we see the world, understand ourselves, and engage with others. Some books, however, go beyond mere influence and spark profound shifts. Life-changing books call on us to reexamine our beliefs, shift our mindset, and embrace a new way of being. They don't just entertain or inform; they become part of who we are. 

What I look for in a life-changing book 

For me, a truly transformative book is one that broadens my understanding and challenges my perspective. I’m drawn to works that:

• Explore history, how it unfolds and what lessons it holds for us today.
• Speculate about humanity's future, asking us to imagine what lies ahead
...

Discover the role of conflict in a story, different types of story conflict, and the steps to creating meaningful conflict in your story.

By Julie Tyler Ruiz

CONTENTS:

• What is conflict in a story?
• Types of story conflict
• The purpose of story conflict 
• Story conflict examples
• How to create conflict in your story: 6 steps

What is conflict in a story?

Story conflict is the central problem, challenge, or dilemma that the main character must confront to reach their goal. It’s the force that drives the character’s journey and keeps readers engaged. Conflict creates obstacles, stakes, and tension as the character navigates difficult situations that stand in the way of their desires.

Often, the conflict and the character’s goal are intertwined. For example, imagine a commoner and a prince in love, hoping to marry, only to be blocked by a disapproving royal family. The story unfolds as they strive to convince the royals to bless their union—or consider leaving royal life behind in...