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 exp...

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...

Find the right social media expert to help you connect with readers, build your author brand, and promote your work. 

By Julie Tyler Ruiz

CONTENTS:

• Why authors should leverage social media
• 3 social media and book marketing experts 
• Choosing the right social media platform
• Additional resources for building your author brand 

Why authors should leverage social media

As an author, you can use social media to share your work, ideas, and personality. It’s a way for potential readers to get to know your style before your book is even published and gives you a head start on building an audience that’s excited to read your work.

Building a following and standing out on social media presents several challenges to be aware of. Which social media platform should you choose? How do you master each platform's tools and meet audience expectations? How do you balance time between writing and content creation? What's the best way to stand out and get seen?

The right social media expert c...

Explore three bestselling author website examples and get inspiration for developing your own site. 

By Julie Tyler Ruiz

CONTENTS:

• Overview
• James Clear: clean, book-centric design
• Sarah J. Mass: enchanting, immersive design
• Mark Manson: bold, life-centric approach
• Next steps

Overview 

Building an author website is a game-changer and a necessary step in growing your reader base. As I explore in my article, "Launch Your Author Website in 7 Steps," there are many benefits to having a website, even if your first site is simple and lean. Think of a website as a digital hub for your writing career, a dedicated space where you can showcase your work, connect with readers, and introduce them to who you are and what you write.

And remember: your site can grow as your writing career grows. As you build skills, complete projects, and build your audience, you can add content to your site that leads site visitors on an engaging journey through your work.  

In this article, let’s take...

A quick start guide to launching your author website, sharing your work, and attracting loyal readers. 

By Julie Tyler Ruiz 

CONTENTS

• Benefits of an author website
• How to build an author website: 7 steps
• What’s next? Building your author brand beyond the website

Benefits of an author website

Imagine having a space online that’s all yours—a place where readers, publishers, and literary agents can find you and your work with just a few clicks. Your author website helps you stand out and establish your brand. It’s your personal platform where you control the story, share updates, showcase your writing, and amplify your voice in the world of books.

Whether you’re sharing sample chapters, posting blog articles, or simply letting readers know more about your journey as a writer, your website offers endless opportunities to connect.

Here's the best part:

• Building your first author website can be a smooth and exciting process, even if you don't have any technical experience in
...

Practice eight advanced strategies for developing a stand-out writing style readers crave. 

By Julie Tyler Ruiz

CONTENTS:

• Overview
• 8 advanced writing style strategies 
• Final writing style thoughts

Overview