Is it free rein or free reign? The correct phrase is free rein. It comes from the world of horse riding, where a rider would loosen the reins to allow the horse to move freely. While “reign” (meaning to rule like a monarch) sounds like it might fit, it is always a misspelling in this…
Your manuscript is ready, or almost ready. But before you rush to publish your book, there are a few essential steps you should take to give it the best possible start. While self-publishing is easy, marketing, promoting, and selling a new book or ebook is much more challenging. To stand a real chance of success,…
Before You Publish: 5 Essential Steps To Prepare Your Book Read More »
Is it one fell swoop or one foul swoop? The correct phrase is one fell swoop. Originally coined by Shakespeare in Macbeth, the word “fell” here is an old-fashioned term for “fierce” or “deadly.” It describes the swift, lethal descent of a bird of prey onto its victim. Why is fell the correct word? Yes,…
One Fell Swoop Or One Foul Swoop? (Correct Spelling) Read More »
Writing and publishing content on different platforms and sites is a great idea, but do you interlink your articles? You might have a blog but also publish articles on LinkedIn, SubStack, Medium, or guest posts on other websites. However, you are missing a huge opportunity if you are not adding links between all these articles.…
Interlink Your Articles To Get Better Traffic Results Read More »
Dead words in writing is a catch-all expression to describe words and phrases that are unnecessary, weak, or overused. Every word has its place. But in writing, the words you choose should be in the right place and for the right reason. At the top of the list are hackneyed phrases such as due to the…
Zap Dead Words In Writing – Free Dead Word Checker Read More »
Is it sleight of hand or slight of hand? The correct spelling is sleight of hand. While the movements of a magician might be “slight” (small or thin), the word sleight is an old noun meaning skill, dexterity, or trickery. Simply remember that slight means small and sleight means skill. Sleight and slight Yes, the…
Sleight Of Hand Or Slight Of Hand? (The Correct Spelling) Read More »
Writing rules are useful guides, but they are not fixed laws. In fact, many writing rules can be broken without damaging your style or your clarity. Knowing the rules of grammar and writing is important, but skilled writers also know when to bend or break them. When you use them well, this flexibility can make…
10 Writing Rules You Can Break Without Ruining Your Style Read More »
When you are preparing to self-publish a new book, one important element to include is a disclaimer in your front matter. You’ve probably got a lot of other things on your mind as you get ready to publish. However, a disclaimer is a vital precaution that will offer you some degree of legal protection. You…
How To Write A Disclaimer For A Self-Published Book Read More »
It’s a relatively simple process to publish a book or ebook today, but with it comes certain legal aspects and responsibilities of self-publishing you need to consider. In the past, authors only had to worry about tax liabilities and standard copyright and libel laws, but publishing now has more complex new challenges. The legal status…
The Essential Legal Aspects Of Self-Publishing And AI Read More »
Is it straight-laced or strait-laced? While straight-laced is now commonly seen and often accepted, the historically correct spelling is strait-laced. The word “strait” means narrow or tight (think of a “straitjacket” or a “strait” of water). It refers to the tight lacing of a corset, symbolizing a person with narrow or rigid moral standards. The…
Strait-Laced Or Straight-Laced? (Correct Spelling) Read More »
