rticles on writing and self-publishing mysteries are great ways of keeping current with trends. The content of articles can be updated far more quickly than similar information found in books. Furthermore, articles tend to be concise; though they generally do not have the depth of information found in books they can be a quick way of gathering information on a topic. (See also, listed separately, news articles on self-publishing.)

Self-Publish Mysteries has assembled a collection of informative articles related to writing and self-publishing mystery books. (Articles are sorted alphabetically by the author's last name.)

Ann Roscopf Allen
Ten Tips to Help You Finish Writing Your Novel

1. Set aside a time to write and keep it sacred.

Make this a time when you know you are at your best and feel most creative - Saturday mornings, late at night, whatever works for you. Make writing a priority and arrange other parts of your schedule around it.

2. Remove all distractions while you write.

Turn off the television. Don't answer the phone. … Read the rest of the article here.

Moira Allen
Self-Publishing FAQ

What Is Self-Publishing?

With the proliferation of inexpensive "pay-for-publication" options, this has become a confusing question. Many writers believe that "self-publication" refers to any mechanism by which the writer bears the cost of publication -- including subsidy electronic and print-on-demand publications. Many vendors encourage this belief, as "self-publishing" tends to sound more respectable than "subsidy publishing." … Read the rest of the article here.

Patty Apostolides
Writing Tips For Novice Authors

If you are reading this article then you probably have asked yourself at some point in your life, "Do I have what it takes to become an author?"

I believe that successful authors, those who actually write and finish that novel, or book of poetry, or even that book of short stories, and see it all the way to publication, have certain characteristics. … Read the rest of the article here.

Mary Arnold
Two Styles of Mystery Writing: The Cozy and the Hard-Boiled

Cozy novels do not have graphic violence, and little or no sexual content and abusive language. Society is "viewed as orderly and controlled, and the crime is a failure of the society to function correctly" (Niebuhr 7). In this type of novel, right and wrong are clearly defined, and the murder is considered to be an aberration, not something that is seen on a daily basis. 

The detective in these novels is usually an amateur, although there are exceptions … Read the rest of the article here.

Gerald F. Bianco
Subtle Writing Techniques of the Mystery Writer

Here is the first of five articles taken from my lecture series, "Subtle Writing Techniques Used in Creating a Successful Mystery Novel." This series is designed to explain the working methods of the mystery/suspense writer, offering insight and understanding into the technical process of writing.

Reading a good mystery novel is a lot like horseback riding. … Read the rest of the article here.

Noel Brinkerhoff
Dos and Don'ts of Self-Publishing

It used to be where people who self-published were considered neophytes who weren't good enough to be published by more traditional publishers. They clung like barnacles to the edges of the book world, trying but not gaining access to the inner sanctum -- a place on the shelves of Barnes & Noble and a trip to Oprah's couch. 

These days, however, self-published authors can make themselves lots of money, build platforms for the launch of further projects, ... Read the rest of the article here.

Mark Burns
Suspense Novels Need Fast Starts

Suspense novels, unlike any other genre, need fast starts. Fans of suspense novels or their close relatives, thrillers, detective stories and mysteries, expect a fast-paced read. These suspense fans want that pace to begin immediately. So, if you want to create marvelous, fast-paced suspense novels, follow this one simple rule. ... Read the rest of the article here.

Sanyika Calloway Boyce
Seven Ways To Sabotage Your Self Publishing Success

The book business is a billion dollar industry; however grabbing your slice of the pie will require skills far beyond simply writing well and conveying your message clearly.

So, if you're thinking about becoming a published author read this before you power up the PC and prepare to pen a masterpiece because there are a few (17 that I've found) landmines to watch out for on the road to self publishing success.

Following are seven of the primary reasons many authors fail. … Read the rest of the article here.

Kae Cheatham
Self-Published Books Need A Professional Appearance To Court Success

... if a writer wants a book to be taken seriously, some basics have to be considered. Liberal use of Strunk and White (Elements of Style) is a must, as well as referring to Chicago Manual of Style. Be certain punctuation is correctly rendered. ... Read the rest of the article here.

Marvin Cloud
Put Your Best Foot Forward When Submitting Your Manuscript

Every week, editors and book agents, receive many first-time authors' manuscripts for review purposes. Some authors want them to read their manuscript and give them a complete written report while others simply want them to look at their manuscript and see if the possibility exists that they can help them to publish it as a book.

Still others, while acknowledging the rough draft form of their manuscript, only want professional thoughts of what they believe to be a bestseller. Most editors believe … Read the rest of the article here.

Grant Davis
Two-Minute Guide To Book Publishing

Have you written a book you want to share with the world? New York is the capital of the book publishing world, but remember small and midsize independent publishers in other locations can also be elite and do business with unpublished authors.

It is not absolutely necessary to engage the services of an agent, but it usually is a good idea. Today agents who know their way around the publishing industry have thousands of books to select from … Read the rest of the article here.

Patrick Dent
Creative Writing - Fiction

When writing fiction, the author must rely upon his/her instincts and experiences to create a story. This article will provide an overview of 7 of the major elements of writing fiction in good form, i.e., the form editors expect. ... Read the rest of the article here.

Bryan Hallett
How to Write a Murder Mystery: Characters

Crime fiction in general and murder mystery in particular is a popular staple of bookshops, theatre and television drama, and is a genre often tackled by new writers. This article is written from the standpoint of someone who writes mysteries for theatre performance, but the lessons and techniques can be applied to any media. … Read the rest of the article here.

Joni Hamilton
How to Publish a Book: Key Differences Between Publishing and Self Publishing

For many authors just starting out, it can be a confusing and overwhelming decision whether to self publish a book or to seek out a traditional publishing house. It is important to know that the decision you make can have a huge impact on the success, or the failure, of your book. There are many factors to consider, and the right decision is going to be different for every author and for every book.

Here are just a few key factors and publishing tips … Read the rest of the article here.

Will Kalif
It's all About the Cover - Advice for Self-Published Authors

With only a few seconds to catch the attention of a potential buyer the cover is the most important tool you have when trying to sell your book. You have spent hundreds of hours working on your manuscript. You should also put a fair amount of energy into the cover. … Read the rest of the article here.

Scott Lindsay
Self-Publishing: How Important Is An ISBN Number?

You've weighed all your options and have determined that self-publishing makes the most sense for your foray into publishing. You understand that there is an increase in the need to self-market your title, but there is also a correlating increase in profit margin. Other risks have been assessed and you’re comfortable moving forward in the direction you've chosen. Have you applied for an ISBN number? … Read the rest of the article here.

Ceci Miller
Why Self-Publish Your Book?

When I meet an author with a great book concept, one who’s definitely the right person to write that book, right away I’ll often encourage him or her to self-publish. This is because I know that, if an author is thoroughly invested in what they have to say, and if they’re determined to create a buzz about their message, they’ll discover … Read the rest of the article here.

Jennifer Minar
An Interview with Bestselling Novelist Michael Connelly

Bestselling author of several mystery/thriller novels, including "Blood Work," "City of Bones," and "The Narrows," Michael Connelly has enthralled millions of readers for over a decade.

Originally a journalist for several Florida markets, Connelly was one of three reporters short-listed for the Pulitzer Prize for feature writing in 1986 after covering a major airline crash. Soon thereafter, he packed up and moved to L.A. to work as a crime reporter for the "Los Angeles Times." After three years of working the crime beat … Read the rest of the article here.

Anthony P. Palmieri
Designing a Cover for your Book: A Guide for Self Publishers

In these days of computers, the internet, digital cameras, and on-line publishing companies, individuals can more easily express their creativity through writing and publishing their own written works. Whether it is a novel, a short story, or a how to guide, having a creative cover is important to help capture the attention of your audience. Read the rest of the article here.

David Poon
How to Write and Publish a Book

To publish a book is to become immortal. Why? Because your name and most importantly, your ideas will live on even when you are no longer physically here on earth. For as long as there are people who read (for information and for pleasure), accept, or even oppose (for the sake of argumentation and critical analysis) your ideas, your person is alive through that book.

For many--at least for those who have the passion for reading and writing--to be able to publish a book in their lifetime, is an ultimate goal, an ultimate dream. Hence, having been able to publish a book at least once in their lifetime is already an achievement. … Read the rest of the article here.

Brent Sampson
Top 5 Book Selling Tips

Every author wants to be a bestseller. Here are an expert's five easy tips on selling your book faster and smarter

TIP # 1 Online reviews are paramount in importance when it comes to drawing attention to your book. And the best part is, you're in control of your own destiny! If you haven't yet submitted your own review on sites like Amazon and Barnes & Noble, what are you waiting for? This should be one of the first steps for every published author. ... Read the rest of the article here.

Sid Smith
How to Self-Publish a Book On a Shoestring Budget

It's far easier to get your book published if you've already been published. But if you're new, don't worry. There are ways... and there are certainly ways to do it on a shoestring budget. You can have cheapest, and you can have best, but you're going to have to work at it to have both! ... Read the rest of the article here.

Daphne Succes
Self-Publish Your Book With National Distribution

Many writers struggle with constant rejection from the publishing world. A rejection, though a part of the industry, is difficult for writers at any stage in their career. You pour your heart and soul into a book, along with hours of work, only to hear a publisher indicate that it isn’t what they are looking for at this particular time. Many books that were otherwise snubbed by traditional publishing houses have gone on to be very popular. How? It’s simple. Self-publishing is an avenue that many new, or rejected, writers pursue. ... Read the rest of the article here.

Cheryl Kaye Tardif
Murder Walls for Crime Novelists

A Murder Wall is a vital tool for crime novelists. Imagine trying to write a story without knowing your suspects or their possible motives. For any great crime novelist, your job is to treat your novel like a police investigation, following the clues and the evidence until it reaches the outcome or climactic resolution. If you watch most great crime dramas such as Law & Order and Without a Trace, you will notice that investigators often use visuals on a wall to keep each case organized. This is a Murder Wall. … Read the rest of the article here.

Edward P. Toupin
From Idea to Published Book ... How to Self-Publish the Easy Way!

I've been involved in publishing for over a decade now as an author, editor, and project manager; however, it wasn't until just a few years ago that I decided to move into self-publishing. Indeed, my first few projects involved consulting for others and, now, I am involved in my own, personal projects. It has taken a while for me to come back around to my own works, but in the process I learned how to minimize time and expenses in producing a book and getting it to market.

This short article will not try to explain every aspect of book publishing in detail, but it will brush on a few of the important topics. … Read the rest of the article here.

Katrina Williams
Why Self-Publish?

You have written a book. Now you want to publish it. Which way do you go? Self-Publishing or Traditional Publishing? 

For most people, the traditional method seems safer, more reliable, and simply, easier. But it can take a long time to see their labored-over work in print. For many people, that dreaded rejection letter, saying their work is not something the publisher can market successfully at this time, leaves them feeling disillusioned. That's when other means of getting the book into print comes to mind. … Read the rest of the article here.

Vivian Gilbert Zabel
Suspense in Writing

Mystery, action/adventure, crime, and detective stories require components which build, add, and/or continue the suspense needed to keep the reader's attention. 

The first place to build suspense needed in any writing is the first few sentences. … Read the rest of the article here.

Home > Articles