• Free marketing ideas for indie authors

    Free marketing ideas for indie authors

    Marketing is often one of an author’s least favourite aspects of indie publishing (and, for many, traditional publishing too). As authors, most of us would prefer to be curled up in a cosy room, spending all our time writing stories and drinking tea. Alas, that is not an option for…

  • How to write a brief for your copywriter or content writer

    How to write a brief for your copywriter or content writer

    Following our article about the difference between copywriting and content writing, we’re sharing our top tips on how to write a comprehensive brief for your friendly neighbourhood copywriter/content writer… Please note: We may refer to copywriters/copywriting and content writers/content writing interchangeably throughout this article. 1 – Provide a style sheet…

  • Top tips for tackling writer’s block

    Top tips for tackling writer’s block

    The combination of a blank page and empty mind is the dreaded scenario for a writer at any stage of their career. That feeling of blankness as you sit down to make the most of precious writing time you’ve managed to carve out of your busy schedule isn’t only frustrating,…

  • Plot vs. storyline – what’s the difference?

    Plot vs. storyline – what’s the difference?

    This month at Horseshoe Books, we’re focusing on plot and storyline. It’s easy to get these terms mixed up – so, let’s explore their differences, and discover how they work together to create a story… Please note: Although it is possible to write a story that doesn’t have a discernible…

  • How to craft compelling characters

    How to craft compelling characters

    There are infinite ways to create a compelling character, and there are plenty of resources out there to support you in doing just that! So, to add to those resources for you, let’s explore the Horseshoe Books guide to crafting memorable characters… Step 1 – Give them a plausible backstory…

  • Choosing a story structure

    Choosing a story structure

    Following our article on the importance of understanding your story’s genre, we’re exploring types of story structure that you can utilise as you create your first draft, edit your manuscript, and prepare to publish your novel… ** Please note: This is not an exhaustive list of story structures! ** Hero’s…

  • Why knowing your book’s genre is essential 

    Why knowing your book’s genre is essential 

    Before we explore the reasons it’s essential to know your book’s genre, let’s take a look at what genre actually is… In literature, books are classified under different genres to reflect aspects such as theme, structure, and writing style. Through classifying books under a specific genre, or mix of genres,…

  • Bookish gift inspiration

    Bookish gift inspiration

    In light of this chilly time of year with its dark mornings and icy evenings, we felt it appropriate to let loose and have a little fun… We hope you enjoy this article all about bookish gift inspiration 🙂 It may be December, with Christmas just around the corner, though…

  • Resources for self-editing your novel

    Resources for self-editing your novel

    Completing the first draft of your novel is an incredible feat in itself – so, please spend some time celebrating your amazing accomplishment! Congratulations, you are, officially, a writer. And to enhance that title, you’ve achieved something many are never brave enough to try – you have written an entire…

  • How to structure a book review

    How to structure a book review

    Now we’ve discovered the reasons book reviews are essential for both authors and readers, let’s explore how to structure a book review… However, before we dive in to our Horseshoe Books review structure, it’s worth noting that there are no hard and fast rules as to what needs to go…