Skip to content

help needed

Self-Editing Your Draft: From “WTAF?” to “Hell Yes, I Wrote That!”

All About Self-Editing Your Draft Whether you’re writing a novel or a screenplay, self-editing is key. Yet many writers don’t realise self-editing is even a thing! They may get in contact with a script editor like me to tell them what to do. Yet as I always say on this blog and the B2W social media, self-editing is a great idea. Doing this first is always going to get you better, more robust results than going straight to paid-for feedback-givers like B2W. It’s also A LOT cheaper! But how, exactly, do writers self-edit? Here’s my checklist, step by step. Ready?… Read More »Self-Editing Your Draft: From “WTAF?” to “Hell Yes, I Wrote That!”

Share this:

Bad Deals, Brave Asks and Why You’re Allowed To Walk Away (Yes, REALLY!)

All About Bad Deals NEWSFLASH: bad deals are not worth it! One thing I see over and over again with writers is this: They want it so badly that they’ll accept almost anything. An “opportunity” lands in their inbox. It sounds exciting, even flattering. It sounds like this might finally be the thing. Then, because they don’t want to miss out, writers don’t ask questions. They don’t push back. They don’t stop to think whether the deal actually helps them advance in their careers. Here’s the truth many writers don’t want to hear: A bad deal is often worse than no… Read More »Bad Deals, Brave Asks and Why You’re Allowed To Walk Away (Yes, REALLY!)

Share this:

Top 10 Quick, Actionable Resolutions For Writers In 2026

Your Writing Resolutions For This Year Writing resolutions can get a bad rap, especially when writers FAIL at enacting them … but they can be super-useful at helping writers focus and get stuff done. I think the main problem with writing resolutions are … i) Writers go too big and get overwhelmed ii) Go too small and get bored iii) Or they go too vague and aren’t sure HOW to get them done That’s why I’ve deliberately kept these resolutions focused, actionable and meaty enough to move the needle (but not so large they’ll freak you out). Ready?? Then let’s go!… Read More »Top 10 Quick, Actionable Resolutions For Writers In 2026

Share this:

Into The Spec Pile: 12 Quick Tips On Making Your Submission Stand Out

Into The Spec Pile I’ve been diving into the spec pile of screenplays and novels for 20+ years now. ‘Spec’ is short for ‘speculative’, meaning no one in the industry has asked the writer to create that story. Instead, the writers have done it themselves ‘on spec’. I always call it the SPEC pile rather than the more common ‘slush pile’. To me, ‘spec pile’ is much more neutral, whereas ‘slush pile’ seems very derogatory. It is essential to remember that ANY story – script or novel – is someone’s hopes and dreams. However, I also like to shine a… Read More »Into The Spec Pile: 12 Quick Tips On Making Your Submission Stand Out

Share this:

5 Steps To Writing Success (Or Why Optimism Bias Kills Your Chances)

What Is ‘Optimism Bias’? Optimism bias is the tendency of an individual to overestimate the likelihood of positive events and underestimate the possibility of negative events. I see it all the time in writers, who may feel their masterpiece novel or screenplay will get picked up right away … and when they don’t, they get VERY downhearted. All of us are vulnerable to optimism bias, by the way. It’s very easy to get carried away and imagine our futures accepting Oscars, seeing our books on shelves, our TV shows on Netflix, or movie posters in our mind’s eye! What’s more,… Read More »5 Steps To Writing Success (Or Why Optimism Bias Kills Your Chances)

Share this:

5 Pitch Deck FAILS That Make Industry Pros Say, ‘I’m Out’

Pitch Deck FAILS I’ve seen a LOT of pitch deck fails in my time as a script editor here at B2W. And whether it’s film funds, script labs or co-production markets, the same problems show up again and again. Here are 5 red flags that make professionals quietly close your deck before you’ve even got to the good bits. Ready? Let’s go! 1) Opening with a bloody quote Look, I get it: you love storytelling. You’re deep, poetic, meaningful. Maybe even a bit mystical. But that’s not what your pitch deck is for!! Agents, investors, broadcasters, producers want clarity and… Read More »5 Pitch Deck FAILS That Make Industry Pros Say, ‘I’m Out’

Share this:

Pros & Cons Of Writing A Prologue: 6 Key Things To Consider

All About Prologues Every word counts in a story and first impressions matter. Traditionally, a prologue is an introductory chapter that sets the scene, tone and genre of your novel. But should you write one? The million-dollar question! Believe it or not, using a prologue can be quite controversial in the social media age. So, let’s put prologues under the microscope, so you can make an informed choice on whether YOU should use one … let’s go! What Is A Prologue? Put simply, a prologue is an introductory chapter that lays the groundwork of what’s to come. Their purpose is… Read More »Pros & Cons Of Writing A Prologue: 6 Key Things To Consider

Share this:

“I Like Your Style!” Top 10 Writing Tips To Improve Yours

Your Writing Style Is Important Writing style is unique, but there are things we can consider in making our style the best it can be. As Lucy always says on this site, good writing craft is the least we can do. Style is part of that. Of course, there are no rules. Experienced writers can get away with anything. However, below are some things to be aware of, especially if you are writing a book or short story for the first time. “Writing fiction is a delicate balance.” Sol Stein from Stein On Writing 1)  Avoid The Passive Voice The… Read More »“I Like Your Style!” Top 10 Writing Tips To Improve Yours

Share this:

5 Things You Can Do If Writing Becomes Overwhelming

When Writing Becomes Overwhelming Has writing become overwhelming and got you stressed out? We hear you. While you might have initially pursued writing as a career because it’s something you love, that doesn’t mean that it’s always fun and games. When you are a little too devoted to something, it’s easy to get overwhelmed and place too much pressure on yourself to succeed. So, if you’re feeling like writing is overwhelming and you just can’t anymore, this article is for you! We’ve got some helpful tips to get you out of your funk and get those creative ideas flowing again.… Read More »5 Things You Can Do If Writing Becomes Overwhelming

Share this:

How To Maximise Your Book Tour: 6 Essentials Tips For Authors

All About Your Book Tour If you want to promote your book, a book tour is a great idea. This is because you have to get out there and spread the word. However, you shouldn’t just pack up and leave without a plan! Here are six steps to help maximise your book tour and find success without getting overwhelmed. 1) Consider Teaming Up With Another Writer The key to maximising your book tour is not to overburden yourself, especially if it’s your first time out on the road. The first step to book tour planning is teaming up with a… Read More »How To Maximise Your Book Tour: 6 Essentials Tips For Authors

Share this:

Create50: 3 Tips For An Awesome Horror Short Story (Plus 3 Tips On Feedback)

What is Create50? Can you write a short horror story in time for the Halloween launch event? If you can, you should get involved in Twisted50 from Create50.  It is a competition-like initiative from the London Screenwriters Festival with two very simple aims … Platform talent from as many emerging writers in one hit. For us that’s 50 writers who will get a huge boost in about 12 weeks now. Encourage writers to both write and give feedback, often in genres they don’t normally write for. Keeping it under 2,000 words for short stories means the bar to entry is… Read More »Create50: 3 Tips For An Awesome Horror Short Story (Plus 3 Tips On Feedback)

Share this:

Don’t Get Burned Out! Top 8 Self-Care Ideas For Writers

Self-care tips When you’re suffering through rejections, self-doubt, and criticism, it’s important to know how to take care of yourself. These self-care ideas can help guide you to creating a self-care routine. It’s no secret that writers face many struggles and challenges, often worsened by how isolating writing can be. Why self-care matters for writers Many writers struggle with their mental health. Practically all writers could benefit from creating a self-care routine. It’s easy to forget about self-care until we actually need it. It’s only relevant when we’re struggling, right? Wrong! Self-care isn’t just about helping yourself when you’re already… Read More »Don’t Get Burned Out! Top 8 Self-Care Ideas For Writers

Share this: