Consider Using Counterplotting in Your Novel – Inventing Reality’s Newsletter for July 8, 2025

Plotting Your Book: Consider Using Counterplotting in Your Novel
One solid plotting strategy for a long novel – though it also will work in a novella or a long short story – is to split the main characters into two groups and alternate the focus of scenes or chapters between them. The two groups then reunite at the story’s climax. This technique is called counterplotting. It’s often is used in quest novels. READ MORE

Marketing Tip: How to Do a Book Reading/Signing
Many authors are happy to simply do what they enjoy most, which is write. You also have to promote your published books, though, and a time-honored way of doing so is by making presentations, such as readings and signings, at libraries, bookstores and other businesses that might carry your titles. My book Nail Your Book Reading and Signing covers just how to do that with easy to understand, practical tips. Topics covered include: potential locations for a book presentation; arranging, preparing and promoting your presentation; creating visuals for the presentation; avoiding stage fright during a presentation; setting up back of room sales, and more. The tips come from a long-time author who has done dozens of book readings and signings as well as advised hundreds of his writing clients about how to give a presentation. SEE BOOK

Writing Tip: Center on Internal Flaw for Compelling Story
To make a story more compelling, consider structuring it around an internal flaw in the main character. An internal flaw is some personal trait that makes a character less than perfect – perhaps being quick to anger, possibly suffering from jealousy or envy, maybe believing his outlook on the world is the only correct one. As none of us are perfect, an internal flaw makes a character who may otherwise be quite heroic appear more realistic to readers. READ MORE

Self-Publishing Tip: Indie Authors Should Use Cash Basis Accounting
As an indie author with limited expenses and a small amount of revenue that isn’t garnered through credit, you want to use simple, straightforward cash basis accounting. READ MORE

This Week’s Podcast: When Do You Need a Manuscript Editor?
You’ve finished your novel or short story but are beginning to think that maybe someone else should look it over before you send it off. You do an Internet search and find Web sites for manuscript editors – also known as book doctors – who will proofread and critique your manuscript for a fee. So is a manuscript editor necessary? LISTEN TO PODCAST

Book Marketing Tip: Target Specific Audiences to Sell Your Book
Not everyone will be interested in your book. Some people simply will not read westerns, others will not read mysteries. Some people have no interest in your detailed guidebook to elegant napkin folding or a first-person account of the Grenada invasion. But there ARE people who will be interested in any of these books. Your marketing challenge is to find them – and then get your book out in front of them. READ MORE

Client Spotlight: “The Marks of a Feather” by Imee C. Nudas
A recent editing client, Imee C. Nudas, has published her first fantasy poem, “The Marks of a Feather”! The long-form poem explores if the truth behind the Marks of the Feather truly can vanquish all dark curses forever. If you like fairy tales and poetry, this is your book! CHECK IT OUT

$25 Off Your Next Edit!
For being a newsletter subscriber, please take $25 off your next edit with Inventing Reality Editing Service. When scheduling your edit, be sure to mention you’re a subscriber and give the email where you received this newsletter. Minimum order of $200. Offer expires July 15, 2025. SCHEDULE EDIT

My name is Rob Bignell. I’m an affordable, professional editor who runs Inventing Reality Editing Service, which meets the manuscript needs of both aspiring and published writers and offers a variety of self-publishing services. During the past 15 years, I’ve helped more than 400 novelists and nonfiction authors obtain their publishing dreams at reasonable prices. I’m also the author of a novel, the Storytelling 101 Quick Read series, four children’s books, more than 25 bestselling hiking guidebooks, and even a book of poetry. Several of my short stories in the literary and science fiction genres also have been published.