Fiction - Basil Press

First Chapters That Sell: A Checklist for Opening Your Novel

Fiction
September 16, 2026

First Chapters That Sell: A Checklist for Opening Your Novel

A practical, point-by-point checklist for testing whether your opening chapter hooks readers, agents and...

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Writing Dialogue That Rings True: Five Common Mistakes in Fiction

Fiction
September 14, 2026

Writing Dialogue That Rings True: Five Common Mistakes in Fiction

The five dialogue problems editors see most often in fiction, from over-explaining to stilted small talk, with...

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How to Structure a Novel: Five Plot Frameworks That Actually Work

Fiction
September 11, 2026

How to Structure a Novel: Five Plot Frameworks That Actually Work

Five practical story structures — three-act, the hero's journey, Save the Cat, seven-point and kishotenketsu — with...

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