Archive - Before and After the Book Deal

Craft from the Couch: Episode 08 | Amanda Holden

How writers can set themselves up for financial success in the future, right now

Jan 21

36:58

Friday Office Hours: Hero worksheets + external goal refinements

As promised, here's the Friday Office Hours on what we've been working through this week

Jan 16

Inside my hero worksheet for ALAN OPTS OUT

I'll show you my characters' chief flaws and desires, but then you have to show me yours.

Jan 14

Free up time and sanity with this Sunday discount

A time management course that will teach you to say "no" to things that waste your time

Jan 11

The external goal worksheet your novel needs right now

Or: the one exercise that I find harder than doing taxes

Jan 7

December 2025

Revisiting myself and introducing 2026

What's coming down the pipeline at Before and After the Book Deal and who I think I am.

Dec 30, 2025

I sent my literary agent new material prematurely: what do I do now?

I saw the projects' flaws the minute I pressed "send." Now what?

Dec 22, 2025

7:17

10 good things right now

Welcome back to Before and After the Book Deal, a reader-supported publication that teaches you to write better while gaining insights about the…

Dec 17, 2025

Want to be an early reader of ALAN OPTS OUT?

The NetGalley wish granter is here!

Dec 16, 2025

Wednesday AMA (Ask me anything)

Ask me anything today! Including how to get rid of the plague!

Dec 10, 2025

The final pass: when a novel goes to print

A novel leaves your hands and heads for the printer. How, exactly, does that work?

Dec 3, 2025

November 2025

My favorite books about dysfunctional families

For your Thanksgiving reading pleasure, and sanity protection!

Nov 26, 2025

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