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Okay! So, you’ve got a story brewing inside you. You are wannabe author. Maybe it’s been there for years. Maybe it's fresh. Either way, when you sit down to write, you freeze. You scroll. You snack. You spiral. You convince yourself you’re not ready, not talented, not disciplined enough.<h3>Sound familiar?</h3>You’re not alone. In fact, there's a name for this mental traffic jam: creative paralysis. Or, in more clinical terms, writer’s block. But honestly, I think it goes deeper. For many aspiring (and even published) authors, it’s not just about writing, it’s about permission.&nbsp; You're Waiting for Permission That’ll Never Come. You’re subconsciously waiting for someone to say:“Yes, your story is valid.” “You have what it takes.” “This is worth sharing.” But that someone has to be YOU.Most of us weren’t raised to think of our voice as something the world needed. We were told to follow instructions, color inside the lines, write five-paragraph essays with topic sentences. Suddenly, you're supposed to pour your soul into a novel? Of course your brain freaks out.<h3>What This State of Mind Really Is </h3>It’s fear disguised as perfectionism.It’s shame wearing the mask of procrastination. It’s the brain’s way of protecting you from rejection, by making sure you never finish anything worth rejecting.Not writing is its own form of slow rejection, of yourself.So, How the Hell Do You Get Past It? Glad you asked. Here’s what’s helped me and countless other writers push through the fog1. Write Badly. On Purpose.Tell yourself: “I’m not writing a novel. I’m writing a mess.” Aim low. Lower. No, even lower. That’s where the good stuff starts. Great writing is often bad writing edited well.2. Give Yourself a Tiny DeadlineDon’t say, “I’ll write for two hours.” Say, “I’ll write one sentence.” That’s it. Trick your brain. Once you start, momentum might surprise you. If not? You still win. One sentence more than yesterday.3. Talk, Don’t TypeTry voice-noting your thoughts as if you’re telling a friend about your book. Often, we can say what we can’t write. Transcribe it later if you want. Or don’t. Either way, you’re unblocking something.4. Separate Writing From PublishingThis one’s big. When you write and edit with the imaginary voice of a critic, you're doomed. First drafts are private. Sacred. No one gets to see them. Write as if no one’s watching—because no one is.5. Call It What It Is You're not lazy. You're not untalented. You're afraid, and that's okay. Fear is boring. Fear says the same things on repeat. You don’t have to argue with it—just nod, and write anyway.<h3>Final Truth Bomb </h3>You don't “become” a writer after you've written something amazing. You become a writer the moment you keep going despite the resistance. Every day you show up, even for five messy minutes, you’re doing the hard part.The blank page isn’t your enemy. Your expectations are.Let them go. Write anyway.

Is Blank Page the Real Problem? No, you are!

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Most people carry stories inside and beside them. A lived experience, a unique insight, or a brilliant idea, we all have something to say.But when it’s time to write it down, the mind stutters. The page stays blank. Why?Because the toughest barrier in writing isn’t the what — it’s the how.Everyone knows what to write. Few know how. Authors? They turn that gap into something beautiful.&nbsp; <figure id="figure-5zsgygbuz6mb7x78l0"><img id="5zsgygbuz6mb7x78l0" src="https://media.gettyimages.com/id/2085301808/photo/teaching-language.jpg?b=1&amp;s=2048x2048&amp;w=0&amp;k=20&amp;c=dKCXGgx17M6sFSKjNVRtmR4sLzRkjnlqc9-t-DVK0pU=" alt="Teaching Language" title="Teaching Language" class="object-cover bg-gray-100 rounded-lg md:rounded-xl lg:rounded-2xl" style="aspect-ratio: 16/9; object-position: center center;" data-corners="default" data-aspect="16:9" data-caption="" data-positionx="undefined" data-positiony="undefined" data-fullwidth="false" data-mce-src="https://media.gettyimages.com/id/2085301808/photo/teaching-language.jpg?b=1&amp;s=2048x2048&amp;w=0&amp;k=20&amp;c=dKCXGgx17M6sFSKjNVRtmR4sLzRkjnlqc9-t-DVK0pU=" data-mce-style="aspect-ratio: 16/9; object-position: center center;"></figure><h3>The Invisible Barrier: Knowing Isn’t Doing </h3>Knowing what to write is intuition. Writing it well? That’s craftsmanship.It’s the difference between:- A melody in your head and a symphony on stage. - A vision for a house and the architect’s blueprint. - A feeling in your gut and a paragraph that stirs someone else’s soul. The "how" is where most aspiring writers fall short. Not because they lack ideas, but because they lack mental models and muscle memory for execution.<h3>Mental Models That Shape Great Writing </h3>Let’s break down the mental frameworks that help authors leap the “how” gap:1. The Clarity Compass Authors write with clarity because they think with clarity. They don't chase clever words. They chase understanding.Thumb rule - If it’s fuzzy in your head, it’ll be fuzzy on the page. 2. The Reader Lens Writers don’t write for themselves. They write for transformation — for the reader.Thumb rule - “What will the reader feel/know/do after this paragraph?” 3. The Sculptor’s Mindset Authors treat their first draft like clay, not marble. They know beauty comes from shaping, not perfection on the first go.Thumb rule - Write fast. Edit slow. 4. The Gap Awareness They’re comfortable being uncomfortable. They embrace the distance between what they imagine and what appears on the page.Thumb rule - Creative tension is part of the process, not a problem to solve. <figure id="figure-jms4pkvcsrmb7x8tdz"><img id="jms4pkvcsrmb7x8tdz" src="https://media.gettyimages.com/id/1350400556/photo/a-profile-portrait-of-a-woman-combined-with-geometric-shapes-in-a-double-exposure-technique.jpg?b=1&amp;s=2048x2048&amp;w=0&amp;k=20&amp;c=XHzpNzD-iPBqC1ep_5WqTYUXGPdf5-5ZEyrjpQaV2TY=" alt="A profile portrait of a woman combined with geometric shapes in a double exposure technique." title="A profile portrait of a woman combined with geometric shapes in a double exposure technique." class="object-cover bg-gray-100 rounded-lg md:rounded-xl lg:rounded-2xl" style="aspect-ratio: 16/9; object-position: center center;" data-corners="default" data-aspect="16:9" data-caption="" data-positionx="undefined" data-positiony="undefined" data-fullwidth="false" data-mce-src="https://media.gettyimages.com/id/1350400556/photo/a-profile-portrait-of-a-woman-combined-with-geometric-shapes-in-a-double-exposure-technique.jpg?b=1&amp;s=2048x2048&amp;w=0&amp;k=20&amp;c=XHzpNzD-iPBqC1ep_5WqTYUXGPdf5-5ZEyrjpQaV2TY=" data-mce-style="aspect-ratio: 16/9; object-position: center center;"></figure><h3>Traits That Turn Writers Into Authors </h3>The leap from "having an idea" to "writing a book" is less about talent and more about temperament. Here’s what separates authors:- Resilience: They write on the days it doesn’t flow. - Curiosity: They question every sentence. Not just “what does this mean?” but “what could this mean?” - Humility: They kill darlings. Ruthlessly. - Discipline: They don’t wait for inspiration. They sit down anyway. - Empathy: They don’t just express. They connect. <h3>How to Fight the Barrier Between What and How </h3>If you’re stuck in the “what” zone, here’s how to move forward:✅ 1. Free Write, Don’t Self-Censor - Get it all out. Writing is thinking on paper. Don’t aim for beauty — aim for truth.✅ 2. Read Like a Writer - Dissect books. Notice transitions, tone, rhythm, dialogue. Reverse-engineer the “how.”✅ 3. Build a Writing Habit - Write 200 words a day. Every day. Consistency beats intensity.✅ 4. Get Feedback, Not Just Praise - Seek critique from people who care about writing. Real growth happens in discomfort.✅ 5. Publish Imperfectly - Post a LinkedIn article. Launch a newsletter. Hit publish even when it scares you. Especially when it scares you.<h3>Writing Is a Form of Courage </h3>Everyone has a story. But authors? They have the courage to tell it well.They fight through the fog of thought, the noise of self-doubt, the mess of first drafts — and they carve clarity from chaos.They don’t just close the gap between what and how.They make it art.If you’re an aspiring author, ask yourself: Are you stuck because you don’t know what to say — or because you’re afraid of how it will come out? Chances are, the answer will point you straight toward the work you need to do next.

Everyone Knows What to Write. Few Know How. Great Authors Craft this art into magic.

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If you're an author and not leveraging LinkedIn, you're missing a powerful platform to build your personal brand, connect with readers, and attract publishing opportunities. LinkedIn is no longer just a digital resume hub — it's now a thriving space for thought leadership, storytelling, and community building.Whether you write fiction, non-fiction, poetry, or business books, here’s how you can grow your personal brand on LinkedIn and stand out in the literary world.<h3>Why LinkedIn Matters for Authors</h3>With over 1 billion users globally, LinkedIn offers a professional yet personal space to:- Share your author journey - Showcase your books and writing expertise - Build a loyal audience of readers, publishers, and fellow writers - Attract speaking gigs, interviews, or media features Unlike other social platforms, LinkedIn rewards meaningful content over viral trends — perfect for authors with depth.1. Optimize Your LinkedIn Profile for Discoverability - Your profile is your landing page. Make it count.2. Professional Headshot - Use a clean, high-resolution photo where you look approachable and confident.3. Headline That Tells a Story - Instead of just “Author,” use something keyword-rich and personality-driven:For example: Thriller Author | Exploring the dark side of tech through fiction | TEDx Speaker<h3>About Section (Tell, Don’t Sell) </h3>1. Write in first person. Share your author journey, what drives your writing, and how people can engage with your work.Pro Tip: Sprinkle in keywords like author, writing coach, self-publishing, book marketing, etc., to boost SEO.2. Share Consistent, Valuable Content. To grow your personal brand on LinkedIn as an author, content is king. Aim for 2–3 posts per week.<h3>Types of Posts That Work for Authors</h3>Behind-the-Scenes: Share your writing process, book launch journey, or writer’s block struggles.Snippets &amp; Excerpts: Tease content from your book with a story or lesson. Tips &amp; Insights: Offer writing tips, publishing hacks, or lessons from your author journey.Reader Engagement: Run polls (e.g., “Do you prefer ebooks or print?”), host AMAs, or ask for title feedback. Thought Leadership: Comment on publishing trends, AI in writing, or literacy movements.<h3>Best Formats for Reach </h3>- Text posts (with a strong hook in the first 2 lines) - Carousels (for tips, lists, or book summaries) - Native videos (for personal updates or book promos) - LinkedIn Articles or Newsletters (for deep dives) <h3>3. Build and Engage Your Network Strategically </h3>The key to growing your personal brand isn't just content — it’s community.Connect with other authors and editors, publishers and literary agents, readers in your genre, and book influencers and reviewers Comment meaningfully on posts by others in the writing/publishing space. Like and share content that aligns with your brand. Respond to every comment on your own posts. Remember engagement tells LinkedIn’s algorithm that you’re valuable — and it boosts your reach.<h3>4. Use LinkedIn Features to Elevate Your Brand </h3>Featured Section: Showcase your books, podcasts, interviews, or author website. Creator Mode: Turn this on to highlight relevant hashtags and unlock features like newsletters. LinkedIn Newsletter: Share a weekly writing tip, serialized content, or updates from your author life. Custom URL: Edit your LinkedIn URL to something clean and memorable (e.g., linkedin.com/in/YourNameAuthor) <h3>5. Showcase Social Proof and Credibility </h3>Don’t be shy about your wins — let the world know.- Book awards or reviews - Testimonials from readers - Speaking gigs or podcast appearances - Milestones (e.g., “Sold 5,000 copies!” or “Finished my third draft!”) Pro Tip: Turn every milestone into a mini-story post with a lesson or reflection. These get more engagement than plain announcements.&nbsp; <h3>6. Track What Works and Iterate </h3>Keep an eye on which posts get the most likes, comments, and shares. What drives profile views or DMs. Who’s engaging — readers, authors, publishers? Double down on what resonates and evolve your content accordingly.<h3>LinkedIn Is Your Author Stage </h3>In a noisy digital world, personal branding isn’t optional — it’s how readers and opportunities find you. LinkedIn allows you to control your narrative, showcase your work, and build a reputation that opens doors.So start showing up. Be real, be generous with your insights, and remember: the story of you is just as powerful as the stories you write.

Author? How to Grow Your Personal Brand on LinkedIn

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Two of the world’s foremost public thinkers, Harvard professor Michael J. Sandel and French economist Thomas Piketty, engage in this rich, multi-dimensional conversation about one of the most contested values of our time - equality. With warmth, clarity, and rigor, they interrogate the philosophical, economic, and political dimensions of inequality, and explore how democratic societies might reclaim equality, not only as a policy goal, but as a moral and civic foundation.Structured as an edited dialogue, the book covers everything from meritocracy and taxation to globalization, the moral limits of markets, and the future of democratic institutions. For managers, policymakers, and thought leaders navigating a complex world, this is a timely and valuable guide for leading with social responsibility and systemic awareness.<figure id="figure-tsh3kg4vw7mb4vklbi"><img id="tsh3kg4vw7mb4vklbi" src="https://media.gettyimages.com/id/2166588761/photo/multi-generational-women-smiling-in-front-of-camera-female-multiracial-group-having-fun.jpg?b=1&amp;s=2048x2048&amp;w=0&amp;k=20&amp;c=oN2KQstqzjn1VymM0ir2ib3GTKI9Ba_ZpL5WUDtqfQs=" alt="Multi generational women smiling in front of camera - Female multiracial group having fun togheter outdoor - Main focus on right girl face" title="Multi generational women smiling in front of camera - Female multiracial group having fun togheter outdoor - Main focus on right girl face" class="object-cover bg-gray-100 rounded-lg md:rounded-xl lg:rounded-2xl" style="aspect-ratio: 16/9; object-position: center center;" data-corners="default" data-aspect="16:9" data-caption="" data-positionx="undefined" data-positiony="undefined" data-fullwidth="false" data-mce-src="https://media.gettyimages.com/id/2166588761/photo/multi-generational-women-smiling-in-front-of-camera-female-multiracial-group-having-fun.jpg?b=1&amp;s=2048x2048&amp;w=0&amp;k=20&amp;c=oN2KQstqzjn1VymM0ir2ib3GTKI9Ba_ZpL5WUDtqfQs=" data-mce-style="aspect-ratio: 16/9; object-position: center center;"></figure><h3>Book Review </h3>Unlike traditional management titles that dwell solely on frameworks and metrics, Equality is a cerebral nudge for leaders to think more deeply about the social structures underpinning the economies and institutions they operate within. This book is not a how-to manual, it is a why-to manifesto.Sandel’s philosophical provocations meet Piketty’s data-driven historical insights to create a narrative that challenges the modern worship of market logic, performance metrics, and hyper-competition. For leaders grappling with questions of corporate ethics, diversity, inclusion, or stakeholder capitalism, the book offers an essential lens.Where many management books focus on growth and innovation, Equality dares to ask: Growth for whom? At what cost? And who gets to decide the rules of the game?<blockquote>This is a book for conscious capitalists, ethical decision-makers, and those who believe in rebuilding trust in institutions.</blockquote><h3>Why Equality is the need of the hour&nbsp; </h3>This book couldn’t be more relevant in 2025. As the world confronts widening income gaps, post-pandemic recovery imbalances, and the ethical fallout of AI-driven labor markets, the idea of equality, economic, political, and moral is central to future leadership.For organizations striving to integrate ESG principles, or for governments exploring inclusive policies, Sandel and Piketty offer both critique and hope. Their work challenges us to redefine success, not as meritocratic domination but as collective flourishing.Whether you're running a boardroom or shaping public policy, this book urges you to see beyond efficiency, to justice, dignity, and community.Buy the book here - <a data-mce-href="https://www.amazon.com/Equality-What-Means-Why-Matters/dp/1509565507" href="https://www.amazon.com/Equality-What-Means-Why-Matters/dp/1509565507" target="_blank" rel="noopener">https://www.amazon.com/Equality-What-Means-Why-Matters/dp/1509565507</a><h3>Top Takeaways </h3><ul><li>Equality is not a soft ideal but it is a structural necessity - Piketty illustrates, through centuries of economic data, how reductions in inequality often preceded periods of sustainable prosperity.</li><li>Meritocracy is morally flawed and politically dangerous - Sandel argues that meritocracy breeds hubris among winners and humiliation among the left-behind, threatening social cohesion.</li><li>Decommodification is a powerful lever for dignity -&nbsp;When education, healthcare, and civic participation are removed from market forces, human motivation and social trust are strengthened.</li><li>Markets need moral boundaries - Not all goods should be for sale. Treating health, education, and political voice as commodities undermines their very value.</li><li>Redistribution alone is not enough - A rethinking of values who deserves what, and why, is critical for lasting equality. Structural change must be accompanied by moral clarity.</li><li>Corporate governance needs democratization - Piketty advocates for greater worker representation in company decisions, a provocative yet increasingly timely idea for modern businesses.</li></ul><h3>Who this book is for? </h3>- Business leaders interested in purpose-driven leadership and equitable corporate governance - Public policy professionals shaping inclusive economic and educational frameworks - Educators and academic administrators rethinking access, merit, and fairness - Students and lifelong learners curious about the deeper societal forces shaping inequality - Philosophically inclined managers who believe values should lead strategy, not the other way around This is not a book for those seeking tactical quick wins. It’s for those unafraid to ask big, hard questions and rethink what “fairness” really looks like.<h3>About the Authors </h3>Michael J. Sandel is the Anne T. and Robert M. Bass Professor of Government at Harvard University. Known worldwide for his courses on justice, ethics, and democracy, Sandel has a rare ability to translate abstract philosophical debates into accessible, urgent public conversations. His earlier book, The Tyranny of Merit, laid the intellectual groundwork for this one.Thomas Piketty is a French economist and professor at the Paris School of Economics. His seminal works Capital in the Twenty-First Century and Capital and Ideology, established him as a leading global voice on inequality. Piketty combines rigorous economic analysis with a historian’s understanding of power, democracy, and class.Together, they make an intellectual powerhouse, grounded, clear-eyed, and ultimately, hopeful.<figure id="figure-71wgfmlkb5mb4vmslk"><img id="71wgfmlkb5mb4vmslk" src="https://media.gettyimages.com/id/131542008/photo/harvard-university.jpg?b=1&amp;s=2048x2048&amp;w=0&amp;k=20&amp;c=OXvdIyN1eSlfidiKvXsWuIUfgW3gOHWSIVP7pEZhqPg=" alt="Harvard University" title="Harvard University" class="object-cover bg-gray-100 rounded-lg md:rounded-xl lg:rounded-2xl" style="aspect-ratio: 16/9; object-position: undefined undefined;" data-corners="default" data-aspect="16:9" data-caption="" data-positionx="undefined" data-positiony="undefined" data-fullwidth="false" data-mce-src="https://media.gettyimages.com/id/131542008/photo/harvard-university.jpg?b=1&amp;s=2048x2048&amp;w=0&amp;k=20&amp;c=OXvdIyN1eSlfidiKvXsWuIUfgW3gOHWSIVP7pEZhqPg=" data-mce-style="aspect-ratio: 16/9; object-position: undefined undefined;"></figure>

Book Review - Equality: What It Means and Why It Matters By Michael Sandel and Thomas Piketty

Are you an author with a manuscript or maybe still staring at a blinking cursor? Either way, you’ve probably asked yourself the big question: How do writers get published at Penguin or HarperCollins?You’re not alone. For many emerging writers, seeing their name on the spine of a Penguin or HarperCollins book feels like a dream just out of reach. These are not just publishing houses; they’re institutions. Homes to literary legends, bestselling novelists, and some of the most powerful voices in storytelling today. So, as an aspiring, hopeful, maybe even quietly brilliant writer, how do you get noticed?<figure id="figure-b1zm3vgn1qmau48q82"><img id="b1zm3vgn1qmau48q82" src="https://media.gettyimages.com/id/1470340715/photo/deepfake-concept.jpg?b=1&amp;s=2048x2048&amp;w=0&amp;k=20&amp;c=4ycs-yFlPX93U-U2zehaFw9UyVyg3s8m5QPcnVJurmQ=" alt="Deepfake Concept" title="Deepfake Concept" class="object-cover bg-gray-100 rounded-lg md:rounded-xl lg:rounded-2xl" style="aspect-ratio: 16/9; object-position: undefined undefined;" data-corners="default" data-aspect="16:9" data-caption="" data-positionx="undefined" data-positiony="undefined" data-fullwidth="false" data-mce-src="https://media.gettyimages.com/id/1470340715/photo/deepfake-concept.jpg?b=1&amp;s=2048x2048&amp;w=0&amp;k=20&amp;c=4ycs-yFlPX93U-U2zehaFw9UyVyg3s8m5QPcnVJurmQ=" data-mce-style="aspect-ratio: 16/9; object-position: undefined undefined;"></figure><blockquote>So, as an aspiring, hopeful, maybe even quietly brilliant writer, how do you get noticed?</blockquote><h3>Let’s talk through it</h3>Start by Thinking Like the Top Author :)Before you send off anything, take a moment and ask: Would the top author in my genre submit this? That shift in mindset is important. The top authors don’t just write well—they revise relentlessly. They take feedback seriously. They read constantly and understand the market without chasing trends.If you're aiming for big global publishers, the baseline expectation is a manuscript that feels polished, original, and emotionally resonant. It doesn’t matter whether you’re writing literary fiction, sharp contemporary drama, or a narrative non-fiction memoir—what matters is that your work makes the reader pause. That pause is what gets a publishing editor's attention.<h3>Understand what publishers are looking for </h3>While both Penguin Random House India and HarperCollins India are open to debut writers, each publisher has a distinct editorial voice and preference. Penguin tends to have a wide canvas—they embrace literary fiction, memoirs, thrillers, and even experimental voices. HarperCollins, on the other hand, often leans toward contemporary, sharp storytelling and is particularly strong in business, politics, and commercial fiction.Both publishers actively scout for new voices. In fact, one of the best-kept secrets in Indian publishing is that Penguin India accepts unsolicited manuscripts. You don’t need an agent. You just need a great story and the courage to put it out there. HarperCollins India also accepts direct submissions, though they’re more selective and deliberate in their response times.The submission process itself isn’t complicated. Most publishers ask for a synopsis, a short author bio, and a few sample chapters. For non-fiction, you’ll need a book proposal. And here’s where many writers stumble—because writing a good proposal means knowing how to talk about your book like the top author you are becoming.<figure id="figure-9vgygv9awrmau4b1oa"><img id="9vgygv9awrmau4b1oa" src="https://media.gettyimages.com/id/1247026216/photo/friendly-diverse-employees-congratulating-businesswoman-with-business-achievement.jpg?b=1&s=2048x2048&w=0&k=20&c=vDVNunCgPFMh47dXwajaL6Y4-wAjnkijtw18GsYrU1I=" alt="Friendly diverse employees congratulating businesswoman with business achievement" title="Friendly diverse employees congratulating businesswoman with business achievement" class="object-cover bg-gray-100 rounded-lg md:rounded-xl lg:rounded-2xl" style="aspect-ratio: 16/9; object-position: center center;" data-corners="default" data-aspect="16:9" data-caption="" data-positionX="undefined" data-positionY="undefined" data-fullWidth="false"/></figure><h3>Build Your Author Identity </h3>Think of your submission as the start of a conversation. It’s not just your manuscript that’s being evaluated—it’s you as an author. Editors are not only asking, “Is this book publishable?” They’re also asking, “Is this someone we want to work with?”That’s why building your author brand matters. You don’t need a million followers or a viral tweet. But a simple author website, a thoughtful social media presence, and a clear sense of who you are and why you write—it all helps. Especially in today’s publishing world, where discoverability and voice go hand in hand.If you want to be seen as one of the top authors of your generation, act like one from day one. That means showing up online with intention, engaging in the literary community, and thinking of yourself not just as a writer—but as a professional storyteller.<h3>Do You Need a Literary Agent?</h3>You can get published by Penguin or HarperCollins without an agent. Many writers in India have done just that. However, having a literary agent can still make a difference, especially when it comes to positioning your book, negotiating better contracts, and getting editorial feedback before submission.If you’re writing in a highly competitive genre or aiming for international markets, an agent can be a powerful ally. But don’t wait around hoping one will swoop in. Start submitting to publishers directly, and if your writing speaks for itself, the rest will follow.<h3>Rejection Isn’t the End </h3>No honest conversation about publishing is complete without this part. Even the top authors you admire faced rejections - some more than they care to admit. What set them apart wasn’t that they got lucky on the first try, but that they kept going, learning, and refining their voice.If Penguin or HarperCollins passes on your manuscript, it doesn’t mean the book has no value. Sometimes it just means it wasn’t the right fit for their list at that moment. That’s not a full stop. That’s just a pause.<h3>Your Story Deserves a Shot </h3>Breaking into publishing with Penguin or HarperCollins isn’t about having connections or luck. It’s about doing the work, understanding the industry, and believing your story is worth sharing.So, if you're sitting on a manuscript you believe in or a story that keeps you up at night, don’t wait. Start now. Submit. Learn. Repeat.Because the next time someone searches “the top author” online, there’s no reason it can’t be your name that comes up.

How to Get Published at Penguin or HarperCollins

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There are books that entertain, books that move you, and then there are books like Onyx Storm — the kind that draw you in quietly at first and soon hold you in a grip you didn’t expect. Rebecca Yarros returns with the third installment in the <a data-mce-href="https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0BV9WPS4M?binding=hardcover&amp;ref=dbs_dp_rwt_sb_pc_thcv" href="https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0BV9WPS4M?binding=hardcover&amp;ref=dbs_dp_rwt_sb_pc_thcv" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Empyrean series</a>, and once again, she proves her mastery in balancing intricate world-building with deeply human emotion.Onyx Storm is very much a novel of consequence. The world of Basgiath is no longer just a training ground for dragon riders — it’s a fractured battlefield where trust is rare, power is shifting, and no one escapes unscathed. Yarros paints this evolution with subtlety. The tone has matured, as have the characters, and the stakes feel heavier, more permanent.<h3>Characters</h3>Violet Sorrengail - At the center remains Violet, a protagonist whose strength never feels forced. She is wounded, yes, but never weak. In Onyx Storm, Violet is not only grappling with the physical cost of her choices but also with the emotional weight of war, betrayal, and identity. Yarros handles her arc with grace, letting Violet's growth unfold through difficult decisions and moments of quiet reflection rather than grand gestures.<h3>Plot </h3>It’s fair to say the relationships - romantic, platonic, political are where this book truly breathes. The romance deepens but never overshadows the urgency of the narrative. Tensions simmer beneath every interaction, and the quietest scenes often carry the most weight. Yarros doesn’t rush resolution; she trusts her readers to sit with discomfort, to observe the fractures before they break.Buy <a data-mce-href="https://www.amazon.com/Onyx-Storm-DISCOVER-FOLLOW-UP-PHENOMENONS/dp/0349437068" href="https://www.amazon.com/Onyx-Storm-DISCOVER-FOLLOW-UP-PHENOMENONS/dp/0349437068" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Onyx Storm</a> on Amazon - <a data-mce-href="https://www.amazon.com/Onyx-Storm-DISCOVER-FOLLOW-UP-PHENOMENONS/dp/0349437068" href="https://www.amazon.com/Onyx-Storm-DISCOVER-FOLLOW-UP-PHENOMENONS/dp/0349437068" target="_blank" rel="noopener">https://www.amazon.com/Onyx-Storm-DISCOVER-FOLLOW-UP-PHENOMENONS/dp/0349437068</a><h3>Final Thoughts </h3>Onyx Storm is not a book of easy victories. It’s thoughtful, well-paced, and deliberate, a necessary evolution in a story that’s always been about more than dragons and battle strategy. Yarros offers no shortcuts here. What we get is a story that respects its readers and characters alike: mature, layered, and hauntingly real beneath its fantasy skin.For fans of the series, this is an essential and rewarding chapter. For new readers — start at the beginning. The storm is worth weathering.

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How to Get Published at Penguin or HarperCollins

Book Review - Onyx Storm by Rebecca Yarros