Writing Academy
The Scribophile Writing Academy is a free resource to help you learn about the craft of writing, from fundamentals like punctuation and grammar, to craft like points of view and characterization, all the way through submitting manuscripts to agents and publishers.
Fundamentals
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What’s the Difference Between a Hyphen vs. an En Dash vs. an Em Dash?
Learn the difference between a hyphen vs an en dash vs. an em dash. We share definitions, examples, and more so you can start using different dashes correctly!
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Who vs. Whom: When to Use Each One, with Examples
Confused about when to use “who” and when to use “whom”? Read our handy rule on how to know when to pick the right one, every time.
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Which vs. That: When to Use Each One, with Examples
Learn when to use “which” or “that” in a sentence, with a detailed explanation and examples.
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What are Comma Splices? Definition & Examples
A comma can clarify or confuse. Learn what comma splices are and if they can hinder or improve style.
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The Correct Use of Apostrophes (With Examples)
Apostrophe mistakes are common for newbie writers to make, and they’re the mark of death for a manuscript. Learn when and where to use this important punctuation mark.
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When to Use a Semicolon: Examples & Rules
Semicolons, the colon’s weird cousin, are often misunderstood. Learn when and where to use this classic punctuation mark.
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Single vs. Double Quotes: When and How to Use Quotation Marks
Quotation marks can be tricky for more than a few reasons. Learn the right way this use this common punctuation mark.
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What is a Colon in Grammar? 4 Tips for Correct Colon Usage
What is a colon in grammar? Do you capitalize after a colon? Learn how and when to use a colon correctly, with examples!
The writing craft
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In Medias Res: Definition, Synonyms & Examples in Writing
Searching for the literary definition of “in media res”? Click here to learn all about the in media res plot structure, including examples and synonyms.
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What Is a Dramatic Question? (And Why You Need One for Your Story)
What is a dramatic question in a story? We’ll look at how you can find the dramatic question in your story, with examples.
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What Is a Flashback, and How to Use Them in Your Writing
Curious about the purpose of flashbacks in writing? We’ll show you how to use flashbacks in a story with definitions and examples from literature.
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What are Literary Allusions? Definitions & Examples in Literature
What are literary allusions? What is the purpose of an allusion? Click here for answers to all your questions about when, how, and why to use allusion in literature.
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What is Hyperbole? Examples & Definition in Literature
What’s the purpose of hyberbole? Learn how to write a hyperbole, explore examples, and get answers to questions about using hyberbole in literature.
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What is Euphemism? Examples & Definition in Literature
What is euphemism? What is the purpose of euphemism? Explore examples and get answers to all of your questions about using euphemisms in literature.
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What is Suspense? Definition & Examples in Literature
Suspense is the driving force in any story. Learn the definition of suspense in literature and dive into how to create suspense and tension in writing.
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Writing Effective Dialogue: Advanced Techniques
Learn how to write effective dialogue for various different situations, with advanced tips, techniques, and examples.
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How to Write Dialogue: Rules, Examples, and 8 Tips for Engaging Dialogue
Learn the rules for writing dialogue, plus tips and tricks for writing engaging dialogue into your story, in this complete guide.
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How to End a Story: 7 Different Kinds of Endings, Plus Tips and Tricks
Learn about the different ways to end a story. We’ll show you 7 different ways to end a narrative, with tips on how to write the perfect ending.
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Cliche vs. Trope in Writing: How They Differ, with Examples
Our ultimate guide to trope vs. cliche includes definitions, cliche examples, trope examples, and ways to use them in writing to improve your story.
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What Is a Cliffhanger? Definition, Examples, and How to Write Great Ones
We’ll show you what a cliffhanger is and how to create suspenseful ones in your story, with definitions, examples, and tips.
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Types of Poetry: The Complete Guide with 28 Examples
Learn about the different types of poetry, from sonnet to free verse, in this ultimate guide featuring 28 examples.
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How to Write a Plot Outline for Your Book Idea: 7 Approaches to Outlining
Are you ready to take that best-selling book idea and turn it into an action plan? In this post, we’ll discuss how to write a book outline in a few easy steps.
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What Is Anachronism? 4 Types of Anachronism, with Examples from Literature
Learn what anachronism is in literature, how to avoid unintentionally using it in your story, and how it can be used effectively in writing.
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What Is Exposition? How to Use It in Writing, with Examples
Learn what exposition is in writing, how to use it to give clarity to your story, and how to avoid the pitfalls of using exposition the wrong way.
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What is Foreshadowing? Definition, Types, Examples and Tips
Foreshadowing is used to build intrigue and tension within a story. Learn the definition of literary foreshadowing, along with methods, tips, and examples.
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What Are Jungian Archetypes, and How They Can Help Develop Your Characters
Learn about the 12 Jungian archetypes and the 5 Jungian aspects of every character, and how to use them to create more dynamic characters in your story.
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What is a Foil Character? with Tips and 5 Examples from Literature
Learn what foil characters are, why they’re important in storytelling, and how to write your own foil characters with examples from literature in this ultimate guide.
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What Are Story Archetypes? The Ultimate Guide with 50+ Examples
Learn about story archetypes in this ultimate guide, which includes tips on how to use archetypes to frame your story, and 50+ examples of archetypes found in literature throughout the ages.
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The Hero’s Journey Ultimate Writing Guide
This Hero’s Journey ultimate writing guide thoroughly explains the character archetypes and the 12 stages with examples, templates, tips, and prompts.
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What Are Character Archetypes? The Ultimate Guide, with Examples
Learn about the 16 classic character archetypes in literature, and how to use them in your story in this ultimate guide to character archetypes.
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What is Imagery? The Ultimate Guide, with 7 Types of Imagery and 5 Examples
Learn about the 7 types of imagery, the difference between literal and figurative imagery, and how to explore all your senses to create rich, dynamic stories in this ultimate guide.
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What is Dialect in Fiction? How To Create Unique Character Voices
Learn what dialect is in fiction, how dialect differs from diction, how to avoid the pitfalls of characterization, and how to use dialect to give life to your story.
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The Elements of a Story: The 12 Central Foundations of Storytelling
Learn what the 12 elements of a story are, how these elements have influenced great literature, and how to use them to make your writing even more powerful.
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What Is Allegory? Definition, Examples from Literature, and How to Write Allegory
Learn what an allegory is with a defintion and examples from literature, and how to use allegory to give new depth to your story.
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How to Write in the Second Person Point of View: A Complete Guide
Learn how to write in the second person point of view with this detailed guide that provides definitions, examples, writing advice, and reading recommendations.
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What is Symbolism? Definition, Examples, and 3 Ways to Use Symbolism
Learn what symbolism in literature is with definitions and examples from novels; and learn how to find inspiration for symbolism in your own writing.
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First Person Point of View Ultimate Guide: Definitions, Writing Tips & Examples
What is the first person point of view? This ultimate guide comprehensively covers first person PoV with definitions, writing tips, examples, and more!
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What Is Irony? Definition and 5 Types of Irony to Engage Readers
Learn about the 5 types of irony with definitions and examples from literature, as well as how to use irony effectively to create plot twists and themes, in this ultimate guide.
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What is Metaphor? Definition, 5 Types, Comparisons, and Examples
Learn what a metaphor is, the 5 types of metaphor in a story, how to use line level metaphors and story level metaphors, and how to tell metaphors from other literary devices in this ultimate guide.
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What is a Writer’s Voice, and 3 Ways You Can Find Yours
Learn what writer’s voice is and how to develop your own unique voice, with definitions and examples from literature.
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What Is Theme? Definition, 20 Examples, and How to Discover Your Own
Learn literary theme is, how to understand theme in a story, and how to use theme to make your writing even more powerful with this comprehensive guide.
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How to Write in Third Person Multiple PoV
Third-person multiple PoV can be an effective way to share the insight and perspective of each character in a story. Learn more in this comprehensive guide.
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How To Write in Third Person Omniscient PoV
Learn how to write in third person omniscient PoV. This guide offers writing tips, explanations, and examples of the nuance of the omniscient perspective.
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What is Conflict in a Story? Definition and the 4 Types of Conflict
Learn what conflict is in a story, what the 4 types of conflict are in literature, and how to create (and resolve) conflicts in your stories.
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What is Setting? With 5 Examples of Evocative Story Settings
Learn about setting in a story, including the 3 layers of setting, and how to create effective settings in your own story.
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What Is Point of View? Definition and 7 PoVs to Use in Your Story
Learn about point of view in a story, third person and first person point of view, and how to choose which of the 7 PoV types is right for your story.
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What Is an Antagonist? Definition and 7 Examples
Learn what an antagonist is, how to recognize them, the difference between antagonists and protagonists, and how to write antagonists that will make your story come alive.
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What Is Plot? Definition and 3 Ways to Plot Your Story
Learn what plot is, how it relates to story structure and the classic seven story types, and 3 ways to plot powerful stories of your own.
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What Is a Protagonist? Definition and 7 Examples
Learn what a protagonist is, how they relate to the supporting cast, and how you can write memorable ones for powerful storytelling (with 7 examples).
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Freytag’s Pyramid: Definitions and Examples of Dramatic Structure
Freytag’s Pyramid is a simple dramatic framework that can help you write more engaging fiction.
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What Is Chekhov’s Gun and How It Can Improve Your Story
Chekhov’s Gun is an easy literary principle. Learn how using it can help you improve your story.
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Poetic Devices: 27 Essential Definitions and Examples
Poetic devices are the tools skilled poets use to craft powerful poetry. Learn how to use them in your own poetry with these 27 examples.
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Literary Devices: 33 Essential Examples & Definitions
Literary devices are what make your story pop. Learn how to use them effectively in your writing with these 33 examples.
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Literary Elements: What are the 7 Literary Elements of a Story?
What are the 7 literary elements of a story? See the complete list! In this guide, we share definitions and examples of the most important elements of literature.
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Character Anatomy: Driving Plot Through Story Characters
Characters are central to a captivating plot. Deepen your understanding of the forces that drive well-written characters to bring a story to life.
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How to Write a Haiku (With Haiku Examples)
Learn all about haiku format, structure, syllable count, rules, and ultimately how to write a haiku on your own. Plus plenty of haiku examples!
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Filtering: How to Avoid Using Filters in Writing
Sometimes the words we choose can separate the reader from the action. Learn about filtering in prose writing and how to avoid using filters in writing.
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Common Screenwriting Mistakes to Avoid in Your Screenplay
Screenwriting and screenplay formatting is different from writing novels or poetry. Learn how to identify and avoid common screenwriting mistakes!
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The Show Versus Tell Debate
Everyone’s favorite whipping-horse: Show versus tell. Learn the fundamentals behind the debate, and the nuances involved in using both effectively.
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Dialogue Tags—How to Write, Format and Punctuate Dialogue
Learn what dialogue tags are, other words for “said,” and how to use speech tags to improve the way your characters talk to each other.
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What Are Narrative Tenses, and Why They’re Important
Understanding narrative tenses is key to flowing prose. Learn the subtle differences between the tenses and how they’re used in successful prose.
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Passive and Active Voice
Understanding passive and active voice is the first step towards making your writing pop. Learn the differences between the two and their pluses and minuses.
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Clichés to Avoid in Writing (Plus Cliché Examples)
A rose by any other name would still be a cliche. Click here to learn what a cliche is, which cliches to avoid in writing, and how to avoid cliches.
Publishing
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How to Get an ISBN
We’ll explain what an ISBN, why you need one, and how to get one in this ultimate guide.
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How to Become a Beta Reader
Ready to be a beta reader? Learn how to become one in this ultimate guide.
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What Is a Beta Reader? (And Why You Need One!)
Beta readers are one of the most important parts of the writing process! Learn what they are, how to find them, and what to look for in good beta readers.
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How to Write a Hook for Your Query Letter
Learn how to write a compelling hook for your query letter to a literary agent in this easy step-by-step guide with examples.
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How to Write a Query Letter: Everything You Need to Know, with Examples
Learn how to write the perfect query letter to pitch to an agent in this complete guide, including examples.
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Self Publishing vs. Traditional Publishing: Which is Best for Your Book?
Deciding between self publishing vs. traditional publishing? Check out our in-depth guide to see which publishing process is best for your needs.
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How to Pitch a Book Idea to a Literary Agent
Looking for step-by-step instructions on how to pitch a book idea to an agent? Click here for answers to all of your book pitch-related questions!
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Understanding Your Author Rights
Knowing your rights as an author is the first step in protecting your work and getting the most for it from a publisher.
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Copyright And The Independent Writer
Copyright is a common concern for many writers. Learn about the basics of copyright in the US and how it applies to independent writers.
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Critique vs. Criticism: How to Write a Critique Correctly
Learning the difference between critique vs. criticism and how to write a critique in a friendly and constructive way are important parts of improving as a writer.
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How to Submit Short Stories and Poetry For Publication
The process of submitting your finished writing to a publication can be daunting. Read how to correctly submit short stories and poetry to any market.
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How to Format a Short Story Manuscript, with Examples
The first step to getting your short story read is to format it correctly. Learn the industry standard for short story manuscript formatting.
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How to Format a Screenplay
Our screenplay format guide outlines special formatting requirements with examples so you can learn how to format your screenplays to the industry standard.
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How to Format a Book, with Examples
Submitting an incorrectly-formatted manuscript is a quick ticket to an agent’s trash bin. Learn the professional standard for manuscript formatting.
Blog posts
How to beat 85% of the other freelance writing job applicants
Eight Questions You Need to Ask Your Characters Before They Can Stay In Your Story
The Art & Science of World Building: The Tools You Need to Make a Believable World
How Are You Telling Your Story?...Part 2: Voice and Narration
Freelance Writing Basics: How to Find Your First Writing Gig
How Do I Know If My Idea Will Sell? An Intro To The World of Agents, Editors and Publishing, Part 2
Yes, But Do You Want Anyone To Read It? An Intro To The World of Agents, Editors and Publishing
Poetry Boot Camp: I Don't Know What I've Been Told, Shakespeare's Plays Are Mighty Old