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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Correct Colon Usage
Colons are for more than just lists. Learn the ins and outs of this essential bit of punctuation.
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Correct Quotation Mark Usage
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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Correct Semicolon Usage
Semicolons, the colon’s weird cousin, are often misunderstood. Learn when and where to use this classic punctuation mark.
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Correct Apostrophe Usage
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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What Are Comma Splices
A comma can clarify or confuse. Learn what comma splices are and if they can hinder or improve style.
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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.
The writing craft
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Clichés and Their Place in Prose
A rose by any other name would still be a cliché. Learn what they are, how to spot them, and when they can hinder or help your writing.
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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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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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He Said, She Said: Dialog Tags and Using Them Effectively
Sometimes, there’s more than just “said.” Learn what dialog tags are and how they can improve the way your characters talk to each other.
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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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Using First Person PoV
In First Person PoV, it’s all about “me.” Learn the ins and outs of this very common point of view.
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Using Second Person PoV
Talking directly to the reader can have a powerful effect. Learn about the second person PoV and what makes it special.
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Using Third Person Multiple PoV
Maintaining a point-of-view is hard work, and Third Person Multiple is one of the hardest. Learn what this technique is and its uses in prose.
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Using Third Person Omniscient PoV
Knowing everything about the story is a big burden for a narrator. Learn what defines the Omniscient point of view and some of its pitfalls.
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Common Screenplay Mistakes
Writing screenplays is different than writing novels. Learn how to identify and avoid the common pitfalls beginning screenwriters can make.
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An Introduction to Filtering
Sometimes the words we choose can separate the reader from the action. Learn about filtering in prose writing and how cleaning up filter words can sharpen your prose.
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An Introduction to Advanced Haiku
Poems can pack power in just a handful of words. Learn about the advanced techniques behind this ancient Japanese art form.
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A Character Anatomy: Seven Places Where Character Meets Story
Characters are central to a well-told story. Deepen your understanding of the forces that drive well-written characters to bring a story to life.
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Literary Elements: The 7 Essential Building Blocks of Fiction
Literary elements are the basic building blocks of all good stories. See the complete list and learn how to use them in your own storytelling.
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Literary Devices: 33 Must-Know Definitions and Examples
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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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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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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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 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).
Publishing
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How to Format a Book or Novel Manuscript, with Examples
Submitting an incorrectly-formatted manuscript is a quick ticket to an agent’s trash bin. Learn the professional standard for manuscript formatting.
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How to Format a Screenplay
Screenplays have their own special formatting requirements. Learn how to format your screenplays to the industry standard.
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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 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 your poems and short stories to any market.
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How to Write a Great Critique
Giving critical feedback is one of the most important—and hardest to master—aspects of writing. Learn how to analyze the writing of others in a friendly and constructive way.
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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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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.
Blog posts
Poetry Boot Camp: I Don't Know What I've Been Told, Shakespeare's Plays Are Mighty Old
Yes, But Do You Want Anyone To Read It? An Intro To The World of Agents, Editors and Publishing
How Do I Know If My Idea Will Sell? An Intro To The World of Agents, Editors and Publishing, Part 2
The Pitch: An Intro To The World of Agents, Editors and Publishing, Part 3
Freelance Writing Basics: How to Find Your First Writing Gig
How Are You Telling Your Story?...Part 2: Voice and Narration
The Art & Science of World Building: The Tools You Need to Make a Believable World
Eight Questions You Need to Ask Your Characters Before They Can Stay In Your Story
How to beat 85% of the other freelance writing job applicants