Publishing predators target new and developing authors — and they're getting more sophisticated. Here are five clear warning signs that the "publisher" or "agent" in your inbox isn't legitimate, and what each scam actually looks like in practice.

Choosing the right comp titles can make or break your query letter. Learn how to find realistic, well-performing comparison titles for your book using Goodreads, Amazon, and a simple spreadsheet method — from a publishing professional with 21+ years of experience.

There's no single best publisher — but there is a best publisher for your book. Here's how to use your comp titles to build a smart, targeted query list.