The Nostaliem Trilogy (Book#2)
Crooked Tales (Book #5)
A Carlos Alvarado Mystery (Book #2)
The Godchosen Chronicles (Book #1)
The Vinton Chronicles (Book #1)
Manuscript Submissions
At Wicked Ink Publishing, we’re more than just an independent publisher—we’re passionate advocates for diverse voices and innovative storytelling. We invite talented authors to submit their work and join our dynamic community.
We believe in the power of fearless writing, where every story’s emotional depth is driven by its unique psychological undercurrent. Inclusivity is at the heart of everything we do, and we welcome submissions from writers of all backgrounds and experiences. Share your story with us, and let's create something unforgettable together.
Submissions Currently Closed (Open: Sept 01 - Oct 31)
Fresh Ink: Recent Signings & New Deals
We are thrilled to continue our publishing journey with horror author S. N. Short, who returns with her second supernatural horror novel, The Rocking Horse, coming Fall 2027. Following the chilling terror of A White Death, Short trades the frozen isolation of Canada’s High Arctic for a nightmare much closer to home, where an innocent vintage rocking horse carries a dark history that refuses to stay buried. Filled with supernatural terror, a decades-old tragedy, mounting dread, and a past that refuses to be forgotten, The Rocking Horse marks an exciting new chapter for S. N. Short and Wicked Ink Publishing. Stay tuned for the cover reveal, preorder details, and more!
Wicked Ink Publishing is thrilled to welcome fantasy author J.R. Carter with An Impossible Debt, the first book in Tales of the Black Knight. Inspired by ancient and medieval history, this gritty fantasy adventure follows seventeen-year-old Sonny Venshae as his quest for vengeance against the legendary Black Knight leads him across an unforgiving world alongside a colourful band of mercenaries. Filled with dangerous journeys, bloody battles, unlikely heroes, and unexpected heart, An Impossible Debt launches an exciting new fantasy series where vengeance always comes at a price.
Wicked Ink Publishing is excited to announce the signing of Gaya Koljay for her cozy mystery Funeral Vows, the first book in The Funeral Home Mysteries. Set in the coastal town of Mangawhai, the novel follows Ida, an Austrian expatriate funeral director who, after a near-death experience, discovers she can see ghosts and is drawn into a suspicious death involving missing relatives and disrupted funeral plans. As Ida teams up with Constable Dean Mackay to uncover the truth before a scheduled cremation, Funeral Vows blends warmth, wit, romance, and gentle suspense. Informed by Koljay’s international background and extensive publishing career, Wicked Ink Publishing is thrilled to welcome her and share this charming new cozy mystery series with readers.
Wicked Ink Publishing is proud to announce the signing of Kareem El-Baradie for his debut epic Egyptian fantasy novel, Children Of The Wind, the first book in the Secrets In The Hieroglyphs series, a sweeping mythological tale set in a world ruled by gods where destiny moves like the desert wind. Drawing deeply from ancient Egyptian mythology, the novel follows Heqaib, the last orphaned lion cub, as civil war fractures the realm and ancient powers stir, forcing him to confront betrayal, grief, and the question of whether purpose is inherited or chosen. Kareem brings a rare blend of passion and precision to his storytelling, shaped by a lifelong love of Egyptian myth and a seven-year career in the video game industry at Ubisoft Toronto, where he contributed to major titles including Far Cry 6 and Avatar: Frontiers of Pandora. Those experiences now fuel a richly immersive fantasy series that reimagines ancient Egypt as a living world of gods, magic, and moral consequence, and we are thrilled to welcome Kareem El-Baradie to Wicked Ink Publishing.
Wicked Ink Publishing is thrilled to welcome Kara Toews with her breathtaking debut fantasy novel, Where The Fire Burns, Book One of The Fifth Order Trilogy. Set in a realm divided by an ancient Wall and bound by prophecy, the story follows Ren Sorra, a young woman whose forbidden journey awakens the power to summon violet fire, magic that could unite or destroy her world. Blending lyrical prose, emotional depth, and elemental magic, Toews’s debut ignites a sweeping new fantasy series where every choice burns.
Publishing News & Events
With Dust, the second book in the Nostaliem Trilogy, now available, author L. C. Walters returns to discuss how her dystopian world has evolved from survival to rebellion. In this exclusive Author Spotlight interview, Walters explores the deeply personal journey behind Krevax and Dust, the changing relationships between Charlie, Tinik, and their community, and the challenges of expanding the story beyond the underground city. She also reveals how themes of memory, connection, trauma, and healing have shaped the trilogy, while offering a glimpse toward its final chapter, Glass. A fascinating return to the world of Nostaliem and the question at its heart: what comes after dystopia?
Are you ready to take the next step in your publishing journey? We’re thrilled to announce that manuscript submissions will reopen on September 1, 2026! This is your opportunity to submit your work to an independent publisher that values bold storytelling, diverse voices, and innovative ideas.
In this Author Spotlight interview, speculative fiction author Will Cooper invites us into a creative world shaped by curiosity, introspection, and an enduring belief in the power of stories. From a childhood spent exploring the woods and losing himself in books to early mornings dedicated to writing before the rest of the world wakes, Will reflects on the experiences, habits, and ideas that have shaped his journey as a writer. He shares his thoughts on finding an authentic voice, embracing doubt as part of the creative process, and using emotional vulnerability to forge deeper connections with readers. Influenced by the psychological depth and precision of Ian McEwan, Vladimir Nabokov, and J. M. Coetzee, Will explores questions of freedom, knowledge, human consciousness, and our evolving relationship with technology, themes that continue to shape The Lotus Trilogy. Through it all, his storytelling remains grounded in optimism and the belief that fiction can do more than reflect the world around us; it can help us imagine what might come next.
In this Author Spotlight interview, contemporary romance author Waverly O’Brian invites us into the heart of her creative journey, where emotion, routine, and quiet moments collide to form stories that feel strikingly real. From an unexpected beginning in structured academic writing to discovering her voice through storytelling, Waverly reflects on the habits, discipline, and creative instincts that shaped her debut novel, The Deskmate Dilemma. She shares her approach to writing authentic relationships, building tension through “almost” moments, and embracing an organized chaos that keeps her creativity flowing. Influenced by the character-driven charm of Rick Riordan and the heartfelt romance of Ali Hazelwood and Katherine Center, Waverly explores themes of identity, love, and belonging, crafting stories that aim to make readers laugh, ache, and fall in love right alongside her characters.
In this Author Spotlight interview, psychological thriller writer Jonas Gülstorff takes us inside the craft, discipline, and emotional undercurrents that shape his storytelling. From his early beginnings in radio, television, and songwriting to publishing poetry and gripping fiction, Jonas reflects on how form may change—but the drive to explore the human condition remains constant. He shares his thoughts on creative momentum, writing through doubt, the importance of strong openings, and why empathy sits at the heart of every compelling character. Influenced by the quiet intensity of Haruki Murakami and the enduring power of character-driven narratives, Jonas reveals how he builds stories that simmer beneath the surface, inviting readers into worlds where tension lingers and nothing is ever quite as simple as it seems.
Wicked Ink Publishing is heading to When Words Collide 2026, right here in our hometown of Calgary! Join us August 14 to 16 at the Hyatt Regency in Downtown Calgary and visit the Wicked Ink table in the Merchant Room for books from our authors, exclusive editing offers, two exciting giveaways, and a chance to meet the team. Best of all, the Merchant Room is open to the public, so you don’t need to be registered for the conference to stop by!
Step into an evening of suspense, celebration, and literary intrigue as Justin Phillips joins readers at Priscilla’s Gourmet Coffee Tea & Gifts in Burbank, California, for the official launch and signing of his debut novel, American Limoncello. Beginning at 5pm on August 14, Justin will be meeting readers, signing copies, and celebrating the release of his gripping debut thriller. Whether you’ve already ventured into the dangerous streets of Naples with James Rush or are discovering his story for the first time, this is the perfect chance to meet the author and dive into a world of secrets, shifting loyalties, moral ambiguity, and choices where the consequences can be deadly.
Step into a Sunday filled with charm, chemistry, and heart-fluttering tension as Waverly O’Brian joins us at Indigo Signal Hill for a special meet-the-author and book signing event. From 12–4pm on August 30, Waverly will be in-store chatting with readers, signing copies of her debut novel The Deskmate Dilemma, and connecting with fellow lovers of contemporary romance. Whether you’re already swooning over Katie and Ryan’s slow-burn journey or discovering their story for the first time, this is the perfect chance to dive into all things romance, workplace tension, and the risks of falling for your best friend.
Step into a celebration of books, community, and Canadian storytelling as Morrigan Ellis joins readers at Enderby Lit-Con in Enderby, British Columbia. From 11am to 12pm on September 12, Morrigan will be meeting readers, talking all things horror, and sharing her psychological horror novel, Repression. Whether you’ve already followed Nat into a haunting world of buried memories, restless spirits, and long-hidden secrets or are discovering Morrigan’s work for the first time, this is the perfect opportunity to meet the author, pick up a copy, and connect over stories that explore the darker corners of the human mind. Come for the books, discover Canadian talent, and celebrate a shared love of reading at this community-driven literary event.
Step into a celebration of books, creativity, and Nova Scotia’s literary community as Will Cooper, author of Lotus, Book One of The Lotus Trilogy, joins readers at Booktoberfest 2026. Beginning at 11am on October 3, Will will be connecting with readers as part of the Writers’ Federation of Nova Scotia’s annual literary festival, bringing together local authors, publishers, and book lovers for a day of readings, signings, workshops, and literary discovery. Whether you’ve already entered the thought-provoking world of Lotus or are discovering Will’s work for the first time, this is the perfect opportunity to meet the author and explore a story where freedom, consciousness, technology, and humanity’s rapidly evolving relationship with artificial intelligence collide.
Fearless Storytelling Starts Here
Every writer’s journey looks different. Some are staring down their first blank page, while others are deep in revisions, preparing a manuscript for publication, navigating the publishing world, or simply looking for ways to become stronger, more confident storytellers. Wherever you are in your writing journey, Wicked Ink is here to help you move forward. At the heart of everything we do is a passion for writing, storytelling, and supporting authors. We believe powerful stories are about more than putting the right words on the page. They’re about understanding people: what drives them, what frightens them, what they desire, how they change, and why readers become emotionally invested in their journeys. And understanding how people think, feel, connect, and experience stories can help you tell your own even more powerfully.
That’s why our approach brings together the art of storytelling and the science of psychology, exploring not only how stories work, but why they work. The psychology of storytelling can help us understand character motivation, emotional conflict, relationships, tension, reader expectations, and the choices that keep someone turning the page. Through our professional editorial services, we apply that perspective alongside the fundamentals of great storytelling, digging into structure, pacing, character development, dialogue, prose, emotional impact, and the finer details of a polished manuscript. Our goal is to provide thoughtful, personalized guidance that strengthens your writing while protecting the voice, vision, and individuality that make your story yours.
But supporting writers goes far beyond editing. Through writing workshops, educational resources, craft articles, free guides, sample edits, critiques, and one-on-one support, we explore both the craft of storytelling and the realities of being a writer. From developing believable characters and creating emotional resonance to overcoming writer’s block, navigating self-doubt and imposter syndrome, learning to self-edit, preparing for publication, and understanding what comes next, we want to give writers practical knowledge and tools they can carry into every story they write. Whether your goal is traditional publishing, self-publishing, or simply becoming a better writer, there is no single path you have to follow. We’re here to help you find the one that works for you and give you the support, skills, and confidence to keep moving forward.
And remember: read boldly, edit bravely, and always write fearlessly.
The Red Pen: Your Resource for Writing with Confidence
Wes Craven’s Scream (1996) is more than just a groundbreaking horror film—it’s a storytelling masterclass packed with valuable lessons for writers. This article explores how Scream expertly crafts suspense, develops compelling characters, and subverts genre tropes to create a lasting impact. Learn how the film’s iconic opening scene hooks audiences, how Sidney Prescott’s character arc exemplifies strong protagonist development, and how Billy Loomis and Stu Macher serve as complex, memorable antagonists. We’ll also break down key narrative beats, the role of atmosphere in horror storytelling, and how Scream plays with audience expectations to elevate the genre. Whether you’re writing horror, thrillers, or any gripping story, these storytelling techniques can help you captivate your readers from start to finish.
This winter, transform your home into the ultimate writing retreat. Discover how the season’s quiet beauty can fuel creativity and focus. From crafting the perfect cozy writing space to using winter’s inspiration to spark fresh ideas, this guide will help you make the most of the season. Whether you're deep in a manuscript or just getting started, it’s time to embrace the winter muse and dive into your writing like never before. Ready to get started? Your next great story awaits.
The blank page of a new year holds endless possibilities. It’s the perfect time to reflect on your writing journey, set meaningful goals, and establish a routine that fuels your creativity. Whether you’re a seasoned author or just starting, this is your chance to write your next chapter—one filled with consistency, inspiration, and progress.
Discover how to craft a sustainable writing routine that fits your life, design a space that sparks creativity, and embrace strategies to overcome blocks and nurture your imagination. Ready to make this your most creative year yet? Dive into our guide and start turning your writing dreams into reality!
The holiday season can be a whirlwind, but that doesn't mean your writing has to take a backseat. In this guide, discover how to balance the hustle and bustle of Christmas with your creative goals. Learn how to set realistic writing targets, create a cozy, festive environment, and embrace short writing bursts that fit into your holiday schedule. From guilt-free breaks and self-care to incorporating the magic of the season into your stories, this article offers practical tips to help you stay productive without sacrificing relaxation. Ready to make the most of your writing and holiday season? Keep reading!
Holiday stories, especially Christmas tales, offer timeless lessons for writers looking to enhance their craft. From universal themes of love and redemption to character growth and emotional resonance, these stories teach the power of strong themes, vivid settings, and satisfying conflict resolution. Writers can learn to balance sentimentality with substance, build authentic emotional connections, and use hope to create lasting impact. By drawing on the lessons holiday stories provide, writers can craft narratives that resonate deeply with readers and stand the test of time.
Tropes are the fundamental building blocks of storytelling. They are recurring themes, archetypes, and narrative devices that give stories structure and direction. In essence, tropes are like well-trodden paths in literature that help guide readers and writers through the creative landscape. While some view them as clichés, their function goes far beyond being predictable patterns.
Pacing is the heartbeat of storytelling. It's the rhythm that guides readers through the narrative journey, dictating when to speed up for excitement and slow down for introspection. Mastering pacing is essential for any writer aiming to captivate their audience from the first page to the last.
Writer's block is a formidable foe that plagues even the most seasoned writers. It can strike when you least expect it, leaving you staring at a blank page and feeling utterly devoid of creativity. But fear not, for there are strategies and techniques to overcome this creative hurdle. We'll explore ten valuable tips to help you conquer writer's block and rekindle your creative spark.
In the realm of fiction, the characters you create are the heart and soul of your story. They are the ones readers connect with, empathize with, and invest their emotions in. Crafting memorable characters is an art that can elevate your storytelling to new heights. In this guide, we will explore the essential elements and techniques that will help you create characters that linger in your readers' minds long after they've closed the book.
A Captivating Beginning - Why is a First Chapter Important?
The first chapter of a book is a literary threshold, a portal into a world yet unexplored, and a promise of the journey that awaits. It's where authors make their first connection with readers, and as such, it holds immense significance. In this post, we'll delve deeper into the art of the first chapter, exploring what they entail to make them great, why they are paramount, and offering invaluable tips to help you craft a first chapter that not only grabs attention but keeps it.
Writing is a journey filled with creativity, self-expression, and, at times, obstacles. Two common challenges many authors face are imposter syndrome and the fear of failure. Overcoming these hurdles is crucial for any writer's growth and productivity. Here’s a comprehensive guide to help you conquer these barriers and unleash your full potential as an author, empowering you to write fearlessly.
Discover a strategic book marketing timeline to maximize your book’s success. Learn what to do before your cover reveal, after the reveal, and leading up to preorders. Build anticipation, engage readers, and boost visibility with expert marketing tips for authors.
Your first chapter is crucial—it sets the tone, hooks readers, and determines whether they keep turning pages. In this blog post, we explore the most common pitfalls writers make in their opening pages and provide actionable tips to fix them. Learn how to avoid slow starts, info-dumping, weak hooks, and more. Plus, discover how our First Chapter Critique service can help you craft a compelling opening that keeps readers engaged.
Crafting a compelling first chapter is essential to hooking readers, establishing tone, and setting the stage for your novel. In this blog post, we explore why a strong opening matters, common mistakes to avoid, and expert tips to enhance your first pages. Whether you're writing a thriller, fantasy, or contemporary fiction, learn how to captivate your audience from the very first sentence. Plus, get professional feedback with our First Chapter Critique service to ensure your book starts with impact.
Proofreading is the crucial final step in the writing process, ensuring your work is polished and error-free. Whether it's a novel, academic paper, or business proposal, small mistakes can undermine your credibility. Follow this step-by-step guide to effectively proofread your work: take a break before starting, change the format, read aloud, use a proofreading checklist, and focus on one issue at a time. Don't forget to utilize technology, but rely on your own judgment for accuracy. Additionally, check for homophones, get a second opinion, and proofread multiple times for thoroughness. Looking for expert proofreading? Contact us today for a flawless final draft!
Even experienced writers make common mistakes that affect clarity and readability. Learn how to avoid errors like passive voice, homophone confusion, and redundant phrasing. Improve your writing with expert proofreading services—get polished, professional content today!
Looking to improve your writing and avoid common grammar myths? Learn the truth behind popular grammar misconceptions like ending sentences with prepositions, using passive voice, and the Oxford comma. Our expert copy editing service helps you navigate these myths and refine your writing for clarity, style, and accuracy. Stop second-guessing your grammar and start writing with confidence. Let us help you create content that stands out!
Enhance the clarity and readability of your writing with professional copy editing services. Our expert editors refine your content by simplifying complex ideas, improving sentence structure, eliminating redundancy, and ensuring grammatical accuracy. With a focus on consistency and flow, we help you create clear, engaging, and polished content that resonates with your audience. Whether you're working on a novel, blog post, or business document, our copy editing services ensure your message is communicated effectively. Improve your writing today and captivate your readers with every word.
Discover common writing mistakes that line editing can fix and learn how to spot them in your own work. From eliminating redundancy to strengthening sentence flow, this guide will help you refine your manuscript. Need professional editing? Get expert line editing services today!
Understanding the difference between developmental editing and copyediting is crucial for authors looking to refine their manuscripts. Developmental editing focuses on big-picture elements such as plot structure, character development, and pacing, while copyediting ensures your manuscript is grammatically correct, clear, and polished. Both editing stages are necessary to transform a rough draft into a professional, engaging book ready for publication. Learn how each editing type plays a vital role in perfecting your manuscript and why both are essential for your success as an author.
Beyond The Blank Page | Free Virtual Workshops
For writers seeking clarity and guidance on their publishing journey, our free 20-minute Discovery Call is the perfect first step. Whether you're unsure which service aligns with your goals, need help understanding your sample edit feedback, or are exploring additional support, we’re here to help. This is also your chance to get clarification on any part of the process, ensuring you feel confident moving forward.
At Wicked Ink, we know how much love and effort goes into your writing. That’s why we offer a Sample Edit service—your chance to see how we can enhance your manuscript before committing to a full edit! Whether you need developmental editing, line editing, copy editing, proofreading, or even sensitivity reading, we’ve got your back.
The first chapter of your manuscript is your golden opportunity to hook readers and set the tone for your entire story. At Wicked Ink, we understand the importance of an unforgettable opening, and our First Chapter Critique service is designed to help you craft the perfect beginning. We focus on refining the key elements that will captivate your audience from the very first sentence—pacing, character development, dialogue, narrative voice, and emotional engagement. With our professional guidance, your first chapter will leave a lasting impression and compel readers to keep turning the pages.
Learn all about out our Developmental Editing service! We understand the importance of making your story shine. Our developmental editing service is designed to take your manuscript to the next level. From improving pacing and structure to enhancing character arcs and emotional depth, our editors dive deep into your work, ensuring that every aspect resonates with readers.
Unlock the full potential of your manuscript with Wicked Ink's professional Beta Reading service. Our expert beta readers provide comprehensive feedback on plot, characters, pacing, dialogue, and setting, ensuring your story is compelling and engaging. With a detailed feedback letter and a 30-minute follow-up call, we help you refine your manuscript for maximum impact. Whether you’re polishing your novel or preparing for submission, our Beta Reading service will give you the insights you need to take your writing to the next level.
Latest Editorial Service Updates & Upcoming Workshops
In this free workshop, we’ll explore how the first five pages set the tone for your novel, introducing the world, characters, and central conflict in a way that hooks readers. We’ll discuss how to build suspense and intrigue without giving everything away, and the importance of a compelling opening line that draws readers in. Plus, enjoy a free first-page critique and an exclusive discount on a full First Chapter Critique!
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Join us for an interactive workshop on character development, where you'll learn to craft compelling protagonists, antagonists, and supporting characters with depth and purpose. Explore key elements like defining motivations, building multi-dimensional personalities, and creating meaningful character arcs that drive the plot. Plus, enjoy a free character sheet critique and an exclusive discount on a Character Development Coaching Session!
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Join us for Crafting Conflict & Raising the Stakes, where you’ll learn to create compelling conflict that keeps readers engaged. Discover how to balance internal and external conflict, raise stakes naturally, and craft obstacles that push character growth. We’ll explore how to build tension without overcomplicating the plot. Plus, attendees will receive a free 1,000-word critique on conflict in their manuscript, and a discount on a First 50 Pages Critique to elevate your writing!
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Discover how to craft emotionally resonant stories in this workshop, where we'll explore the psychology behind what makes readers connect with your characters and plot. Learn to create relatable characters, build emotional tension, and craft impactful moments that leave a lasting impression. Attendees will receive a free 1,000-word critique and a discount on Full Developmental Editing Services to elevate your writing!
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Join us for Show, Don’t Tell – Writing with Vivid Sensory Detail, where you'll learn to craft immersive scenes using all five senses to engage readers. Discover how to balance sensory detail with pacing, revealing emotions and deepening your plot without slowing the story. Plus, get a free 1,000-word critique on showing vs. telling in your manuscript and a special discount on a First 50 Pages Critique!
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