Most writing advice online assumes you already know the basics. The Ask Scribbly collection exists because many writers don’t — and shouldn’t have to pretend they do. So, this is where we slow down, answer real questions, and remove the pressure to “already know”.
Every writer carries quiet questions. Not the grand creative ones — but the practical, awkward, sometimes embarrassing ones:
- Am I doing this right?
- Do I need an ISBN?
- What does an editor actually do?
- How do I price my book?
- Is it normal to feel this lost?
Most writing advice online assumes you already know the basics. The Ask Scribbly collection exists because many writers don’t — and shouldn’t have to pretend they do. So, this is where we slow down, answer real questions, and remove the pressure to “already know”.
What Is Ask Scribbly?
Ask Scribbly is a growing collection of blogs responding to real-world writing and publishing questions.
No jargon.
No gatekeeping.
No “you should already know this”.
Just clear, honest explanations written by Scribbly voices and prepared by writers who understand exactly what it is like to get stuck.
You’ll find the full Ask Scribbly collection here: https://scribbly.com.au/ask-scribbly/ New questions are added regularly so you can either bookmark it or simply type ‘ask scribbly’ into the search bar whenever you visit our library.
Why We Created Ask Scribbly
In Australia, most writers:
- Learn alone
- Navigate publishing systems independently
- Piece together advice from scattered sources
- Feel unsure whether they’re missing something important
Ask Scribbly was created to:
- Offer simple, direct answers
- Replace confusion with clarity
- Normalise not knowing
- Support writers without judgement
- Build confidence through understanding
Because no one should feel foolish for asking how something works.
Who Ask Scribbly Is For
If you’ve ever thought: “I probably should know this already…” Then this collection is for you.
Ask Scribbly supports:
- First-time writers
- Self-publishing authors
- Traditionally querying authors
- Non-fiction and memoir writers
- Anyone navigating publishing processes
If you have a question — it belongs here.
How to Use the Ask Scribbly Collection
Think of Ask Scribbly as your writing help desk. Each article tackles one specific question which we have been asked by writers just like you. The question is displayed clearly in the title and many of them are common, so we encourage writers to pass on a link to someone else if they feel they could benefit from the answer.
Where Ask Scribbly Fits in Scribbly
Ask Scribbly sits alongside:
- The AI Series
- The Book Launch Series
- Genre guides and craft blogs
- Professional practice articles
Together, they form a living knowledge base known as Scribbly.com.au — built by writers, for writers.
Submit a Question
If you can’t find the answer you are looking for, simply email you question to us at contact@scribbly.com.au. Not only will be blog about it but we will email you the blogged answer in response. If you have hit a confusing step, are about to make a publishing decision, feel unsure about industry processes and/or want reassurance that you’re not the only one asking, reach out to us.
If we don’t know the answer, we will do some research for you.
A Gentle Reminder
Every experienced writer once asked beginner questions.
The difference is simply that they had someone willing to answer.
Ask Scribbly is that space.
No shame.
No hierarchy.
Just writers helping writers.
Explore the Ask ScribblyCollection
Browse the full collection here: https://scribbly.com.au/ask-scribbly/
And if you’re new to Scribbly — welcome. We’re a volunteer-run community dedicated to supporting writers at every stage of their journey.
You’re exactly where you need to be.