From blank page to published: tips from published authors
Writing and publishing can feel like an uphill battle, filled with self-doubt and numerous hurdles. This weekend, I attended a local...
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MUST-HAVE PUBLISHING RESOURCES FOR AUTHORS
The saying “you don’t know what you don’t know” is so true when it comes to publishing, whether it’s self-publishing or traditional publishing. Authors are writers first and foremost. They know the craft of writing but it’s all the other steps—revising and editing, publishing, and marketing—that can be daunting, even to the most seasoned among them. This blog post compiles more than fifty links to vetted publishing industry resources. And it's still growing! (updated May 2024)
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Jul 124 min read
How to use book awards to elevate your book to new heights
I write a lot about marketing for authors because I don't enjoy marketing, and I know many authors feel the same way. Marketing doesn't...
Jun 284 min read
The post-proofreading checklist for self-publishing
Proofreaders aren't just eagle-eyed typo hunters. For many indie authors, proofreaders can often be a valuable resource for navigating...
Jun 143 min read
Top 3 book opening mistakes (and how to fix them)
Every write knows that a strong opening to their book is crucial for engaging readers. It's the first impression, the hook, that either...
May 244 min read
Unraveling your narrative with a reverse outline
Have you ever found yourself lost in the labyrinth of your own writing? Do your characters often run away with the plot? Are you staring...
Mar 293 min read
Lead magnets vs. reader magnets
In today's digital age, understanding the power of lead magnets and reader magnets can significantly help writers boost their marketing...
Mar 154 min read
5 tips for building your author brand
A brand is more than just a logo or a catchy slogan. It’s the overall perception that consumers have of a product, service, business, or...
Feb 233 min read
Exploring the world of book publishing: traditional, hybrid, and self-publishing
Book publishing has undergone significant transformations in recent years, offering authors a plethora of choices in how they bring their...
Feb 112 min read
Must-have publishing resources for authors (updated October 2024)
The saying “you don’t know what you don’t know” is so true when it comes to publishing, whether it’s self-publishing or traditional...
Dec 22, 20235 min read
Top 3 questions I receive about publishing
(I'd like to say that I'm writing this blog post for the benefit of readers, but really, I'm writing it for me.) These are the top three...
Dec 8, 20235 min read
Writing in third person
Limited vs. omniscient narration Third person narration is a literary style where the narrative is told from the perspective of a...
Oct 6, 20233 min read
Editorial passes vs. rounds
"Passes" and "rounds" are common terms used in book publishing, but their meanings can often become confused. There are, in general,...
Aug 11, 20236 min read
Elements of a successful book: reviews
In this final post in the Elements of a Successful Book blog series, I'm talking reviews—what they are, different types, how to get them,...
Jul 20, 20232 min read
Elements of a successful book: metadata
Metadata feels like a nebulous term, and for many writers, it’s components seem hard to pin down. However, it’s vital that your book has...
Jul 6, 20235 min read
Elements of a successful book: the back cover blurb
You’ve written your book and edited the heck out of it, and you don’t want to deal with it anymore. Sounds about right? But then you...
Jun 22, 20233 min read
Elements of a successful book: title
Book titles and subtitles feel pretty basic—every book has a title (at least), and I don’t think it’s controversial to say that your book...
Apr 15, 20235 min read
US copyright and permissions
What every writer should know Confusion about intellectual property, copyright, and permissions abound in the self-publishing world. It...
Apr 1, 20234 min read
Client story: manuscript review
I’ve received quite a few questions about my new manuscript review service. First, I want to say, no, this is not a review like you might...
Feb 16, 20235 min read
More on vetting editors: work samples
Finding a best-fit editor for your project can be a chore. There’s a sea full of editor-fish but not one of them are alike! A writer must...
Nov 17, 20223 min read
Hiring a beta reader
Beta readers are a pivotal part of the self-publishing process. They read your manuscript with the eye of an “average” reader, helping to...
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