Business Smarts
How to Use a Story Collage to Brainstorm, Write, and Promote Your Book
When you first start a new story, you don’t always have everything figured out—and that’s normal. Maybe you have a vague idea of a character, a single scene you can’t stop thinking about, or just a strong sense of place. What you don’t have yet is the full picture. That’s where a story collage comes…
Read MoreHow to List Your Book in a Goodreads Giveaway (Step-by-Step for Authors)
Running a Goodreads giveaway is one of the easiest ways to get your book in front of new readers—especially readers who already love discovering new books. While Goodreads giveaways aren’t a magic switch for instant sales, they can help boost visibility, add your book to readers’ shelves, and build early buzz. In this post, you’ll…
Read MoreDon’t Show Up Unprepared! What Authors Should Bring to a Book Signing
What to Bring to a Book Signing: Author Essentials You Don’t Want to Forget If you’re preparing for your first (or next!) book signing, you might be wondering what exactly you should bring with you. Book signings are exciting, but they’re also a lot of work—and having the right tools can make the entire experience…
Read MoreWhat Is Book Back Matter (and How It Can Help You Sell More Books)
When you think about writing a book, you probably picture drafting chapters, revising dialogue, or polishing your plot—not the pages that come after your story ends. But here’s the truth: Your book’s back matter is one of the most powerful marketing tools you have as an author. Yep. Those extra pages at the end of…
Read MoreWhy Every Writer Should Go to a Writing Conference (and What to Expect!)
Ever wonder if attending a writing conference is really worth it? Author Darlene Panzera says absolutely — and after attending the Southwest Washington Writers Conference, she’s sharing exactly what to expect, what to pack, and how conferences can help launch your writing career. What to Pack for a Writing Conference Packing might sound simple, but…
Read MoreHow to Defend the Copyright of Your Fictional Novel
Looking to protect your rights as an author? Wondering if you should copyright your fiction novel and how to prevent others from stealing it? In How to Defend the Copyright of Your Fictional Novel, learn straightforward ways to protect your work from theft and piracy. Discover how to confidently defend your creative rights and keep…
Read MoreBleed vs. No Bleed in Amazon KDP | Book Formatting Explained for Authors
If you’re self-publishing on Amazon KDP, you’ve probably run into the question: Should I choose bleed or no bleed when uploading my book? This is one of those little details that can cause big formatting issues if you don’t select the right option. Don’t worry—I’ll break it down simply so you can choose confidently and…
Read MoreWhy Fiction Authors Need to Order Proof Copies Before Publishing
Before hitting ‘publish’ on Amazon, it’s crucial to review a proof copy of your self-published book. This sample helps you catch any issues with the cover or interior pages, ensuring everything looks perfect for your readers. In this post, Why Fiction Authors Need to Order Proof Copies Before Publishing, we’ll explore the essential checks to make…
Read MoreBREAKING: Amazon KDP Just SLASHED Royalties — Fiction Writers, Here’s What You Need to Know NOW
If you publish fiction through Amazon KDP, there’s a major update you can’t afford to ignore. Starting June 10, 2025, Amazon is changing the royalty structure for print books — and for many authors, it’s not good news. In this post, I’ll cover exactly what’s happening, what it means for your books, and how to…
Read MoreBest Podcasts for Writers Who Want To Advance Their Writing Career
Podcasts are one of the best ways writers can learn on the go. In this blog post Best Podcasts for Writers Who Want to Advance Their Writing Career I have collected some of my top podcast recommendations aimed at inspiring, motivating, and helping authors improve their writing, and marketing skills.
The beauty of podcasts is that you can listen to them while driving, doing the laundry, or going on a walk. You can squeeze in learning while you are doing other tasks that you have to do
Read MoreHow to Get Your Book into Libraries and Bookstores: Amazon KDP vs. IngramSpark
Getting your book into libraries and bookstores is a major milestone for many authors. It expands your reach beyond online sales and helps establish credibility in the publishing world. However, navigating the options for self-publishing platforms can be tricky. Amazon KDP and IngramSpark are two of the most popular choices, but which one is best…
Read MoreAmazon KDP vs. IngramSpark: Which Self-Publishing Platform Is Right for Your Book?
You’ve written your first novel—congrats! Now comes the million-dollar question: Where should you publish it? In this post, we’ll compare two of the top leading self-publishing platforms, Amazon KDP and IngramSpark, to help you find the best fit. These self-publishing giants each have their strengths, and deciding can feel like choosing between plot twists. Relax—this…
Read MoreWhat’s The Difference Between Amazon KDP And KDP Select? Everything Authors Need to Know
KDP vs. KDP Select—What’s the Difference? 🌟 This detailed guide walks authors through exclusivity rules, marketing tools, and royalty benefits. Make the best choice for your self-publishing career! #AmazonAuthors #KDPTips #IndieWriterCommunity #PublishingTips #BookPromotion
Read MoreSlingshot Week: How to Set Goals and Make 2025 Your Best Writing Year Yet
✨ Ready to make 2025 your most productive writing year yet? 🌟 Discover how a ‘Slingshot Week’ can help you reflect, refresh, and set actionable writing goals! Whether you’re a new author or a seasoned pro, this guide will inspire you to dream big and stay on track. 🖊️📖 #WritingGoals #FictionWriting #WritingTips #AuthorsLife #SetGoals #NewAuthors #WritingBooks #WritingJourney #WritingInspiration
Read MoreAmazon A+ Content for Authors: What It Is and How to Get Started
Boost your book’s Amazon page with A+ Content! 📈 Learn what A+ Content is, why it’s a game-changer for authors, and how to set it up step-by-step. From custom images to comparison charts, discover ways to make your book stand out and engage readers. Whether you’re a self-published author or working through KDP, this guide has everything you need to get started. #AmazonAPlusContent #KDP #BookMarketing #SelfPublishing
Read MoreWhat is NaNoWriMo? How This Fun Challenge Can Kickstart Your Novel
Curious about NaNoWriMo? Discover how this exciting 30-day writing challenge can help you finally start your novel! Whether you’re an aspiring writer or just looking for a creative boost, NaNoWriMo pushes you to write 50,000 words in November and provides a supportive community to keep you motivated. Learn all the essentials and tips to make the most of this transformative experience. Ready to kickstart your writing journey? Dive into our blog post and find out more!
Read MoreStep-by-Step Guide: How To Make Your Book Free on Amazon KDP
Want to make your book free on Amazon KDP and reach more readers? 📚 Whether you’re a new author or looking to boost your visibility, this step-by-step guide has you covered! Learn how to set up a free book promotion and use KDP’s tools to grow your author career. Perfect for anyone aiming to attract new fans or spread the word about their latest release. Check out the full guide and get your book in front of more readers! #KDP #bookmarketing #AuthorLife #WritingCommunity
Read More100 Essential Writing and Publishing Terms All Authors Should Know
Entering the world of writing and publishing can feel overwhelming, especially with all the jargon and industry-specific terms thrown around. Whether you’re just starting your writing journey or looking to expand your knowledge, this comprehensive guide will help you understand the most important terms and abbreviations. Let’s dive into 100 essential terms that every author…
Read MoreHow to Write a Subtitle That Sells Your Book: Self-Publishing Success
Many fiction authors spend hours on a clever title but miss the power of a great subtitle. In self-publishing, a well-crafted subtitle is crucial—it entices readers, clarifies content, and helps your book stand out. Discover how a compelling subtitle can boost your book’s visibility and sales. Learn more in our latest blog post!
Read MoreTop 7 Books to Make You a Super-Productive Writer
Looking for a way to crank out more written pages? Or wish you could find more time to write in general? Is your calendar or overly ambitious to-do list out of control? How can you write more books if you are always tired, overwhelmed, and feeling like you are always behind?
Our post, 7 Best Books on Productivity to Boost Your Fiction Writing to the Next Level, can help you discover ways to reduce stress, organize your day, and make you more productive than you ever thought possible.
Read MoreHow to Find a Writing Group: Tips for New Authors
Are you eager to connect with like-minded authors and build meaningful writing friendships? Our post How to Find a Writing Group: Tips for New Authors is tailor-made for you. Writing does not have to be a solitary journey. It can be filled with friends who also aspire to take their writing to the next level. There are many groups that authors can join to help them with motivation, accountability, and guidance in their writing careers.
Read MoreThe Ultimate Guide to Using ChatGPT for Book Title Inspiration
Are you endlessly searching for the perfect title for your new book but feeling absolutely stuck? Do you ever feel like you are struggling to come up with creative book titles to help your new novel stand out among the thousands of books in the Amazon marketplace? In our blog post, The Ultimate Guide to Using ChatGPT for Book Title Inspiration, we will cover what ChatGPT is and how you can use it to overcome writer’s block and create stunning titles you never would have thought of before.
Read MoreThe Money-Making Author Mindset: Strategies for Financial Growth and Success for Writers
Mindset is an essential part of building a successful writing career. Without the right mental framework, it is difficult for authors to build a profitable writing career. In our blog post The Money-Making Author Mindset: Strategies for Financial Growth and Success we cover different mindset shifts authors can make to increase book sales and their income.
Read MoreAn Author Website is Your Ultimate Marketing Tool: Here’s Why
In this digital age having a website is a must for authors who want to build their online presence, promote their books, and reach a larger audience. What many authors don’t realize is that an author website can be their ultimate marketing tool. In this article, An Author Website is Your Ultimate Marketing Tool: Here’s Why, we’ll take a look at the key elements of an effective author website. We will cover the benefits of having an author website, what to include in an author website, and tips for designing an effective author website. So, if you’re an author who is ready to take your career to the next level, let’s get started.
Read MoreHow to Handle Negative Book Reviews
One of the hardest parts of being an author is being hit with negative book reviews. Especially as a new author. Negative book reviews can be absolutely devastating. Authors pour their heart and soul into their books, sometimes spending months or years crafting, writing, and polishing up a story and bad reviews can cut deep. In this article, we’ll discuss How to Handle Negative Book Reviews and how to use them as an opportunity to improve and grow as an author.
Read MoreBiggest Self-Publishing Mistakes New Authors Make
There is a lot to learn about writing and self-publishing. In this blog post, we will cover the Biggest Self-Publishing Mistakes New Authors Make to help you avoid common pitfalls and give your book its best chance of success.
Read MoreWhat to Include in Your Author Newsletter
As an author, you have probably heard that you need an email list to market your books. You may have signed up for an email mailing list service and are ready to craft your first newsletter, except while staring at the blank page, you have no idea what to do. What should you write? What do readers want to hear about? In this post, we will help you brainstorm What to Include in Your Author Newsletter.
Read MoreWhy Authors Need an Email Newsletter
As a new author, you may be wondering if you actually need an author newsletter. Why not only use social media and ads? Are email lists truly worth it? In this post, we will cover Why Authors Need an Email Newsletter and how you can utilize your email list to sell more books.
Read MoreFiction Writing: Critique Group Etiquette & Warning Signs of a Good Group Gone Bad
Are you looking to join a critique group and wonder if it will be the right fit for you?
Or have you been in a critique group for a while, but doubt whether the feedback is helpful?
Worse, are you a writer who has suddenly found themselves stuck in a toxic critique group due to changes within the group dynamic?
In Fiction Writing: Critique Group Etiquette & Warning Signs of a Good Group Gone Bad, we discuss the good, the bad, and the ugly to help you get the best feedback on your work.
What Authors Need to Know About ISBN Numbers Before Self-Publishing
As a new writer, you may have heard the term ISBN used frequently in the publishing world but you may be wondering, what is it? In our blog post What Authors Need to Know About ISBN Numbers Before Self-Publishing, we will cover exactly what every author needs to know about ISBNs, including why they are used, how much they cost, and where to get one for your books.
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