Beta readers do a lot of things for authors, but aside from pointing out confusion in a manuscript and revealing aspects that are lacking in a story, the most important task they perform is to bolster the writer’s self-confidence.

When it comes to marketing, the reasons to collaborate with other authors are many.

I’ve noticed that even with my favorite books, there is usually something I don’t love about the book. The interesting thing, I think, is that I still love that book unconditionally.

Since publishing my first book in 2021, I have done four in-person events, and they’ve all been worthwhile. More than worthwhile, they’ve been fun and memorable. Here’s why you should do one too.

Tips to help you get the ball rolling.

Story structure is pretty complex, so I understand why some writers resist learning about it. “I don’t want to write in a formulaic way,” is one of the common responses. But story structure does not require you to write formulaically.

This week's blog is a guest article by author Deborah Sheldon, who discusses how the Covid lockdown affected the writing of her novella Readhead Town.

I didn’t always like character sketches. They were like homework I did not want (or need) to do. I no longer feel that way.

When it comes to feedback, how do you know what to act on … and what not to?

I want to talk about the moments of insecurity that come with self-publishing.

I want to talk about giving your manuscript time and space to breathe.

Last week, I talked about the general process for having an audiobook made using ACX.com. This week, Laura Botten, voice talent and author of A Recipe from Rome, goes into detail about everything from how to hire the right narrator for your book to the possibility of narrating your own book.

The great thing about making an audiobook is that it requires a relatively small amount of time compared to writing and publishing a novel. Part 1 in this short series will provide a general outline of how an audiobook is made, and Part 2 will dive into the particulars of hiring a narrator and other details.

Instead of speeding headlong into 2024 with new material, I’m going to start off the year with a peek back at 2023 and the many blog posts I (and a few guest bloggers) wrote.

Early in my self-publishing journey, I had learned that series are a good thing for unknown indie authors. We hook the readers with Book One, which we provide for free or for 99 cents, and we hope they'll want to buy the other books in the series.

Desperately wanting to avoid mistakes became ingrained in my psyche at a very early age. I realize now that it’s a shame this is true. Thankfully we humans continue to evolve.

Would you go traditional if a publisher came calling? A few items worthy of consideration before you answer that question.

A lighthearted look at guest blogger Erika Hoffman’s experience presenting at a writers conference.

Guest blogger Mike Magluilo didn’t start writing a novel because he has a natural gift for sales, hustling likes and retweets, or newsletters. All of these things rattled his enthusiasm. But a change in mindset has made all the difference.

Sometimes it’s the basic things that make all the difference. The secret formula for selling books is one of these things. But never fear because it’s not actually a secret; it’s straightforward and doable, and it works.