Be a Better Self-Editor
Self-editing is about seeing what’s really there and recognizing what is not but should be. Here is a short checklist to help you do it well.
How to collaborate with indie authors
It’s not magic, and there’s nothing complicated about it. It begins simply by reaching out.
A somewhat snarky look at 5 self-publishing myths
These 5 self-publishing myths could be holding you back.
To give it away or not to give it away, that is the question
What do you think about independent authors who give their book away? If you're an author, do you give yours away? If you're a reader, do you think less of the book when you see that it's free? There are advocates for both sides of this coin, and I discuss the reasons for and against here.
Hone these crucial content-editing skills: POV and Setting
POV and Setting go hand in hand in creating a world your reader can visualize. Are you sure you have a good handle on them?
Reach your ideal readers
As independent authors, we need to find a comfortable way to reach the ideal readers of our books, but we also know that doing so is easier said than done. Learning how to talk about our books is the first hurdle.
Bring on the grit, says writer of romantic suspense
In this interview, indie author Tricia T. LaRochelle candidly shares what it took to prepare her first book for publication, what you can do right now to market your books, and much more.
How to be a writer
The other day, someone asked me the age-old question, “How do I become a writer?” My answer was, “Just start writing.” Of course, that’s the edited version of the real answer, which involves a lot more than any blog post can handle.
Interview with a self-publisher
In this interview conducted by Dawn Colclasure, I discuss why I decided to self-publish, the stigma on self-publishing, and the form of promotion that has worked the best for me.
9 Mistakes Self-Publishers Can (and Should) Avoid
I’ve been in publishing long enough to know there are several general mistakes—some of them seriously detrimental—that indie authors need to be aware of and avoid. By that I mean, don’t assume you’re the exception to the rule. If you are doing (or not doing) one of the things on this list, you are in serious danger of sabotaging your precious novel or nonfiction book.
Turn fact into fiction
When guest blogger Carla Luna decided to chart her course as an indie-published author, she knew she wanted to write a series of romantic comedies set in the world of archaeology. What better way to make use of her past profession than to fictionalize it?
Treat your all-important subscribers list like gold
If there’s one thing all the experts agree on these days, it’s the importance of your subscribers list.
Free yourself from the draining effect of mental clutter
Let go of mental clutter so you can move about the (work) world freely.
Can a deaf writer write about being deaf?
Author Dawn Colclasure asks the question, Can a writer with disabilities accurately portray the life and experiences of a person who has disabilities?
Five marketing actions to perform daily
Put compounding to good use by tackling 3 to 5 marketing actions every day. As John Kremer says, “It will always be up to you to provide the motivation for readers to buy your books.”
The UGH in Marketing—And How to Compound Your Efforts
When not much seems to be happening even though I’ve been marketing diligently, I try to remember that there’s a little spark of energy in every effort I make. Taken together, that group of sparks is called “compounding.” And it can make all the difference.
My first foray into Facebook ads
After publishing two books, I decided it was time to dip my toe into the paid advertisements arena. Here’s what happened during my first foray with Facebook ads.
How to (temporarily) evade the family
Slip out the back, Jack. Make a new plan, Stan … Okay, so you’re not breaking up with your family. You’re just trying to obtain a little quiet time during which you can take pen to paper. … Here’s how to do it without flustering too many feathers.
Being an indie doesn’t mean you’ll work alone
When author Kim Poovey first decided to publish independently, she believed Indie authorship meant doing everything by yourself accompanied by a high price tag. She soon discovered that being an Indie author requires support from others.