Like most of the vexing questions I post on this blog, my answer to “Should writers do their own editing?” is both YES and NO. There are times when we should edit our own work, and times when we need the benefit of someone else’s eyes. Even though I’ve heard it lots of times, I’m […]
Self-publishing tips
These articles explore a range of self-publishing topics, including whether to self-publish in the first place, how to decide formats and techniques, and tips for making your self-publishing more enjoyable and successful.
How to Tell if You’ve Received a Genuine Publishing Offer
Everybody seems to want to help us publish a book these days, but some of them are sharks. This is how I investigate a publishing service for quality and integrity.
5 Publishing Myths Debunked
These 5 publishing myths are about as real as this unicorn, but not nearly as pretty. They can hurt writers feelings and careers. Let’s debunk.
Self-Publishing: Ebook, Paperback or Both?
Some people assume self-publishing is only ebooks, while others assume it’s only paperbacks. The truth is you can have either or both, and even a hardcover. How to decide what is right for you?
Self-Publishing: Overcoming Fear
It took me by surprise how stressed I became in the lead-up to publishing my debut thriller Poison Bay last week. This is what I think caused the fear… and what I did about it.
Book covers: Processing feedback
A few weeks ago, I posted an article about whether or not we should use images of people on our book covers. I also displayed two alternative covers for my upcoming novel Poison Bay — one with a person on it and one without.
Today I’m going to talk about the pros and cons of seeking feedback in this way, and some things I learned about how to make the most of it if you do decide to invite feedback for your own book covers.
Book covers: Should we put people on them?
There’s a lot of debate in self-publishing circles about whether book covers should have people on them or not, and how this impacts sales.
This is an issue close to my heart as I prepare to self-publish my debut novel. Read on for the process I’m going through to figure it out.
Self publishing visual books
Today, we’re speaking to authors who have self-published different kinds of VISUAL BOOKS, including:
•Picture books for children
•Memoir
•History
•Coffee table books.
There are so many more options today, thanks to ebooks, print-on-demand, and new distribution options through online bookstores.
I’ve asked five authors from different countries to spill their secrets about how they’ve gone about the process, to inspire and help other authors who want to self-publish a visual book.
Pen Names: Different names for different genres?
One of the reasons writers use pen names is not because of any need for privacy or secrecy, but purely to help readers differentiate between the different types of books they write.
This is a reason close to my own heart, and you’ll soon see why.
I’ve discovered that pen names are an issue occupying a lot of writers’ minds, since my previous Pen Name articles, 3 reasons for using a pen name, and How to choose a pen name continue to generate conversation.
That’s why I thought I’d walk you through the steps I’ve used to decide: Will I use a pen name for different genres? (You’ll have to read to the end to find out my answer! Oh, the suspense.)
Tools I use for Writing, Publishing & Blogging
I often get questions about what I’m using for different phases of writing, publishing and blogging.
I’ve seen other bloggers post a list of their favourite tools and I’ve found them really handy. I think, “Ooh, what are they using for such-and-such??” and voila! there is the answer. 🙂
So [drumroll….] here is my list. Hope you find some useful ideas in it. 🙂
