Jacquelyn Benson writes smart historical fantasy in which strong women confront the stranger things that occupy the borders of our world. Her newest release, Arrow of Fortune, is the third installment of her Raiders of the Arcana historical fantasy adventure series.  

Authors can revise their books at any time—and sometimes should. Revising a published book doesn’t mean something was “wrong.” For indie authors, it’s a strategic advantage. Of course, you'll want to make copy edits as needed, but there are many other instances when making revisions to a book can improve reader satisfaction, attract a new audience, support a relaunch, or even capitalize on awards and cultural trends. 

Kristina Ten is the author of Tell Me Yours, I'll Tell You Mine (2025, Stillhouse Press). Populated by living paper dolls, summer camp legends, and trivia nights gone terribly wrong, the 12 genre-crossing tales in her debut collection wrestle with themes of memory, disobedience, alienation, belonging, and the horrors of inhabiting a body others seek to control.

It's so important for publishers to meet their audience where they are. With their soaring popularity, offering an audiobook format for your title is more critical than ever, whether you’re an indie publisher or one of the big five. While hiring a professional narrator is the most common path, author narration is an attractive option as well. 

Kiersten Modglin is a #1 bestselling author of psychological thrillers. Her books have sold over two million copies and been translated into multiple languages. Her newest release, Wilde Women, is an atmospheric literary thriller with a touch of magic about generations of mothers and daughters.

What happens if your book gets stuck in IngramSpark's title processing? In this article, we'll review file specifications and common file errors that will delay the process. 

Kandi Steiner is a USA Today- and #1 Amazon Bestselling Author. Best known for writing “emotional rollercoaster” stories, she loves bringing flawed characters to life and writing about real, raw romance in all its forms. Her newest release, Stand Your Ground, is the fifth installment of her Kings of the Ice hockey romance series.  

Want to see your books on the shelves of your local library? The good news is that it's absolutely possible, and it's more achievable than you might think. Libraries are a powerful marketing channel for an author’s work. They often champion books to their communities, reaching more than 172M registered public library users across the United States.

Give your holiday marketing a boost with IngramSpark’s Share & Sell feature.

Share & Sell lets you create direct-to-reader purchase links for your titles. You set the price, share the link, and IngramSpark handles the printing and fulfillment. Because you're selling direct, you can earn more from each book sold, even with discounted pricing.

Bestselling author Sam Demma is one of the most in-demand keynote speakers today. His first book, Empty Your Backpack, is a simple yet powerful self-help guide to happiness, growth, and self-belief. His newest book, Be Someone’s Taco, is a children’s picture book on kindness and empathy. 

The first step to every film is on the page.

As an independent and contracted film and television producer for the last 16 years, I can attest that there is an unending stream of great ideas for the screen. Which is why Thomas Edison’s quote rings very true for film and TV: “Genius is one percent inspiration and 99% perspiration.” 

Ally Walker was a budding biochemist with a BA in biology from UCSC when she stumbled into show business. The Light Runner, a gripping psychological thriller, is her first novel, and the first installment in her Realities series.

What do Stephen King, J.K. Rowling, and E.L. James have in common? They've all used pen names to write in different genres—King as Richard Bachman, Rowling as Robert Galbraith, and Erika Leonard as E.L. James. If you've been dreaming of branching out and writing something far outside your usual genre, you're facing the same question these bestselling authors confronted: should you use a pen name or write under your established name?

Supernatural horror author Ben Farthing is known for his incredibly unique storytelling and original ideas, masterfully illustrated in his popular I Found Horror series. His most recent release, The 31st Trick-or-Treater, serves as an advent calendar for Halloween with 31 chapters making up the bone-chilling, suspenseful tale.

Ann Butler has spent her life striving to find the balance between being a wife, a mother, and a spy. She's now sharing her story, full of both very challenging as well as very rewarding moments, in her memoir, Wife, Mother, Spy.

In an age dominated by TikTok, Instagram, and rapidly changing social media algorithms, you might wonder if blogging is even still relevant for indie authors. The short answer? Absolutely. While social media definitely has its place in your marketing toolkit, blogging is still one of the most powerful, sustainable ways to build your author brand and connect with readers.

Marta Molnar is the bestselling author of the Light and Life Series including The Secret Life of Sunflowers, Girl Braiding Her Hair, and Raising the Titanic which released earlier this summer. She wants her books to inspiremotivate, and leave readers with an "I can do anything!" feeling. 

The secret to smart self-publishing isn’t just writing. It’s positioning. Here’s how to make your book visible, credible, and irresistible — before you ever write another word.

Juliette Cross is a multi-published author of fantasy and paranormal romance. She’s a mood reader as well as a mood writer, if that wasn’t obvious by her eclectic book list. Her highly anticipated new dark romantasy, The Beast Lord, is the second installment of The Rise of Northgall Series, following the incredibly popular The Wraith King. It will be released at the end of October. 

Readers often judge a book by its cover—especially in today’s crowded marketplace. While it's true that content, reviews, and marketing all influence their final decision to buy, it’s the cover that first catches their eye. If your book cover looks dated, off-genre, or unprofessional, readers may pass it by without a second glance.

Nia Chiaramonte is the author of I Hardly Knew Me: Following Love, Faith, and Skittles to a Transgender Awakening. With her wife, Katie J. Chiaramonte, she is the co-founder of Love in the Face (loveintheface.com) and co-author of Embracing Queer Family: Learning to Live Authentically in Our Families and Communities. 

While most self-published authors don't have thousands of dollars to pour into big advertising campaigns or flashy PR strategies, they still want to get their books into the hands of as many readers as possible. The good news is that there are a number of ways to grow your audience organically, and you don't always need a big budget to make it happen. In fact, some of the best exposure can come from grassroots reader communities, where word-of-mouth is king. That's where reader communities come in. 

Award-winning writing duo Victoria Pannell and Thorir Sigfusson draw inspiration from their rich life experiences and four grandchildren, who spark their creativity and drive their storytelling. They’re thrilled to bring young readers their series, The Crow’s Tales, with The Bird Caper, The Big Dream, and a new installment to release next year.

Are you struggling to make your book stand out in a sea of new titles? Or just looking for a more innovative way to let your unique story shine beyond the edges of its cover? Augmented reality (AR) might be the creative tool that unlocks and illuminates an entirely new layer of your story’s expression.

Don Gabor is the author of the bestseller How to Start a Conversation and Make Friends, plus nine other books and audio programs on networking and interpersonal communication skills. Since retiring from professional speaking in 2016, he researched and wrote Vienna on Fire, his first fictional solo novel.

SEO for self-published authors isn’t just a buzzword—it’s the difference between your book getting buried in a crowded marketplace and your work showing up when readers search for their next book. Relying only on word of mouth or social posts just isn't enough. By weaving in the right keywords, building a simple author SEO (search engine optimization) plan, and focusing on helping readers find you, you’ll boost your book’s visibility, connect with the right audience, and very likely see more sales.

S. W. Kent is an author pseudonym for Alexander Amonett López, who lives with his husband and his familiar in the Pacific Northwest. The Storyteller from Balincia is his debut novel and the first installment in the Driftstone series.

Readers often rely on reviews when deciding which book to pick up next, and professional book buyers are no different. But while casual readers might browse Goodreads or TikTok, industry pros are looking for insights from trusted sources. That’s where professional book reviews come in.

Kendall Ryan is a bestselling romance author recognized by the New York Times, Wall Street Journal, and  USA Today more than 100 times.  After a three-year hiatus, she's returning this September with a new hockey romance series Must Love Hockey.

2023 Witchy Award nominee, Jack Townson, a multi-talented artist, is the heart and soul of the thriving FangFam community across various social media platforms, including TikTok, Instagram, and Twitch. Gothic romantasy novel The Lightslayer is the first installment in his new Everdusk series. 

Stacia Stark is a bestselling author of romantasy, urban fantasy, and paranormal romance filled with found families, self-reliant heroines, and brooding, grumpy heroes. Her newest book This Vicious Dream released this spring and is the first installment of her Kingdom of Death duology.

Updated August 14, 2025

Are you looking to breathe new life into one of your older books? It can be a challenge for a previously published book to compete in today’s fast-paced market, filled with fresh releases and contemporary bestsellers. But with the right strategies, you can make your older work shine again, capturing the attention of a whole new generation of readers.

You finally finished your book — a huge milestone. But now comes the hard part: getting it into readers’ hands. If your self-published book isn’t selling as well as you expected, you’re not alone. Many indie authors run into the same challenge — often due to a few common book marketing mistakes.

Inspired by the works of Emily St. John Mandel, Stephen King, and Audrey Niffenegger, M. Kevin Hayden’s debut novel, An Old Soul is a slow-burn mystery of love, memory, and unraveling reality, set against the backdrop of 1996 Chicago.

If you're excited to introduce your self-published book to book clubs or reading groups, consider taking a friendly, thoughtful approach. Reach out directly, build connections, and make your book easy for readers to find and enjoy. Having a book club kit at the ready will make this process much easier for you when you find groups that you feel would be a good fit for your book. 

Below, you'll find a list of 8 items to include in your kit to make sure you're book club-ready.

Jill Ramsower is a powerhouse dark romance author with wildly popular titles across four romantic suspense series. Her newest book, Death’s Favor, is the second installment in The Moretti Men series, and it released this week! 

While English is widely spoken in many places, the reality is that less than 20% of the world's population speaks English. That means there's more than 80% of people who won't be able to read the books you're publishing if you don't translate them. The math is simple: a bigger audience equals more potential readers. Not only that, but everyone should have the opportunity to read, and to find and purchase books they need or enjoy.

A 2025 nominee for Book Blogger's Novel of the Year Award for A Lonely Broadcast: Book One, author Kel Byron also enjoys tabletop games, cooking spicy food, 80's goth music, and volunteering at cat rescues. 

*(Plus: When You Should Launch Yours)

If you’re serious about building a lasting career as an author, your website should be the foundation of your online presence.

While social media, podcast appearances, and guest blogs can all help you get discovered, your website is the one platform you truly own. It’s your digital home, your hub for marketing, and a powerful tool for attracting and keeping devoted readers.

From dark romance to small-town, paranormal, and second-chance romances, USA Today- and Wall Street Journal-bestselling author Willow Winters is known for her irresistibly steamy, emotionally gripping contemporary romance novels, including All He'll Ever Be. 

Make sure your metadata is in tip top shape for optimal SEO and online discoverability.

Genre fiction refers to books that are written according to a particular theme or style. Crime fiction, romantic fiction, or fantasy fiction are examples of popular genre fiction. Fiction readers are very genre-specific, and your metadata (especially keywords and categories) tells them at a glance if your book meets their interests.

Scott Semegran's latest book, Starman After Midnight, is a quirky novel-in-stories about two beer-drinking neighbors who team-up to track down a mysterious late-night interloper terrorizing their middle-class neighborhood.

Understanding your writing style is essential as it can greatly influence both your productivity and the pleasure you get from writing. When writers operate in a way that aligns with how their brains work, writing feels more natural and sustainable. That confidence shows in the work—and makes the writing habit easier to maintain.

Every writer is different, but determining whether you’re a plotter, pantser, or plantser can help you tailor your writing (and editing) routine, set realistic goals, and find techniques that work best for you.

When self-publishing a book, one piece of marketing advice will come up time and time again: secure reader reviews. People reading, enjoying, and talking about your book is a strong social proof signal for potential readers. (If you’re not familiar with the term, social proof is the idea that people are more likely to trust or try something if they see others doing the same.)

Romance and Romantasy have become cultural powerhouses, captivating millions of readers and redefining the modern book scene. With bestsellers topping the charts, and viral recommendations sweeping across social media, the demand for deeper emotional and immersive stories is at an all-time high. 

When you're creating your marketing strategy and thinking of all the ways in which you can promote your book, it's likely that Pinterest isn't at the top of your list. It's been around for years, it's not known for the bells and whistles that some platforms offer, and it's been primarily known as the the home of crafts and DIY projects. However, you're actually doing yourself a great disservice by overlooking the promotional possibilities that exist with Pinterest. 

When you think about how to promote your book around the holidays, your mind very likely goes straight to the traditional season of Thanksgiving, Black Friday, Cyber Monday, and the December holidays such as Christmas, Hanukkah, and Kwanzaa. You may even include New Year's Day, since so many people are looking to start the new year with new habits and a positive outlook. However, what about all those other holidays we observe during the rest of the year? Never underestimate the power of a good promotional opportunity!

Let’s be honest: breaking through the noise as an indie author is tough. You’ve got a great story, solid writing, and a gorgeous cover—but so do thousands of other people. So, how can you stand out? One word: augmented reality (AR).

A Self-Published Author’s Guide to Hooking Readers and Leaving Them Wanting More

Book series are a fantastic way for self-published authors to boost sales, develop a devoted fan base, and possibly even make it to the bestseller lists. Avid readers love to dive into a series, and authors who know how to grab readers' attention from the start and keep them hooked are reaping the rewards. Here, we’ll share some tips on creating a binge-worthy series that keeps readers eagerly coming back for more.

According to Backlinko, in the U.S., an estimated 158 million consumers listened to a podcast in the last month (as of 2025)—with the most popular podcast platforms being YouTube, Spotify, and Apple Podcasts. That's an increase from 135 million monthly listeners in the U.S. in 2024. Obviously, people's interest in podcasts isn't slowing down.

So, what does that mean to you as a self-published author?

Self-publishing is evolving fast—and it's now more exciting than ever. From printed edges and interactive formats to game-changing tools like AI editing and augmented reality (AR), indie authors have more ways than ever to stand out. Those who embrace these trends are not only keeping up with what readers really want, but they're also helping shape the future of publishing. 

Let's take a look at some of the biggest trends making waves now, along with some of those set to grow in the coming years. 

In a world overflowing with travel apps and blog posts, a thoughtfully crafted travel guide still stands out. It’s tangible, trustworthy, and easy to use on the go—no batteries or signal required. Whether you're passionate about a local destination or want to share your global adventures, creating your own guidebook can be incredibly rewarding. Once it’s written, the next big step is getting your guide into travelers’ hands.

There are many reasons readers might choose an audiobook over a printed book. Audiobooks can pass the time during a long commute or provide a more accessible experience. Or perhaps a fan wants to hear a story told in the author’s own voice. And, unlike in decades past—when audiobook listeners would find themselves dragging around cases full of cassettes or CDs (when they could locate an audiobook at all!)—audiobooks are now easy to find, easy to download directly to a smartphone, and easy to listen to whenever and wherever you want to get lost in a book.   

In today’s crowded book market, attention is everything. For self-published authors, standing out isn’t just an option—it's absolutely essential. One powerful promotional tool that you might not have considered yet is the book trailer. Maybe hiring a professional to create one isn't in your budget, and/or maybe you don't feel like you have the technical skills necessary to make your own… but, did you know that producing a professional quality book trailer is now faster, easier, and more affordable than ever?

Reddit isn’t like other platforms. It’s not a marketplace, a feed, or a digital stage—it’s more like a friendly chat. And if you’re a self-published author trying to promote and sell your book on Reddit without first understanding the culture, you’ll be ignored at best—banned at worst.

But that doesn’t mean Reddit isn’t a valuable tool for you. In fact, when approached genuinely and with patience, it can become a terrific way for you to build trust, credibility, and yes—eventually gain readers.

Here’s how to use Reddit as a self-published author the right way…

Launching a book is exciting, but it can also get expensive quickly. Between editing, design, printing, and marketing, the costs can pile up before your first copy even hits the shelves. The good news? You don’t have to foot the bill all on your own. There are tons of creative, community-driven ways to fund your book launch without draining your savings.

Your guide to some of the most prestigious and indie-friendly opportunities this year and next.

For self-published authors, book awards and contests offer recognition, credibility, and new readers. Winning or being a finalist can boost sales, attract media, and open new opportunities. While self-published books were once excluded from such competitions, the industry now offers many more opportunities. 

I’ve written in the past about the importance of presenting a polished first impression with your indie book. Unlike a Big 5 author, you don’t have the luxury of name recognition or publisher prestige, so you have to refine that first impression in other ways—and one thing you absolutely can’t ignore is your book’s product page. 

While I touched on descriptions, comp titles, and pull quotes in the previous post, I didn’t really get into the nitty-gritty of product pages… but there’s more to them than pure text! On that note, here are four key tips to optimize your book’s product page for reader interest and conversions.

Writing humor is a skill that can be learned. This is good news for those who've never been designated the funny one in any group. But we all have a sense of humor; we love to laugh and make people laugh and with the advice here, you’ll have the framework for writing a book that does just that.

If you’ve spent any time reading through our blog posts or learning about the self-publishing industry, you know how important it is to get reviews for your book. Reviews increase credibility, improve discoverability, and influence potential readers to pick up your book. In light of these many benefits, you should consider running a book review campaign, which involves strategically gathering and promoting reviews for your book. Follow the steps below to create an effective campaign that'll get your book in front of readers and increase book sales.

When growing your book’s visibility, engagement, and ultimately, sales, accessing the right audience is a must. There are over 5 billion internet users in the world today with an average of almost half a million new users every 24 hours.

Dystopian literature, a subgenre of speculative fiction, has always been like a mirror, capturing society's worries and evolving to reflect the unique concerns of each era. Timeless classics like 1984, Brave New World, and The Handmaid’s Tale set the standard for bleak, cautionary storytelling, and the genre surged again in the 2010s with young adult hits like The Hunger Games and Divergent. As a result, many readers began to feel dystopian fatigue, citing predictable plots and overused tropes.

Now that dystopian fiction is making a big comeback—how can you find the right balance between grit, hope, and realism in your story that will keep readers engaged?

Research…technically, it’s not a dirty word. However, to many writers, it might as well be. Though it can be fun, it can also be headache-inducing at times. All in all, well-researched books feel more authentic, and readers do appreciate attention to detail. Any inaccuracies in your setting, real-life events, or historical references will be noticed and could pull readers out of your story altogether.

Before the internet, performing research for a book was a lot more labor-intensive. Though not necessarily intimidating, it did require, at the very least, a trip to your local library to find books and articles about your subject. At most, you might have traveled to another state or country to be sure you got your details just right. Thankfully, we don’t have to go to those extremes anymore – unless we just want to.

In today’s digital landscape, authors face the daunting question of how to break through the noise and connect with readers. We’ve all heard the phrase “content is king,” but what does that really mean for author promotion? It’s more than just posting; it’s about crafting a strategic tapestry of online materials—articles, videos, engaging visuals—that build trust and cultivate a loyal audience.

The market for ebooks is growing: By 2027, Statista projects the number of e-reader users to grow to 1.1 billion, resulting in an expected revenue of $15.33 billion in the ebooks market. If you've not yet considered creating an ebook version of your print book, now is the time. As a self-published author, it's essential for maximizing success in today's digital-driven market. 

At IngramSpark, we talk a lot about marketing, and for good reason. It’s a vital part of selling your book and becoming a successful self-published author. Our guides and blog articles delve into the how’s, when’s, and where’s, but it’s also really helpful to know what resources are out there to help you accomplish a well-thought-out and planned marketing strategy.

Have you been through an experience that you want to share with the world? Do you have solid advice on surviving a journey that you're sure will be helpful to others? Writing a book can not only be therapeutic for the author, but there are also countless individuals facing challenges or seeking solutions who are eager for advice from someone who understands their struggles.

In today's digital world, metadata is the "secret sauce" for making your book discoverable. It's the hidden magic that helps readers find your book among the millions available online. While it might seem like just a technical detail, it's actually a fantastic marketing tool that can broaden your book's reach, boost your sales, and connect you with your ideal readers.

After you've put so much of your heart and soul into creating the perfect story, you do not want to neglect the power of your metadata. You want to call attention to what makes your book special, and make sure that everyone who might be interested in reading it will know that it exists. In this article, we'll dive into some often-overlooked aspects of metadata that can really make a difference in getting your book noticed and boosting your sales.

There are often many questions that arise around the topic of when to publish a book. What's the best time of year to publish for your particular genre? Is there a right time and/or a wrong time? Does it make a difference? 

The truth is that there's no magical formula for determining when the prime time is to publish books of different genres, but we do have some clues based on sales data and industry trends. We've compiled a helpful list below for you to use in planning your next book, highlighting some of the most popular genres for each month of the year.

Are you doing everything you can to promote your book and your brand? Maybe you've got an author website, a blog, a newsletter, and social media profiles across all the platforms. It could be that you've done a few local book signings and gotten some good reviews. You may even have gone so far as to create a book trailer. You're doing all the right things, but is there more that you can do? 

Book conventions, fairs, and festivals are popping up everywhere these days! No matter what kind of book you've written, there's a group of fans out there just waiting to dive into something fresh and exciting. These events are fantastic opportunities for both readers and authors. Readers absolutely love meeting their favorite authors and stumbling upon new books. Meanwhile, authors get the chance to showcase their work and grow their author brands.

Some of you may be seasoned pros at these events, but if you're a newbie just starting out, you might be curious about what to expect. We've put together a handy list to get you ready. Even if some tips seem like common sense, it's easy to overlook the basics when you're off on a new adventure!

If you’ve been creating content—whether blog posts, social media updates, or podcast episodes—you may already have the building blocks for a compelling book. Transforming your content into a book is a great way to share your ideas, build your credibility, and really connect with your audience on a more personal level.

This guide is here to help you, from taking a fresh look at your existing content to turning it into a polished manuscript and getting it ready for publication. With a little creativity and organization, you can transform your work into a book that resonates with readers and serves as a lasting testament to your expertise.

Updated: December 1, 2025

There are tons of book-related events coming up this year, and we want to keep you up to date on when and where you can find them! Book festivals can be extremely beneficial for self-published authors aiming to broaden their audience, connect with experts in the industry, and gain knowledge about the current publishing landscape.

Self-publishing your book is quite an accomplishment, but unless you printed something deeply personal that’s just for you or a gift for someone close, you want everyone to buy and read your book. As an indie author, marketing is a huge part of your job, and IngramSpark has many resources to make that easier. One of our newest opportunities is Title Discovery Promotion.

A well-developed character is at the heart of any great story.

In self-publishing, where authors must captivate readers without the extensive marketing resources of traditional publishing, creating lifelike characters with recognizable traits, goals, and weaknesses is especially important. In the best stories, the plot and the character arc are inseparable. 

A question I often receive from authors after they've published is in regard to why their book is listed for sale at different prices on different retailer websites such as Amazon, Booktopia or Barnes & Noble. The author has gone to all the trouble of working out a fair recommended retail price, only to find their book being sold on a retail website for half that amount—or sometimes double! How is that possible or even fair? 

Webcomics aren't just a digital trend; they're reshaping the entire landscape of the publishing industry, offering incredible opportunities for creators and readers alike. As the dynamic webcomic community continues to grow and evolve, so does the opportunity for authors to branch out and take their comics from the screen to the page.

This season, give a gift that fuels their passion for storytelling!

As the year quickly comes to a close, it's time once again to begin holiday shopping. Whether you know a self-published author, or you are one, this insightful guide is filled with excellent gift ideas to support an author's path in writing, publishing, marketing, and selling books.

In case you haven’t heard, Taylor Swift has chosen to bypass the traditional publishing route and self-publish The Eras Tour Book under her new imprint Taylor Swift Publications, exclusively at Target on Black Friday. This decision gives her the opportunity to keep more of the revenue from her book than she would if she went through a traditional publisher, and it also gives her total creative control over her book—she can choose when to publish it, what her cover looks like, how much to charge, how to market it, and where to sell it—without having to answer to a large publishing company.

In the world of publishing, generating buzz and reaching new readers is crucial for a book's success. While online sales and bookstore distribution are effective, keeping extra copies on hand can open up new opportunities to connect with audiences in meaningful ways. Here’s why every publisher should make this a priority, along with actionable strategies to boost visibility, engagement, and sales.

Updated November 19, 2025

Black Friday 2025 is on November 28 this year, and many retailers are offering deals through the weekend and into Cyber Monday on December 1! 

Check out these great deals for writers that are available this year for Black Friday:

It's becoming increasingly clear that BookTok—a subcommunity of TikTok—has significantly influenced the sales of fiction books and is expected to do so for the foreseeable future.

GfK Entertainment and Nielsen BookData recently released their global report for the first eight months of the year, and data shows rising revenues in fiction. Among the fiction genres seeing the most growth are crime and thriller novels, whose sales are up in three-quarters of the surveyed countries.

America's obsession with true crime isn't new. One of the earliest known stories of crime involves the murder of a government official dating back to 1800 BCE in Ancient Egypt. People have been drawn to the darker side of human nature that presents itself in true tales of horrific crimes for ages. 

With the publication of such books as In Cold Blood (1966) and Helter Skelter (1974), however, the genre became popular with more and more people. Since that time, it has evolved and branched out into all forms of media. 

If you're interested in trying your hand at writing for the true crime genre, here are some tips to get you started. 

As a writer, you know that sometimes getting started is the hardest part of a task. But you’ve overcome that hurdle and are a self-published author! Your book is out there for the world to see, but maybe not many people have bought it. Maybe you're staring at the “blank page” of how to market your book. We can help…

Updated October 21, 2025

The holiday season is just around the corner, and a little planning now can set you up for great end-of-year book sales. Ready to make your book stand out from the competition? Here are five essential steps to maximize your holiday sales, along with some helpful resources:

Bad dialogue can pull a reader out of the story faster than almost anything else. If it’s boring, unnatural, or no one can tell who’s talking, they’re likely to put the book down or at least skip to the next narration. On the other hand, good dialogue keeps them fully invested and turning the pages right til the end.

Readers have loved mystery novels for centuries, but what exactly makes for a compulsively readable mystery? What is it that makes someone want to finish “just one more chapter,” no matter what time it is? There are many aspects of a mystery that draw readers in, but a well-planned, slow-roll reveal of clues and evidence will keep readers guessing until the very end.

What is an antihero? Many iconic antiheroes have left a lasting impact on literature and popular culture. Characters such as Walter White from Breaking Bad, Tony Soprano from The Sopranos, and Lisbeth Salander from The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo represent the antihero archetype.

By and large, the romantasy genre has been booming for some time, and it doesn't look to be slowing down any time soon. The genre offers a mix of magical escapism and romantic relationships that readers are drawn to, and it's attracting fans of both fantasy and romance in droves.

Not only has romance readership itself developed into a full-scale fandom as the landscape begins to look more and more like ComicCon (The Washington Post), but #romantasy videos have more than 800 million views on TikTok. In 2024 alone, one out of every four bestsellers was romantasy. (Bloomberg) 

As autumn approaches and the air turns crisp, it's time to rake leaves, carve pumpkins, and indulge in all things pumpkin-flavored. It's also time to cozy up with a good book. Though it's not the only time of year that readers want to dig into a gripping horror novel, many find themselves yearning for a chilling read that perfectly complements the season's eerie charm.

Comics have been around for about 100 years in some form or another and have gained enduring popularity among particular markets. Reading and collecting comic books may be a niche hobby, but those who are into it are truly devoted. Many people aren’t aware of this, but you can self-publish comic books just like you can with novels, children’s books, and almost every other form of the printed word.

If you want people to read your book, you have to write for a particular group of people,  as it's not realistic that everyone will like your book. Knowing who your audience is before you start writing is an advantage—you won't have to work that out after you've already finished a product you’re trying to promote. To be honest, that's not how most writers start out, but whether you’ve already published your book, or you’ve only written the first chapter, taking a deep dive into who you're writing for is a must if you’re doing your own marketing.

Part Four of a Blog Series

This fourth and final installment of the complete guide to creating an author website will delve into monitoring the users that visit, what happens during those visits, and what that can tell you about how well your website is performing. 

Part Three of a Series

Part Two of a Blog Series

Ideally, your domain name should be yourname.com. If you have multiple books, this should be a no-brainer. Obviously, you wouldn’t get a domain name for just one of your books if you have an author website with multiple books. What if you already have a website using the domain name of one of your books? Now might be the time to consolidate under one website using your name. Your name is generally more searchable, and by putting all of your books on one site, you allow readers looking for one book, in particular, to naturally discover your other works. Even if you are a first-time author with one book, it should still be yourname.com. 

While we often talk about authors as a collective whole, the truth is that the advice we give to nonfiction writers often doesn’t apply to those who write fiction—precisely because each set of authors is involved in such a different process (and product).

Influencer marketing has become a powerful tool for businesses of all sizes, but navigating the landscape can be tricky. Whether you're an author promoting your latest novel or a publisher promoting your backlist titles, understanding how to leverage influencer partnerships effectively is key.