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? 

Some of the best books in the world already exist, pretty much fully formed, inside the author’s head. And there they stay, keeping you up at night while you think of more ways to explain your concept, rewriting it all inside your head. At some point, you realize that it’s been quite a long time and nothing has actually come out. You have so many ideas but you don’t know where to start with writing them all down. 

Adding a quote to your book or website has been a popular trend for a while now. It's an excellent way to capture the essence of your writing in a few words and set the tone for what's to come. However, using quotes in your published work can be tricky, and it's best you know the rules beforehand.

Your imprint name is different from your author name, which is the name you are writing a single book under. It’s also different from your publisher's name. Are you confused yet? Let's break down what an imprint is and how to set it up.

Updated August 1, 2025

It’s common to think how easy it must be to write children’s books, dreaming of a shiny pile of colorful book covers, hoping that yours is the book that kids ask their parents for again and again. Though writing for children is rewarding—it's also one of the most misunderstood genres in publishing. 

A truly successful children’s book isn’t just "easy to write"—it’s thoughtfully created, perfectly fits its age group, and genuinely speaks to young readers’ hearts and imaginations. Whether you’re crafting a picture book or a middle grade novel, these six friendly tips will help guide you through the process.

Authors often ask me how to get that magic piece of writing at the beginning of the book. You know the one, where Mother Teresa tells the world what a fabulous person you are, and how the world will be a better place with your book in it. This little piece of heaven is called the foreword for a book.

A recipe book is deceptive. It looks so simple: you put together all the recipes you’ve created, add a cover with a delicious photo, and voila! Move over Nigela Lawson! Yes, it’s undeniable that recipe books take less to put together than some other genres, but they still need structure, consistency, and pace.