The Story
The Package
The Audience
The Reviews
The Marketplaces
TL;DR Choosing the Best Self-Publishing Platform: The Big Five Marketplaces for Indie Authors So you’ve written the next great novel, children’s book, or nonfiction guide—and now you’re ready to publish. Amazing. But here’s the part that trips up even experienced indie authors: where should you release your book? Picking a self-publishing platform is a lot…
Recent Posts
What Sustainable Author Growth Really Requires
TL;DR Celeste Barclay, Booksprout’s Head of Marketing, recently sat down with Joe and Suze Solari, owners of Author Nation/Reader Nation conference and signing. As industry thought leaders, their insights ranged from professional development events to the economy to scaling author businesses. There is no shortage of advice for authors. What is much harder to find…
Best Time to Ask for Book Reviews (and how to get more of them)
TL;DR When Is the Best Time to Ask Readers for Reviews? Reviews are one of the most powerful tools in a self-published author’s marketing toolkit. They create social proof, help readers feel confident clicking “Buy Now,” and can improve your book’s performance on major retailers. But here’s the catch: timing matters. After running thousands of…
What Is NINC? Why Professional Novelists See It as a Career Milestone
TL;DR What is NINC? NINC is a merit-based professional organization for novelists. Authors join for its respected conference, advanced networking, and career-focused community. Membership currently requires at least two books, each earning a minimum of $3,000 in a single 12-month period, making NINC especially valuable for established or growth-minded novelists who want higher-level publishing conversations….
How to Build a Book Launch Team (ARC & Review Team Guide)
TL;DR How to Build a Launch Team for Your Book Release (Step-by-Step) For self-published authors, the weeks leading up to publication are your best chance to build visibility, drive pre-orders, and create “day-one momentum.” One of the most effective ways to do that is by building a launch team—also called a review team, street team,…
Powerful Storytelling for Authors: Get More Book Reviews
TL;DR Powerful Storytelling: The Fastest Path to Better Book Reviews (and Stronger Book Sales) You can’t underestimate the power of a great story. As a self-published author, you’re the one shaping your readers’ experience—line by line, chapter by chapter, page by page. Whether you write fiction, memoir, or nonfiction, stronger storytelling creates stronger reader reactions……
How to Build a Review Team That Boosts Book Sales
TL;DR Build a Review Team to Boost Book Sales (ARC + Street Team Guide) Are you struggling to boost sales—or feeling like your self-published book is invisible in a sea of new releases? You’re not alone. With millions of books published every year, discoverability is the real battle for indie authors. One of the most…
How to Build Longevity as an Author: Insider Publicity Tips from Isabelle Knight
One of the most overlooked aspects of book publicity is how your Author Brand directly impacts who reads your book—and, ultimately, the reviews you receive. By crafting a clear Author Brand Story you’re setting the right expectations for readers. When readers know why you wrote your book, what they can expect from it, and how…
Don’t Just Survive 1-Star Book Reviews, Use Them: A Guide for Authors
The dreaded 1-star review: does it spell disaster, or is it actually the best marketing tool you didn’t know you had? You’ve poured your heart into your book, meticulously editing, polishing every chapter, and carefully choosing a cover that speaks to your target audience. You thought you did everything right. So when that 1-star review…
Packaging for Positive Reviews: An Interview with Cozy Mystery Author Denise Jaden
The way you present your book to the world speaks volumes to readers. Your book cover is the first handshake, the visual promise of the story within, but effective book presentation goes beyond that initial impression. In the competitive world of cozy mysteries, where readers know exactly what they want, crafting the perfect package is…