Features

Articles, how-to’s, opinion and tips and tricks in the self-publishing arena

The Permanent Impact of AI on Book Cover Design

Since the early days of publishing, covers have evolved from simple, text-heavy designs to highly artistic and genre-specific illustrations. In the 19th century, book covers were often embossed with gold leaf and intricate designs to signal prestige. By the 20th century, technological advancements allowed for full-color printing, leading to the rise of illustrated covers that became marketing tools in their own right.

Similarly, in the music industry, album covers became a cultural phenomenon in the mid-20th century. Think of The Beatles’ Sgt. Pepper’s Lonely Hearts Club Band or Pink Floyd’s The Dark Side of the Moon – iconic images that […]

2025-02-19T18:00:39+02:00February 18th, 2025|Categories: Features|Tags: |

How to Promote Your Book on Bluesky

The world of book promotion has always been tied closely to the latest trends in social media. In 2025, authors are grappling with major changes in the digital landscape, forcing them to rethink how they connect with readers, and how to convince those readers that their words are worth reading, their labors of love worth the scant price of a paperback. With ongoing controversies surrounding X (formerly Twitter) and the potential banning of TikTok in the United States, many authors are searching for reliable alternatives.

One rising star in this evolving space is Bluesky, a decentralized social platform that […]

2025-02-03T16:37:35+02:00February 3rd, 2025|Categories: Features, Resources|Tags: , , |

How To Choose An Author Name – Eight Easy Tips

Names

Choosing an author name, often referred to as a pen name, nom de plume, or pseudonym, can be an exciting and creative process. Here are some steps you can follow to help you decide:

1. Consider Your Genre and Audience:

  • Genre Fit: Some genres may benefit from specific types of names. For example, a name for a romance author might differ from one for a science fiction writer
  • Audience Expectations: Think about what your target audience might find appealing or memorable

2. Personal Meaning:

  • Family Names: Consider using a name that has personal significance, such as a family name or
[…]
2024-08-30T11:54:17+02:00August 30th, 2024|Categories: Features, Resources|Tags: |

Four Ways To Prevent Unwanted Comments on your Facebook Author Page

We’ve all been there. You post about your new book on your Facebook Author page; maybe you paid to boost the post, or made an ad. And then the comments come in. Loads of scams, fake-commenting that your page is in breach of Amazon Terms. Some people decide your post is a great place to advertise their own book. Some hawk their own services. And then the trolls come along to tell you how utterly awful your book is. This is much more damaging to your campaigns than you might think.

What steps can you take as an author to […]

2024-07-24T18:44:10+02:00July 24th, 2024|Categories: Features|Tags: |

Five Ways To Self-Publish Your Book in 2024

Here are the main five methods in 2024 to self-publish, with advantages and disadvantages.

Amazon KDP

Amazon KDP

The easiest choice for self-publishing on both paperback and Kindle, Amazon holds the lion’s share when it comes to distribution and sales, meaning you will get the best platform and the quickest to reach readers, as long as you use the tools available to the maximum advantage when releasing your book. The advantages of using Amazon cannot be overestimated where stats show 70% of all readers buy their books from Amazon. To make sure you get the most out of Amazon, follow these steps:[…]

2024-05-15T17:24:01+02:00May 15th, 2024|Categories: Features|

Is Amazon Censoring Customer Reviews? Seems Like It.

Lately, there has been much said about censorship of writing in the United States. But now it seems Amazon has got on the morality bandwagon with the slashing of customer review content.

Amazon has rightfully always had its standards when it comes to customers writing product reviews. But now it seems that words used in reviews are being judged as “hate speech” when they are simple criticism or review of a subject discussed in a book.

Mary, a reviewer from Colorado, says, “I bought and reviewed a book about hitting fifty and reaching the Menopause. I was pleased to have […]

2023-10-03T16:47:26+02:00October 3rd, 2023|Categories: Features|Tags: |

Twelve Must-Read Books on Self-Publishing for 2023

It’s hard to know where to start with such a wide range of books out there claiming to be written by experts for self-published writers. Here are our picks from Amazon for writing, marketing, and publishing your book.

The Successful Author Mindset: A Handbook for Surviving the Writer’s Journey” by Joanna Penn

Joanna Penn is a veteran self-publisher who has made a decades-long career in writing and speaking about her journey.

On Writing” by Stephen King

Yes, that Stephen King. King used to be a writing teacher, and he was a fabulous one. Here, he imparts […]

2024-07-24T21:03:14+02:00September 26th, 2023|Categories: Features|
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