Let’s talk about the little things—the stylish, quirky, and sometimes-overlooked details that can take your self-published book from “meh” to “WOW.” Think of them as the accessories of your book’s wardrobe. They may not be the main outfit (your story, obviously), but when chosen well, they tie everything together and leave your readers thoroughly impressed….
Category: Writing
Book Formatting Terms Every Indie Author Should Know: Lingo 101 for Self-Publishing
Have you ever been in a Facebook group or emailing your formatter when they casually drop terms like “trim size,” “bleed,” or “widows,” and you just sit there blinking at your screen, wondering if you missed an entire course on publishing jargon? You’re not alone. Because here’s the deal: every industry has its own lingo,…
Don’t Leave Your Reader Hanging: What to Include in the Back Matter of Your Self-Published Book
So, your story’s over. You typed “The End,” closed your laptop with a flourish, and maybe even did a happy dance in your kitchen. But hold up — your book isn’t quite done yet. There’s a little section often overlooked but packed with potential: the back matter. And if you’re an indie author, this part…
Front Matter 101: What Every Self-Published Author Needs Before Chapter One
If you’re not sure what goes before chapter one in your book—you’re not alone. The front matter is often an afterthought for indie authors, but it’s actually one of the most important parts of your book. It sets the tone for your reader and protects your rights as the author. What Is Front Matter? The…
Print vs. eBook for Self-Publishing: How to Choose the Right Format for Your Indie Book Launch
You’ve typed The End, you’ve had your manuscript edited, and now you’re standing at one of the final crossroads of the indie publishing journey: Should you publish an eBook, a print book, or both? As an indie author and book formatter, I’ve helped many writers make this exact decision—and today, I’m sharing the pros and…
When to Format Your Book: A Self-Publishing Launch Plan Timeline for Indie Authors
Formatting your book is one of the final steps before publishing—but if you wait too long, you could find yourself scrambling at the last minute. Let’s talk about when to schedule book formatting in your launch timeline so you can publish without panic. 📚 You Typed “The End.” Now What? You’ve edited your book, survived…
How to Overcome Writer’s Block in Every Stage of the Writing Process
Writer’s block. Just the phrase can make us cringe. But let’s be real—writer’s block isn’t always burnout. Sometimes you’re cruising along, words flowing like a dream, and then BAM! You hit a wall. You stare at your screen or notebook, and nothing. Nada. Zero creative juice. As a young adult indie author with three books…
Are You Burned Out? How to Recover and Prevent Writing Fatigue
Burnout is something we don’t talk about enough in the Indie author community, but it’s a reality for so many of us. If you’re feeling exhausted, overwhelmed, or ready to tear your hair out, this post is for you. What Does Burnout Look Like? Burnout doesn’t always hit the same way for everyone. Here are…
The Hard Truths of Being an Indie Author (And Why It’s Still Worth It!)
Being an indie author is an incredible journey filled with creativity, freedom, and the ability to bring your stories to life exactly as you envision them. But let’s be real—it’s not all sunshine and rainbows. There are challenges, frustrations, and moments of doubt that many indie authors experience. As someone who has independently published three…
4 Things I Wish I Knew Before Publishing My First Book (Indie Author Tips)
Publishing your first book is incredibly exciting, but it can also be overwhelming. When I look back at my first release, there are so many things I wish I had known before I hit “publish.” If you’re a new or aspiring indie author, I hope these lessons will make your publishing journey just a little…