Jennifer Gregson

Young Adult Indie Author

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book formatting terms for self-publishing authors

Book Formatting Terms Every Indie Author Should Know: Lingo 101 for Self-Publishing

Posted on July 18, 2025July 18, 2025 by Jennifer Gregson

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,…

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what to include in the back matter of a self-published book

Don’t Leave Your Reader Hanging: What to Include in the Back Matter of Your Self-Published Book

Posted on July 18, 2025July 18, 2025 by Jennifer Gregson

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…

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best trim size for self-published print books

How to Pick the Perfect Trim Size for Your Print Book (with Examples!)

Posted on June 20, 2025June 20, 2025 by Jennifer Gregson

When you hear the word “trim size,” your first thought might be…a haircut? But in the world of self-publishing, trim size refers to the dimensions of your book—and it’s one of the most important decisions you’ll make when preparing your print edition. 📏 What is Trim Size? Trim size is the final size of your…

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book formatting timeline for self-publishing authors

When to Format Your Book: A Self-Publishing Launch Plan Timeline for Indie Authors

Posted on May 23, 2025 by Jennifer Gregson

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…

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Are You Burned Out? How to Recover and Prevent Writing Fatigue

Posted on April 4, 2025 by Jennifer Gregson

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…

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4 Things I Wish I Knew Before Publishing My First Book (Indie Author Tips)

Posted on March 14, 2025March 14, 2025 by Jennifer Gregson

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…

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How to Overcome Creative Fear and Finish Your Passion Projects

Posted on March 7, 2025March 7, 2025 by Jennifer Gregson

Starting a creative project is exciting—but fear, self-doubt, and that relentless inner critic can stop you in your tracks. Whether you’re writing a book, painting a canvas, or launching a new creative venture, fear can make you second-guess everything. As an indie author, I’ve battled these fears many times, sometimes delaying a project for nearly…

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The Inspiration Behind Aerial Ambitions: Circus Dreams, Grief, and Harry Styles

Posted on February 28, 2025February 28, 2025 by Jennifer Gregson

Every book has a story behind the story, and today, I want to share what inspired my third young adult novel, Aerial Ambitions. This book was on my heart for years before I had the chance to sit down and write it, and some of the inspiration behind it was expected—while one source completely surprised…

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5 Writing Mistakes I Made as an Indie Author (and How to Avoid Them)

Posted on February 21, 2025February 21, 2025 by Jennifer Gregson

Writing your first book is a huge accomplishment, but the journey doesn’t stop there. As an indie author, I’ve made my fair share of mistakes along the way. Looking back, I can see where I could have saved time, energy, and frustration if I had approached things differently. In this post, I’m sharing the five…

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The Hardest Parts of Being an Indie Author (And How I’m Tackling Them)

Posted on February 17, 2025February 17, 2025 by Jennifer Gregson

Last week, I shared everything I’ve learned as a self-published author. This week, I want to take it a step further and talk about the hardest parts of being an indie author—because let’s be real, this journey isn’t easy. But just because something is hard doesn’t mean it’s impossible. 1. Marketing Feels… Weird? For some…

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  • July 18, 2025 by Jennifer Gregson Book Formatting Terms Every Indie Author Should Know: Lingo 101 for Self-Publishing
  • July 18, 2025 by Jennifer Gregson Don’t Leave Your Reader Hanging: What to Include in the Back Matter of Your Self-Published Book
  • June 27, 2025 by Jennifer Gregson Front Matter 101: What Every Self-Published Author Needs Before Chapter One
  • June 20, 2025 by Jennifer Gregson How to Pick the Perfect Trim Size for Your Print Book (with Examples!)
  • May 30, 2025 by Jennifer Gregson Print vs. eBook for Self-Publishing: How to Choose the Right Format for Your Indie Book Launch
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