Member Blog

It’s free to join SPR and blog about your writing experiences. Read the latest blog entries from our community

Should You Invest in Print? How to Decide If Your Book Needs a Physical Edition

Books are readily available at just the click of a button, and debates regarding print or digital books and which is the better option continue to dominate the publishing world. Before a book becomes available to readers, an author must decide the best way to release it.

As society adapts to new technological innovations, it is vital to stay informed on best publishing practices before releasing a book. Authors should consider the most affordable option, the latest industry data, and how to integrate sustainability without losing design quality.

The State of Print Publishing

Each year, new books are released in […]

2026-01-13T13:20:06+02:00January 13th, 2026|Categories: Member Blog|

Can You Earn a Living as a Self-Published Writer? 5 Factors to Consider

With a self-driven writing career, you’re up early with a cup of coffee or burning the midnight oil. Your laptop’s open, you have a story to tell, and you have complete freedom. You are in control of everything from cover design to release schedules. When you publish, you have a direct connection with your audience. You have no direct supervisor.

It sounds like a dream, but writing can be stressful and lead to uncertain financial stability. One month, you may have a massive spike in book sales, and the subsequent drop will be drastic. Advances in AI mean you’re now […]

2025-12-16T13:08:26+02:00December 16th, 2025|Categories: Member Blog|

Should You Respond to Reader Reviews? An Author’s Guide to Engagement Boundaries

Reader reviews are crucial if you are a self-published author, as positive feedback can ultimately shape your book’s success and allow you to build your reputation. While several platforms make it easier than ever to engage with people and amplify your reach, a stream of public, negative reviews can also hinder you. The question of whether to respond to reviews is not a straightforward one, which is why it’s essential to set clear engagement boundaries for yourself and others.

The Pros and Cons of Responding to Reader Reviews

Replying to reader reviews can be a paradoxical situation for self-published authors. […]

2025-11-18T09:55:50+02:00November 18th, 2025|Categories: Member Blog|

5 Reasons Authors MUST Read In Their Genre

Sometimes authors spend so much time writing their books that they forget about the other side of the coin. As the great Stephen King once said, good writers need to do two things: read a lot and write a lot. Don’t get so lost in the second half that you neglect the first! While it might seem like a simple pastime, reading is one of the best things you can do to improve your writing. Here’s the top 5 reasons authors absolutely must read in their genre (and sometimes outside it!) if they want to create the best novel […]

2025-10-28T19:48:57+02:00October 28th, 2025|Categories: Member Blog|

Who Are You Really Writing For? Why Defining Your Reader Can Make or Break Your Book Sales

As a self-published author, completing a project is exciting. The world can read the book that you poured your heart into, but do you know who your readers are? Understanding your audience is essential to selling your work.

Readers are more likely to engage with you when your marketing resonates with them. They may also share your most recent release with others. Shape your promotional strategies for your target reader, and your voice will reach the right people. Here is how to define your audience and engage them.

Identify Your Reader Persona

Identifying your target audience is the first step. […]

2025-10-27T19:42:53+02:00October 27th, 2025|Categories: Member Blog|

How to Establish a Writing Schedule to Improve Your Focus as an Independent Author

Whether you’re a full-time author or you juggle a day job and write in your spare time, creating a consistent writing schedule is challenging. Independent authors may not have the traditional deadlines or editor hovering over them waiting for their latest masterpiece. You must become your own accountability partner and establish regular writing times.

Establishing time frames may be the most powerful tool in your writing box, but it must include more than time spent typing. Committing time to focus, creative input, brainstorming, writing, and editing all contribute toward an excellent end product.

The Psychology Behind Resolutions and Setting Routines

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2025-08-20T11:17:59+02:00August 20th, 2025|Categories: Member Blog|

Typesetting 101: A Beginner’s Guide for Self-Published Authors

TypesettingFor independently published authors, writing a well-received book is about more than the story. As an indie author, you’re responsible for everything from commissioning a cover to formatting your book. The font you choose for the text inside and out has to be readable and fit within the margins and gutter. Professional-looking typesetting can make your book stand out and enhance the story.

When you’re just getting started, figuring out what font to use, its size, and how it translates for digital books and hard copies can seem overwhelming. Fortunately, knowing a few basics can drive your success.

How to

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2025-07-18T18:20:30+02:00July 18th, 2025|Categories: Member Blog|

How to Build Pacing in Your Fiction

Have you ever picked up a book and found yourself unable to put it down? Or maybe you’ve started reading something that felt like slogging through mud? The difference usually comes down to pacing.

Pacing is the rhythm and speed at which you tell your story. It’s what keeps readers turning pages at midnight or what makes them abandon your book after chapter two. Good pacing feels natural and keeps readers emotionally invested from the first page to the last.

Hook Readers Right Away

As a new writer, you could make the mistake of starting your story too slow, by […]

2025-06-17T13:17:47+02:00June 17th, 2025|Categories: Member Blog|
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