Member Blog

For 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

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 […]

As a self-published author, worrying about accidentally copying someone else’s creative work is natural. You are not alone in this fear, and it is a smart instinct to be cautious. However, taking inspiration is natural and necessary for your growth as a writer. Every great story draws from the author’s emotions and the creative works they admire — the key is to handle that process ethically.

Instead of mimicking plots, characters, or exact phrasing, focus on how a piece makes you feel or the broader theme it explores. Then, channel those insights through your voice and perspective. When you approach […]

In the competitive world of self-publishing, success hinges on writing talent and the strength of your professional network. Building meaningful connections can open doors to endorsements, collaborative opportunities, and valuable industry insights. Whether you’re launching your first book or expanding your brand, strategic networking can significantly impact your growth and visibility.

The Strategic Value of Networking

Professional networking offers self-published authors a vital path to sustainable success. The benefits go far beyond casual conversation — they shape your career trajectory. Here are some of the top advantages authors can gain by building strong professional relationships.

Secure Endorsements That Build Credibility

Writing deep and emotionally charged books means creating text that might trigger anxiety or other fears in readers. Whether you write steamy love scenes or cover topics not for the faint of heart, adding content warnings can avoid misunderstandings and protect those who are too young for some content or might experience PTSD due to trauma.

Some things that might be considered sensitive include:

• Stories about emotional, physical, or sexual abuse
• Mental health issues
• Discrimination
• Addiction
• Violence
• Religion
• Culture
• Erotica

The United States book industry is worth an estimated $28.1 billion and growing. You’ll find an audience for your books […]

You work hard as a self-published author, developing your creative ideas and eventually sharing them with the world. You might want to protect your work as you go. Here’s everything you need to know about safeguarding your unpublished literary works.

How Does Intellectual Property and Copyright Work for Self-Published Authors?

Technically, a self-published work is copyrighted by law when it exists in a physical form. For instance, when you write or type your story on paper, you don’t need to do anything else to protect it.

Copyright protection of intellectual property applies to books, essays, blogs, poetry and articles — […]