Category: Self-Publishing

Revising a Novel: The Five Stages of Death, Dying & Drama

Today we’re going to talk about revising a novel. It’s a highly emotional and arduous task, but vital. Revising a novel is more than mind-bending work at a computer (or with a red pen for the retro crowd). It’s a tough emotional experience that can blindside us and land us in the mire if we …

Continue reading

Author Newsletters: The Good, the Bad & the PLEASE JUST STOP!

Today we’re tackling author newsletters. Do we need one? Do they sell books? Does a human sacrifice help? Oops. Last time I posted at length about sales, namely what it is, what it isn’t, and why we shouldn’t be afraid of it. Science proves that, the better writers are at sales, the more books they sell. Sort …

Continue reading

Five Things Your Editor Hates About You

Editor, editors, writing, publishing

Harsh, I know. Alas, sometimes tough love is necessary for the greater good. Cait Reynolds here today, and what I’m about to reveal is the secret heart’s cry of pretty much every freelance editor (at least the ones that don’t just run manuscripts through Grammarly). Having worked as a freelance editor for many years, I’ve …

Continue reading

5 Reasons to Invest in Rest: Think Vacations are Pricey? Try Burnout

Careening toward a holiday weekend here in the States and…if I could ONLY rest. I need it, but there is so much to DO! *silent scream* Rest is crucial, yet is often undervalued, mocked and even punished in modern culture. Regardless of profession, the evidence is undeniable that our brains need a break. Taking time …

Continue reading

Cocky-Blocked: How to Nuke Your Brand From Orbit

Call me cocky for even weighing in on this issue (at your own peril). But, seriously, folks. It’s rare to run across something so epically wrong AND foolish and…ironically, cocky. As an author branding expert, I’d be remiss NOT to say something about Cockygate (though I seriously hate having to). Cockygate. Yes, folks, it’s a …

Continue reading