2023-09-20 18:59
By BookBaby author Joe Yamulla
Estimated reading time: 7 minutes
The holidays will be here before you know it, and now is the time for independent authors to start planning and preparing… Read More
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The Bookbaby Blog - How To Write, Self-publish & Market Your Book Blog
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Our blog is written for authors by authors. Get professional writing tips while learning the ins and outs of self-publishing, how to distribute your book to places like Amazon and Apple iBooks, and how to market and promote your book yourself. This is practical advice on becoming a better writer - or better yet - a published one!
2023-09-19 15:08
By BookBaby author Brian Jud
You most likely use 21st-century, digitally enabled book-production technology when it comes to self-publishing. However, your sales are probably occurring at di… Read More
2023-09-15 15:09
By BookBaby author Scott McCormick
Estimated reading time: 9 minutes
There are plenty of things teenagers can’t do — buy alcohol, vote, rent a car — but one thing teens… Read More
2023-09-14 10:02
By BookBaby author Scott McCormick
Estimated reading time: 8 minutes
Speaking engagements and writing go hand-in-hand. This may seem weird, as many writers get into writing specifically… Read More
2023-09-12 15:40
By BookBaby author Lee Purcell
Estimated reading time: 9 minutes
Bringing a novel to a satisfactory conclusion is one of the trickiest aspects of writing. If you’ve persuaded a rea… Read More
2023-09-08 14:33
By BookBaby author Janna Lopez
Estimated reading time: 6 minutes
Do you ever struggle to decide if a word needs to be capitalized or not? You’re not alone. So let’s lay out t… Read More
2023-09-07 14:07
By BookBaby author Philip Kinsher
Estimated reading time: 5 minutes
Book royalties can be confusing — especially for new authors — but it’s an important aspect of the p… Read More
2023-09-05 10:18
By BookBaby author Brian Jud
Estimated reading time: 7 minutes
Many independent authors I speak with admit frustration with their inability to generate significant book sales. Generating… Read More
2023-08-31 10:10
By BookBaby author Scott McCormick
Estimated reading time: 7 minutes
As much as authors love to write, building worlds and populating them with three-dimensional characters who are compe… Read More
2023-08-30 12:18
By BookBaby author Scott McCormick
Estimated reading time: 6 minutes
Thanks to the rise of print-on-demand services, many authors have started offering custom book and author merchandise… Read More
2023-08-25 08:34
By BookBaby author Scott McCormick
Estimated reading time: 6 minutes
A book tour may sound like some fanciful dream for an indie author, the kind of thing that’s only available to… Read More
2023-08-24 14:08
By BookBaby author Scott McCormick
Estimated reading time: 7 minutes
Authors tend to blanche when it comes to book promotion. After all, most authors became authors because they love to… Read More
2023-08-23 14:49
By BookBaby author Grant Faulkner
Estimated reading time: 5 minutes
I once gave a talk to a group of writers, and a woman in the audience referred to her rough draft as a “vomit dr… Read More
2023-08-17 16:20
By BookBaby author Philip Kinsher
Estimated reading time: 5 minutes
Whether you’re a seasoned author or a first-time writer, understanding the various stages of the publishing proc… Read More
2023-08-17 13:01
By BookBaby author Jim Foley
Estimated reading time: 3 minutes
Yearbooks are cherished keepsakes that encapsulate precious memories, friendships, and accomplishments. While print quality… Read More
2023-08-17 10:11
By BookBaby author Philip Kinsher
Estimated reading time: 5 minutes
Short stories are like little windows into imaginative worlds, providing captivating narratives and characters in a gl… Read More
2023-08-17 09:10
By BookBaby author Jim Foley
Estimated reading time: 4 minutes
A yearbook is more than just a photo book; it is a cherished keepsake that preserves the essence of a special time in peopl… Read More
2023-08-16 12:00
By BookBaby author Philip Kinsher
Estimated reading time: 5 minutes
In the realm of literature and storytelling, there is a powerful tool and dramatic principle known as Chekhov’s… Read More
2023-08-16 10:00
By BookBaby author Philip Kinsher
Estimated reading time: 6 minutes
Conflict is a fundamental ingredient that drives narratives forward and keeps readers engaged. Without it, your story… Read More
2023-08-15 10:00
By BookBaby author Scott McCormick
Estimated reading time: 5 minutes
Without conflict, stories would be dull. Happy people being nice to each other might make for a pleasant reality, but… Read More
2023-08-15 09:00
By BookBaby author Philip Kinsher
Estimated reading time: 5 minutes
How your book begins is of massive importance in hooking your reader — you only have a few seconds to get their… Read More
2023-08-10 14:00
By BookBaby author Philip Kinsher
Estimated reading time: 4 minutes
Every great story is built on a foundation that resonates with readers, taking them on an unforgettable journey alongs… Read More
2023-08-10 12:00
By BookBaby author Philip Kinsher
Estimated reading time: 5 minutes
Though someone may pick up a book because of its premise, great characters are why they will keep reading and remember… Read More
2023-08-09 14:00
By BookBaby author Philip Kinsher
Estimated reading time: 4 minutes
Are you an aspiring author seeking to get your book published? The journey from idea to publication can be both exciti… Read More
2023-08-09 12:00
By BookBaby author Philip Kinsher
Estimated reading time: 4 minutes
Graphic novels are more popular now than ever. With the success of blockbuster movies based on comic book superheroes… Read More
2023-08-07 13:00
By BookBaby author Philip Kinsher
Estimated reading time: 6 minutes
Authors have been using pseudonyms — aka pen names — for centuries, allowing them to adopt different… Read More
2023-08-07 12:00
By BookBaby author Philip Kinsher
Estimated reading time: 4 minutes
An imprint is a specific brand or trade name under which books are published. Imprints serve as subsidiaries or divisi… Read More
2023-08-03 03:16
By BookBaby author Philip Kinsher
Estimated reading time: 4 minutes
Before you can become a published author, you need to complete your manuscript, and you’ll need to prepare that… Read More
2023-07-29 12:00
By BookBaby author Philip Kinsher
Estimated reading time: 5 minutes
Finding a reputable book publisher is crucial for authors and writers who want to bring their work to the market. Unfo… Read More
2023-07-27 12:00
By BookBaby author Philip Kinsher
Estimated reading time: 4 minutes
While a lot has changed in the book publishing industry, the Big 5 publishers still play a massive role in the traditi… Read More
2023-07-27 12:00
By BookBaby author Philip Kinsher
Estimated reading time: 4 minutes
Quality writing and a great story are imperative for success, but marketing plays a vital role in the fortunes of a bo… Read More
2023-07-25 12:00
By BookBaby author Philip Kinsher
Estimated reading time: 6 minutes
While you may feel confident handling the writing, book formatting is a process that might fall outside your comfort z… Read More
2023-07-24 12:00
By BookBaby author Philip Kinsher
Estimated reading time: 5 minutes
Thanks to its wide reach and potential for engagement, social media offers obvious benefits and opportunities for book… Read More
2023-07-20 16:00
By BookBaby author Scott McCormick
Estimated reading time: 8 minutes
If you’re reading this, you know the draw that writing a book has on us writers. We long to unleash our creativ… Read More
2023-07-20 14:00
By BookBaby author Philip Kinsher
Estimated reading time: 5 minutes
Book clubs are as popular as ever — for readers and authors alike. Readers enjoy them because they offer a socia… Read More
2023-07-20 12:00
By BookBaby author Philip Kinsher
Estimated reading time: 5 minutes
The publishing landscape has undergone a significant transformation with the rise of self-publishing. Still, many aspi… Read More
2023-07-19 16:00
By BookBaby author Philip Kinsher
Estimated reading time: 5 minutes
Book promotion is a crucial aspect of an author’s journey, especially self-published authors. Although one of th… Read More
2023-07-19 14:00
By BookBaby author Philip Kinsher
Estimated reading time: 5 minutes
Self-publishing is not a consolation prize for authors who can’t get a book deal. It’s become the go-to op… Read More
2023-07-19 12:00
By BookBaby author Philip Kinsher
Estimated reading time: 5 minutes
Got an idea for a nonfiction book? Great. Now what? Well, if you want to have your book published, you’ll need t… Read More
2023-07-18 16:00
By BookBaby author Philip Kinsher
Estimated reading time: 6 minutes
Writing a book is an incredible accomplishment, but determining the right price for your book can be confusing. Settin… Read More
2023-07-14 04:31
By BookBaby author Joe Yamulla
Estimated reading time: 8 minutes
If you want your book to sell, you’ll need more than compelling content — you needs structure. Whether you wr… Read More
2023-07-13 14:00
By BookBaby author Joe Yamulla
Estimated reading time: 6 minutes
There are plenty of misconceptions in the publishing industry. For example, many people still believe that the only way t… Read More
2023-07-13 12:00
By BookBaby author Philip Kinsher
Estimated reading time: 5 minutes
In the competitive world of book publishing, it’s crucial to ensure that your eBook stands out and reaches its i… Read More
2023-07-12 12:11
By BookBaby author Jasmine Gayle
Estimated reading time: 4 minutes
In today’s book marketplace, promoting and selling eBooks online requires a strategic approach. With the growing… Read More
2023-07-11 14:00
By BookBaby author Joe Yamulla
Estimated reading time: 7 minutes
Recently I was stuck in traffic returning home from a weekend at the beach. To most, this would be the ultimate nuisance… Read More
2023-07-11 12:00
By BookBaby author Philip Kinsher
Estimated reading time: 5 minutes
Crafting memorable and complex characters is a vital aspect of storytelling. One effective technique that writers can… Read More
2023-07-10 14:00
By BookBaby author Scott McCormick
Estimated reading time: 5 minutes
Writing a book is hard work, and typically, authors get a little help along the way. A book dedication is a message f… Read More
2023-07-07 10:10
By BookBaby author Philip Kinsher
Estimated reading time: 5 minutes
In today’s competitive book market, authors and publishers constantly seek effective strategies to gain exposure… Read More
2023-07-06 12:00
By BookBaby author Philip Kinsher
Estimated reading time: 5 minutes
Are you an aspiring poet with a collection of verses ready to be shared with the world? Publishing a poetry book allow… Read More
2023-07-05 12:00
By BookBaby author Joe Yamulla
Estimated reading time: 7 minutes
When you walk into a bookstore, your first instinct likely is to check out the New York Times Best Sellers. Readers have… Read More
2023-07-04 12:00
By BookBaby author Philip Kinsher
Estimated reading time: 5 minutes
Punctuation marks (a question mark, comma, dash, etc.) play a crucial role in conveying meaning and enhancing clarity… Read More
2023-07-03 12:00
By BookBaby author Jasmine Gayle
Estimated reading time: 5 minutes
You may be good at creating interesting characters, forging addictive plot lines, and building an emotional narrative a… Read More
2023-06-30 15:21
By BookBaby author Philip Kinsher
Estimated reading time: 6 minutes
When a loved one dies, family members may want to preserve the deceased’s memories or extend their legacy by pub… Read More
2023-06-29 19:00
By BookBaby author Philip Kinsher
Estimated reading time: 6 minutes
Are you ready to share your insights and help others by publishing a self-help book? It’s a noble pursuit, and p… Read More
2023-06-29 18:42
By BookBaby author Philip Kinsher
Estimated reading time: 6 minutes
Are you a first-time writer or author wondering how to get your book published? There’s a lot to do, but with th… Read More
2023-06-28 10:00
By BookBaby author Philip Kinsher
If you’re an author looking to convert your printed books into eBooks, you may be wondering whether you need a separate ISBN for your digital editions… Read More
2023-06-27 20:11
By BookBaby author Janna Lopez
Estimated reading time: 7 minutes
If I admit that I procrastinated writing this story about procrastination, that might be ironic, yet true. Procrastinatio… Read More
2023-06-26 12:00
By BookBaby author Philip Kinsher
Estimated reading time: 5 minutes
As you reach the final stages of your book-writing journey, understanding the process of eBook distribution will help… Read More
2023-06-25 21:20
By BookBaby author Philip Kinsher
Estimated reading time: 5 minutes
When writing, selecting the precise words to convey your intended meaning is crucial. Among the many common stumbling… Read More
2023-06-17 13:39
By BookBaby author Joe Yamulla
Estimated reading time: 9 minutes
The audiobook market is the fastest growing component of the publishing industry, and it’s no accident. Audiobooks… Read More
2023-06-15 16:17
By BookBaby author Joe Yamulla
Estimated reading time: 8 minutes
The best memoirs are powerful works of literature that inspire readers through authentic storytelling. A good memoir not… Read More
2023-06-13 21:34
By BookBaby author Jasmine Gayle
Estimated reading time: 7 minutes
Are you ready to author a self-published book but feel lost on how to market it? The good news is, there are many ways… Read More
2023-06-12 13:42
By BookBaby author Joe Yamulla
Estimated reading time: 9 minutes
It’s no secret that I love indie books. As the BookBaby Bookshop and BookBaby Reads blog editor, I spend a lot of t… Read More
2023-06-08 21:06
By BookBaby author Brian Jud
Estimated reading time: 8 minutes
How can people invest their book-marketing time, money, and skills most effectively? I wanted to find the most complete and… Read More
2023-06-07 19:09
By BookBaby author Joe Yamulla
Estimated reading time: 10 minutes
In stories and life, the “good” guys aren’t all good, and the “bad” guys aren’t all… Read More
2023-06-06 19:04
By BookBaby author Joe Yamulla
Estimated reading time: 6 minutes
Audiobooks are making the world a better place. Don’t believe me? Research and data back it up. In this article, I… Read More
2023-06-05 16:55
By BookBaby author Andre Calilhanna
Estimated reading time: 7 minutes
When you think of passive voice, do you immediately get a sense of dread? A splinter in your mind from your 7th grad… Read More
2023-06-02 17:46
By BookBaby author Joe Yamulla
Estimated reading time: 10 minutes
If you’re writing a romance novel, you understand the importance of delivering the moment. It’s what everyon… Read More
2023-06-01 18:21
By BookBaby author Joe Yamulla
Estimated reading time: 11 minutes
Bookshop manager Joe Yamulla speaks with BookBaby President, Jim Foley, to discuss how self-published authors can find… Read More
2023-05-31 18:32
By BookBaby author Jasmine Gayle
Estimated reading time: 5 minutes
If you’re wrapping up the finishing touches of your book, it’s time to consider an acknowledgements page. Y… Read More
2023-05-30 18:21
By BookBaby author Joe Yamulla
Estimated reading time: 9 minutes
We live in an on-the-go world. I’m sure you can relate to that. Think about your own life for a moment. When was th… Read More
2023-05-26 19:03
By BookBaby author Brian Jud
Estimated reading time: 4 minutes
Becoming a success (as you have defined it) in book publishing is more an art than a science. You can learn all the right t… Read More
2023-05-25 22:25
By BookBaby author Jasmine Gayle
Estimated reading time: 6 minutes
Memoir, biography, autobiography, oh my! All these book genres have a focus on someone’s life and are written in… Read More
2023-05-24 15:01
By BookBaby author Joe Yamulla
Estimated reading time: 9 minutes
Manhua, manhwa, and manga. These three different styles of East Asian graphic novels have many similarities, along with s… Read More
2023-05-23 18:00
By BookBaby author Steven Spatz
Estimated reading time: 6 minutes
Excerpted from our 5 Steps to Publishing guide. Download your free PDF copy today.
Print on demand is a game-changer for… Read More
2023-05-22 15:48
By BookBaby author Jasmine Gayle
Estimated reading time: 7 minutes
Our characters are the central hub of our stories. They drive everything. We project ourselves and our minds into the l… Read More
2023-05-19 20:01
By BookBaby author Janna Lopez
Estimated reading time: 6 minutes
As writers, we’re given numerous choices for expressing our stories. Whether we’re crafting fantasy, memoir… Read More
2023-05-18 18:38
By BookBaby author Joe Yamulla
Estimated reading time: 10 minutes
Think about one of your favorite books or films. What was the catalyst that thrust its plot into action? What was the mo… Read More
2023-05-17 21:54
By BookBaby author Jasmine Gayle
Estimated reading time: 8 minutes
Our lives contain all kinds of irony. We experience it in everyday life and will continue to experience it until our st… Read More
2023-05-16 12:00
By BookBaby author Joe Yamulla
Estimated reading time: 10 minutes
Metaphors make words come to life and add color to language. Authors have used metaphors for as long as they’ve be… Read More
2023-05-15 12:00
By BookBaby author BookBaby
Estimated reading time: 6 minutes
Crowdfunding allows authors, businesses, artists, creators, charities, and others to raise money for specific projects. Indi… Read More
2023-05-12 14:37
By BookBaby author Jasmine Gayle
Estimated reading time: 8 minutes
We all love heroes, and for good reason. They reflect what we want to see more of in the world. However, an antihero se… Read More
2023-05-11 19:53
By BookBaby author Joe Yamulla
Estimated reading time: 7 minutes
Take a moment to think about a scene from real life. What comes to mind? Maybe you’re at a coffee shop filled with… Read More
2023-05-10 16:17
By BookBaby author Jasmine Gayle
Estimated reading time: 9 minutes
We all love a good suspense build-up. Suspense is a literary technique used in horror, thrillers, TV shows, and just ab… Read More
2023-05-09 16:30
By BookBaby author Scott McCormick
Estimated reading time: 8 minutes
Advance reader copies (ARCs) are copies of books sent out to book reviewers, book bloggers, publicists, and others in… Read More
2023-05-05 07:00
By BookBaby author Jim Foley
Estimated reading time: 6 minutes
We’ve all been there. Mired in a terrible bout of writer’s block and unable to finish what we’re working… Read More
2023-05-04 13:16
By BookBaby author Joe Yamulla
Estimated reading time: 8 minutes
The most compelling novels are character driven. Put your own writing aside and think about your favorite books. What do… Read More
2023-05-02 18:39
By BookBaby author Jasmine Gayle
Estimated reading time: 11 minutes
Romance novels are so popular because they tap into the fundamental desires of the human experience: love, affection… Read More
2023-05-01 20:04
By BookBaby author Joe Yamulla
Estimated reading time: 5 minutes
Our world is rich with diverse fan communities. Books, movies, shows, and even video games have a unique way of bringing… Read More
2023-04-28 18:41
By BookBaby author Brian Jud
Estimated reading time: 6 minutes
As an independent author, you are likely familiar with the process of selling books through bookstores, online and in physi… Read More
2023-04-27 16:42
By BookBaby author Scott McCormick
Estimated reading time: 6 minutes
Most authors understand that their protagonist needs a goal. But what’s at stake if they fail to achieve that g… Read More
2023-04-25 20:34
By BookBaby author Andre Calilhanna
Estimated reading time: 6 minutes
The task of writing a book from conception to research to completion — from first draft to final, edited manus… Read More
2023-04-25 14:24
By BookBaby author Lauren Davish
Estimated reading time: 5 minutes
Copy editing is one of the most critical steps you need to take to ensure your book is ready to publish. The copy-editi… Read More
2023-04-21 19:24
By BookBaby author Janna Lopez
Estimated reading time: 5 minutes
I recently led a guided writing session with a client whose incredible, dynamic story stayed with me for days afterward… Read More
2023-04-20 16:49
By BookBaby author Lauren Davish
Estimated reading time: 5 minutes
You’ll have to choose a book size when you prepare to publish your book. But how will you know which is best for… Read More
2023-04-19 17:55
By BookBaby author Steven Spatz
While ChatGPT and its counterparts are revolutionary, AI writing will always long for the human touch.
Estimated reading time: 7 minutes
Unless you&rsquo&hell…Read More
2023-04-18 18:39
By BookBaby author Lauren Davish
Every story has an ending, but what makes that ending as engaging as the rest of the tale? Here are a few ways to end your story that will leave readers read… Read More
2023-04-14 08:00
By BookBaby author Steven Spatz
You might not be a multi-national corporation, but as a self-published author, you still need to develop and nurture a consistent author brand.
Estimated re… Read More
2023-04-12 16:22
By BookBaby author Lauren Davish
Book editing is a necessary step in the publishing process, but what type of editing will you need? What do different editors do?
Estimated reading time:… Read More
2023-04-11 15:30
By BookBaby author Janna Lopez
April is National Poetry Month, and I encourage you to explore poetry and allow yourself the opportunity to grow as a writer through it. It took me a while to… Read More
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