Author Archives

A solid marketing strategy is essential for indie authors who want to achieve their goals efficiently and effectively. I divide my marketing plan into three key phases: pre-publication, publication, and post-publication. Pre-Publication Phase

For indie authors, seeking and soliciting book reviews before publication is essential. Start early by offering potential reviewers a free copy of your book in exchange for an honest review. Begin this process well in advance, because obtaining

Indie authors can choose to publish their books in eBook format either before or after releasing a paperback edition. However, publishing both formats simultaneously can increase overall sales, particularly for paperbacks. Publishing on Kindle

An eye-catching book cover is essential for grabbing readers’ attention. It should be appealing without being too busy, as a cluttered cover can interfere with readability. Most importantly, your book title must be easily readable. Use a clean,

After revising your manuscript multiple times, the next essential step is to have it professionally edited. Editing comes in several levels, ranging from basic proofreading to more in-depth work that addresses character development, structure,

I am a librarian responsible for selecting fiction for a large library system, which means I spend a great deal of time reading book reviews. As a result, I often notice how many books are shaped by whatever trend or bandwagon happens to be

As independent authors, we are living in an unprecedented era of opportunity. With this abundance, however, comes the challenge of sorting through countless options and discerning the good from the bad—and the truly worthwhile from the rest.

Portland, Oregon is the final destination of the journey—the last stop along the way in this road trip narrative. Located near the confluence of the Willamette and Columbia Rivers, Portland is defined by its many bridges, earning it the nickname

Cosmo and Silvia visit their younger brother, Vince, in Berkeley, California, where he attends college. Named after the eighteenth-century bishop and philosopher George Berkeley, this university town has long been associated with social change,

Silvia and Cosmo visit one of Silvia’s friends in the scenic coastal town of Santa Cruz, California. Located about 90 miles south of San Francisco, Santa Cruz is home to a major university as well as a lively boardwalk filled with restaurants,