Learn Indie Publishing

  SENSORY DETAILS: HOW TO MAKE YOUR READER FEEL YOUR STORY Let’s get one thing straight: Every place has sensory details. Every. Single. Place. From the inside of a bustling café to the middle of a lonely desert highway, from your grandma’s cluttered attic to the sterile waiting room of a dentist’s office, there are always details waiting to be noticed. The question is, are you noticing them? And more importantly, are you weaving them into your writing in a way that lets your reader feel them too? Because here’s the truth: if you aren’t using sensory details, you’re robbing your reader blind. You’re handing them a flat, one-dimensional story when you could be giving them a living, breathing world. And trust me, nobody signs up to read a cardboard cutout of a novel. Why Sensory Details Matter Sight is just the beginning. Yes, you need to show your reader what a place looks like, but that’s only scratching the surface. Think about it: if you’ve ever walked into a bakery, what’s th...

  Let’s face it: shouting “Buy my book!” into the void of the internet rarely works. (Unless you’re shouting at your cat. Then it works perfectly—because the cat ignores you and you can get back to writing.) So how do you get readers to care about your books before they even know who you are? Two words: content marketing. Now, don’t let that term scare you. Content marketing is just a fancy way of saying: “Share useful, entertaining, or inspiring stuff so people want to hang around you, and eventually buy your book.” Here’s how authors can do it without feeling like a slimy salesperson: 1. Think Beyond the Book Your novel or nonfiction title is one piece of content. But what about the world around it? If you write fantasy, create blog posts or TikToks about mythical creatures, magic systems, or behind-the-scenes maps. If you write romance, share “date night” ideas inspired by your characters. If you write nonfiction, drop quick tips from your book that solve everyday probl...

Let’s be real: the phrase “author brand” can make a lot of writers squirm. It sounds like something reserved for influencers, CEOs, or people who drink cold brew while typing on MacBooks in perfectly curated home offices. But here’s the truth: If you’re an author, you already have a brand. It’s simply the way readers perceive you and your books. The real challenge? Building that brand without feeling like you’re putting on a mask or playing a role that doesn’t fit. So, let’s talk about how to do this in a way that feels authentic, natural, and even a little fun. 1. Remember: Your Brand Is Just You You don’t have to invent a shiny, Instagram-perfect version of yourself to be “marketable.” Readers connect with people , not robots. Love coffee? Mention it. Writing from your barn while chickens cluck in the background? Share that. Have a nerdy obsession with fountain pens, old maps, or Taylor Swift lyrics? Go ahead and sprinkle it in. The quirks you think are too ordinary or sil...

  Dialogue is one of the most powerful tools an author has. It brings characters to life, reveals their personalities, and drives the plot forward. However, crafting effective dialogue requires more than just putting words into a character’s mouth. It’s about understanding how people speak, why they speak, and how to use their words to shape the reader’s experience. In this post, we’ll explore techniques and tips to help you write compelling, purposeful dialogue that enhances your storytelling. 1. Know Your Characters’ Voices Each character should have a distinct voice that reflects their personality, background, and current emotional state. Dialogue isn’t just about what is said, but how it’s said. Consider background and upbringing: A character’s dialect, vocabulary, and syntax can reveal where they’re from, their level of education, and their social standing. Emotional state matters: Is your character anxious, angry, or elated? These emotions will color the words they choose,...

  How Authors Can Build Their Email List Using Reader Magnets As an author, one of the most valuable assets you can have is a strong, engaged email list. It’s your direct line to your readers, helping you build relationships, promote your books, and maintain your career momentum. One powerful tool to grow your list is the reader magnet, a free offering that entices people to subscribe to your newsletter. If you're new to this, or unsure how to use reader magnets to build your list effectively, this guide will walk you through the basics. What Is a Reader Magnet? A reader magnet is any free piece of content that you offer in exchange for a reader’s email address. The goal is to provide value that is irresistible to your target audience—something they can't wait to get their hands on. Reader magnets are often short, high-quality content that gives readers a taste of your writing or adds value to your existing works. Common examples of reader magnets include: A prequel novella or ...

  Using Kickstarter to Fund Your Book: A Guide for Authors As an author, getting your book out into the world can be an exhilarating yet daunting task. One innovative way to fund your publishing journey is through Kickstarter , a crowdfunding platform that allows creators to raise funds for their projects directly from their audience. For writers, Kickstarter can not only help cover production costs but also build a community of readers who are invested in your success from day one. Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to use Kickstarter for your book: 1. Understand the Kickstarter Model Kickstarter is an all-or-nothing crowdfunding platform. This means that you set a financial goal, and if you don’t meet it, you receive none of the funds pledged. While this might seem intimidating, the all-or-nothing model motivates backers to share your project with others, increasing your chances of success. Additionally, Kickstarter is about more than just funding . It’s about storytelling and c...

  Writing a memoir can be one of the most rewarding and transformative experiences an author can undertake. Your story—your life, struggles, triumphs, and lessons—has the power to inspire, connect, and resonate with readers on a deep level. However, writing a compelling memoir requires more than just recounting events. You need to weave your personal story into a narrative that engages readers and leaves a lasting impact. After writing, the next big challenge is marketing your memoir in a way that connects with your intended audience. Here’s a guide to help you on this journey, from writing to marketing your memoir successfully. Step 1: Crafting a Powerful Memoir 1. Find Your Core Message Before you start writing, identify the main theme of your memoir. What is the core message you want to convey? Memoirs are not just about telling your life story in chronological order. They are about extracting meaning from your experiences and using them to communicate a broader theme. For examp...