Indie Author Basics streamline and simplify the self-publishing process so you can publish high-quality books without pulling out your hair. Check out the articles below.
- Help People Understand WHY They Should Buy Your Book
- People Don’t Buy Books, They Buy…
- Understanding Distribution as a Self-Published Author
- Why Self-Published Authors Should Own their ISBN
- Why Adding “Amazon Best Seller” to Your Book Cover is Not a Good Idea
- Is Your Book Marketable?
- 5 Ways to Use Social Media as Part of Your Book Marketing Plan
- The Top 2023 Self-Publishing Platforms for Writers
- We Get Better at Writing by Writing
- The Amazon Best Seller Approach: A Warning
- Should You Put Your Book on Preorder? It Depends.
- Self-Publishing: Understanding Copyright and Distribution
- Self-Published Author: You Have Options!
- Dear Self-Publishers, Don’t Limit Your Potential
- Why You Shouldn’t Worry About Your Family Not Supporting Your Books
- Preparing Your Self-Published Book for Bookstores
- Do More with Your Self-Published Book
- Author Vending: Things to Consider Part II – Vending Cost and other Fees
- Why You Might Want to Increase the Price of Your Book on Amazon
- How to Get Early Reviews for Your Self-Published Book
- Author Vending: Things to Consider Part I – Audience
- Avoiding Plagiarism
- How much time do you spend with your book before you self-publish it?
- Dear Self-Publisher, How Your Book Looks Inside Matters Too. Don’t Forget Typesetting.
- Creative Ways to Resurrect Your Backlist
- Dear Indie Author, Remember to Guide Your Readers to Your Own Platforms
- Dear Indie Author, No One Wants to Subscribe to Your Author Email List (Do This Instead)
- Yecheilyah’s Self-Publishing Checklist
- Dear Self-Published Author, Reinvest in Yourself
- Don’t Compare Your Year One to Someone Else’s Year Ten
- The Power of Systems and Consistency
- Dear Self-Published Authors: Don’t Overpay to Play
- Do You Have Permission to Mass Email? (Author Email Lists)
- Pricing Your Self-Published Book as a New Author
- 4 Ways Indie Authors Leave Money on the Table
- Don’t Forget to Write
- Writing Self-Care for Indie Authors
- What is Self-Publishing
- Things You Don’t Need to Self-Publish a Book
- Signs You Are Not Ready to Self-Publish Part 4: You Are Worried Someone will Steal Your Idea
- The Hardest Lesson I Have Had to Learn as an Authorpreneur
- Signs You Are Not Ready to Self-Publish Part 3: You Don’t Read
- Signs You Are Not Ready to Self-Publish Part 2: Not Preparing Financially
- Signs You Are Not Ready to Self-Publish Part 1: Skipping Revisions
- Dear Indie Authors: Please Identify Your Target Audience
- Self-Publishing (The Right Way) Is Not Free
- What is an ISBN and Do I Need One for My Book?
- Dear Indie Author, Don’t Let People Rush You
- Tightening Up the Business Structure of Your Writing
- Helping Indie Authors Amid the COVID-19 Pandemic
- The One Thing Self-Publishers Overlook when Publishing Print Books
- Book Publishing in the Age of COVID-19
- Don’t Wait Two Weeks Before Release to Prepare Your Audience for Your Book
- The Pros and Cons of Author Vending
- Author Caution: Careful Not to Put all Your Eggs in One Basket
- Be Authentic: Message to New Indie Authors
- What to do when people Unsubscribe from your Email List and Why it is OKAY.
- Dear Author: Stop Giving Everything Away for Free when You are Trying to Run a Business
- 9 Authorpreneur Habits You Can Start Today
- What is the difference between a blog and author website and do I need both?
- Nothing is a Waste of Time
- Consider Raising Your Book Prices
- Don’t Just Write More, Improve as You Write
- Warning- Do Not Publish That First Draft
- Premade Book Covers: 2 Things to Keep in Mind
- Introduce Yourself: Promotional Opportunity for New Authors
- New Author Tip
- Reading to Write: Message to Aspiring Authors
- 3 Rejection Letters Indie Authors Receive
- 8 Simple Ways to go from Author to Authorpreneur
- 4 Common Sense Reasons It Can Benefit You to Self-Publish
- Self-Publishing: The Workflow
- 7 Common Sense Reasons You Should Build an Email List
- 7 Things I Learned About Email List Building
- Setting Up with Mailchimp
- 7 Ways to Create a Book Business Plan for Each Book
- The Author Media Kit: How it Keeps Me Organized
- 3 Reasons You Need an Author Website (and why it’s not the same as a blog)
- Self-Publishing: Don’t Forget to Set Up Your Author Central Amazon Page
- Before You Publish that Book, Don’t Forget these Things
- Writing and Financial Stability: The Harsh Reality
- Between Books: When the Blog Comes in Handy
- When Publishing a Book might not be For You
- Confidence and Writing Discipline
- The Show and Tell Debate Critiqued
- Laying Bricks Series:
- Part One
- Part Two
- Part Three
- Part Four
- To Support an Author
- Indie Author Support: Are You Harmful or Helpful?
- Get Out There
- Realistic Character Changes
- Self-Publishing: The Business of Writing 101 – 6 Basics
- Paperback Comeback
- Dear Self-Publishers: You Are Not JK Rowling
- Self-Publishers with Thin Skin
- 4 Common Sense Reasons It Can Benefit You to Self-Publish
- Self-Publishing: The Workflow
- Self-Publishing: DIY Promo Tools
- Self-Publishing: Just Write
- Self-Publishing: Book Descriptions
- Common Self-Publishing Mistakes
- Writing Symbolism: The Secret Life of Bees
- 5 Ways Books Can Help You Publish Your Book (Besides Just Reading Them)
Click Here for 50 Resources for Indie Authors
Click Here for The 50 Best Writing Websites of 2023
Other Resources:
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Writer Beware (SFWA)
I love this site. It is a great way to study the publishing industry so that you don’t get scammed and taken advantage of. They have a Thumbsdown Agent List and Thumbsdown Publisher’s List, information on Vanity / Subsidy Publishers, and small publishing companies. It’s important to do your research so you aren’t paying thousands of dollars for something you can learn to do yourself.
http://www.sfwa.org/other-resources/for-authors/writer-beware/
Anne R. Allen
Anne provides thought provoking advice on writing and publishing for authors. Her style is straightforward and to the point which I love. Visit her Resources for Writers page and How to Get Your Book Published. One of Writer’s Digest’s 101 Best Websites for Writers, Anne updates on Sundays and her blog also includes regular contributions from former Big Six editor, Ruth Harris.
Books and Such
Books and Such is a Literary Management Agency. They sell books to a wide range of publishers in such categories as women’s fiction, general fiction, nonfiction, gift books, easy readers, and chapter books.
http://www.booksandsuch.com/blog/
The Storyreading Ape Blog
Chris digs up the best advice from various sources for Indie Authors. Check out the Writer’s Resources Page as well as the Editing 101 Page.
https://thestoryreadingapeblog.com/
Jeff Goins
Jeff Goins started his blog in 2010, with a few burning questions in mind: How do successful writers make a living? What does it really take to get published? And, how do you pursue a passion? He shares tips on writing, creativity and making a difference.
Mary Jaksch
Mary Jaksch, Chief Editor, believes your writing practice needs to be directed in a positive way. Write to Done helps you learn new skills, practice them and become a better writer.
Jody
Jody posts on her blog every Tuesday. She offers advice, encouragement, and inspiration based on all that she’s learned about writing, publication, and marketing in today’s tough publishing industry.
http://jodyhedlund.blogspot.com
Jane Friedman
Jane Friedman, former publisher of Writer’s Digest, specializes in educating writers about the publishing industry—from all perspectives, without hype or bias—to help them make the best long-term decisions for their careers. The Alliance of Independent Authors has awarded her a “Top Website for Self-Publishers”
K.M. Weiland
K.M. Weiland mentors authors through her blog. Her blog is one of Writer’s Digest’s 101 Best Websites for Writers.
http://www.helpingwritersbecomeauthors.com
Shelley and Heather
Shelley and Heather of Training Authors have a goal to help authors achieve book marketing success. Their site is full of resources and free downloads.
http://www.trainingauthors.com
David Gaughran
David Gaughran focuses on how to get visible and sell more books. He has written several books on these topics and shares tons of info about self-publishing.
http://davidgaughran.wordpress.com
Rachelle
Rachelle is a Literary Agent for Books and Such. She started her blog as a way to create a community of writers both published and seeking publication.
http://www.rachellegardner.com
Sandra Beckwith
Sandra Beckwith has more than 25 years of experience as a publicist. She shares tips and writes on currently relevant topics for authors. Build Book Buzz was awarded a “Top Website for Self-Publishers” by The Alliance of Independent Authors.
http://buildbookbuzz.com/blog/
Cathy Stucker
Cathy Stucker shares useful tips and techniques for writing, publishing and selling books. She has free downloads available to help authors build their platform.
Shayla Raquel
Previously going by the name Curiouser Editing, Shayla is very knowledgable on the business of publishing. Her blog has been awarded Best Writing Blogs of 2017 and was among the top 50 writing blogs of 2016.
Kristen Lamb
Kristen is a wealth of information on the publishing industry as a whole as well as a social media. She worked in international sales before transitioning into a career as an author, freelance editor and speaker. She takes her years of experience in sales and promotion and merges it with over fifteen years as a writer and editor to create a program designed to help authors construct a platform in the new paradigm of publishing.
The Creative Penn
The Creative Penn is packed with information and resources. The best way to navigate through it all is to click on the “Start here!” link.
http://www.thecreativepenn.com/blog/
Joel Friedlander
Joel Friedlander aka The Book Designer has countless articles (organized into easy to navigate topics) on his site that help self-published authors with every thing you need to know, and do.
http://www.thebookdesigner.com
Self-Publishing Review
This website offers review and editing services. You can become a member for additional perks and discounts.
http://www.selfpublishingreview.com/category/blog/
Authors, Bloggers, Rainbow Support Club
Founded by Marjorie Mallon, the Authors, Bloggers, Rainbow Support Club is a supportive group of authors and bloggers who promote, review, and supports the works of authors.
A Writer’s Path Writer’s Club
Founded by Ryan Lanz, A Writer’s Path Writer’s Club supports the works of authors by providing advice, support, and discounted writer services such as editing and book promotion.
https://ryanlanz.com/writers-club/
Rave Reviews Book Club
Founded by Nonnie Jules, Rave Reviews Book Club is a virtual book club made up of authors and readers who propel, promote, and support one another’s work.
https://ravereviewsbynonniejules.wordpress.com/
The Future of Ink
The Future of Ink has a lot of content directed at helping authors navigate their marketing choices. Denise Wakeman and Ellen Britt have pulled together a huge list of experts and great articles.
Toni and Shannon
Toni and Shannon, the self-publishing team are passionate about helping indie authors publish their work and build dedicated fan bases.
Catherine
Catherine writes from Ireland and talks a lot about self-publishing. Her posts are fun and informative.
http://catherineryanhoward.com/
Julie Isaac
Julie Isaac, the founder of has provided tools, solutions, and support to thousands of writers since 2003.
http://blog.writingspirit.com/
Frances Caballo
Frances Caballo shares tips and suggestions for using social media to your advantage to market your work.
http://socialmediajustforwriters.com/
Louise Myers
Louise Myers talks all about the power of social media graphics, and offers tips on how you can make your presence more visually appealing.
Writer Unboxed
Writer Unboxed has articles from a ton of contributors that all offer advice and food for thought on the craft and business of writing fiction.
Hugh Howey
An author himself, Hugh doesn’t just use his site to promote his own work, he uses it to help other authors as well.
Publishers Weekly
Publishers Weekly’s new site dedicated to indie authors, is in Beta mode. They have how-to stories and author profiles, and you can take one of their publishing self-evaluations.
CJ Lyons
CJ Lyons is a pediatric ER doctor turned NY Times bestselling author. He uses experiences and offers wonderful resources for the self-published author.
http://www.norulesjustwrite.com/blog/
JA Konrath
JA Konrath is an author who blogs a lot about current events in publishing and on topics that authors should familiarize themselves with.
Johnny, Sean and Dave
Johnny, Sean and Dave will speak to you. Literally. Interactive and helpful advice.
https://selfpublishingpodcast.com
Lindsay Buroker
A Fantasy author herself, Lindsay doesn’t just promote her own work on her website. She also promotes other authors AND writes blog posts with helpful advice on self-publishing.
Indie Reader
Everything about indie authors, books and the independent book scene all in one spot.
The PBS Blog 