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Self-Published Book Awards
ENTER NOW! Writer’s Digest’s Self-Published Book Awards is currently accepting submissions. This is the only Writer’s Digest competition exclusively for self-published books.
Four Tips for Indie Authors on Planning a Successful Book Tour
Book tours are a wonderful way to connect with readers. Indie author John Peragine shares his experience planning his latest book tour for his book Iowa Wine.
Is Hybrid Publishing Right For You?
Are you a bit mystified with the book publishing process? Jennifer Scroggins, executive vice president of the hybrid press KiCam projects, explains what hybrid publishing can do for authors.
10 Tips for Effective Networking at a Writer’s Conference
Nervous about connecting with other writers and publishing professionals at your next writer's conference? John Peragine has 10 tips on how to network effectively and get the most out of your experience.
5 Tips for Better Book Cover Typography
This post will dive into this crucial component of a book cover. Read on to find out how to handle book cover typography — and how to make yours stand out and sell your book.
Self-Publishing Audiobooks: Why Should You Consider It?
As WD author Jessica Kaye shares in the opening paragraphs of her book The Guide to Publishing Audiobooks, audiobooks are reaching more people than ever. Here are her thoughts about why you might consider self-publishing audiobooks.
indieLAB: The Rise of Self-Publishing 3.0
What is Self-Publishing 3.0? Alliance of Independent Authors (ALLi) founder Orna Ross explains the shift from the earliest iterations of self-publishing to today's landscape with Self-Publishing 3.0.
Crowdfunding a Novel: Fantastic and Frustrating
Interested in crowdfunding a novel? Susan K. Hamilton, who has crowdfunded two novels, shares the joys and frustrations authors can expect when publishing via this 21st century route.
Breaking In: Debut Author Christy Stillwell on Perseverance and Publishing with Small Presses
In our Breaking In column in Writer’s Digest magazine, we talk with debut authors—such as Christy Stillwell, author of The Wolf Tone—about how they did it, what they learned and why you can do it, too. Here, Stillwell talks about her experience publishing with a small press and more.
8 Ways to Defend Yourself from Writing Coach Scams
Industry experts and legitimate writing coaches provide advice on how to spot writing coach scams and shield yourself accordingly.
7 Tips for a Successful Relationship with Your Book Cover Designer
To help you get the most value out of a partnership with a book cover designer, we turned to some of the top professionals for their across-the-aisle tips on how authors can build and maintain such successful working relationships.
Shelf Savvy: How Book Categorization Helps Maximize Sales
Book categorization is key to finding readers and maximizing sales. Here’s what you should know.
A Starter Guide to DIY Audiobooks
Audiobooks are the fastest growing segment of the publishing industry. For indie authors or traditionally published authors who have retained their audio rights, now may be the perfect time to consider creating your own audiobooks. Here's your how-to guide to DIY audiobooks.
Why Writers Have a Love-Hate Relationship With Technology
These days writers hoping to write, pitch, publish and platform-build have little choice but to surrender themselves to their laptops and smartphones—a complicated predicament for the dreamers of the world. Here are several pros and cons of the writing world's love-hate relationship with technology.
Maximizing Writing Productivity While Working Full-Time
Rather than seeing full-time work as a hindrance to the craft, writers can channel advantages of their situation to maximize writing productivity. Here’s how to do that.
The Anatomy of a Book Cover: A Guide for Authors
Knowing and understanding the constituent parts of a book cover will help you make the best marketing decisions when you design or commission your own. Reedsy's own Yvonne takes us over the basics.
Insider Secrets for Indie Authors and Small Presses from Amy Collins of New Shelves Books
Amy Collins of New Shelves Books shares insider secrets about book sales and marketing tips for indie authors and small publishers, as well as small and indie publishing trends.
Zetta Elliott on Starting Her Own Imprint & Character Development in Children's Fiction
Zetta Elliott discusses addressing complex topics in children's fiction, starting her own imprint, Rosetta Press, and what she'll address in her upcoming keynote at indieLAB.
7 Ways to Turbocharge Your Ebook Marketing
Smart ebook marketing works like a magnet to bridge the gap between readers’ unmet desires and your book’s ability to satisfy those desires. Here are seven proven ebook marketing strategies you can implement immediately, at no cost.
The Self-Publishing Path: It’s Often Anything But “Self”
The best approach to self-publishing depends on your goals and available resources. Jane Friedman notes the key considerations authors must make when deciding on the right path for themselves.
indieLAB—a New Event for Entrepreneurial Writers
If you're an author, aspiring novelist, freelance writer or small publisher who wants to expand your readership, improve your business prospects and earn more from your writing, join us this September at indieLAB, an all-new event from Writer's Digest.
The Novel in the Drawer
Many writers who can't get their first novel published put it in a drawer and write a second one. Gayle Abrams discusses the decision to put that first novel in the drawer and move on to book two, or to persevere with the first.
Does Your Book Have a Billboard on Amazon?
Authors can leverage ads and Book Detail pages on Amazon to make them work like a "billboard" of sorts. But in order for your Amazon billboards to help sell more books, they must display certain characteristics.
Publishing Tips for Indie Authors: How to Get Your Book Into Libraries
Libraries spent more than you might expect on expanding their collection each year. But how can indie authors rise to the top and grab the attention of librarians? Find out here.