The Publishing Blog
Publishing is constantly evolving — platforms change, tools improve, and industry “best practices” don’t always keep up. This blog is where I examine publishing decisions in real time, sharing practical guidance, professional insight, and observations drawn from years working in book production and publishing consulting.
Some posts explore specific publishing topics in depth. Others respond to current tools, trends, or common points of confusion authors face right now. When a topic warrants a more structured or evergreen approach, it’s expanded into resources like the Publishing Foundations Series or In-Depth Education. Everything here is written with the same no-nonsense, professional lens that underpins the rest of my work.
Media Training for Authors: Craft Soundbites That Sell
Media training for authors includes learning how to craft short, powerful soundbites. Discover how to answer in 20–40 seconds and turn interviews into book sales.
Top 10 Tax Deductions for Indie Authors (That You Might Be Missing)
Many indie authors overpay on taxes simply because they don’t know what’s deductible. Here are ten common author tax deductions you might be missing.
Media Training for Authors: How to Avoid Hijacking Your Own Interview
Media training for authors starts with one rule: interviews are conversations, not lectures. Learn how to avoid hijacking your own interview and losing the room.
Money Matters: Setting Up Your Chart of Accounts Like a Pro
A chart of accounts doesn’t have to be intimidating. Learn how authors can organize income and expenses, plus see a practical example you can model for your own business.
Author Appearances: From Farmers Markets to Facebook Lives
Author appearances can boost book sales—but only if done strategically. Learn how in-person and online events support long-term marketing in 2026.
Banking, Bookkeeping & Budgeting: A Financial Survival Guide for Authors
Separate your book money from your coffee fund. This practical guide walks authors through banking, bookkeeping, and budgeting basics—plus modern self‑employed banking options.
Newsletter Nurture: Why Your Email List Still Matters
Email marketing still matters for authors in 2026. Learn why your email list outperforms social media and how newsletter nurture supports long-term book sales.
The Home Office, Simplified: Making Space for Your Creativity (and a Deduction)
An author home office doesn’t have to be complicated. Learn to set up a functional workspace—and understand when it qualifies as a legit deduction.
Your Author Brand: More Than Just a Pretty Logo
Your author brand is more than a logo. Learn what branding really means for indie authors in 2026—and how consistency builds trust and sales.
EINs, DBAs, and Imprints: What Authors Need to Know
EINs, DBAs, and imprints can sound intimidating, but they’re simple tools that help authors protect their business, finances, and publishing identity.
Marketing for Indie Authors 2026
Forget gimmicks and outdated advice. Here’s what actually works for indie author marketing in 2026—and what you can safely ignore.
You’re Not Just an Author: Why You’re Actually a Small Business
You’re not just an author—you’re a small business. Learn the mindset shifts, systems, and decisions that protect your time, money, and publishing future.
ARC Readers: How to Build a Launch Team That Delivers
ARC readers are not beta readers—they’re part of your launch strategy. Learn how to recruit the right ARC team, set expectations, and generate early reviews without violating platform rules.
Navigating NetGalley, BookSirens, and Beyond
Thinking about using NetGalley or BookSirens to get reviews? Here’s how paid ARC platforms compare—plus how to decide if the investment is worth it for your book and your goals.
Beta Readers: Your Test Audience Before the World Sees It
Beta readers act as your test audience before publication, helping identify pacing issues, confusion, and engagement gaps. Learn how to choose the right beta readers, ask better questions, and turn feedback into smart revisions.
Using BookFunnel, BookSprout, and StoryOrigin for ARC Delivery
You’ve got your ARC team—now it’s time to deliver. Here’s how BookFunnel, BookSprout, and StoryOrigin stack up for securely sharing review copies, managing deadlines, and keeping piracy at bay.
Alpha Readers: Raw, Unfiltered Feedback at the Draft Stage
Alpha readers give unfiltered draft feedback before polish begins. Learn who makes a good alpha reader, what feedback actually matters, and how to use it without rewriting your book into oblivion.
Building Your ARC & Street Teams the Smart Way
Your ARC team is more than a mailing list—it’s the backbone of your book launch. Learn how to recruit, motivate, and manage early readers who actually leave reviews (without losing your sanity).
Stay in the Loop — Without the Noise
Publishing doesn’t come with a rulebook, and advice changes fast. If you want clear, practical publishing guidance delivered monthly (not daily spam), the newsletter keeps you informed without overwhelming your inbox.
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