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.
Filling Out Your ISBN Application: What Authors Get Stuck On
Confused by Bowker or Canadian ISBN forms? Learn how to correctly fill out your ISBN application and avoid costly metadata mistakes.
Audiobooks Are Changing—Again
Spotify is expanding audiobook features, changing how readers discover and consume books. Here’s what indie authors need to know about audiobook strategy.
The Story Proper: Prologue, Chapters & Reader Flow
Learn how to structure prologues, chapter openings, and reader flow so your book keeps readers engaged from the first page to the last.
Author Invoices: What to Include
Author invoices aren’t just for getting paid—they protect your income and create structure in your business. If you’re not invoicing consistently, you’re creating gaps that lead to confusion and delayed payments. Learn what to include on every invoice and why it matters more than you think.
The ARC Problem Publishing Can’t Ignore
ARCs are changing fast. Here’s what BookCon 2026 revealed about ARC marketing, resale problems, and what indie authors should do differently.
Front Matter Fundamentals for Indie Authors
Front matter sets the tone for your book before page one. Learn what to include, what to skip, and how to position your book like a pro.
How to Get Your Book Into Libraries Without Draft2Digital
Learn how indie authors can get their books into libraries without Draft2Digital using print distribution, alternative platforms, and smarter publishing strategies.
Draft2Digital Fees Are Coming
Draft2Digital may begin charging authors to use its platform. Learn how this impacts your profit, pricing, and whether going wide still makes financial sense.
Before You Leave Draft2Digital, Do This First
Thinking about leaving Draft2Digital? Before you pull your books, learn how to analyze your sales data, identify top platforms, and make smarter publishing decisions.
Hidden Architecture of a Book: Structure Matters
Book structure isn’t optional—it’s the foundation of a professional reading experience. Learn how proper book architecture impacts readability, reviews, and sales.
Getting Paid as an Author: Invoicing, PayPal, and Cash Flow
Learn how authors can get paid professionally using invoicing, PayPal, and tools like Wave or Found while protecting cash flow and avoiding common mistakes.
Free Marketing Tactics You’re Probably Not Using (But Should Be)
Think you need a big budget to market your book? These free marketing tactics actually work—if you use them strategically.
Track Author Income Streams the Smart Way
Learn how to track multiple author income streams the smart way. Understand where your money is coming from and how to manage it like a business.
Paid Promotions: What’s Worth It (and What’s a Waste)
Paid promotions for authors can drive visibility—or waste your budget. Learn which promotions actually work, what to avoid, and how to spend strategically.
Royalties vs. Revenue: What Authors Are Actually Earning
Confused about royalties vs revenue? Learn what authors are actually earning, how costs impact profit, and why sales don’t always equal income.
Media Training for Authors: Turn Interviews Into Sales
Media training for authors includes turning interviews into sales assets. Learn how to repurpose interviews into content that drives visibility, authority, and book sales.
How to Price Your Books for Profit — Not Just Sales
Chasing sales isn’t the same as making money. Learn how indie authors can price books strategically for profit, with a simple pricing formula you can recreate in Excel or Google Sheets.
Media Training for Authors: Body Language & Likeability
Media training for authors includes mastering body language, energy, and likeability. Learn how your presence impacts interviews, authority, and book sales.
Stay in the Loop — Without the Noise
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