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.
The Publishing Courtesy Most Authors Forget
Publishing success isn’t just about talent—it’s about professionalism, communication, preparation, and appreciation for the people helping bring your book to life. Learn the publishing courtesies most authors overlook and why those habits directly affect relationships, timelines, and long-term publishing opportunities.
The Ideal Order of a Book’s Parts
Learn the ideal order of a professional fiction and nonfiction book, including front matter, story structure, back matter, and why placement matters.
Should Authors Outsource Work?
Should authors outsource tasks in their business? Learn when hiring help actually improves profitability, protects your time, reduces burnout, and allows your publishing business to grow without turning you into the bottleneck holding everything together.
AI Panic Is Becoming a Publishing Problem
AI panic, copyright lawsuits, and reader distrust are creating new challenges for indie authors. Here’s what authors need to understand about AI in publishing.
Advanced Book Elements Indie Authors Should Know
Learn the history and modern use of advanced book elements like imprimaturs, errata, colophons, and other rare publishing features in indie publishing.
Time Is Money – Track Author Hours
Tracking your hours isn’t about micromanaging yourself—it’s about protecting profitability. Learn how authors and publishing professionals can value projects accurately, prevent scope creep, and understand where their time is really going before burnout and underpricing take over.
AI Copyright Fights Are Getting Real
Publishers are suing Meta over alleged AI copyright infringement. Here’s what indie authors need to know about rights, licensing, and protecting creative work.
Back Matter That Sells for Indie Authors
Back matter isn’t an afterthought—it’s your best sales tool. Learn what to include and how to turn the last pages of your book into momentum for your next sale.
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.
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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