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.
What the $1.5B Anthropic Settlement Means for Writers
Anthropic’s $1.5B settlement over pirated books forces AI ethics, author rights & publishing contracts into sharp relief. What writers need to know.
Book Review: A Canadian Werewolf in New York by Mark Leslie
Discover the humor and suspense of A Canadian Werewolf in New York by Mark Leslie. A witty urban fantasy that blends comedy, thrills, and a refreshingly Canadian take on the werewolf myth.
What Is Book Pre-Production and Why Should You Care?
What is book pre-production—and why does it matter? Learn what happens between your final draft and publication, and how to do it right.
When Fiction Resists: How Ypi & Shafak Illuminate the Power of Story
Top 3 Stories in Publishing & LiteratureLiterature as Resistance: Ypi & ShafakArundhati Roy’s Raw Memoir Hits HardSelf‑Published Romantasy Blasts OffAuthors Lea Ypi and Elif Shafak sat down (virtually) to explore how fiction stands firm against rising...
Finding Courage Between Worlds: Embracing the Magic by Stephen Schneider
What happens when an ordinary teen discovers extraordinary powers? In Embracing the Magic, Stephen Schneider invites readers into a richly imagined realm where friendship, bravery, and the fight for both worlds take center stage.
When to DIY & When to Hire Help (and Where to Find the Right Pros)
Wondering when to DIY and when to hire a pro? Learn how indie authors can decide what to handle solo—and what to outsource for a better book.
Why the End of AP Book Reviews Matters—but Substack and Accountability Could Save Literary Culture
Learn why AP’s end to book review syndication matters—and how Substack and literary accountability offer hope.
Heated Boardrooms & Heartfelt Glances: Risky Business by T. Reece
A sizzling workplace romance with heart—Risky Business by T. Reece brings emotional depth and serious heat to this smart, feel-good office love story.
Wings, Wounds & Wanting: Heart of Stone by Krysta Fox
Krysta Fox’s Heart of Stone brings steamy fantasy romance to life with gargoyle protectors, emotional healing, and love forged in magic and pain.
How to Tell If Your Cover Is Selling Your Book—or Sabotaging It
A great book cover doesn’t just look good—it converts. Learn how to tell if your book cover is selling your story or sabotaging your success.
Scholastic’s Mid-Pivot: Reinvention in Children’s Publishing
Inside Scholastic’s 2025 restructuring: operations shake-up, animated adaptations, and a bold pivot toward digital relevance in children’s publishing
Frozen Rites & Fierce Girls: Runes of Dokkrsdottir by Bjorn Leesson
A Nordic coming-of-age story steeped in tradition and quiet rebellion—Runes of Dokkrsdottir by Bjorn Leesson is a powerful, frostbitten journey of strength and spirit.
Finding Light in the Shadow: The Lighter Side of Darkness by Anna Almaroad
From heartbreak to healing, The Lighter Side of Darkness by Anna Almaroad invites you to walk through emotional shadow and into light—with every page beautifully designed by eBookBuilders.
The Indie Author’s Guide to Metadata That Sells
Discover how to use metadata to boost your book’s visibility on Amazon and beyond. From keywords to categories, here’s what indie authors need to know.
Kampala Writes Literature Festival 2025: Belonging, Books, and a Bold Vision for Storytelling
Discover how Africa’s literary scene is booming—from Lagos’s CORA Book Party to Kampala Writes Festival and a quirky spotlight at Printers Row—these events redefine where and how stories emerge.
Spells, Sass & One Shifty Cat: The Cat Stole Your Tome by Jeannie Wycherley
🐾 What do you get when you mix a cursed tome, a snarky witch, and a feline with secrets?
The Cat Stole Your Tome by Jeannie Wycherley is a cozy magical romp with charm, sass, and spells gone hilariously wrong.
How to Use Scrivener to Plot, Plan, and Power Through Your Draft
Scrivener is more than a writing app—it’s a full command center for indie authors. But only if you know how to use it. Here’s how to plan, plot, and draft smarter (without the overwhelm).
How to Host Successful Read-Dating Events in Your Bookshop
Bookshops are hosting “read-dating” nights where singles swap favorite titles in speed-date rounds—sparking romance and boosting sales. Learn how to set up your own event: partnerships, format, marketing, and follow-up tips.
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