If you want to start a new #writingroutine make a commitment to do it every day. Even if you write just a sentence and spend 5 minutes doing it, it’s still better than doing nothing. This 🔋 will help start you off in the right direction.

You can't call it a community without the support of those within it. Otherwise, what you have is a bunch of individuals keeping tabs on each other. I'm thankful for all the posts I see about writing, the replies to my own posts, and more importantly those I've "met" through X

It's important to remember, there's generally an acceptable distance for misalignment, that KDP and all Print On Demand services mention for how things will appear on covers. Assuming the uploaded file is correct and looks right in the previewer or digital proof, a small discrepancy, up to 1/8 inch, falls within it.

I don't usually post about anything political, but I've had leftover pasta salad this week that lasted longer than Katie Zacharia.

C H E E K S

Don't limit your book promo to launch day. Your book deserves the build up. Mentioning it 90 days out or even further is absolutely OK. Especially if you include milestones: cover, title, back blurb reveals. You can even think about getting your audience involved. Let them pick the title, or a character name, or if you can, let them choose between two covers. Get readers invested. Not only is the lead up to release an important time to share the book's info, but post-launch is vital. Self-publishing is not 'set it and forget it' territory. It's a constant need to stoke interest in the book. Update followers on sales, share reviews, and let them feel a bit of FOMO. Consistency is key. Think of ways to achieve that before, during, and after release day. I know it's cliche but being an indie author is a marathon not a sprint. Even more so when putting a book out to the world 🌎

Your book's cover should at least communicate genre and tone, mixed with elements of the storyline or location. Many DIY covers lack those basics. While AI covers tend to exaggerate them.

After I went back on FB I saw these ads back-to-back. It's the very same ad and s c a m as the original

This is what unsuspecting indie authors are dealing with and how these sca mmers keep from being exposed. Because @Meta doesn't vet the ad claims or legitimacy. This ad video from the Amazon Author Center, on Facebook, starts by saying, it's an exclusive offer from @BNBuzz which it isn't, You can see my comment and I was subsequently blocked 🚫 within 2 minutes. Authors this is why research into what legit publishers and author services are and actually do is a must.

Effective book marketing should focus on a specific target audience with a fine-tuned message, and not a "spray and pray" method without purpose. 📚📚📚

I hope my north of the border friends had a wonderful Thanksgiving 🍁🍁🍁🍁🍁

Don't discount the importance of your book's metadata. ​Be sure to include strong, relevant keywords that potential readers are actually searching for. ​Create a book description that doesn't just scream 'sell, sell, sell.' Instead, let your description place readers directly inside the story so they can experience the payoff firsthand. ​And don't miscategorize your title. Readers want to trust that the book they're buying matches their preferences. Nothing will turn a reader against a book faster than expecting one type of story and getting something completely different. ​Optimizing these three elements will help get your book in front of the right readers.

I dont get into the whole screaming "AI!" when i see a cover. Usually a cover that has been done solely using generative AI has a look and tone. It's tough to explain, but seeing so many posted, you pick up on it. Plus being a photoshop user for nearly 30 years, there's an understanding of how images work. I'm sure that may seem strange, but there are effects that can be achieved using actions, filters, and styles. Whereas generative AI is almost 'too perfect'.

Anyone utilize a mailing list? If so, how do you feel it does with sharing info to those who are interested in your writing? I have one, but hardly use it. I honestly forget it's there and when nothing extraordinary is happening, I don't think of reaching out.

Most if not all 'book marketers' you see advertised on social media are fly by night that over promise and under deliver. You'd be better off taking 10 hours learning Meta and Amazon ads yourself.

Predictability in storytelling creates bordom, and boring is the quickest way to stop the pages from turning. The main reason why readers continue through a book is because they want to know what happens. If they feel they already know, that kills any reason to go forward.

😜 #chocolate

Anyone in the path of Iasias please be as safe as can be ❤️🙏

The writing groups on Facebook are T O X I C Wow. I'm so glad I left 90% of them.