Whether you’re on the self-publishing path or looking at the traditional route with a small independent publisher, you need to know the options for marketing your book—before it’s too late! There’s a lot that’s out of your control, in this journey of ours to share stories with the world. For example, if you’re self-publishing, then limitations of budget and time (translated: your labor) will be an issue. And working with a traditional publisher means lots of decisions are out of your hands. Still, there are many things one can take charge of—or at least try! I’d like to share my experience with one of those here: posting your upcoming book on the review platform NetGalley.
Fiction & Writing
Tips on the writing business and craft, my own work
A Cut Scene from My New Novel
This unedited deleted “darling” (as we writers call the scenes and characters we love but must amputate from a story) is from the April 2024 version of Assisted Living: Book One of the Old Grove Lake Trilogy, a cozy-eco horror folk tale. It takes place at the end of Chapter One. I cut it when … Continue reading A Cut Scene from My New Novel
Notion for Authors
Ever since I decided to go indie for my fiction, I've been obsessed with trying to find an appropriate project management software. Being organized really scratches an itch, for me. And embarking on this new journey--one that could potentially flop or fly--I wanted to attempt being super professional from the beginning. Trying to find a … Continue reading Notion for Authors
“Marlowe” AI Author Tool: Review
I recently saw a meme on a social media platform that has stuck with me. It said, "AI won't replace humans, it will replace humans who don't use AI." Whether this is true or not, only time will tell. But I'm reminded of all new technology from early phones to computers. There's an innate fear … Continue reading “Marlowe” AI Author Tool: Review
BookBub and Chirp: More ways to find great reads—for cheap
Well, I wish I'd known about this great site sooner! BookBub was founded in 2012 as an ebook "discovery service." When you sign up for a free account, you enter your favorite platform for purchasing ebooks, click on a your preferred genres, then select a few books from the samples they provide as good choices … Continue reading BookBub and Chirp: More ways to find great reads—for cheap
How to Find Great Indie-Author Books
As I contemplate the possibility of NOT getting a traditional publishing deal, I am forced to face my own prejudice against self-published books. And that's just what it is: a prejudgment of a huge category of work. But here's the problem, how does one find promising titles in a field of work flooded with quickly … Continue reading How to Find Great Indie-Author Books
Short Story: The Habit
The Habit Gianaclis Caldwell It had been the wife’s habit to sleep on her back, head plumbing feathery depths and listing to one side. Toward the husband’s side. Do I snore? she would ask, not really wanting to know and the husband would answer, Well, no, not so’s I noticed. But, of course, she did. … Continue reading Short Story: The Habit
All About Publishing
Article 2 in the series: So You Want to Be a Writer? There are more ways than ever to get your book published--in other words, put it in a format that can be shared with others. In particular, the world of self-publishing is growing by leaps and bounds. At the same time, traditional publishing remains … Continue reading All About Publishing
Short Story: Man Growing Cat Whiskers
Man Growing Cat Whiskers The first morning, you ignore them. The second day, hustling for work, your Norelco goes reeeheh and surrenders. By the third morning, you start to worry. And on the fourth morning you Google it: man growing cat whiskers Quora: “my cat’s whiskers are growing too long. Is it ok to…” TreeHugger: … Continue reading Short Story: Man Growing Cat Whiskers
What is a Writer?
Article 1 in the series: So You Want to Be an Author? If you love to read, there's a good chance--at some point in your life--you've had a story idea. Or if you have special skills and knowledge, I bet people are always saying, "You should write a book!" If this is you, then maybe … Continue reading What is a Writer?