Marketing & author platform
Almost all book marketing advice is written by someone selling the thing they are recommending. The parts that survive contact with a real budget are unfashionable: a good description, a working mailing list, and a book worth recommending.
These guides cover what each channel realistically does, roughly what it costs, and the order worth doing things in.
21 articles
A Series Recap for Readers
What to publish in the gap between books.
Bonus Reference Content for Readers
Work you already did, as a reason to sign up.
Book Sales Tracking Tools Compared
Worth paying for at the point reconciling reports costs more than the subscription.
Author Metrics That Matter
A number that would not alter any decision is not worth tracking.
Practical Ways to Improve Your Book and Win More Readers
The unglamorous fixes that move the needle more reliably than another ad campaign.
How to Reinvigorate Sales on a Backlist Book
A backlist title doesn't need a rewrite to sell again, just a reason to get noticed twice.
Content Rewriting for SEO: What It Can Do for an Author Website
A legitimate lever for your book description and author site. Nowhere near the manuscript itself.
Amazon Author Central Guide for Authors
Set up Amazon Author Central properly. Claiming books, the author page, biography, follows, editorial reviews
Booksprout, NetGalley and BookSirens Compared for ARCs
ARC review services compared. Booksprout, BookSirens, NetGalley, Hidden Gems, Prolific Works and Voracious Readers
How to Build a Realistic Author Business Plan
An author business plan you will actually use.
Book Promotion Sites and When They Are Worth Paying For
Book promotion sites compared. BookBub Featured Deals, Written Word Media brands, smaller listing sites, how to
Amazon Ads Facebook Ads and BookBub Ads Compared
Book advertising platforms compared. Amazon Ads, Meta Ads Manager, BookBub Ads and Google Ads, with intent
Book Launch Plan for Self-Published Authors
A book launch plan with a realistic timeline.
BookFunnel and StoryOrigin Compared
BookFunnel and StoryOrigin compared. 2026 plan prices, ebook and audiobook delivery, Certified Mail, ARC vetting
Email Marketing for Authors
Build and use an author email list. Reader magnets, platform comparison including MailerLite and Kit, welcome
How to Build an Author Platform Before and After Publication
Build an author platform that survives algorithm changes.
How to Build an Author Website That Helps Sell Books
Build an author website that works. Which pages you need, WordPress, Squarespace, Wix and Ghost compared, domain
How to Find ARC Readers Without Damaging Trust
Find ARC readers safely. How many you need, where to recruit them, what you can and cannot ask for, delivery and
How to Market a Book With a Plan You Can Sustain
A book marketing plan that works without social media burnout.
How to Write a Book Description That Converts Browsers Into Readers
Structure, the first two lines, genre signals, and two examples to measure yours against.
MailerLite and Kit Compared for Authors
MailerLite and Kit, formerly ConvertKit, compared for authors.
Marketing & author platform, on your own manuscript.
Free to preview, no sign-up required.