Guides for authors
Practical, up-to-date guides on how to write, format, design, publish and market a book. Free to read.
How to Self-Publish a Book on Amazon KDP (2026 Step-by-Step Guide)
Self-publish on Amazon KDP in 2026: account and tax setup, formatting, cover, metadata, pricing, royalties, KDP Select and launch, with the mistakes to avoid.
How to Write a Book with AI (2026 Guide for Authors)
Write a book with AI without losing your voice: a step-by-step workflow, prompts, what AI does badly, how to edit its drafts, and the disclosure rules on KDP.
How to Format a Book for KDP (Ebook and Paperback) (2026 Guide)
Format your book for KDP without rejections: EPUB setup, paperback trim, margins, gutter by page count, bleed, fonts, front matter and a pre-upload checklist.
How to Design a Book Cover That Sells (2026 Guide)
How to design a book cover that sells: genre signals, the thumbnail test, typography, print specs, and whether to hire a designer, buy a premade or use AI.
How to Choose KDP Keywords and Categories (2026 Guide)
Pick KDP keywords and categories that put your book in front of buyers: how to research real search phrases, fill the seven slots and choose niches you can rank in.
How to Market a Self-Published Book (2026 Guide for Indie Authors)
How to market a self-published book in 2026: the order that works, from your listing and reviews to email, series, ads and social, plus a simple launch plan.
How to Create an Audiobook for Your Book (2026 Guide to Cost, Narration and Distribution)
How to create an audiobook in 2026: work out your finished hours, choose human or AI narration, meet ACX specs, and decide between exclusive and wide distribution.
How to Publish Wide: Selling Beyond Amazon (2026 Guide)
How to publish wide in 2026: which stores to use, direct vs aggregator, what to expect from sales, libraries and bookshops, and how to decide if wide suits your book.
How to Publish a Romance Novel (2026 Guide for Indie Authors)
How to publish a romance novel: tropes, heat levels, covers, series strategy, Kindle Unlimited vs wide, and marketing, with practical steps for indie romance authors.
How to Publish a Children's Book (2026 Guide to Picture Books and Early Readers)
How to publish a children's book yourself: age bands, page counts, illustration, colour print costs, trim sizes, pricing and how to sell to parents and teachers.
How to Publish a Thriller or Mystery Novel (2026 Guide)
How to publish a thriller or mystery: sub-genres, pacing, fair-play clues, covers, series, comps, Kindle Unlimited and marketing to readers who binge the genre.
How to Publish a Fantasy Novel (2026 Guide to Epic, Cosy and Romantasy)
Publish a fantasy novel the right way: word counts, world-building, sub-genre covers, series strategy, KDP categories and launch tips for epic fantasy to romantasy.
How to Publish a Science Fiction Novel (2026 Guide for Indie Authors)
Publish your sci-fi novel the right way: pick a sub-genre, balance ideas and character, set word count, design the cover, plan a series and reach readers.
How to Publish a Cookbook (2026 Guide to Photos, Printing and Selling)
How to publish a cookbook in 2026: test recipes, photography, layout, colour printing costs, ebook options, pricing and selling to gift buyers, step by step.
How to Publish a Memoir (2026 Guide for Indie Authors)
How to publish a memoir yourself: find your focus, handle legal and privacy risks, edit, package, price and market it. A practical 2026 guide for indie authors.
How to Publish a Non-Fiction Book (2026 Guide for Indie Authors)
Publish a non-fiction book the practical way: define your promise, structure chapters, write a subtitle that sells, build authority, price it and reach readers.
How to Write a Book Blurb That Sells (2026 Guide with a Simple Formula)
Learn how to write a book blurb that sells: a four-part formula, before-and-after examples, ideal length, Amazon formatting and genre tips for fiction and non-fiction.
How to Get Book Reviews as a Self-Published Author (2026 Guide)
How to get honest book reviews in 2026: build an ARC team, follow Amazon's rules, find reviewers, ask inside the book, and handle bad reviews calmly.
How to Publish on Apple Books (2026 Step-by-Step Guide)
Publish your ebook on Apple Books in 2026: direct vs distributor, EPUB and cover rules, 70% royalties, pre-orders, metadata and how to get featured by Apple.
How to Translate Your Book and Sell It Worldwide (2026 Guide)
How to translate your book and sell it worldwide: best languages first, what translation costs, AI versus human, rights, metadata and how to launch a translated edition.
How to Price Your Ebook (2026 Guide to Pricing for Profit)
How to price your ebook in 2026: KDP royalty tiers, price points for fiction and non-fiction, free and 99-cent tactics, box sets, and a simple way to test prices.
How to Run Amazon Ads for Books (2026 Beginner to Profitable Guide)
Learn how to run Amazon Ads for books: set up your first campaign, pick targets, set bids and budgets, read ACOS and break-even, and cut waste to reach profit.
Do You Need an ISBN to Self-Publish? (2026 Guide)
Do you need an ISBN to self-publish? When ebooks and paperbacks need one, free vs bought ISBNs, what they cost, who is publisher of record and when to skip them.
How to Build an Author Website That Sells Books (2026 Guide)
Build an author website that sells books: the pages you need, domain and platform choices, email sign-ups, direct sales, SEO basics and costs, with a launch checklist.
How to Write a Book Series Readers Binge (2026 Guide)
How to write a book series readers binge: pick the right series type, plan the arc, keep continuity, end books well, time releases and price book one to boost read-through.
How Does Kindle Unlimited Pay Authors? (2026 Guide)
How Kindle Unlimited pays authors in 2026: the monthly fund, pages read (KENP), exclusivity, All-Star bonuses, real earnings maths and whether KU suits your book.
How to Make a Book Trailer That Sells Your Book (2026 Guide)
Make a book trailer that gets watched: ideal length, a script formula, visuals, music licensing, vertical formats, and where to post it. Includes a shot-by-shot plan.
How to Build an Author Email List from Zero (2026 Guide)
Build an author email list from zero: pick a provider, create a reader magnet, find sign-ups, set up a welcome sequence and keep the list healthy and legal.
How to Choose a Book Title That Sells (2026 Guide)
How to choose a book title that sells: genre signals, fiction vs non-fiction rules, subtitles, checking competition, thumbnail tests and a shortlist method.
How to Publish with IngramSpark (2026 Guide for Indie Authors)
How to publish with IngramSpark in 2026: setup, ISBNs, files, wholesale discount, returns, IngramSpark vs KDP and how to get bookstores to order your book.
How to Outline a Novel (2026 Guide with Proven Methods)
Learn how to outline a novel step by step: plotter or pantser, three-act structure, beat sheets, scene lists, character arcs, subplots and a flexible outline.
How to Publish a Young Adult Novel (2026 Self-Publishing Guide)
Self-publish a young adult novel in 2026: what counts as YA, word counts, voice, covers, KDP categories and age settings, content warnings and reaching YA readers.
How to Get Your Self-Published Book into Libraries (2026 Guide)
Learn how to get a self-published book into libraries: OverDrive and Libby, hoopla, Ingram print listings, library pricing, KDP Select limits and how to pitch librarians.
How to Make Money Self-Publishing Books (2026 Guide)
How self-published authors really earn: royalties by format, series and backlist, costs and break-even, ads, and a realistic timeline. Includes the maths to plan yours.
How to Write a Book: A Step-by-Step Guide for First-Time Authors (2026 Guide)
How to write a book from idea to finished draft: pick your idea, plan, set a daily word target, finish the first draft, revise and get ready to publish. No fluff.
How to Publish a Book: Traditional, Self-Publishing or Hybrid? (2026 Guide)
How to publish a book in 2026: traditional, self-publishing and hybrid compared on cost, speed, royalties and control, plus how to choose and avoid vanity presses.
How Much Does It Cost to Self-Publish a Book? (2026 Breakdown)
How much it costs to self-publish a book in 2026: editing, cover, formatting, ISBN, audiobook and ads, with budget, mid-range and premium totals you can copy.
How Many Words Are in a Novel? Word Counts by Genre (2026 Guide)
How many words is a novel? Typical word counts by genre from romance to epic fantasy, plus novella lengths, page counts and what to do if you run long or short.
KDP Trim Sizes: How to Choose the Right Book Size (2026 Guide)
KDP trim sizes explained: the best paperback size for novels, non-fiction and workbooks, how size changes page count, spine and print cost, and how to decide.
How to Copyright a Book: What Self-Published Authors Need to Know (2026)
Is your book already copyrighted? Learn how copyright works, when US registration is worth it, how to register, the copyright page, AI and what to do if copied.
How to Write a Synopsis for Your Novel (2026 Guide with Structure)
Learn how to write a novel synopsis: the right length, a step-by-step structure, a worked example, what to cut, and the mistakes that make agents stop reading.
How to Write an Author Bio (2026 Guide with Templates)
Write an author bio that sells books: what to include, first or third person, one-line to long versions, fill-in templates, and tips for first-time authors.
Book Launch Checklist: How to Launch a Self-Published Book (2026)
A step-by-step book launch checklist for self-published authors: what to do 3 months, 1 month and 1 week out, on launch day and after, plus common mistakes to avoid.
KDP vs IngramSpark: Which Should You Use? (2026 Comparison)
KDP vs IngramSpark compared for 2026: reach, royalties with a worked example, print quality, ISBNs, returns and libraries, plus how to use both without conflicts.
Best Book Writing Software in 2026: An Honest Comparison
Scrivener, Atticus, Sudowrite, Novelcrafter, Reedsy, Word and more compared honestly for 2026: what each does well, what it lacks and which suits your book.
Best Self-Publishing Platforms in 2026 (Compared for Indie Authors)
Compare the best self-publishing platforms in 2026: KDP, IngramSpark, Draft2Digital, Apple Books, Kobo and Google Play. See royalties, reach and who each suits.
Best Book Formatting Software in 2026 (Mac, Windows and Free)
Compare the best book formatting software for 2026: Vellum, Atticus, Kindle Create, Reedsy Studio, Draft2Digital and more, with honest pros, limits and free options.
Best AI Tools for Authors in 2026: Writing, Editing and Publishing (2026 Guide)
Compare the best AI tools for authors in 2026: fiction drafting, editing, chatbots, covers, audio, translation and all-in-one platforms, with honest strengths and limits.
Best Book Cover Design Software in 2026 (Free and Paid)
Compare the best book cover design software for 2026: Canva, Photoshop, Affinity, Book Brush, AI cover makers and designers, with print wrap, spine and bleed advice.
Developmental Editing vs Copyediting vs Proofreading: What's the Difference? (2026 Guide)
Developmental editing vs copyediting vs proofreading explained: what each edit fixes, the right order, when you need each one, and how to budget for them as an indie author.
How to Build a Writing Habit and Finish Your Book (2026 Guide)
How to build a writing habit that lasts: set a realistic word count, pick a time and place, track progress and recover from missed days until your book is finished.
How to Find and Work with Beta Readers (2026 Guide: Where to Look and What to Ask)
Learn how to find beta readers for your finished draft: where to look, how to ask, which questions to use, and how to turn feedback into revisions before you edit.
How to Hire a Book Cover Designer: Where to Find One, Costs and What to Ask (2026 Guide)
How to hire a book cover designer: where to find one, what covers cost, how to read a portfolio, what to put in a brief, and which contract terms protect you.
How to Format a Book in Microsoft Word for Print and Ebook (2026 Guide)
Learn how to format a book in Word step by step: page size, margins, styles, chapter breaks, front matter, page numbers, and clean exports for print and ebook.
How to Hire a Book Editor: Types, Costs and What to Look For (2026 Guide)
How to hire a book editor: the four main editing types, what each costs and how pricing works, how to vet candidates with a sample edit, and red flags to avoid.
How to Overcome Writer's Block: 15 Practical Fixes for Authors (2026 Guide)
Stuck mid-draft? Learn how to overcome writer's block with 15 practical fixes: diagnose the cause, lower the pressure, rework your plot and use AI as a sparring partner.
How to Choose a Pen Name for Your Books (and Set It Up on KDP) (2026 Guide)
Learn how to choose a pen name: when you need one, how to pick and test it, what to check before you commit, and how to set it up on KDP without legal surprises.
How to Proofread Your Own Book: A Practical Checklist and Tools (2026 Guide)
Learn how to proofread your own book: why self-proofing is hard, a step-by-step checklist, tricks to catch errors, useful tools, and when to bring in fresh eyes.
How to Publish a Hardcover Book on KDP and Other Platforms (2026 Guide)
How to publish a hardcover book: choose between KDP and IngramSpark, set up the cover and spine, avoid file errors, price it sensibly and get it into readers' hands.
How to Publish a Poetry Book: Formatting, Selling and Marketing (2026 Guide)
Learn how to publish a poetry book: arranging a collection, formatting line breaks and white space, choosing trim size, selling on Amazon and wide, and marketing.
How to Self-Publish a Book for Free (What's Really Free and What Isn't) (2026 Guide)
Learn how to self publish a book for free: which platforms charge nothing, which tools are genuinely free, and the hidden costs that catch first-time authors out.
Can You Self-Publish Public Domain Books? Rules and Pitfalls (2026 Guide)
Can you self-publish public domain books on KDP? Learn how to verify status, what counts as differentiated content, how to adapt classics and the pitfalls to avoid.
How to Write a Query Letter That Works (2026 Guide to Finding a Literary Agent)
Learn how to write a query letter: the structure, a worked example, how to find agents, and how to decide between querying and self-publishing for your book.
Is KDP Select Worth It? Pros, Cons and How to Use It (2026 Guide)
Is KDP Select worth it? Weigh the exclusivity trade-off, Kindle Unlimited income, promotions and going wide, and decide which books belong in the programme.
How to Use Scrivener to Write a Book: Beginner's Guide (2026 Guide)
Learn how to use Scrivener to write a book: the Binder, Corkboard, Compile, snapshots and a simple setup for your first project, plus where it falls short.
Amazon A+ Content for Books: How to Add It and What to Include (2026 Guide)
How to add Amazon A+ Content to your book listing: where to find it in KDP, which modules to use, what images to make and the mistakes that waste the space.
How to Create an Amazon Author Central Page and Optimize Your Book Listing (2026 Guide)
Set up your Amazon Author Central page step by step: claim your books, add a bio and photo, improve your listing, and use the extra features that help sell more books.
How to Write a Book in 30 Days: A Realistic Daily Plan (2026 Guide)
Write a book in 30 days with a realistic daily plan: word-count targets, a week-by-week schedule, catch-up tactics and what to do after the draft is finished.
How to Write a First Chapter That Hooks Readers (2026 Guide)
How to write a first chapter that hooks readers: the opening line, the right scene, what to leave out, length and revision, with practical examples for novelists.
How to Write Dialogue in a Novel: Rules, Examples and Formatting (2026 Guide)
Learn how to write dialogue that sounds real and moves your story: punctuation, tags, beats, subtext and voice, with before-and-after examples you can copy.
KDP Royalties Explained: How Ebook and Paperback Royalties Are Calculated (2026 Guide)
See exactly how KDP ebook and paperback royalties are calculated: the 35% and 70% options, delivery fees, printing costs, worked examples and the mistakes to avoid.
Ebook vs Paperback vs Audiobook: Which Formats Should You Publish First? (2026 Guide)
Ebook vs paperback for self-published authors: compare cost, royalties, reach and effort for ebook, paperback and audiobook, and pick the right order for your book.
Print on Demand vs Offset Printing: Which Is Right for Your Book? (2026 Guide)
Print on demand vs offset printing compared for indie authors: costs, quality, upfront risk, storage, distribution and when each option makes sense for your book.