Choosing the Future and Choosing the Right Category
Designing Choosing the Future raised an unusual publishing question: should a business novel be categorized as fiction or business? This case study explores book positioning, KDP categories, subtitle refinement, and balancing professional credibility with storytelling.
Setting the table for success
A great book doesn’t sell itself — it needs a strong presentation. Inspired by the Book Marketing Tips & Author Successpodcast, this post explores how authors can “set the table for success” with better book covers, websites, keywords, social media, and more.
Great Sources of Advice
Publishing podcasts can be an excellent source of book marketing advice. Learn valuable tips from Honorée Corder and Mark Dawson on writing memorable books, building newsletters, appearing on podcasts, and connecting with readers.
A medley of memoirs
A behind-the-scenes look at designing four self-published memoirs — from cover concept to print. Discover the design choices, challenges, and personal stories that shaped each book.
Advice for a first-time author
Ready to publish your first book? There are more options than you might think—from printing copies just for family to getting listed on Amazon and Barnes & Noble. Here's what every first-time author needs to know about print-on-demand publishing, ISBNs, and the steps most people don't see coming.
First-time Author and Lessons Learned
A first-time author hired me to design his suspense novel in ebook, paperback, and hardcover formats. Along the way, we discussed ISBNs, book sizes, print-on-demand platforms, proofreading, and the realities of self-publishing. This project became a reminder that new authors often need guidance through every step of the publishing process—and that education is just as important as design.
Follow the Leader
Successful authors rarely work in isolation. Discover some of the podcasts, newsletters, webinars, and publishing experts I follow to stay informed about self-publishing, book marketing, and industry trends.
Curious about book covers
Curious about how book covers are created? After a friend asked a series of thoughtful questions about the cover design process, I shared insights into how professional book designers work with authors to create covers that fit their genre, audience, and goals.
Publishing a Memoir of Love and War
A former NBC war correspondent. A lost love. A dramatic rescue attempt during the final days of Saigon. Learn how a memoir evolved from an initial cover concept to a powerful design that ultimately appeared on CNN.