Last updated March 10, 2023.
*** This is a curated collection of resources and services provided by other websites. Links listed here do not constitute an endorsement.***
Writerly Things started as one page, but it’s become necessary to split it into separate pages. This page is dedicated to PUBLISHING RESOURCES and includes sections for REACHING READERS and BOOK REVIEWERS.
Click here for >>> WRITING RESOURCES and here for >>> ILLUSTRATION & DESIGN.
Find more free resources on my Pinterest board and on my TeachersPayTeachers page.
Publishing Resources
Online resources and tools for writers seeking publication, either traditionally or as an indie (self-publisher/small press).
As hybrid publishing is gaining more attention, it’s important to note that the term hybrid author originally applied to an author who had both traditional and self published books. That is how the term is used here.
The term hybrid publishing is different. It applies to publishers who offer some of the benefits of traditional publishing to those might have otherwise self-published.
Traditional, Indie, or Hybrid?
- Traditional vs Self-pub
- To Traditional or Self-pub?
- What is a Hybrid Author?
- Publishing Options Overview
- A Guide to ybrid Publishing
- Four Things to Know about Hybrid Publishing
- Using a Hybrid Publisher—Pros & Cons
- Video: Trad vs Hybrid vs Self Publishing
Traditional
- Writing a Query Letter
- Book Proposal (Overview)
- Book Proposal (Crafting)
- Writing a Synopsis
- Writing a 1-Page Synopsis
- Pitching (Overview)
- Elements of a Pitch P1
- Creating a Onesheet
- A Guide to #PitMad & #SFFPit
- A Guide to #PitchWars
- A Guide to #FaithPitch
- More Twitter Parties
Finding an Agent or Publisher
- Book: Writer’s Market by Writer’s Digest
- Book: The Christian Writer’s Market Guide by Steve Laube
- Graphic Novelist: Finding an Agent
- QueryTracker
- Christian Book Proposals (for reaching publishers and agents)
Audiobooks
- Findaway Voices
- Article: Findaway Voices vs Author’s Republic
- Article: How to Self-Publish an Audiobook
Formatting Books
- Formatting Checklist (This blog)
- Formatting Picture Books—Apple Pages (epub)
- Formatting Picture Books—Kindle Creator (epub)
- Formatting Picture Books with Procreate (print)
- Simple Guide for Coding Epubs
- Coding Epubs in Depth (W3.org)
- Tool: Vellum
Editors & Proofreaders
Indie (self-pub)
- IBPA Membership
- Researching Book Titles
- Creating an Imprint
- Apply for EIN Online
- Draft2Digital vs Smashwords
- Publishing with IngramSpark
- Setting up Print Preorders
- An Indie Launch Plan (This blog)
- Launch Plan Checklist (This blog)
- Planning a Book Launch
- Timing a Book Launch
- Self-Publishing Checklist
- Tool: BookReport (older, for KDP report info)
- Tool: KDPROI
ISBNs & Copyright
- Indie Guide to ISBNs
- Purchase ISBNs
- Copyright Registration
- International Copyright
- Library of Congress Number
- Article on Library of Congress Number PrePub Portal
Related Resources
- Author Endorsements
- Book Contracts (Kristine Kathryn Rusch’s blog)
- Ingram Spark Publisher Services FAQ (distribution, sales team, etc…)
- Submittable (Finding paying markets)
- The Submissions Grinder (Finding paying markets)
Reaching Readers
Tips and tools for reaching readers through social media, local press, online interviews, and promotions.
Social Media
- Author Guide to Instagram
- Connecting on Instagram
- Instagram Engagement
- 7 Instagram Tools
- 44 Author Twitter Hashtags
- Twitter Retweet Etiquette
- Facebook Instant Experiences
- Mixtus Media Blog
- Guest Blogging List
- Guide to Guest Blogging
- Tool: Link Tree
Author Newsletter
- 16 Ways to Add Subscribers
- List Builder Service
- BookFunnel Service
- Using Instafreebie (now known as Prolific Works)
Online Interviews
Cover Reveals
Blog Tours
Local Media & Venues
- Local Press Coverage
- Local Newspaper
- Connecting with Libraries
- Indie Bookstore Finder
- Author Media Kit
- Ins & Outs of Sell Sheets
- AuthorBookings.com
Promotions
- BookBub
- BookBub Preorder Alerts
- eReader News Today (ENT)
- The Fussy Librarian
- Freebooksy
- AuthorsXP (formerly Midlist)
- eReader Obsession
- Book Cave
- Annie Douglass Lima
- BKnights on Fiverr
- Kindleprenuer Article
- Aurora’s Book Butterflies
- Member Promo: ACFW
- Member Promo: SCBWI
- Member Promo: Realm Makers (Published tier or higher)
Related Resources
- Indie Author Project (an indie avenue into Libraries)
Getting into Schools - AR Program Inclusion
- Writing Giveaway Message
- Book Donations #1
- Book Donations #2
- Common Indie Author Pitfalls
- Author Platform Definition
- Before Your Book is Released
- Google Search Clean up
- Amazon Author Central
- 3 Benefits of Writing Contests (This Blog)
- Printer: Vista Print
- Printer: MOO
- Printer: Print Runner
Book Reviewers
Professional organizations and bloggers who accept requests for book reviews. A few of the reviewers listed below require requests to be 2-3 months prior to publication. Most offer free options.
Industry Reviewers
- Readers Favorite
- BookLife (Publishers Weekly)
- Kirkus Reviews (paid only)
- Booklist
- Blue Ink (paid only)
- Midwest Book Review
- Library Journal
- Lorehaven
- Foreward & Clarion
- San Francisco Book Review
- The New York Review (details listed in FAQ)
- Poets & Writers Reviewer Database
Bloggers/Reviewers
Craft articles, online resources, and book recommendations for writers.
Illustration, design resources, and freelancers for crafting books and marketing material.
K.A. Cummins 