Resources

For writers

Every writer needs a ‘toolbox’ of resources to help them succeed. 
This is my toolbox – I hope it helps!

There are many resources out there to help guide you, these are the main ones I use to help me navigate as an author today.

Transitioning from writer to author sounds exciting and challenging all in the same breath. As much as we’d love to write book after book and focus only on the next story, writing for life now means we need to learn how to juggle all aspects of a writing career: including marketing, promotion and publishing. 

It can sound overwhelming but with the right tools and strategies, it doesn’t have to be.

On how to write a novel...

Panster or plotter…it doesn’t matter because you can’t edit a blank page. 

  • SCRIVENER: I like to write using Scrivener on both my laptop and phone – it helps to break things up into scenes which works well for me. I can dictate directly into the Scrivener app when I’m out and about then edit those passages when I’m back on my laptop.
  • WRITE BETTER FASTER: Stop comparing yourself to how others write – fast or slow, 1000 words a day or more (or even less). Learn how to use your strengths when it comes to writing – Becca Some has a fabulous coaching course that will help. 
  •  GRAMMARLY: this site is great for those first few rounds of edits (but does not replace working with an actual editor). 
  • Join Facebook Writing Groups: They offer valuable support when it comes to finding editors, help to answer questions etc. Groups I joined are: Author Support Network and SPF Mastery. 
  • Writer’s Guild of Alberta is a great organization to join!

How to decide your publishing path - indie or traditional...

There is no right or wrong way to publish a book – there’s just the smart way for you in this moment.

  • QUERY TRACKER is a great resource for learning how to write a query and how to find the right agent if you want to pursue the traditional publishing path.
  • If you decide to go the indie route – you can use different distributors to upload your books. I recommend:
    • KDP – get your book uploaded to amazon and utilize their KDP Select options and marketing features.
    • Go WIDE and not only use KDP (but do not use SELECT features) and DRAFT 2 DIGITAL. Through D2D, you can upload to Apple, B&N and do print as well.
  • THE AUTHOR HELPER SUITE: help track sales, ROI, ads, help with launches and promotions, create review teams and more.
  • Regardless of how you publish, when you do publish, you will be responsible for promoting your book.
Simple marketing every author can do...

Marketing can be simple:

  •  Newsletters are a great way to ensure you have direct means of communicating with your readers. Send out a newsletter when you have news of book releases, sales, updates etc. I like to use FLODESK – $19 a month for unlimited subscribers by using this code. Or you can use Mailchimp or MailerLite – they may be free for a limited # of subscribers then the prices dramatically increase.
  • WEBSITE: a simple website gives you the opportunity to share your books with readers when they search for you online. You can share your books, newsletter link and more on your site. 
  • READER MAGNETS: this is a simple incentive to get readers to sign up for your newsletter and discover you. It can be a novella, a short story, a favorite recipe…
  • BookBrush and Canva are great resources to create graphics
Promotion, Promotion, Promotion...

Promotion is a deaded aspect of being an author. We can’t always focus on the writing – we need to get our books into readers hands. 

  • Bookbub is a great tool – you can promote your books through them, recommend books, have people follow you and more. 
  • Facebook ads can be a tool (paid)
  • Amazon Ads – you can now create ads through Amazon (your KDP Account) (paid)
  • David Gaurghan is a fabulous resource with books, emails and more to help you navigate the indie world.
BOOKS I think you should read: