CreateSpace to KDP: The Aftermath

Empty box with KDP and CS logos with text: "Unpacking" the Changes

Last summer, Amazon announced that CreateSpace was closing and merging with KDP. Now that CS is dead and the migration is over, let’s make sure our books are set up properly at KDP.

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Self-Publishing Resources: For Fun and Profit

Big Ferris wheel lit up at night with text: Cheap, Free, and Fun Resources

In the writing and self-publishing world, writers encounter a lot of services that cost money. Some of them are solid resources that are worth it if they work for our processes. Others…? Not so much. That’s why it’s always nice to discover free resources or discounted services.

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Should Published Stories Be Set in Stone?

Letters carved into stone with text: Should Books Be Set in Stone?

In traditional publishing, authors (and their readers) are often stuck with errors, but with ebooks, POD, and self-publishing, files are easy to fix and upload. Should authors make changes, or should books be set in stone?

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Release News! How Has the Writing Community Helped You?

Hands grasping to help with text: How Have You Been Helped?

Yesterday, I announced another book release, and the wave of congratulations and support gave me warm fuzzies all day. *smile* I feel so blessed to be part of the writing community. The writing community has been there for me at every turn, and I’m grateful. I hope all of you have received that support as well.

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Print-on-Demand: Introduction to IngramSpark — Guest: Kerry Gans

Pile of books with text: Exploring Print on Demand with IngramSpark

Many self-published authors stick with CreateSpace to create a print versions because Amazon makes things easy and user-friendly. However, a few authors, including today’s guest, are using IngramSpark, which is part of Lightning Source. Let’s compare…

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Save Money by Designing Your Own Promo

Wooden box filled with money with text: Save Money with Promo Design

While I paid for a cover designer for my books, I created the bookmarks myself to save money. Several people asked me how I made them complement the cover so well, and since saving money is always a good thing, I figured I should post about the topic.

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Formatting: From Manuscript to a Print Book with MS Word

Box of Treasured Claim print books with text: Creating a Print Edition

Holding your book in your hands can make “being published” feel real, but self-publishing in print can require us to make countless decisions. Let’s walk through the process.

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Release News! How Do You Deal with “Hurry Up and Wait”?

Man adjusting a watch with text: Ever Have to Hurry Up and Wait?

Many times in our writing career—just as with life in general—we have to hurry up…and then wait. I’m in hurry-up-and-wait mode today. After running around to get everything ready, Treasured Claim is releasing tomorrow, and the next book, Pure Sacrifice, is already available for pre-order. But I hate waiting…

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Self-Publishing: Prioritizing Fast, Cheap, and Good

Blank book graphic with text: Rule of Business: Fast Cheap Good--Pick Two

All writers, especially those who self-publish, have to decide: Are we writing and publishing just for ourselves? Or to get customers (readers)? Depending on our answers, we can prioritize “fast, cheap, or good.”

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3 Tips for Self-Publishing Success — Guest: Julie Musil

Julie Musil with text: 3 Tips for Publishing Success with Julie Musil

It’s no secret that many authors are considering self-publishing on some level. So I’m happy to host my friend Julie Musil, who’s sharing some of the pitfalls of self-publishing and providing tips for avoiding those issues. Honestly though, I think her advice is applicable to every author, no matter our publishing path.

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