Author Services
Author Articles

Book Review & Contest Insights from Real Reviews and Submissions
What separates great books from the rest? Below are articles with insights from real reviews and contest submissions—what works, what doesn’t, and how to improve your book. You’ll also find a wide range of articles covering writing, publishing, marketing, and more. Each article has a Comments section so you can read advice from other authors and leave your own.
Why Some Books Win Awards (And Most Don’t) — Insights From Real Contest Submissions New!
What separates award-winning books from the rest? After evaluating contest submissions across a wide range of genres, certain patterns become clear. Some books consistently rise to the top. Others, even with strong ideas and clear effort behind them, fall short. The difference is rarely dramatic—it...
What We’ve Learned From Reviewing Hundreds of Thousands of Books (And Why Most Don’t Stand Out) New!
After reviewing and evaluating books across thousands of submissions over the past two decades, certain patterns become impossible to ignore. Some books immediately stand out to reviewers. Others—even well-intentioned ones—fade into the middle or fall short. The difference is rarely luck. It comes down to...
How to Write, Publish, and Market Your Book
Writing a book is certainly a dream for anyone who knows how to write or feels they have something to say or share with others. Making that dream a reality can be tough, but it is most certainly doable. By learning the techniques on how to write, publish, and market your own book, you can create that potential best-seller in no time.
1. Writing the book: For most people, writing a book is the fun part of the process. Still, nailing the writing part takes a combination of skill, preparation, and diligence. Here is a quick walk through of the process.
- Topic: Thinking of subject matter is the first step in writing a book. Whether you are writing a fiction or nonfiction book, it is important that you have an idea of what the finished book should be like.
- Research: When writing, it is important that the details must be spot-on, lest you risk your own credibility. Make sure you know what you’re writing about and avoid errors that can discredit your work.
- Write: You have to flesh out your concept and your research in written form. More than just writing your book, you should also ensure that all details, ranging from content to grammar construction, must be done right.
2. Publishing the book: After your book is done, you’ll need to have it published so that others can read what you’ve created. You have various options on how you’ll go about this process, and the most effective option depends on your stature as a writer.
- Publishing: Traditional or self-published? You have the option of either going for a traditional publisher or to self-publish your work. A traditional publisher would help you in most of your publishing needs. Self-publishing means you’ll have to do most of the publishing process by yourself.
- Formatting: Will you be publishing your book in printed (paperback or hardbound), electronic (eBook), or both? The format you’ll choose affects both your budget and audience reach.
- Layout: A good-quality book should have a layout that matches the book. You can go simple, or you can get creative by using colors, artwork, and other supporting content.
3. Marketing the book: If you choose the self-publishing route, this part is a critical part of the equation. However, even if you have a publisher for your book, you can benefit from these marketing strategies.
- Promotions: Creating promotional content related to your book can greatly help in expanding its audience. You can create a press release, post it on your social network accounts, and have your book featured on popular book-sharing sites.
- Spreading the word: One of the best ways to promote the book is by word of mouth. You can share copies of your book with your friends as well as readers. If they like your book, chances are they will recommend it to others.
- Being creative: Think outside the box when promoting your book. You can use your blog, ask others to share it, and even apply advanced techniques such as PR and SEO.