Don’t Miss The Top Blog Posts for Independent Authors from 2024

For a while now, I’ve been ending each of our monthly newsletters with a handful of blog posts and articles I’ve found useful, informative, or otherwise interesting. To kick off 2025, I wanted to share some of the best blog posts for independent authors from 2024. Dive in so you can use this insider knowledge the rest of the year and beyond!

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Topics in “All the Best Blog Posts for Independent Authors from 2024”:

Writing Your Manuscript
Editing & Revising
Independent Publishing
Expanding Your Opportunities
Platform & Positioning
Book Marketing & Promotion

You can’t have a successful publication without a great book. Many of the following resources deal with fiction, but much of the advice applies equally to nonfiction. 

Wherever you are in your journey, you’ll find resources to help you move forward. Just bounce to the topic that best suits your needs, and enjoy!

Writing Your Manuscript

If you’re just getting started with your manuscript, these resources will help you stay focused. Whether you’re writing fiction or nonfiction, you won’t want to miss this expert advice on using an effective point of view and interesting characters to create a killer story.

• “How to Do Book Research,” Kim Foster, Stacy Ennis
• “Balancing Your Cast of Characters,” September C. Fawkes, Insecure Writer’s Support Group
• “How to Write a Gripping Inciting Incident that Captivates from the Start,” Written Word Media
• “Multiple POVs—Should You Mess With Them?” Stuart Wakefield, The Book Coach
• “4 Ways to Avoid a Saggy Middle in Your Novel,” Sandy Vaile, Writers In the Storm
• “The Secret to Writing Strong Themes,” K.M. Weiland, Helping Writers Become Authors
• “Food and Drink as Essential Elements in Fiction,” Crystal King, Career Authors
• “The Art of Writing Flat Characters,” Arja Salafranca, Now Novel
• “Tropes: The Good, the Bad, and the Ugly,” Trisha Jenn Loehr, Jane Friedman
• “Make Your Characters More Believable,” Rainey Hall, Rocky Mountain Fiction Writers
• “Writer Fuel: The Three ‘Rules’ of Point of View,” Gabriela Pereira, DIY MFA
• “How to Use Symbolic and Archetypal Settings in Your Story” by K. M. Weiland, Helping Writers Become Authors
• “10 Great Writing Tips for Fiction Writers” by C. S. Lakin, LiveWriteThrive
• “Sharing Work Too Early: The Soft Tissue Principle,” Julie Christine Johnson, Writer Unboxed
• “Guidance for Plotters and Planners,” 1106 Design, The Alliance of Independent Authors
• “How Long Should a Chapter Be NOW?” Hank Phillippi Ryan, Career Authors

Editing & Revising

Editing is the secret weapon with the power to turn a first draft into a bestseller. Learn how to use beta readers to gain valuable insight into your writing, and steal a few tips from professional editors on tightening and strengthening your WIP. 

• “The Ultimate Guide for Giving and Receiving Feedback,” Angela Ackerman, Writers Helping Writers
• “Scene Structure and Transitions in Big Scenes,” K.M. Weiland, Helping Writers Become Authors
• “Five Tips to Help You Rewrite Your Story After Beta Reader or Editor Feedback” by Ali Luke, Aliventures
• “What to Ask Your Beta Readers,” Andrew Noakes, Jane Friedman
• “A Rewrite Checklist,” Marilynn Byerly, Adventures in Writing
• “Perform Your Own Developmental Edit: A Step-by-Step Guide,” Polly Watt, Written Word Media
• “Delving into Fourth Person Point of View,” Arja Salafranca, Now Novel
• “An Editor’s Best Tip for Spotting Errors in Your Writing,” Edie Melson, The Write Conversation

Independent Publishing

If you’re thinking about self-publishing your book, these resources will help you understand the publishing landscape. You’ll learn practical tips on navigating the self-publishing process and making the best decisions for your book.

• “Hybrid Publishers and Paid Publishing Services: Red Flags to Watch For,” Joel Pitney, Jane Friedman
• “Pros and Cons of Preorders,” Thomas Umstattd Jr., Author Media
• “8 Steps from Amateur to Pro Writer,” Becca Puglisi, Writers Helping Writers
• “The INDIE FILES: I’m Selling Books, but Am I Making Money?,” William C. Tracy, Science Fiction and Fantasy Writers Association
• “Turn Fact Into Fiction—Without Hurting Someone or Getting Sued” by Caroline Leavitt, Jane Friedman
• “Self-Publishing News: Sustainability Back in the Literary Spotlight,” Dan Holloway, Alliance of Independent Authors (ALLi)
• “Why Discipline Is Everything,” Kim Foster, Stacy Ennis
• “Publishing Timeline,” Rachel Kent, Books & Such Literary Management
• “Essential Financial Strategies for Indie Authors,” Orna Ross and Joe Solari, the Publishing for Profit Podcast
• “How Publishing Works: A Primer,” Gabriela Pereira, DIY MFA
• “Crowdfunding for Writers Who Need First-Time Guidance,” Jason Brick, Jane Friedman
• “ISBNs Made Easy: A Guide for Indie Authors,” Michael La Ronn, ALLi
• “Tax Deductions for Authors: What You Need to Know,” Kelly McDaniel, Written Word Media

Expanding Your Opportunities

Publishing goes beyond just the printed page. Learn how translations, e-books, and audiobooks can help you reach more readers, increase your revenue, and expand your author career. 

• “How to Publish Your Books in Two Languages as a Bilingual Author,” Felicity Green, Elizabeth Spann Craig
• “Quick Update on Translations,” Elizabeth Spann Craig
• “Are Your E-Books Ready for the European Accessibility Act?,” Dan Holloway, the Self-Publishing News Podcast
• “Why Authors Need to Consider Subsidiary Rights,” Lindsay Jones, The Independent Publishing Magazine
• “Spotify Debuts Marketing Tools and Insights for Audiobook Authors,” Sarah Perez, TechCrunch
• “Let’s See if You’re Ready for an Audiobook,” Penny Sansevieri and Amy Cornell, Book Marketing Tips & Author Success podcast
• “Bloomsbury Opens an Audiobook Distribution Agreement With Spotify,” Porter Anderson, Publishing Perspectives
• “Inside the Audiobook Boom,” Kevin Stillwell of Lantern Audio with Howard Lovy, the Creating Better Books Podcast

Platform & Positioning

These resources cover everything from blurbs and reviews to optimization and author platforms. Dig in if you want a better understanding of what goes into positioning your book—and yourself—for success.

• “8 Ball Branding: What Authors Can Learn from the Game of Pool,” Kelly Lucente, The Independent Author Magazine
• “From Inbox to Bestseller: How to Master Email Promotions for Your Book,” Michael Hourigan, Written Word Media
• “Reaching Readers: Interview with Penny C. Sansevieri,” WOW! Author Marketing Newsletter
• “Bookstores or Readers: What’s Your Independent Publishing Strategy?” Sarah Kolb-Williams, Spoonbridge Press
• “Loglines—One-Sentence Torture Devices for Writers,” Kelley J. P. Lindberg, Rocky Mountain Fiction Writers
• “11 Personal Branding Tips That Win Followers,” Megan Mahoney, Copyblogger
• “How to Determine the Age of Your Target Reader,” C. S. Lakin, Live Write Thrive
• “How to Set Up an Author LinkedIn Profile,” Aryn Van Dyke, Book Rockstar
• “Unlocking the Power of KDP Keywords and Categories for Your Book,” Sarah Kolb-Williams, Spoonbridge Press
• “Getting Book Endorsements: Everything You Need to Know,” Penny Sansevieri, Author Marketing Experts
• “The Truth About Paid Reviews Might Not Be What You Think,” Rohit Bhargava
• “Reviews for Books: WTAF,” Chuck Wendig, terribleminds
• “Book Blurbs That Sell,” Laurie Schnebly Campbell, Writers in the Storm
• “The Pros and Cons of Using a Pen Name,” Rose Atkinson-Carter, Elizabeth Spann

Book Marketing & Promotion

Because we don’t offer book marketing and promotion in-house, we’re always looking for great resources to share with our clients. From industry heavy-hitters like Penny Sansevieri and Thomas Umstattd Jr. to various ALLi contributors, these marketing experts will demystify the topic and help you understand your options.

• “How to Advertise a Book: Tips to Save You Money,” Penny Sansevieri, Author Marketing Experts
• “Are Book Promotion Sites Right for Me? Reaching More Readers Podcast, With Dale L. Roberts and Holly Greenland,” ALLi
• “How to Use Research to Market Your Novel,” Thomas Umstattd Jr., Novel Marketing
• “How to Promote Your Novel to the Right Audience,” Author Marketing Experts
• “Different Ways to Market Your Book with Joanna Penn,” The Creative Penn
• “Top Tips for Your Nonfiction Indie Author Marketing Strategy,” Reaching More Readers Podcast with Dale L. Roberts and Holly Greenland
• “Creative Book Marketing Strategies for Consistent Sales,” Penny Sansevieri, Author Marketing Experts
• “Different Ways To Market Your Book” (podcast episode) by Joanna Penn, The Creative Penn
• “Is Advertising My Book Worth the Cost?,” Aryn Van Dyke, Book Rockstar
• “Maximizing Your Book Marketing with Mal Cooper,” Laura Granger and Rachel Wharton, Kobo Writing Life Podcast
• “How to Hire the Right Book Publicist,” Penny Sansevieri, Author Marketing Expert
• “How to Get Your Indie Book into Schools,” David H. Hendrickson, ALLi
• “How to Avoid Book Marketing Overwhelm,” Thomas Umstattd Jr., Author Media
• “10 Essential Tips for Crafting a Successful Book Marketing Plan,” Penny Sansevieri, Author Marketing Experts
• “Time Is Money. But What If Authors Have Neither?” Aryn Van Dyke (Book Rockstar), LinkedIn
• “The Story Curve: How to Use Storytelling Techniques for Your Marketing,” Kipp Bodnar, HubSpot
• “How to Sell More Books With Amazon Ads” (podcast episode) Thomas Umstattd Jr., Author Media
• “7 Critical Strategies for Marketing Books on Amazon Like a Pro,” Penny Sansevieri, Author Marketing Experts
• “ALLi Exclusive: Planning for Paid Marketing ‘Ads’ up for Authors,” The Alliance of Independent Authors

Ready to Publish Your Book?

If you’re wondering if self-publishing is right for you, schedule a free author consultation with Spoonbridge Press. We’ll discuss your project, then go over your options so you can decide whether independent publishing is a good fit for your project.

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