A Note from the Publisher
First, my sincerest apologies for the delay in getting this issue to you. I've been on what I'm calling "gramaternity leave"—welcoming my first grandson, Kieran, into the world. Those middle-of-the-night wake-ups were quite the throwback, though I'll admit the newborn snuggles hit differently when you can hand them back in the morning. Being back at work has never felt better, and I'm excited to bring you this packed issue featuring Martha Carr's incredible journey and all the practical strategies you need to keep your author business thriving. Thank you for your patience, and here's to sleepful nights for all of us.
—Chelle
Discover how Martha Carr transformed a fan-favorite troll into a thriving author empire. From traditional publishing frustrations to indie success with 250+ books in the Oriceran Universe, she shares her strategy for building authentic fan relationships, managing multiple pen names, and creating sustainable income through Kickstarter, direct sales, and "writing recess for adults."
In This Issue:
Launch & Marketing Strategies
- Navigate your first preorder without the stress—platform rules, timing strategies, and what the editor wishes she knew before her debut preorder campaign
- Turn book awards into marketing assets: which contests are worth entering, how to leverage wins, and when to skip them entirely
- Beat the vanishing act with five proven discoverability hacks that help your books rise above the noise
- Cross-promotion strategies by author stage: newsletter swaps for beginners, bundled books for emerging authors, and crowdfunding for experienced publishers
Tools & Resources
- ProWritingAid launches NovNov to replace NaNoWriMo—150+ prep sessions, mentorship from bestselling authors, and a supportive writing community
- Gatekeeper Press review: what to expect when you want professional support without sacrificing control or royalties
- Monthly toolkit: Pomodoro Technique for writers, ElevenReader audiobooks, Notion AI organization, and podcast recommendations
Writing & Business Fundamentals
- Find your perfect writing time by examining your energy, schedule, and creative peaks—no magic bullet required
- Hit daily word counts at conferences with ten proven strategies for writing between panels and networking sessions
- Avoid info dumps: use character POV to weave in details that reveal both setting and personality
- KDP Select's game-changing update: distribute to libraries while staying in Kindle Unlimited
This issue delivers the practical strategies, honest insights, and real-world advice you need to launch smarter, write better, market strategically, and build a sustainable author business—on your terms.
How Indie Authors Can Build a Devoted Fan Base and Self-Publish Like Martha Carr
Discover how Martha Carr turned a comic troll sidekick and her “recess for adults” concept into a self-publishing empire—leveraging fan engagement, strategic branding, and multiple pen names to grow a thriving indie author career.
Grace Snoke
5 Smart Cross-Promotion Strategies Indie Authors & Self-Publishers Can Use to Grow Readership
Discover how collaborating with fellow indie authors—through newsletters, bundled books, events, crowdfunding and merch—can expand your reach and build a loyal multi-author reader ecosystem.
The Alliance of Independent Authors
Stress-Free Preorders: Essential Timing, Promotion & Platform Tips for Indie Authors
Learn how to set up and promote your ebook preorders without missing deadlines or platform penalties. This guide covers when to preorder, common pitfalls to avoid, and the key rules on every major distribution platform.
Jennifer Mitchell
ProWritingAid’s NovNov Steps In Where NaNoWriMo Left Off
With NaNoWriMo gone, ProWritingAid’s NovNov fills the void for indie authors—offering 150+ expert-led prep sessions, seamless in-app word-count tracking, daily community sprints, and rewards to help you hit 50,000 words in November.
Grace Snoke
Gatekeeper Press Review: How Indie Authors Retain Control & Get Professional Publishing Support
Discover how Gatekeeper Press bridges the gap between DIY platforms and hybrid publishers, offering indie authors tailored editing, design, and marketing services without surrendering rights or royalties.
Cara Stevens
What I Wish I Knew Before My First Indie Author Preorder: Essential Tips for a Smooth Launch
Learn from one author’s preorder stumble—and discover how planning buffer time, ramping up promotion, and leaning on the indie community can turn your next preorder into a success.
Nicole Schroeder
Indie Self-Publishers: Boost Reach & Revenue with KDP Select’s New Library Distribution
Amazon’s latest tweak to KDP Select lets you distribute ebooks to public libraries without giving up Kindle Unlimited. Learn how to tap into library platforms like Overdrive, set pricing strategies, and maximize exposure and earnings.
Jenn Lessmann
5 Smart Steps Indie Authors Can Take to Find Their Perfect Writing Time
Map your energy peaks and daily commitments to build a writing routine that maximizes productivity. These five practical steps help self-publishers experiment and discover their best creative windows.
Audrey Hughey
Monthly Self-Publishing Toolkit for Indie Authors: Pomodoro, ElevenReader Audiobooks, Notion AI & Podcast Picks
Discover four powerful resources—Pomodoro Technique, ElevenReader audiobook creation, Notion AI workflows, and expert podcast episodes—designed to boost productivity, streamline your writing process, and grow your indie author career.
Karen Guyler
5 Proven Discoverability Hacks for Indie Authors to Beat the Vanishing Act
Struggling to get your self-published book noticed? Learn five actionable strategies—from building a backlist to leveraging author communities—that will help your work rise above the noise and reach eager readers.
Susan Odev
10 Proven Ways Indie Authors Can Hit Daily Word Counts While Writing at Conferences
Conferences and conventions brim with inspiration but packed schedules can leave your writing on hold. These ten proven strategies will help indie authors and self-publishers squeeze in daily word counts—between panels, meals, and networking.
Wendy Van Camp
7 Proven Ways Indie Authors Can Turn Book Awards into Sales & Credibility
Discover how strategic entry into indie-friendly book awards can elevate your author brand, boost visibility, and connect you with new readers. Learn which contests to choose, how to budget wisely, and how to market your wins for maximum impact.
Eryka Parker
Avoid Info Dumps: How Indie Authors Can Use Character POV to Seamlessly Weave in Detail
Discover how to harness your characters’ perspectives to reveal only the most impactful details that enrich your story, keeping readers immersed and turning pages—no more info dumps.
Rona Gofstein
