Some writers keep their pen names hidden from their children. From their parents. From their partners. They create an entire alternate identity for the version of themselves that writes, because they are not yet ready to let those two worlds collide. That is internal author conflict, and it is more common than most people want to admit.

You read the title, the author's name, and you feel the smooth book cover jacket. Maybe it has some special foil-edged pages, or an embossed emblem on the front cover. You turn the book over and read the blurb on the back. That blurb is the book's premise in a nutshell, the shorter version of the story that invites a reader inside. And just like that, you are already considering it.

Every writer starts small, like a child cross-legged on the floor, scribbling odd letters and stories only they can decipher. Over time,...

Worried your book marketing will fall flat? Take steps now to make sure your book gets in the hands of the right readers.

Trends are not mandated rules for success, but they are worth at least considering if you want more attention on your book.