Author Help
@authorhelp.bsky.social
Author Help is a queer-owned author services company and a partner member of the Alliance of Independent Authors.
Our main social media is Mastodon (https://gts.authorhelp.uk/@office). Most posts there are copied to here.
https://authorhelp.uk/
Our main social media is Mastodon (https://gts.authorhelp.uk/@office). Most posts there are copied to here.
https://authorhelp.uk/
A primer on https://gts.authorhelp.uk/tags/draft2digital ’s sales reporting.
https://www.draft2digital.com/blog/a-primer-on-draft2digitals-sales-reporting/
https://www.draft2digital.com/blog/a-primer-on-draft2digitals-sales-reporting/
Author Help on the fediverse - GoToSocial
Author Help's fediverse server.
gts.authorhelp.uk
December 24, 2025 at 5:09 PM
A primer on https://gts.authorhelp.uk/tags/draft2digital ’s sales reporting.
https://www.draft2digital.com/blog/a-primer-on-draft2digitals-sales-reporting/
https://www.draft2digital.com/blog/a-primer-on-draft2digitals-sales-reporting/
Written Word Media surveyed 1,346 authors. Here are the results.
https://www.writtenwordmedia.com/2025-indie-author-survey-results-insights-into-self-publishing-for-authors/
https://www.writtenwordmedia.com/2025-indie-author-survey-results-insights-into-self-publishing-for-authors/
2025 Indie Author Survey Results - Written Word Media
The top writing, publishing, and marketing trends shaping indie authorship in 2025.
www.writtenwordmedia.com
December 23, 2025 at 4:47 PM
Written Word Media surveyed 1,346 authors. Here are the results.
https://www.writtenwordmedia.com/2025-indie-author-survey-results-insights-into-self-publishing-for-authors/
https://www.writtenwordmedia.com/2025-indie-author-survey-results-insights-into-self-publishing-for-authors/
How to avoid scams targeting authors.
https://www.writtenwordmedia.com/how-to-avoid-scams-what-authors-need-to-know/
https://www.writtenwordmedia.com/how-to-avoid-scams-what-authors-need-to-know/
How to Avoid Scams: What Authors Need to Know - Written Word Media
Learn how to spot and avoid the scams targeting authors including outreach psychology, common red flags, and resources to keep you safe.
www.writtenwordmedia.com
December 22, 2025 at 5:05 PM
How to avoid scams targeting authors.
https://www.writtenwordmedia.com/how-to-avoid-scams-what-authors-need-to-know/
https://www.writtenwordmedia.com/how-to-avoid-scams-what-authors-need-to-know/
The Copymight Coalition is aiming to create a unified front of independent https://gts.authorhelp.uk/tags/writers to deal with https://gts.authorhelp.uk/tags/ai companies.
https://www.plagiarismtoday.com/2025/12/16/the-copymight-coalition-organizing-against-ai/
https://www.plagiarismtoday.com/2025/12/16/the-copymight-coalition-organizing-against-ai/
Author Help on the fediverse - GoToSocial
Author Help's fediverse server.
gts.authorhelp.uk
December 21, 2025 at 8:35 PM
The Copymight Coalition is aiming to create a unified front of independent https://gts.authorhelp.uk/tags/writers to deal with https://gts.authorhelp.uk/tags/ai companies.
https://www.plagiarismtoday.com/2025/12/16/the-copymight-coalition-organizing-against-ai/
https://www.plagiarismtoday.com/2025/12/16/the-copymight-coalition-organizing-against-ai/
Jane Friedman's review of 2025.
https://janefriedman.com/2025-year-in-review/
https://janefriedman.com/2025-year-in-review/
2025 Year in Review | Jane Friedman
The year's biggest stories in publishing, from the Anthropic settlement to the demise of NaNoWriMo and more.
janefriedman.com
December 20, 2025 at 7:18 PM
Jane Friedman's review of 2025.
https://janefriedman.com/2025-year-in-review/
https://janefriedman.com/2025-year-in-review/
Why These Contract Clauses Are Scary - Writer Beware
https://writerbeware.blog/2025/12/19/why-these-contract-clauses-are-scary/
https://writerbeware.blog/2025/12/19/why-these-contract-clauses-are-scary/
Why These Contract Clauses Are Scary - Writer Beware
The clauses I’m going to discuss in this post come from the contract of Shadow Light Press, a publisher of fantasy and science fiction with deep ties to the LitRPG community. The contract stirred controversy this week when it was publicly posted on Reddit–largely from people aghast at its author-unfriendliness, but also because of allegedRead More
writerbeware.blog
December 20, 2025 at 12:48 PM
Why These Contract Clauses Are Scary - Writer Beware
https://writerbeware.blog/2025/12/19/why-these-contract-clauses-are-scary/
https://writerbeware.blog/2025/12/19/why-these-contract-clauses-are-scary/
Why you need to step away from the keyboard sometimes.
https://elizabethspanncraig.com/motivation-and-the-writing-life/breaks/
https://elizabethspanncraig.com/motivation-and-the-writing-life/breaks/
Why Writers Need Deliberate Breaks – Elizabeth Spann Craig
Discover why deliberate breaks from writing are essential for creativity, preventing burnout, and producing better work in the long run.
elizabethspanncraig.com
December 19, 2025 at 5:00 PM
Why you need to step away from the keyboard sometimes.
https://elizabethspanncraig.com/motivation-and-the-writing-life/breaks/
https://elizabethspanncraig.com/motivation-and-the-writing-life/breaks/
We're thinking about where to give our charitable donation this year. We'd like to give to a UK organisation that helps https://gts.authorhelp.uk/tags/trans people, ideally one that is related to education or books in some way.
Recommendations/suggestions welcome.
Recommendations/suggestions welcome.
Author Help on the fediverse - GoToSocial
Author Help's fediverse server.
gts.authorhelp.uk
December 18, 2025 at 9:36 PM
We're thinking about where to give our charitable donation this year. We'd like to give to a UK organisation that helps https://gts.authorhelp.uk/tags/trans people, ideally one that is related to education or books in some way.
Recommendations/suggestions welcome.
Recommendations/suggestions welcome.
How to spot a scam.
https://janefriedman.com/no-colleen-hoover-did-not-email-me-current-scams-targeting-authors/
https://janefriedman.com/no-colleen-hoover-did-not-email-me-current-scams-targeting-authors/
No, Colleen Hoover Did Not Email Me: Current Scams Targeting Authors | Jane Friedman
If you receive solicitous emails from book clubs or famous authors, follow these simple steps before replying or clicking on any links.
janefriedman.com
December 18, 2025 at 4:48 PM
Andy Balaam lists numerous reasons not to use generative https://gts.authorhelp.uk/tags/ai .
https://accu.org/journals/overload/33/190/balaam/
https://accu.org/journals/overload/33/190/balaam/
Author Help on the fediverse - GoToSocial
Author Help's fediverse server.
gts.authorhelp.uk
December 17, 2025 at 5:12 PM
Andy Balaam lists numerous reasons not to use generative https://gts.authorhelp.uk/tags/ai .
https://accu.org/journals/overload/33/190/balaam/
https://accu.org/journals/overload/33/190/balaam/
Starting 20th January, if you set your ebook to be https://gts.authorhelp.uk/tags/drm -free at https://gts.authorhelp.uk/tags/kindle , users will be able to download it in ePub and PDF formats.
Author Help on the fediverse - GoToSocial
Author Help's fediverse server.
gts.authorhelp.uk
December 15, 2025 at 5:06 PM
Starting 20th January, if you set your ebook to be https://gts.authorhelp.uk/tags/drm -free at https://gts.authorhelp.uk/tags/kindle , users will be able to download it in ePub and PDF formats.
https://gts.authorhelp.uk/tags/kindle has unveiled a new “Ask this book” feature that has raised concerns about rights.
https://writerbeware.blog/2025/12/12/kindles-new-gen-ai-powered-ask-this-book-feature-raises-rights-concerns/
https://writerbeware.blog/2025/12/12/kindles-new-gen-ai-powered-ask-this-book-feature-raises-rights-concerns/
Author Help on the fediverse - GoToSocial
Author Help's fediverse server.
gts.authorhelp.uk
December 13, 2025 at 12:00 AM
https://gts.authorhelp.uk/tags/kindle has unveiled a new “Ask this book” feature that has raised concerns about rights.
https://writerbeware.blog/2025/12/12/kindles-new-gen-ai-powered-ask-this-book-feature-raises-rights-concerns/
https://writerbeware.blog/2025/12/12/kindles-new-gen-ai-powered-ask-this-book-feature-raises-rights-concerns/
What to expect at a writer conference.
https://insights.bookbub.com/writer-conferences-what-to-expect-tips-prep/
https://insights.bookbub.com/writer-conferences-what-to-expect-tips-prep/
Writer Conferences: What to Expect and My Tips for Prep
Get expert tips on choosing the right author conference and making the most of your experience, from pre-conference prep to post-event follow-up!
insights.bookbub.com
December 12, 2025 at 5:00 PM
What to expect at a writer conference.
https://insights.bookbub.com/writer-conferences-what-to-expect-tips-prep/
https://insights.bookbub.com/writer-conferences-what-to-expect-tips-prep/
Nine reasons you might want to revise your published book.
https://www.ingramspark.com/blog/9-strategic-reasons-indie-authors-revise-published-books
https://www.ingramspark.com/blog/9-strategic-reasons-indie-authors-revise-published-books
9 Strategic Reasons Indie Authors Revise Published Books
Discover 9 strategic reasons indie authors revise their published books and how revisions can strengthen long-term sales.
www.ingramspark.com
December 11, 2025 at 4:48 PM
Nine reasons you might want to revise your published book.
https://www.ingramspark.com/blog/9-strategic-reasons-indie-authors-revise-published-books
https://www.ingramspark.com/blog/9-strategic-reasons-indie-authors-revise-published-books
How to work out which channels are the most profitable.
https://blog.bookbaby.com/how-to-self-publish/track-book-sales-profitable-channels
https://blog.bookbaby.com/how-to-self-publish/track-book-sales-profitable-channels
How to Track Book Sales and Identify Your Most Profitable Channels
Learn how to track book sales and identify your most profitable channels. Use BookBaby’s dashboards and analytics to boost revenue and scale your author business.
blog.bookbaby.com
December 10, 2025 at 5:11 PM
How to work out which channels are the most profitable.
https://blog.bookbaby.com/how-to-self-publish/track-book-sales-profitable-channels
https://blog.bookbaby.com/how-to-self-publish/track-book-sales-profitable-channels
Written Word Media have published the results of their 2025 Indie Author Survey.
https://www.writtenwordmedia.com/2025-indie-author-survey-results-insights-into-self-publishing-for-authors/
https://www.writtenwordmedia.com/2025-indie-author-survey-results-insights-into-self-publishing-for-authors/
2025 Indie Author Survey Results - Written Word Media
The top writing, publishing, and marketing trends shaping indie authorship in 2025.
www.writtenwordmedia.com
December 9, 2025 at 4:47 PM
Written Word Media have published the results of their 2025 Indie Author Survey.
https://www.writtenwordmedia.com/2025-indie-author-survey-results-insights-into-self-publishing-for-authors/
https://www.writtenwordmedia.com/2025-indie-author-survey-results-insights-into-self-publishing-for-authors/
The https://gts.authorhelp.uk/tags/smashwords end of year sale has started. Lots of https://gts.authorhelp.uk/tags/drm -free ebooks, discounted by 25-100%.
https://www.smashwords.com/shelves/promos/
https://gts.authorhelp.uk/tags/bookstodon
https://www.smashwords.com/shelves/promos/
https://gts.authorhelp.uk/tags/bookstodon
December 9, 2025 at 9:47 AM
The https://gts.authorhelp.uk/tags/smashwords end of year sale has started. Lots of https://gts.authorhelp.uk/tags/drm -free ebooks, discounted by 25-100%.
https://www.smashwords.com/shelves/promos/
https://gts.authorhelp.uk/tags/bookstodon
https://www.smashwords.com/shelves/promos/
https://gts.authorhelp.uk/tags/bookstodon
When ebooks were new, some people predicted the death of print. Richard Curtis thinks he knows why that didn't happen.
https://janefriedman.com/why-print-never-died/
https://janefriedman.com/why-print-never-died/
Why Print Never Died | Jane Friedman
This excerpt from the new book Digital Inc. by Richard Curtis examines why ebooks failed to supplant print as many tech pioneers expected.
janefriedman.com
December 8, 2025 at 5:05 PM
When ebooks were new, some people predicted the death of print. Richard Curtis thinks he knows why that didn't happen.
https://janefriedman.com/why-print-never-died/
https://janefriedman.com/why-print-never-died/
As of 1st January, https://gts.authorhelp.uk/tags/smashwords will be simplifying their royalty rates.
https://authoremail.com/email/campaigns/ax263a298k390/
https://authoremail.com/email/campaigns/ax263a298k390/
Author Help on the fediverse - GoToSocial
Author Help's fediverse server.
gts.authorhelp.uk
December 7, 2025 at 8:35 PM
As of 1st January, https://gts.authorhelp.uk/tags/smashwords will be simplifying their royalty rates.
https://authoremail.com/email/campaigns/ax263a298k390/
https://authoremail.com/email/campaigns/ax263a298k390/
https://gts.authorhelp.uk/tags/vellum is running a sale - 30% off for the next 38 hours.
https://vellum.pub/
https://gts.authorhelp.uk/tags/indieauthors
https://vellum.pub/
https://gts.authorhelp.uk/tags/indieauthors
Author Help on the fediverse - GoToSocial
Author Help's fediverse server.
gts.authorhelp.uk
December 7, 2025 at 5:29 PM
https://gts.authorhelp.uk/tags/vellum is running a sale - 30% off for the next 38 hours.
https://vellum.pub/
https://gts.authorhelp.uk/tags/indieauthors
https://vellum.pub/
https://gts.authorhelp.uk/tags/indieauthors
Make sure your author website doesn't confuse readers.
https://elizabethspanncraig.com/business-of-writing/if-you-confuse-you-lose-a-publishers-perspective-on-author-sites/
https://elizabethspanncraig.com/business-of-writing/if-you-confuse-you-lose-a-publishers-perspective-on-author-sites/
If You Confuse, You Lose: A Publisher’s Perspective on Author Sites – Elizabeth Spann Craig
Learn why simple, clear author websites outperform complex ones with expert guidance from publisher Evan Swensen.
elizabethspanncraig.com
December 6, 2025 at 7:23 PM
Make sure your author website doesn't confuse readers.
https://elizabethspanncraig.com/business-of-writing/if-you-confuse-you-lose-a-publishers-perspective-on-author-sites/
https://elizabethspanncraig.com/business-of-writing/if-you-confuse-you-lose-a-publishers-perspective-on-author-sites/
Out Now - Painting a Path to Sanctuary - Andrew Knighton Writes
https://andrewknighton.com/out-now-painting-a-path-to-sanctuary/
https://gts.authorhelp.uk/tags/bookstodon
https://andrewknighton.com/out-now-painting-a-path-to-sanctuary/
https://gts.authorhelp.uk/tags/bookstodon
Out Now - Painting a Path to Sanctuary
The fire was built high to hold back the questing claws of Howling Winter, but it served another purpose too. By its warm and shifting light, Bright Hand could see the wall of the cave,
andrewknighton.com
December 5, 2025 at 6:53 PM
Out Now - Painting a Path to Sanctuary - Andrew Knighton Writes
https://andrewknighton.com/out-now-painting-a-path-to-sanctuary/
https://gts.authorhelp.uk/tags/bookstodon
https://andrewknighton.com/out-now-painting-a-path-to-sanctuary/
https://gts.authorhelp.uk/tags/bookstodon
https://gts.authorhelp.uk/tags/bookbub lists 19 ways to promote your book on Instagram.
https://insights.bookbub.com/instagram-book-marketing-ideas-from-publishers/
https://insights.bookbub.com/instagram-book-marketing-ideas-from-publishers/
Author Help on the fediverse - GoToSocial
Author Help's fediverse server.
gts.authorhelp.uk
December 5, 2025 at 4:59 PM
https://gts.authorhelp.uk/tags/bookbub lists 19 ways to promote your book on Instagram.
https://insights.bookbub.com/instagram-book-marketing-ideas-from-publishers/
https://insights.bookbub.com/instagram-book-marketing-ideas-from-publishers/
A client recently asked if QR codes can expire. In theory, the answer is no, but in practice it's a little more nuanced.
https://authorhelp.uk/do-qr-codes-expire/
https://authorhelp.uk/do-qr-codes-expire/
Do QR codes expire? - Author Help
A client recently said she'd heard that free QR codes expire after a month. Is this true? Do free QR codes expire? What about paid ones?
authorhelp.uk
December 4, 2025 at 4:47 PM
A client recently asked if QR codes can expire. In theory, the answer is no, but in practice it's a little more nuanced.
https://authorhelp.uk/do-qr-codes-expire/
https://authorhelp.uk/do-qr-codes-expire/
BookFunnel have revived an old idea - ebook signing.
https://blog.bookfunnel.com/2025/announcing-digital-ebook-signing-connect-with-readers-in-a-whole-new-way/
https://blog.bookfunnel.com/2025/announcing-digital-ebook-signing-connect-with-readers-in-a-whole-new-way/
Announcing Digital Ebook Signing: Connect with Readers in a Whole New Way | BookFunnel: the blog
Hello, BFFs! Let’s talk about readers—the ones who binge your series in a weekend, come to signings, and ask, “When’s the next book coming out?” They would gladly wait in line for you, even if that means just connecting online. For years, indie authors knew they needed to: Write the books. Try to get people[...]
blog.bookfunnel.com
December 3, 2025 at 5:11 PM
BookFunnel have revived an old idea - ebook signing.
https://blog.bookfunnel.com/2025/announcing-digital-ebook-signing-connect-with-readers-in-a-whole-new-way/
https://blog.bookfunnel.com/2025/announcing-digital-ebook-signing-connect-with-readers-in-a-whole-new-way/