The narrator of this video does a pretty good job of highlighting some of the common errors that independent authors make, even if they are quite competent writers. Keep in mind that the video is essentially an ad for his publishing service, but useful nonetheless.
Sarah Martin's Author Website
If you’re new to Sarah Martin’s writing, her new website is the perfect introduction.
Sarah writes across a range of genres and age groups, but what ties all of her work together is heart — stories about people, belonging, resilience, friendship, and the natural world.
It’s a beautiful new online home for her books and writing life.
Visit: sarahmartinwriter.com
Beautifully designed by Michael Brimelow.
Author Luke Simon Reports from the Publishing Trenches
This past week was challenging as I got scammed by a Reading Group in Jersey City. I asked from the get-go “is this going to cost?” and was reassured that there’d be no fee. I sent them all manner of supporting materials including a video trailer and they even booked me for a Q&A that they would purportedly pay me for doing. But in the 10th email, the inappropriacy of the text and the sudden mention of 2 contributory fees alerted me I was probably speaking to a Nigerian scammer who had gone to great lengths to pass themselves off as Susan Geller, CEO of the Club, complete with a lovely photo and even a joyful city council banner from Jersey below their signature.
As I fought despondency and wondering what to do about my contact form on my web site which is where many suspicious types contact me through (offering dubious marketing services), the Universe took pity on me.
I had a milestone breakthrough.
When The Art in My Palm was published I sent ABR 2 copies.
I was told by a friend yesterday that they now have an extensive review of ART in their March issue.
It is a decent review. On first reading I presumed “muted prose” was a negative description but then I looked it up and saw it is a good thing.
Still, it is a significant milestone as it is my first ABR review albeit for my 6th book.
In other news: SWIMMING has garnered another accolade, announced as a Finalist in The Wishing Shelf Book Awards which are decided by reading groups in the UK and Sweden. Wishing Shelf is one of the Alli founders.
I’m still optimistic for good outcomes in several contests to be decided by November. My logic tells me that the more good contests outcomes next to my name the more chances I have for a US/UK publisher or agent to show some interest.
How to Rescue an Overhydrated Book...
Did you leave a favourite book on a table outside, only for a passing shower to turn it into a soggy mess? Despair not — a few simple steps can return your beloved tome to its previous dehydrated state… The State Library of NSW has posted a more detailed procedure.
Dinosaurs Still Walk the Earth: Not all Books are Sold Online
Bookstores still exist and some are thriving, but for an independent author, approaching dozens of stores individually gets old pretty fast. Perhaps distributors might offer a way of making your book available for ordering from many bookstores? Beware the steep fees (70% or the retail price), but worth considering…
John Reed Books via membership with the Australian Society of Authors
Libraries are also worth considering. Companies servicing the thousands of Australian public libraries include:
Australian Library Services (ALS)
ALS partners with Australian Public libraries in book acquisition and collection development. The staff at ALS work to bring Australian-based and international publications into both schools in public libraries throughout Australia.
James Bennett Pty Ltd
Like ALS, James Bennett is library supplier that works to make print and digital publications available throughout both Australia and New Zealand. They are known for their print and digital acquisitions as well as their collection services.
Peter Pal Library Supplier
Peter Pal partners with libraries to assist them with meeting the needs of their customers. They provide help for selections, acquiring, cataloguing, processing, and distribution for a wide range of collections.
Westbooks
Westbooks is a Western Australian-based library supplier that provides quality library resources and services.
Smaller Suppliers (for schools)
St Georges Bookseller
Network Educational Australia
Endeavour Education
Boomerang Books
Can Bookstores Make a Comeback?
Music writer and popular culture critic Ted Gioia highlights the surprising resurgence of bookstores in the United States, even in the face of a declining population of readers. Let’s hope that pattern repeats here — according to an ABC News report, the last ten years have been bleak:
“In the past decade, the number of bookstores in Australia has more than halved, going from 2,879 in 2013 to 1,457 to 2023, according to an independent research site.”
Books are hanging on, just, and still retain some cultural cachet, but the attention-monster they are battling is huge and many-limbed and has screens, games, music and money and coming soon, huge AI server farms in space beaming down infinite streams of slop tailored just for you…
So, let us hope that books become some sort of talisman, a symbol that a person has not outsourced all of their thinking to Large Language Models.
One of the comments to Gioia’s article:
“Barnes & Noble is succeeding because it is inefficient by design. By letting local humans choose books, the stores create "serendipity"—the joy of finding a book you didn't know you wanted.
In an age of digital fatigue, people are increasingly willing to pay a premium for human curation over a cold algorithm.”
Scammers Uber Alles
For some reason, publishing attracts a plethora of scammers, ranging from reasonable quality books produced at ridiculously high prices, to no books at all produced, funds and scammer vanishing into the ether. This Guardian article details AI-generated staff members, deliberate misrepresentation, services that never eventuated, zombie office spaces, the same business popping up under multiple names and much more. If you have suspicions about a publisher, do some research before committing any funds. And report any shady businesses to the National Anti-Scam Centre— you might be helping someone else fall victim to these unscrupulous charlatans.
Public Lending Right is Right On (ELR/PLR)
Authors: please do not forget to register your book/s with the Public Lending Right scheme.
“Australian book publishers or creators—authors, illustrators, editors, translators and compilers—can be compensated for the loss of income through the free multiple use of their work in Australian public and educational lending libraries.”
Eligible books are books:
with an International Standard Book Number (ISBN)
which have been published and offered for sale within five years from the year of publication
which have a catalogue record in a national bibliographic database, eg SCIS or Australian National Bibliographic Database
whose creators are individuals (companies or organisations are not eligible creators)
with no more than five eligible creators.
Note: “Book” includes ebook and audiobook formats
Clunes Book Weekend
Why not head out to the pretty little goldfield town of Clunes in March for the Clunes Booktown Festival? The festival features many events and stalls are open to both publishers and independent authors. I am aware of at least two authors who regularly take a table at Clunes, with positive results.
“Growing steady since 2007, the festival has a theme each year so expect the town to be dressed for the occasion, with roaming street performers, live music and plenty of local beverages and baked and grown produce on offer.”
Just two hours by train from Melbourne.
Bookbub Mastery
If you prefer the quick ascent rather than the long slog, then BookBub might be the tool for you.
Bookbub summarises itself as follows:
BookBub is a free service that helps you discover books you'll love through unbeatable deals, handpicked recommendations, and updates from your favorite authors. BookBub doesn't actually sell books. We simply introduce you to books you'll love that are available on retailers like Amazon's Kindle store, Barnes & Noble's Nook store, Apple Books, and others.
Gemini enumerates four points regarding the author-centric view of the service (featured deals) :
Submit a Deal: Apply for a "Featured Deal," offering your book for free or at a steep discount (e.g., $0.99).
Meet Quality Standards: Your book needs a professional cover, strong reviews (often 4.0+), and the first book in a series does well.
Pay a Fee: If selected (only 10-20% of submissions), you pay a fee based on your book's price, genre, and target countries.
Get Exposure: BookBub sends your deal to millions of relevant readers, generating huge downloads/sales and boosting your author platform.
Kindlepreneur has this to say:
After seeing what BookBub can do for readers, this has got to be awesome for the authors behind their recommendations, right?
And that's absolutely true. BookBub offers a second-to-none premium book promotion service for those interested. As a matter of fact, USA Today best-selling author and creator of The Self-Publishing Formula Mark Dawson has this to say about BookBub:
“BookBub is the gold standard when it comes to finding new readers, and they provide some of the best author resources in the business…”
And when he says it's the gold standard, I wholeheartedly agree. Let's review the ways that BookBub goes above and beyond the call of duty when it comes to handling your book promotion–both pre-order and new release.
BookBub Mastery by Nick Thacker shows authors how to how to get a Featured Deal…
...If you have a plan. In BookBub Mastery, you'll learn what BookBub really wants, and you'll learn how to give it to them. As a marketing platform it can legitimately change the lives of authors, so it's worth putting your best digital foot forward. Take control of your book marketing and launch your author career, using the world's best-ever book-marketing promotional platform. It's all here in BookBub Mastery — get started today!
For a rather more skeptical take on BookBub by Australian author Peter Ralph, checkout BookBub Rules in ebook format.
If Emus Wore Shoes, Which Ones Would They Choose?
Ganga Powell’s latest book of charming, whimsical poetry for children is out now, the poems beautifully enhanced by Eileen Curd’s illustrations.
‘If you like a good laugh,
These poems are for you.
They will make your funny bone grow
And blow your cares away!’
The book will be launched at (and will be available from) Blarney Books, 37 James Street, Port Fairy on Sunday 14 December. Kid friendly afternoon tea will be served and readings from the book performed.
Aegean Odyssey Review
Kathryn Gauci’s excellent memoir garners well-deserved praise online:
A review that absolutely made my day on Amazon and Goodreads. I have to share it with you. Thank you so much, Abzorba the Greek.
October 28, 2025
I’ve just finished Kathryn Gauci’s very personal memoir, and I’m slightly annoyed with her because it’s not longer. I’ve been so immersed in her self-awakening solo trip back to Greece after many years away that I didn’t want it to end so soon. I suppose that you’ll probably get more out of this book if, like me, you’re a hopeless Grecophile, but if you like travel writing in general, you’d better not pass this one up anyway.
Kathryn wasn’t sure she wanted to make this trip alone, since she had a perfectly good marriage, but, owing to circumstances, she went ahead anyway. Right at the very end of the book she makes a really valid point about travelling solo that I’ve often thought too, although never been able to put it into words. When you experience something on your own, it’s an entirely different thing from how it would be if accompanied by someone else, in this case, her husband. You meet people, experience feelings and emotions, see places in ways that wouldn’t be the same with someone beside you. It’s not better, it’s not worse, it’s simply different, but in such a way that you realise how much it enriches your life. If you can do it, then it’s 100% worthwhile.
Kathryn goes to places (islands, mainly) that I know well myself, so maybe that too, made her writings resonate more deeply with me. But if you’ve any experience at all of Greek people and culture, then surely you’ll also find this work totally absorbing. She has a wonderful gift for evoking in you mental pictures of the places she’s describing, the people she’s interacting with.
Kathryn Gauci is a living treasure that all avid book readers would do well to appreciate.
https://www.amazon.co.uk/.../ref=cm_cr_arp_d_rvw_ttl...
#memoirssetingreece #honorarygreek #windycitygreek #greekmemoirs #memoirs #bookssetinGreece #travelmemoirs #amazonkindlebooks #amazonunlimited
The Theban Cycle -- A Review
Tony Whitefield’s excellent The Theban Cycle has been reviewed at some length in The Greek Herald.
“On this note, we could certainly raise a glass to Mr Whitefield’s grounding evaluation, which helps to bridge the gap between myth and reality… an iteration of the Theban Cycle that will only get better with age, just like a connoisseur’s favourite red or white.”
The Theban Cycle is available here, along with several other of Tony’s books exploring Greek history, myth and culture.
The Theban Cycle
Imagine a storyteller in ancient Greece who makes his living telling stories about recent events, sometimes only two or three generations after the events took place. How different might these stories be to the ones written down over 500 years later?
Tony Whitefield retells the well-known Greek myth of the Theban Cycle, using the voice of his storyteller Peter. By imagining these ancient stories without the direct influence of gods or supernatural events on the participants, Tony attempts to unravel mythological narratives explaining what might have occurred.
It is the year 1189 BCE, and a group of people have gathered to listen to Peter the storyteller. A Phoenician prince named Kadmus sets off to locate his sister Europa who has mysteriously vanished from their hometown of Tyre. On his journey to find his sister, he meets his wife Harmonia and presents her with two special wedding gifts. Who could have possibly imagined that these simple gifts could play such an important part for generations to come in the story of the city of Thebes.
Tony Whitefield is a retired teacher and academic who lives on the Greek island of Limnos for several months each year. The Theban Cycle is his fifth book.
Morton Smuggler update
Davin Ardlie’s excellent The Morton Smuggler is getting some positive author feedback:
“A heartfelt, thoroughly entertaining read. Spans many parts of the world, with the author's experience and/or research in the various locations shining through. Highly recommended - commendations to the author.”
“What a thrilling tale of adventure, intrigue, love and loss. I was captivated from the opening chapter and couldn’t put it down. The ending had me in floods of tears, what a remarkable story.”
“The Morton Smuggler is one of the best books I’ve read - and I’ve read a lot, both for pleasure and in my work as a copy editor. The storyline takes the reader on a roller-coaster of experiences and emotions in various countries, always underpinned by the mystery of the Morton Smuggler. The resolution of the mystery is both satisfying and heartwarming.”
“Rupert took me on a journey far beyond fishing—a multi-city voyage of self-discovery. In his search for values to live by, found within the Five F’s, I witnessed Rupert’s transformation from boyhood into manhood. This character is at the heart of a story set in beautifully crafted locations and filled with characters of depth, all woven together in a storyline as intriguing as it is entertaining. Experiencing Rupert’s path feels like reading a novel of great importance before the fanfare and plaudits. It’s as if I have been entrusted with the secrets to a fulfilling life, straight from Rupert himself. If there were more Ruperts in the world, it truly would be a better place. His story will stay with me forever. Bravo!”
Moreton Smuggler is available directly from the author’s site in print, ebook and audio format, and also at @farrells_bookshop and @antipodesbookshop
Booktopia Book Distributor -- an Opportunity for Authors?
The new incarnation of Booktopia has a service that may be of interest to authors. The information below is taken from their website, and may be accessed directly here. In a world of limited distribution opportunities, this service may work for some authors, but read the fine print…
New suppliers
Booktopia has been inundated with enquiries and books from authors wishing to supply to Booktopia directly.
Over many years of perfecting our multi-million dollar Distribution Centre we are now able to offer publishers representation in the Australian marketplace. In 2017 we established Booktopia Publisher Services (BPS).
If you wish to have your books distributed by BPS, then please email bps@booktopia.com.au and our BPS team will respond shortly.
For all bookstores or businesses that want to set up an account with Booktopia Publisher Services to access supply of the books we distribute then please contact us by emailing bps@booktopia.com.au
Key benefits of distributing your books through Booktopia Publisher Services:
Supply into bookstores and business - BPS supplies product direct to bookstores, resellers and businesses. We offer unparalleled fast delivery to ensure bookstores and businesses can supply their customers seamlessly and efficiently.
Sell more units - Publisher's stock will be listed as immediately available for purchase and dispatch on Australia's leading online bookstores' websites and popular online marketplaces, ready for fast delivery to retailers, resellers and direct customers. Prices are constantly monitored to ensure they are as competitive as possible.
Bestseller lists - Sales via Booktopia and its customers are lodged with Australia’s Nielsen Bookscan. By being price competitive, this ensures that sales to Australians stay within Australia. Hence a Publisher’s bestselling titles are recognised as a bestseller which in turn influences the purchasing pattern of consumers and resellers in the Australian market.
Unique marketing opportunities - Direct access to over 4 million customers who have purchased from Booktopia and Angus & Robertson in the past decade of which 1.8 million are repeat customers.
Smart stock placement - Comprehensive access to the Australian market by holding Publisher stock in one of Australia's most sophisticated book distribution centres.
Better data - Partner with Australia's leader in book data expertise including Bibliographic content, optimising content for increasing sales and B2B+B2C digital/EDI ordering.
You do great content. We'll get it out there.
Crackers: A Cracking Good True Story
Some interesting news from Kirsten Drysdale, part of the team that put together Crackers, the fascinating true story of a small dog with a highly unusual talent: wrangling pretty much any species of African wild animal…
“I recently engaged Luke to design a book I wrote about Crackers, an adventurous little dog who was the hero of "Operation Noah" - an incredible wildlife rescue operation that took place in Zimbabwe in the 1950s/60s. I was a child in Zimbabwe at the time, but my father, Rupert Fothergill, was the country's head game ranger and led the operation, so I had access to the valuable historical material and memories which support this true story. Luke did a fantastic job helping us pull the book together and present it beautifully.
On a recent trip back to Zimbabwe I was able to distribute a number of hard copy books to friends, relatives and Safari Lodges. I have received an overwhelmingly positive response to the book, and have been reflecting on some of the lovely comments I have received.
Kathy said:
Hi Hils - oh my goodness- I’ve just read your book & just LOVE It! Sure did get the emotions going! Such brave men doing so much good (& of course Crackers!) And of course not to forget the amazing wives & families back home keeping the home fires burning so that the men could do their jobs knowing their families were in good & safe hands. Kudos to them too! Very strong & resilient woman. Thank you sooo much Hils. The book has pride of place on my coffee table.
Julia sent me photos of her son reading it to her grandchildren and said they loved it.
Shayne said she and her 90 year old mum couldn’t put it down.
Mags said she was going to find a film producer to make a movie out of it.
I have had lots of people ask if they can sell them for me and am in the process of hopefully getting some printed in Zimbabwe for them to have easier access.”
Crackers is available in hardcover.
What to Put at the End of Your Ebook
Some very good advice from master editor and book promoter Dr Euan Mitchell re. ebooks (and print versions for some of the items)
a. Include your website's address as a clickable link.
b. Include the covers, blurbs and shout-lines for your other novels.
c. As part of intriguing your readers with blurbs, etc, also include clickable links to FREE SAMPLES of your other novels. (Kindle offers the first 10-20% of any novel as a free sample to any reader.)
d. Include clickable links to your socials.
e. Encourage readers to review your novel on Amazon and actually explain why it's so important.
f. Acknowledgments. This is more about your behind-the-scenes story that readers can really connect with, rather than a list of names that don't mean much to most readers.
g. Include a clickable link to your pages on Goodreads, the world's biggest book discussion/review forum.
Successful Launch of "Bouncing Back" by Peter Jerijian
Peter Jerijian’s entertaining memoir Bouncing Back was launched in June. Here is Peter’s report on the event:
We had a great evening at the Book Launch on June 21. A fairly good numbers of people attended, including some local councillors, members of parliament and the City of Greater Dandenong Mayor, Jim Memetti. Also the editor and illustrator who worked on the book.
We had a slide show and an MC who ran the event and interviewed me, followed by questions from the audience, and a nice supper so people could socialise. It was a fun and very pleasant evening.
Cameron Lucadou-Wells, the journalist from the Dandenong Star Journal, also attended and wrote an article about the book launch, (page 14 July 8) as well as doing an interview and an article about the book beforehand (page 15 June 10). You can find them on their digital website.
I was also contacted by Laurie Nowell, media manager at AMES who interviewed me and wrote an article in the AMES magazine. (See the link above)
SquareSound Audiobooks
Another interesting service provider for authors interested in producing audiobooks. According to their website:
“Award winning specialist division of Australia’s leading post- production company, Soundfirm, producing audiobooks and podcasts at our state-of-the-art facilities in Melbourne and Sydney.
Our sound directors have the dedication required to bring to life these complex productions, backed by our team of experts in voice direction, language adaptation, editing and sound design.
We’ve produced hundreds of books and podcasts. From novellas, children’s books, fiction, non-fiction, multiple accents and languages, political essays and multi voice drama and this list keeps growing. A full list of our works and clients can be made available on request.”
Audiobooks remain one of the fastest growing segments of the book publishing world.
10 of the Best Places to Find Beta Readers That You Probably Haven’t Tried Yet
Eleanor Hecks writes about places to assemble a team of beta readers…
Many writers already know about the beta reader groups on Goodreads or the online writer’s community Scribophile. However, there are many unique places for them to meet and connect with beta readers outside these mainstream platforms.
Underrated Beta Readers
These places can be a bit under the radar or require more searching, but they can also help writers connect with talented beta readers to review their manuscript.
1. Reddit
Reddit is home to tons of niche communities, including readers and writers. Authors can post a personal ad on relevant subreddits like r/BetaReaders and r/DestructiveReaders to find beta readers interested in reviewing their work. They can also browse existing threads and see posts from people advertising their services there.
2. Facebook Groups
Facebook has around 3 billion monthly active users, making it a viable place to find beta readers. Authors can look up writing or dedicated beta reader groups to find peers they may want to work with.
3. Alumni Networks
Schools and universities boast vast alumni networks that include literature enthusiasts, writers and publishing professionals. For example, Harvard Business School has 90,662 alumni across 173 countries, making it the perfect place to look for beta readers and creative collaborators. Writers can reach out through alumni events, directories or mutual acquaintances and propose the arrangement.
4. Instagram Communities
Instagram has a growing community of readers and writers who can find each other through writing or genre-related hashtags. The platform hosts 2 billion active users, and some users advertise their services through hashtags like #betareaders or #betareaderswanted.
5. Twitter Hashtags
Twitter (now X) is a hub for real-time engagement for various niche groups, including the writing community. Writers can explore the search function and connect with beta readers and fellow authors through hashtags like #betareader and #writingcommunity.
6. Fiverr
A paid beta read is a good idea for writers who want a stranger’s opinion. Online gig platforms like Fiverr host hundreds of beta readers, whose prices range from $5 to over $500, depending on experience and expertise. When finding a beta reader on these platforms, it’s good practice to check their reviews or ask them about their experience to see if they are a good fit for the project.
7. Writing Workshops
Both online and in-person writing workshops establish an environment that welcomes feedback. Joining one, even for other forms of writing, helps authors connect and find potential beta readers. They can share excerpts of their work and receive feedback from fellow skilled wordsmiths.
8. Local Literary Events
Book fairs, conferences or bookstore readings are great places to meet other writers and readers. Conversations at these events can lead to beta reading exchanges or help authors find potential collaborators. For example, they can meet sensitivity readers, a type of editor specializing in promoting authentic representation of marginalized identities.
9. Fellow Authors
Some of the best beta readers are also writers. Authors understand story structure, pacing, tone and basic language rules. Writers can tap into their personal networks and find friends or acquaintances to beta read their work.
10. Friends and Family
Friends and family are some of the most accessible beta readers writers can access, especially if they’re new. They can provide helpful insights, especially if they form part of the book’s target audience. Writers may need to prepare specific questions relating to flow, clarity and other elements to guide their feedback.
Tips for Working Well With Beta Readers
Each beta reader is unique, bringing their own experience and perspectives to every manuscript they review. Here are some ways to make the most out of the writer-beta reader relationship:
1. Be Professional and Appreciative
Writers should be polite, professional and clear when approaching a potential beta reader. The first message should include a brief description of the work and some expectations. Being kind and appreciative is essential, especially since most beta readers perform this service for free.
2. Offer an Exchange
One way to secure a beta read from other writers is to offer an exchange, since it’s mutually beneficial. Beta read exchanges are also a great way to form relationships within the industry and gain expert writing insight.
3. Accept Their Critique
A beta reader might give negative feedback. As much as possible, writers should avoid arguing with their critique. They can clarify points of confusion, but accepting constructive criticism helps the writer understand other perspectives.
4. Send a Free Book
Sending a free book is good etiquette in beta reading, especially if the writer received a free service. Reading and critiquing an entire manuscript is hard work — giving away a free copy is the least a writer can do.
Thinking Outside the Box
Writers can find beta readers almost anywhere. Popular platforms like Goodreads are great, but smaller, niche or in-person communities also offer a wealth of talent to help authors refine their manuscripts and bring their stories to life.
Eleanor Hecks is a writer and web designer who is passionate about helping other writers grow their online presence. Her work can be found on her site Designerly, as well as publications such as IndependentPublishing.com and I Need a Book Cover.