Kindlepreneur does a deep dive on book startup Books.by. Reddit also has quite a long thread with author feedback. And the overall picture is not pretty. Limited and expensive print options, a re-tread of an earlier website, dodgy reviews, highly yearly charges and more. There is definitely a space in the print on demand market for a service that leaves more money in authors’ pockets, but unfortunately books.by might not be the one.
7 Essential Tips for Authors on the Art of Research Organization
For writers, research is often the invisible backbone of compelling narratives, rich settings and believable characters. Historical fiction and fantasy worlds don’t magically come to life if the art of research isn’t mastered. It can mean the difference between a smooth creative process and weeks lost to digital clutter and forgotten references.
Why Organizing Information Is Necessary
The curse of creativity can be a messy mind. However, as much as wordsmiths would love a second brain to store and organize research data, disorganized information can still lead to a loss of time and effort skimming for details. Thankfully, some digital tools, like a bookmark manager, can make it easy for writers to track their digital library.
The reality of chaos can waste energy and time, precious resources that should otherwise be spent doing actual writing. Writers can’t afford these inefficiencies, especially under tight deadlines.
This article outlines seven essential, research-based strategies that every author — novice or seasoned — can adopt to streamline their process, boost productivity and elevate their work.
1. Get on the Right Track With an Outline
Aimless research can consume hours without yielding relevant insights. Creating an outline acts as a directional compass for the research phase, giving authors clarity and control. While it doesn’t have to be rigid, an outline serves as a skeleton for the writing structure. It helps identify core areas where deeper research is needed, especially in historical context, setting details or linguistic accuracy.
Drafting an initial outline or a concept map — even if it evolves later — ensures that writers are not merely hoarding facts but curating them intentionally. Authors who plan with subheadings or thematic chunks tend to maintain narrative coherence and avoid the temptation of unnecessary digressions.
2. Set Goals and Deadlines
Research can quickly turn into a rabbit hole that authors often fall into when inspiration meets unlimited information. But time is a finite resource. Without a plan, even seasoned writers risk over-researching trivial details and under-researching critical narrative elements.
Establishing strict time blocks — for example, allocating one hour for learning about 18th-century naval ships — ensures time is used wisely. Setting deadlines for each stage of the research process keeps projects on track and allows authors to focus on quality over quantity. Set timers, limit database scrolling and assign deadlines for compiling source notes. It’s not about how much research gets churned but how much it supports the manuscript.
3. Pen Notes in a Physical Notebook
While digital tools offer convenience, physical note-taking has a unique edge — it helps embed ideas into memory and provides a tactile sense of ownership over the research. Studies in education and cognitive psychology confirm that writing by hand improves retention and critical thinking; plus, physical writing encourages engagement in the work being done and can even boost critical thinking skills.
Moreover, having one physical notebook to return to minimizes the chaos of scattered ideas across apps, browsers or multiple devices. It also avoids the saving syndrome, where information is stored but never revisited.
For those who prefer digital organization, a compromise is maintaining a single dedicated folder segmented by labeled documents and relying heavily on search functions like Ctrl+F. Just avoid the trap of saving endless PDFs without ever reviewing them.
4. Label Each Idea Clearly
Proper labeling is a simple but powerful organizational technique. Whether working digitally or by hand, clarity saves hours later on.
Digitally, create hierarchical folder structures — for instance, a master folder called Book Research, with subfolders for Characters, Architecture, Weapons or Historical Events. Within each, label documents by topic, like Victorian Hair Trends.pdf or Etymology of Elvish Names.docx.
Physically, use headers, section breaks or colored tabs. Color-coding by theme — like setting, character and era — lets writers navigate notes visually without rereading everything.
In both formats, adopt a consistent naming system. Writers can thank themselves later when looking for that one obscure article about 14th-century Parisian street markets.
5. Create a Character Bio Template
For fiction authors, especially those developing expansive casts, character bio templates are invaluable. They ensure consistency and help make each character distinct. More importantly, having this structure ready keeps the research targeted. Use a customizable template like the one below:
● Name
● Hair color
● Eye color
● Nationality
● Language
● Birthday
● Age
● Clothing style/color
Add optional fields for motivations, fears, backstories, relationships or occupations. Then, file each character’s research — whether visual references, historical context or personality notes — under their corresponding bio.
6. Research Only What the Characters Know
In world-building, it’s tempting to research every cultural nuance, weapon design or medical practice in history. But ask — does the character know this?
Limiting research to what the characters can realistically access or perceive keeps the process efficient and maintains narrative authenticity. For instance, a 19th-century sailor won’t describe a storm using meteorological terms, so why research barometric pressure shifts?
This character-centric approach helps writers avoid information overload and unnecessary exposition while sharpening the realism and perspective of their prose.
7. Keep a Works-Cited Page for the Research
A dedicated works-cited document or bibliography is crucial for nonfiction authors who must reference their sources and fiction writers who draw heavily from real-world facts, locations or legends.
Maintaining this list ensures intellectual honesty and streamlines revisions, especially if an editor or agent asks where that specific fact can be found. It also aids in future projects — no need to re-research what is already known.
Many writers skip this step until it's too late. Avoid that mistake. Create the bibliography as the research progresses, not after.
Organize to Create, Not to Hoard
Research is the groundwork of compelling storytelling, but it can be more of a burden than a boost if it isn't organized. Whether an author is just beginning their first novel or working on their 10th nonfiction volume, these seven essential tips provide a professional framework for keeping information accessible, relevant and usable.
About the Author
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.
Resources for Authors, updated
Independent authors are faced with a bewildering new world when they attempt to promote their books on snd offline. But there are lots of free or very low cost resources online. The following authors and sources do an excellent job of making sense of the contemporary publishing and promotional landscape, and all are worth reading.
Euan Mitchell's Your Book Publishing Options
How to Be an Author from Fremantle Press
Let's Get Digital by David Gaughran
Ricardo Fayet's How to Market an ebook
Ricardo Fayet’s How to Market a Book — Overperform in a Crowded Market
Amazon Ads Unleashed by Robert J. Ryan
Amazon Selling Services from Helium 10
Author 2.0 Blueprint by Joanna Penn
Multiple resources and useful links from Joanna Penn
Laneway Press – Writing Coach, Editor and Publisher
From Regina Lane at Laneway Press, a description of her services:
A writing coach is an invaluable investment for the aspiring author. As an author myself, editor and a publisher, I have the experience to help you define what you want to say, who you want to reach and the impact you wish to have.
I can help you set writing goals, a structure and a program of work, and keep you focused and accountable. Even the most successful of authors benefit from coaching; someone to keep them motivated and to help move them through the inevitable blocks all writers encounter.
Whether you need a writing coach to get started, or an editor to fine tune your story, I can help you with:
Your goal – your vision for success, your core message or storyline. z
Your audience – what they read, what you want them to feel, know and understand.
Market research – styles, angles and approaches of other books, where are the gaps?
Writing and self-editing – knowing the difference and when to do what.
Assessment – sometimes the first step, if you come to me with a complete draft.
Editing – structural and copy editing to get your manuscript ship shape for publication.
Self-publishing – costs, platforms, potential for success, marketing and distribution.
Self-promotion – guidance in how to engage your audience via social and traditional media.
Contact Regina at https://lanewaypress.com.au/contact/
In Praise of Book Launches — An Account
Author Natalie Gretton recovered from the recent bankruptcy of her publisher by holding a very successful book launch for The Healer of Marchmont. Here is her account of the event:
My young adult medieval adventure novel was due for release five weeks after the publisher went into liquidation. After negotiation with the printers, I purchased the 1500 copies of The Healer of Marchmont. Neither my husband, Mike of I had much idea of how to market the book to sell, so listened to anyone who had advice for us.
I was offered our local Neighbourhood Centre to have a book launch and chose a date some weeks from that. Flyers went out to the whole town and outlying areas of Trentham through the postal service, advertising the launch using the cover of the book, part of the blurb and a little about me. I also placed books in the local Trentham bookstore, Aesop’s Attic in Kyneton, New Leaves bookshop in Woodend, Stoneman’s Bookroom in Castlemaine, and Paradise Books in Daylesford. These were on a commission basis. Friends were contacted by Email, on Facebook, through my new website set up by my IT guru son, and word of mouth. A visit by friends who live in Canberra was good, because they took a box of 64 books back with them to sell for me. At present there are five books in Harry Hartog bookshop in Woden, Canberra, and more are being advertised by the friends. Other people took 10 books and sold those as well.
The book launch went very well. The day was lovely, sunny, still and warm. People came from many different places and were old and new friends we have known for short times and long times. We had some local people attend as well. Fifty people altogether. Some people had bought the book earlier and came to give comments about it or to get it signed for their children and grandchildren. Diane Parsons, a local retired secondary school teacher, launched the book for me and, after that, a critique was given by Charlie Wells. Charlie’s mother is the manager at the Trentham Neighbourhood Centre and had asked Charlie to read the book. His comments were very interesting and insightful for a ten-year-old young man. All the comments we had on the day and in Emails since have been very positive. The day of the launch we sold $500 worth of books, which did not include more that were sold prior to the launch.
There are still very many books to sell, but at least I have more than some other writers who were left in the lurch. I think I was more fortunate than some other writers as at least I have something tangible, unlike writers who were left in the lurch by a publisher.
So with a bit of advice and some energetic Emailing, phoning, flyer producing and a launch with a good afternoon, good friends, some lovely snacks and a few drinks, one can recover from what could have been a total disaster.
Tips and Resources for Independent Authors, 2025
WorkingType Design’s resources booklet has been updated with more author advice and resources. The booklet can be downloaded here. If you’d like to add your own experiences, advice or warnings, please let us know. The case studies in the booklet show that there are many ways to promote a new or existing book, on or offline.
The Publisher's Paradox, or, The Author's Dilemma
Some very good advice and an ansight into the publishing process from experienced editor Euan Mitchelle. Excerpted from his book “Your Book Publishing Options”
The Publishers’ Paradox
Publishers want a submission that is different yet has been done before.
A paradox is a statement that appears to contradict itself yet contains a slippery truth. How can publishers expect something different – that is, new – but somehow it has been done before? This doesn’t seem to make sense. The answer is that publishers want evidence your genre or type of book is already selling in viable quantities, and your submission has at least one marketable point of difference from the existing competition.
Remember the example of the new atlas on page 31? If you think your book can’t be pigeonholed into an existing genre or combination of genres (cyborg-romance, gothic-crime), think again. This can be particularly confronting for fiction writers, as I found when my first manuscript was summed up by publishers as a coming-of-age/on-the-road tale. Up to that point it was my unique story that I didn’t like to categorise.
To a publisher it was just another text whose commercial potential could be guesstimated. Therein lies the key difference that your submission needs to overcome.
You are going to improve your chances of pitching to a publisher if you can put yourself in their shoes. But I have read too many submissions – in my later role as a publisher – that are self-centred (including a new writer’s career goals), rather than focused on how a book might fit with the publisher’s existing list of titles. The following alternatives aim to turn an ordinary submission into an extraordinary pitch.
Santosh Nambiar
Independent author Santosh Nambiar talks about Mindfulness. Santosh’s website does a great job of showcasing his books and services. Clean design, plenty of content and recently updated. And a clear introductory statement:
Liberation from your conditioned mind is Absolute Freedom
Are you ready to silence the unwanted mindnoise from your life?
The simple awareness of your conditioned mind will set you on the path to freedom from unwanted mindnoise, paving the way for peace, creativity, emotional wellbeing and clarity. Allow yourself to be free and live a more purposeful, grounded and conscious life.
Draft2Digital: a good idea for independent authors?
Draft2Digital offers a very cost-effective distribution route for ebooks (print on demand also, but that service is still in beta, for various reasons). Its sale channels cover all of the large ebook retailers. It has a very simple and attractive service proposition:
We are Self-Publishing with Support. Your book is your priority. Our priority is you. We build tools and services that let you focus on writing while we take care of layout, publishing, distribution, print-on-demand paperbacks, and more. Keep writing. We’re here for the rest.
In a long and very informative blog post, author services firm Reedsy describes them as “The gold standard for self-publishing aggregators, Draft2Digital distinguishes itself with excellent customer service and a user-friendly interface. They’re the best way to sell your book with dozens of retailers without tearing your hair out.”
Kindlepreneur also has a largely positive review that dives into the details of uploading a new title and how the royalty payments and update fees work.
Users discuss vcry specific pros and cons of the service on a reddit thread. Important note: the 10% Draft2Digital fee is charged on retail price, not on profit, and comes on top of the share taken by the end seller.
Writers Weekly has published a number of very negative user reviews that indicate some administrative problems.
Plenty of users had complaints about the non-payment of royalties.
Draft2Digital books cannot access Amazon advertising or other Amazon sales tools.
In summary, a service that will be useful to many authors, but go in with your eyes open and aware of the moderate drawbacks, especially the Amazon advertising issue.
Get Your Title Onto Borrowbox via IngramSpark
Bolinda Audio produces a book-borrowing app (Borrowbox) used widely by Australian libraries. An author client contacted them recently to see if there was a way of including their ebook title on the platform. They responded promptly with the following:
“We would be happy to distribute your titles to libraries via our digital lending solution BorrowBox, but we simply don't have the resources to deal direct with individual authors. If your titles are available from a digital distributor such as Gardners, Ingrams, IPG, or Faber Factory, then we could make them available via BorrowBox.”
Borrowbox is an excellent app with a very wide variety of audiobook and ebook titles, and represents an great opportunity for independent authors to get in front of new readers.
Hybrid Publishing
Books + Publishing recently published a fairly lengthy and nuanced discussion on the state of ‘hybrid publishing’ in Australia. The article defines hybrid publishing as “a situation where ‘a writer pays money for publication, and grants the company a licence of rights or the company takes a share of any profits”. Hybrid Publisher Shawline Publishing is mentioned, along with their recent opening of a bookstore in Ballarat focused on promoting indie authors. Their Facebook page is here.
Books + Publishing also posted a useful checklist for authors considering signing on with a hybrid publisher. Reedsy’s take on hybrid publishing is here.
Book Cover Designs for September 2022
An interesting variety of topics covered in the latest round of cover designs in progress…
Publisher Services and Distribution from Booktopia
“Booktopia Publisher Services, the company’s distribution arm, has “over 500 bookstores and businesses as its customer base”.”
Market leading online bookseller Booktopia offers warehouse space to publishers on this site. Though oriented towards publishers, authors or small press publishers with a particularly compelling offering may wish to approach them. Bookstores can order titles from Booktopia and the titles are also listed on other sales channels. A short article from Books and Publishing here.
Creating an Ideal Writing Space
Guest Post from Teresa Siqueira of Porch.com
Whether you’re a long-time writer or just beginning to explore the possibilities of a writing career or hobby, you’ll need to create a writing environment that’s conducive to getting work done. You can transform a nook or room of your home into your ideal writing environment. With a comfortable space and a strong work ethic, you can build upon your writing skills and begin to accomplish your goals. Use the following tips to design your perfect writing space.
Benefits of Writing
Whether you choose to write as a profession or hobby, you can look forward to earning income or extra money from this pursuit. Good writers who possess the requisite skills are in demand today by numerous industries and the businesses within them. When you take up writing as a daily activity, you can look forward to benefits in addition to income, such as:
Improved concentration
More organized thought processes
Expanded vocabulary
Improved communication skills
Stress reduction
Creative outlet
Enhanced research skills
Learn new things
Writing can be both professionally and personally gratifying. While there are many types of writing and associated careers you might focus on, you can explore these different possibilities to find one that suits you.
Setting up the Perfect Writing Environment
To create your ideal writing space, you’ll want to consider the following:
Desk and Seating
Look for a sturdy desk or writing table that offers enough space for your laptop or computer, as well as a writing tablet (to make notes) and any research material you may wish to peruse. An ergonomic chair or furniture that’s both comfortable and supportive is perfect for those long writing sessions. You may also want to keep a bookcase nearby to house your reference materials.
Lighting
Many people prefer to work using natural light, but if you intend to write on dreary days or during the evening, you’ll need artificial light too. In any case, try to set up your writing space near a window; otherwise, ensure that you have plenty of bright light so you can ward off eye strain.
Writing Tools
Although some writers still prefer to write by hand, in order to submit your work, you’ll need a computer and writing program. No publishers, either traditional or online platforms, will accept handwritten manuscripts. Look for a computer with a decent processor and plenty of memory. You should also invest in a backup hard drive or save your files to the cloud.
Location
Choose a space in your home where you’re unlikely to incur distractions. You may want to limit distractions such as your phone when you’re working.
Ambiance
As you set up your writing space, choose paint colors that make you feel creative. Add in some artwork and plants. Surround your writing space with items that inspire you. Be sure that you try to keep your area neat, calm, and organized to maintain its pleasant ambiance.
Types of Writing
As you think about working in your space, take time to investigate the different types of writing you might pursue. Learning about the various types of writing will help you narrow them down to an ideal option for your interests and skillsets.
Blogging
Today, writers blog about nearly anything. Some blog for companies and publish material related to the business and its industry. Other writers blog strictly about subject matter Keep of interest to them, such as food, health, fashion, gardening, films, technology, etc.
Journalism
Many types of publications seek unsolicited manuscripts, including essays and articles. If you’re interested in non-fiction subject matter, this might be the ideal outlet for you.
Journaling
Keeping a journal is a great way to manage your stress or even a mental health condition like anxiety. Journaling about your life is a great way to record it for yourself or your family.
Fiction
You can devote your writing space to writing novels, short stories, or scripts. Try writing for a specific genre like mystery, psychological thriller, fantasy, or romance. You might even try your hand at writing children’s stories.
Speeches
Consider writing speeches and pursuing a speech writing career. You can convey important messages on many different topics/issues to a wide range of audiences.
Poetry
There are many types of poetry. You can focus on a style that suits your preference. You can share your work online or submit it to poetry magazines for publication.
Handwriting/Calligraphy
Writing can be a visual art form. You can transform your writing space into a writing studio where you house all of your special implements and papers. You can sell your work on your own website or sites like Etsy. Writing can be both professionally and personally gratifying. While there are many types of writing and associated careers you might focus on, you can explore these different possibilities to find one that suits you. You will find there are endless benefits of handwriting.
Music/Jingles
You can combine your love of writing with music to write jingles or songs for commercials, television, and more. Be sure your space has plenty of room for your piano, guitar, or other instruments too.
Create a Writing Routine
Writers work. Even if you don’t expect a visit from your muse, write anyway. Establishing a solid writing routine will help you banish the idea of writer’s block and leave no time for procrastination. Here are some tips for setting up and maintaining your work routine:
Design a writing schedule (i.e., three hours in the morning/three hours in the afternoon or evening)
Use a calendar and set writing deadlines (or plugin deadlines established by your publisher or clients)
Set a daily word count
Create a weekly writing plan (i.e., your writing to-do list)
Schedule breaks (take walks or break for snacks to get a recharge)
Tips to Find Writing Inspiration
Inspiration comes in many forms. When designing your writing space, add features that will inspire your creativity. The following tips can help:
Prepare for Writer’s Block
Sticking to a writing routine is a highly effective way of working through writer’s block. Try using writing prompts or performing research related to the topic you want to write about.
Join a Writing Group
Consider signing up for a writing group. You can join an online or in-person group. These groups are ideal for sharing your work and obtaining helpful feedback. To learn more about a community for journal writers, visit The International Association for Journal Writing.
Rely on Art
You can find inspiration from other writers as well as film, television, music, and painting. Be sure to read the work of other writers, too, to gain insights into the craft.
Prepare for Feedback
If you’re writing intending to earn income, you’ll want to prepare for feedback. Remember that even the most renowned writers have racked up rejection letters. Consider feedback carefully. In some cases, you may wish to revise your work. At other times, you may simply want to submit your work to other potential publishers.
Use Motivation Writing Techniques
Various writing techniques and practices can motivate you to write regularly. Experiment with freewriting. Try the Pomodoro technique; set a timer and writer for 25 minutes. The goal of the technique is simply to work in short bursts. Remember, you can always revise later.
Develop a Writing Process
Developing a writing process will support your writing routine. When getting started, you may wish to experiment with different processes. Find a method that works best for you.
Make a Plan
While some writers prefer to sit down and start writing without much forethought, many others craft a plan, even if it’s just a mental one. Some planning tasks might include forming an article’s outline, writing a single chapter, revising an article, etc. When you sit down to work, have a clear intention about what you want to do for the morning or day.
Research
Even writers who prefer to write about topics they’re familiar with, need to conduct some research. If you’re writing about nonfiction topics or realistic fiction, research is simply a matter of course. These days, you can research online or spend time at your local library.
Prewriting
Some writers prefer to do some prewriting before attempting a formal draft. Prewriting helps you generate ideas, explore different perspectives and topic angles, and form a plan for your outline.
Drafting
Initial drafts allow writers to get their work written. Once your drafts are penned, you can make changes later.
Editing
Editing and proofreading are crucial for writers. When editing, you’ll want to focus on refining the content as well as checking for correct grammar and usage. You may want to share your work with your support group or another editor at this point to gain helpful feedback.
Monetize your Writing
Finally, consider outlets for publishing and selling your work. You might sign up with freelance writing agencies that can help you find clients. You can also begin to submit your work to little magazines or major publications. You can also search for an agent who can help you find a publisher for your manuscript.
Writing can be a rewarding career on many different levels. It’s enjoyable but can also be lucrative. Think about your goals and make a plan for achieving them. Use the tips outlined here to help you create your ideal writing space and reap the benefits of writing.
https://porch.com/advice/create-ideal-writing-environment
Booktopia's Post-covid Woes
The Age newspaper has quite a long and interesting article on the post-covid slump in sales and earnings by Booktopia, Australia’s biggest online bookseller. A bookstore owner is quoted as gloating at Booktopia’s issues, but independent authors will be more ambivalent — Booktopia offers a real avenue for sales, and is much easier to get into than bookstores. There are very few viable options for distribution into bookstores for independent authors, post the demise of Dennis Jones.and Associates.
WorkingType Studio Publishing Information Pack updated for 2022
Please click here to download our updated client information pack, containing much practical information and advice from other authors.
The Secret of the Grand Hôtel du Lac audiobook
Accomplished local author Kathryn Gauci has dipped a toe into the audiobook world and recorded a version of her highly rated The Secret of the Grand Hôtel du Lac. The print edition has an impressive 877 reader reviews and her other books are very much worth checking out.
Book Cover Designs for October 2021
The usual wide variety of topics and typefaces and approaches this month. Never a dull typographic moment…
Book Cover Design for September 2021
A few of our recent covers and cover drafts, covering the usual broad range of subject matter. Striving for high contrast and high impact and interesting type combinations.
Email marketing your book — some practical advice
Some advice to authors planning to market their books via email, from experienced editor and author Dr. Euan Mitchell:
Email programs are getting better at detecting advertising material.
Especially if the salutation is not to a specific person's name.
Including an attachment also increases the chances of it being filtered out.
I suggest the best way is to first send an enquiry email to the organisation concerned without an attachment or any advertising copy in the email itself.
Simply ask who the editor of the organisation's newsletter is. This only takes a sentence or two. In that first email, do not explain why you are asking.
Let them ask. And even if you are starting by emailing the organisation's general email address, you should soon have a reply and a person's name to start with. Importantly, the current person, not someone from years past.
The pitch should not be: "Here's my fascinating book, please buy it." People get similar emails all the time and block the sender.
Start a dialogue with an enquiry email, not an ad. If the organisation has a newsletter then it has space to fill on a regular basis. The author might be able to help out : )
Depending on the organisation's main interest, the author might be able to contribute a few quotes or anecdotes to an article.
These contributions need to be customised to the organisation's interests according to the person who answers the emails.
Funnily enough the contributions can include a plug for your book, even if just a footnote at the end of the article. This subtle way of advertising the book should be more effective than a straight-out ad because the author has first been introduced to the reader by the organisation the reader subscribes to.
In summary, the approach shifts from generic inbox drops to personalised email enquiries (or phone calls) about organisations' newsletters without initially mentioning the title.
Don't lead with your chin. Get a dialogue going first. It takes time but the success rate is much higher.