Resources


 Writing Resources


Firstly, this list is by no means comprehensive, and it mostly contains resources I've used.  Secondly, if there's anything I've missed let me know.  Thirdly, I put this list together rather quickly so please forgive any typos or mistakes and it will be updated as and when.

Publishing Tools
  • Kindle Direct Publishing (KDP) -This is Amazon's main tool for self-publishing and it's free.  KDP provides lots of tools and resources to help you create a book (eBook, paperback, hard cover) including templates and cover creation tools.  It links to other services too (which I will list later), but the main thing I like is how great the reporting it- sales are very easy to track.  However, I would think carefully about whether you opt your book into the KDP select program- yes, you have options to run certain promotions, but you're also prevented from publishing your book, or its contents, digitally elsewhere.
  • Draft2Digital -Another free self-publishing service (for eBook, at least- I haven't used their print or audiobook options to tell you much about these).  The site is easy to use, although seems very dated compared to other sites such as KDP, but it is simple and straightforward to use.  The main benefit of this site is being able to publish with multiple providers such as Apple Books, Barnes & Noble, Amazon (if you're not using KDP), and book subscription services.  You can easily run promotional pricing on your books, and it has a great sister site (Books2Read) which I'll cover later.  One downside is that is geared towards a US market and links primarily sites (books are still published in UK) as well as working in dollars.
  • Lulu -A free self-publishing site.  It seems a little more geared towards academia and I think it's better suited to one-off publications.  I used to have one of my books published through them but after an update to the publishing tools, I found the site glitchy and difficult to use.  You might have a different, hopefully better, experience.  Lulu also offers self-pub options for items such as calendars and photobooks.
  • Google Play Books -Google's free self-publishing resource.  It's a little basic, but straightforward and easy to use.  There isn't much to the site and it lacks a lot of the resources other self-pub services offer.
  • ACX -This is where you go to you get your books on Audible (or if you want to become a narrator yourself).  It's extremely easy to 'assert titles' if you're already published on Amazon with the site pulling across the details and files from KDP.  You also have the option of narrating your own book, if you wish, however finding a narrator is simple.  ACX is free to publish with, however, there are some options where payment is involved.  When you put your book forward for auditions, you can offer either a royalty-share where you and the narrator split the profits from the book (only paid if and when the book sells) or you can pay the narrator direct for the work and keep the profits for yourself.  Once you have a narrator, deadlines are agreed, and your narrator will set about recording the book.
  • Ingram Spark -I'll be honest- I only know a little bit about ingram.  The site allows you to self-publish for free, however, you need to either provide or pay for the ISBN (other self-publishing sites give this to you for free).  Ingram also gives you the option of publishing with different providers.
Other Resources
  • Author Central -If you have a book for sale on Amazon, make sure you claim your author profile.  You can customise your profile, track reviews and see the sales ranking report.
  • Goodreads -Create an author profile to track ratings and reviews.  Goodreads also offers options such as giveaways and has an ask the author section (I'll be honest that I haven't used either of these).  I recommend adding your books manually after you publish them- the automatic system that pulls the books from Amazon doesn't always link your book versions together or assign them to you properly (although you can claim a book as yours if its already listed and the librarians are very helpful).
  • PLR -Public Lending Right- register with the British Library to get paid when your book is borrowed in the library.
  • Amazon Ads- I'm not the best at using this, but it's easy to create and track ads.  Just keep an eye on your budget and remember that there are additional fees on top of your spend.
  • Twitter -Be aware that Twitter is not the best place to promote your book, but it is useful for interacting and meeting other writers.  Look out for hashtags such as #WritingCommunity and #amwriting.
  • Facebook -Create an author page.  Facebook takes a lot more time and effort to build an audience, but their posting tools and ad manager are pretty good.  Create an eye-catching post and promote away!
  • Books2Read -Sister site to Draft2Digital.  This free site allows you to create a custom universal book link that can direct potential readers to their preferred bookstore.  The site will automatically search for your book across different online stores to put them all in one place (you can manually add the links if you need or want to).  You don't need to be published with Draft2Digital to use this site either (although it helps).
  • Rubery Book Awards -a yearly competition for indie and self-pub authors.
  • Instagram -Honestly, I don't understand Instagram, but I've heard it's pretty good for writers?
  • Name Generator -random names.  There's some other generators on here too.
  • Random Word Generator -great for writing prompts.
  • Modern Manuscript Format - a guide to formatting often used for professional submissions.
Fun Stuff
Other

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