I drafted my thoughts on blurbs back in December and here’s a post with 6 points based on my experience. Just last week I saw Jami Attenberg also got in the blurb discussion game in response to announcement that one of the Big 5 Publishers’ flagship imprint (Simon & Schuster) is no longer “requiring” blurbs. Since I already drafted my thoughts, I’m gonna stick with this post. If you find mine, or any of the referenced posts herein helpful—great! At the least you get some varied opinions and background on the whole blurb thing. And please don’t stress! Publishing is already stressful enough.
Read moreWhy I hired an assistant as a debut author.
The biggest benefits of hiring an assistant for me was simply having help. There were so many things on my list I needed someone who understood how each task was helping set up my whole “brand” (still not used to saying that) as well as providing them a front-seat view of how the publication process worked. / If you’re hiring anyone to help you, be it for book-related stuff or not, deeply reflect on what would be of most help to you. Sometimes this becomes more apparent post-hire or earlier on in the interview process as you hear more about their background and expertise/interests. Make a list of what you’d like to take off your plate and what you’d like to compensate someone to aid with. We outsource a lot already, but if you can also make this a role that aids someone eager to get into, or interested in, the same industry this can be a win-win for both parties.
Read moreFave Reads of 2023 (#Bestof2023)
As per usual, here’s my list of favorite (and overall recommended) reading from 2023. This included some graphic novels like Mexikid, picture books—including my favorite BIG, and literary fiction and nonfiction across age groups. Overall, a host of wonderful reads across genre. Next year I promise there’ll be more poetry.
Read moreHow to Help Authors Pre-Pub and Beyond
Hi everyone! My name is Emma and I am assisting Jenn this summer as she prepares for the publication of Forgive Me Not. Both as Jenn’s assistant and as an avid reader, I have often wondered what the best ways to help authors were. Luckily, there were a number of resources available online that allowed me to compile a list! While this is by no means an exhaustive summary, it should help you out if you’ve ever had the same question.
Read moreFave Reads of 2022 (#Bestof2022)
The year 2022 was wild! I didn’t get to finish a lot of books that I am eager to complete in 2023, so my complete list is sparser than I’d like. But what I did read to the end was satisfying and here’s a handful of recommendations in fiction, middle grade memoir, graphic novel, and memoir.
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