Self-publishing resources for writers

Check out our list of writer resources for independent authors. These companies and organizations are endorsed by BookBaby and offer related products and services that we thought you might find helpful.

Book Exclusives

Smith Publicity

Since 1997, Smith Publicity has forged a reputation as one of the finest book marketing agencies in the industry to help authors establish their brands and spark book sales. They have promoted thousands of books from New York Times Best Sellers to first time self-published projects.

Smith Publicity invites you to visit their website www.SmithPublicity.com and sign up for their book publicity tips newsletter. Learn more about Smith Publicity.

MasterWriter

MasterWriter is the premier writing software built specifically for authors. Used by renowned writers William Peter Blatty, Bob Zemeckis, Andrew Davis, Paul Brickman, Peter Seaman, MasterWriter is a writer’s best friend.

As a BookBaby author you receive a free trial of MasterWriter as well as an exclusive savings of $15 on a one-year membership, or $20 on a two-year membership, making MasterWriter super affordable for writers at any level. Learn more about MasterWriter.

PR Newswire

Creating and distributing your press release is fast and easy with PR Newswire. It’s easy to create and upload your press release and they will be instantly distributed through the vast PR Newswire network. Press releases are an important element in your book marketing mix, and PR Newswire helps you spread your news far and wide!

As a BookBaby author you receive a 10% discount on press release distribution from PR Newswire. Learn more about PR Newswire.

Book Writing, Coaching and Developmental Editing

Since 2007, Kevin Anderson & Associates (KAA) has been a trusted partner for authors at every stage of their book-writing journey. Whether you're starting from scratch or polishing an existing manuscript, KAA's expert team of ghostwriters, book coaches, and developmental editors works closely with you to bring your vision to life.

KAA's talented team of former Big-5 editors and publishing executives has combined for 200 New York Times bestsellers and 600 national bestsellers, and KAA has launched more than 5,000 new authors.

BookBaby's #1 choice for:

Professional Ghostwriting: Premium book-writing services to help you start or finish your manuscript.
Expert Book Coaching: Write your book with an industry professional guiding you every step of the way.
Developmental Editing: Expert editorial services for your book’s structure, content, and marketability.

As a trusted partner of BookBaby, KAA provides custom-tailored book services to ensure your manuscript is set up for success to publish your book with BookBaby. Learn more about Kevin Anderson & Associates.

Book Promotion

Goodreads

Goodreads is the world's largest site for readers and book recommendations. Since we started in 2007, we've grown to more than 130 million members, with 3.5 billion books added and 110 million reviews. Every second, Goodreads members add 15 books to their "want to read" shelves. More than 300,000 authors have joined the Goodreads Author Program to take advantage of the promotional tools Goodreads offers to reach a wide network of passionate readers. www.goodreads.com

BookGrabbr

BookGrabbr is a marketing platform where social sharing holds a certain amount of currency in the world of reading.

BookGrabbr’s system prompts authors to choose a portion of their book to share as a “sneak peek”. Readers then read that content in exchange for sharing it. Then those readers’ friends will be invited to do the same all the way down the social ladder! BookGrabbr facilitates all of this for authors and their readers in a very seamless process and analytics are provided to authors in real time.

After reading the previews, readers are all prompted to purchase a full copy of the book, thus increasing sales and brand awareness for all authors! Find out more here.

Bublish

Accelerate your book marketing success with Bublish. Bublish’s powerful, award-winning suite of creation and social marketing tools is used by thousands of great writers around the world to share stories, reach new readers, track engagement and build a dynamic author brand that drives book sales. www.bublish.com

NoiseTrade Books

NoiseTrade is a tribe-building platform where authors and publishers meaningfully connect with readers through the exchange of free ebooks and audiobooks for email addresses and postal codes. Whether you’re a self-published author or a major publisher, NoiseTrade is the best way to build your audience and turn casual readers into customers. books.noisetrade.com

BookLemur

Do you want to get your eBook in front of thousands of readers who are hungry for new and interesting titles? BookLemur eBook promotions are sent by email to thousands of readers every day. Featuring your eBook promotion with BookLemur will increase downloads and sales for new and existing titles, which also boosts your eBook rankings.

Here’s what author, Cyndie Shaffstall, said about her experience, “My eBook made it to the number one position in its genre in just four days. BookLemur gets kudos from me for helping me attain that and is now a leader in my book campaigns.”

All BookBaby authors save 10% on a BookLemur eBook listing when using coupon code BOOKBABY10, click here to get started.

Book Reviews

Readers’ Favorite

Readers' Favorite is the fastest growing book review and award contest site on the Internet. We have earned the respect of renowned publishers like Random House, Simon & Schuster and Harper Collins, and have received the Best Websites for Authors and Honoring Excellence awards from the Association of Independent Authors. In addition to providing free reviews for authors we also host a respected annual international book award contest to help authors obtain more recognition and exposure. www.readersfavorite.com

Story Cartel

Story Cartel harnesses the virtually unlimited power of readers producing crowd-sourced reviews that go straight to Amazon, Barnes & Noble, Goodreads, blogs and more. www.storycartel.com

Self-Publishing Review

Self-Publishing Review offers professional self-published book review packages and indie book editing services from less than $1 a page, as well as featuring news and resources on the self-publishing process. SPR, founded in 2008 in LA, has a staff of professional reviewers and editors from the US and UK. With 170,000 views a month and nearly 40,000 social followers, SPR has been cited by The Guardian UK and The NYT as a top resource for indie authors. www.selfpublishingreview.com

BlueInk Review

Writing "The End" is just the beginning...Now build an audience with a professional book review. Self-publishers face an uphill battle finding readers. Greatly increase your chances with an objective review. Our critics have written for The New York Times, Washington Post and more; others have edited at top publishing houses including Viking and Crown. BlueInk’s widely syndicated reviews are taken seriously by readers and book professionals. BookBaby authors receive a $75 discount using coupon code D7G4. www.blueinkreview.com

IndieReader

IndieReader’s team of professional reviewers boasts a range of background and experience and includes journalists, teachers and librarians, as well as published writers. Whether your book is a vampire love story, a sci-fi action adventure or a memoir, we make every effort to match your book’s genre to the interest of our reviewers. Your finished review will be posted to the IndieReader site, where it will be seen by book-lovers, bookstore buyers and publishing professionals, as well as being available for purchase. IndieReader is offering Bookbaby authors an additional 15% off our already low prices (almost 1/2 that of like services). Sign up here and enter authorsfifteen at check out. www.indiereader.com

PR Services

PR by the Book

PR by the Book is a boutique publicity firm specializing in traditional media relations, online media relations, social media services, book tour support, and brand consulting. PR by the Book believes in long-term impact that goes beyond the book, using every outreach tool at their disposal, they’ll connect your message to your audience, creating a personal brand that’s built to last. www.prbythebook.com

Writing Software

The Novel Factory

Writing a novel is a daunting task, but with the right tools, you can simplify the process of finishing your manuscript and get your story into the hands of your readers. The Novel Factory is a premium software developed by writers that helps you write, organize, and plan your novel all in one place. It contains dedicated tools to aid with plotting, character development, and drafting.

Click here to try the Novel Factory free for 30 days!

AutoCrit

Become a better writer - guaranteed! AutoCrit combines the research of thousands of bestselling novels with feedback from authors, agents, and publishers in an easy-to-use tool designed to make good writers great.

Learn more about how you can utilize AutoCrit to polish your manuscript while saving time, money, and frustration in their free ebook: The Secret Formula to Publishing a Bestselling Novel

Fictionary StoryTeller

Fictionary StoryTeller helps writers tell powerful stories with creative editing software that simplifies editing. StoryTeller guides great writers through a scene-by-scene story edit using manuscript analysis and universal storytelling elements to tell stories readers naturally connect with. Transform your story, not just your words. Learn more.

Write Brothers Inc.

Write Brothers Inc. is a world leader in developing software products for writers and has been since 1982. It is the only company with software for all phases of writing: creativity, brainstorming, outlining, and formatting. Its top-selling Movie Magic Screenwriter and Dramatica Story Expert, Word Menu, and Outline 4D (formerly StoryView) writing programs are used by leading novelists, fiction writers, screenwriters, and playwrights. Thousands of novels, stage plays, comic scripts, and Hollywood films and TV shows have been written and produced with Write Brothers software. www.screenplay.com

Scrivener

Literature & Latte was founded in 2007 with the sole purpose of creating software that aids in the creative process of writing long texts. Our flagship product, Scrivener, is an award-winning program used by acclaimed authors, Hollywood and independent filmmakers and countless authors in professional and academic fields. www.literatureandlatte.com/scrivener

Crowdfunding

Publishizer

Publishizer is a book marketing platform for authors. Launch a preorders campaign or book marketing campaign at publishizer.com

Contests & Events

National Novel Writing Month

National Novel Writing Month (NaNoWriMo) is a fun, seat-of-your-pants approach to creative writing. On November 1, participants begin working towards the goal of writing a 50,000-word novel by 11:59 p.m. on November 30. Valuing enthusiasm, determination, and a deadline, NaNoWriMo is for anyone who has ever thought fleetingly about writing a novel. www.nanowrimo.org

Book Pipeline

Launched in 2014, Book Pipeline connects writers worldwide with publishers, agents, and the film industry. Through two submissions platforms—Unpublished and Adaptation—the company seeks both new and established authors and playwrights. Previous winners include M Dressler’s acclaimed novel The Last to See Me, the true story Veteran’s Day from whistleblower Paula Pedene, the award-winning play Application Pending by Tony Award Winner Andy Sandberg and Greg Edwards, and the upcoming novel Memphis from Tara Stringfellow. Learn more

Indie Author Day

Join as libraries across North America host local Indie Author Day events this fall. This event is designed to bring local writing communities together in their libraries to participate in author panels, book readings and signings, workshops, presentations and more. Get involved!

Contests & Events

MiblArt

MiblArt is a book cover design company for indie authors. We not only design catchy book covers, but also publish useful tips on book cover design, marketing, and self-publishing. If you want to stay tuned on the latest trends and be ahead of the competition, check out our blog posts.

Scribophile

Scribophile is one of the world's largest independent online writing communities. We're based on thoughtful, respectful, and supportive peer critique of your writing--you'll get feedback on your good writing that'll actually help you make it better.

Our forums are busy seven days a week with writers of all skill levels and walks of life talking shop and helping each other improve. If you're just starting out, we have an extensive library of free writing resources and tutorials. Basically we're the place you want to be if you want to become a better writer, while hanging out with other awesome writers too. Come join the Scribophile writing community at https://www.scribophile.com

The Writing Renegade

At The Writing Renegade, we’re dedicated to the education and success of writers of any age and at any level of achievement. We offer great tips, tools, and training. Training is delivered as PDFs, audio, video, online courses, live webinars, and one-on-one consultations. We’ll help you get your book started or back on track (whichever the case may be) and help you create the best book you’re capable of producing—NOW. Not “next year.” Not “one day.” Four-part video course will jumpstart your good writing; get the course for FREE just for signing up here. thewritingrenegade.com

Self-Pub Boot Camp

Self-Pub Boot Camp is an educational series of blogs, how-to guides and online workshops by longtime self-publishing expert Carla King. She offers affordable coaching to help you do it yourself or you can use her team to assist with tasks like editing and design, websites, blogs, social media setup and distribution. A self-published author since 1995, Carla is recognized as one of the most trusted self-publishing experts in the industry. www.selfpubbootcamp.com

TrainingAuthors.com

At TrainingAuthors.com, we love helping authors succeed in writing, publishing, and marketing their books. Download our free training “Building a Book Marketing Plan” ($27 value) when you sign up here.

Book Break Through

Publishing is more accessible than ever, but the path to creating and launching the right book at the right time, in the right way is more confusing than ever before. Book Breakthrough is a transformational online course designed to help you find the best path for YOUR idea, book and business. It offers cutting-edge advice from top NYC publishing insiders and bestselling authors, along with the proven models you need to succeed in today’s competitive marketplace. www.bookbreakthrough.com

Speaking Opportunities on All Platforms

SpeakerTunity®

SpeakerTunity® is the world's leading source of speaking opportunities for authors to promote their books on ALL Platforms —Live and virtual meetings across North America; conferences globally; podcasts, radio shows and videocasts; virtual summits and TEDx events. SpeakerTunity has done the research for you and curated directories and subscription services with all the contacts you need to get booked. Require assistance with speaker sheets, handout or book flyers, slides and other speaker assets, or training to get booked? SpeakerTunity® has you covered. Lastly, SpeakerTunity® will introduce you to Book for You Virtual Assistants, a service that can do the booking for you! One-stop-shopping for the author/speaker.

Grab this valuable strategy sheet that will help make you irresistible to speaker bookers!

And get a one-month free trial of 5 of SpeakerTunity's unique resources here: https://getbooked.biz/trials-BookBaby

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Frequently Asked Questions

How do I get started on writing my book?

Starting the book writing process can be daunting, but the first step is to simply start writing your ideas. Create an outline of your book and break it down into smaller sections to make it more manageable. Set realistic writing goals and find a writing routine that works for you. It's also important to remember that your first draft doesn't have to be perfect, so don't worry about professional book editing until you've finished the entire manuscript.

How do I know when my book is finished?

Knowing when your book is finished can be tricky, as there's always room for improvement. However, a good indicator that your book is complete is when you feel satisfied with the story, characters, and pacing. Additionally, you should have gone through multiple rounds of editing and have beta readers give feedback. It's also important to remember that at some point, you'll need to let go and move on to your next project.

How do I find a publisher for my book?

Finding a publisher for your book can be a challenging process, but there are a few ways to increase your chances of success. Opt for a book self-publishing service that gives you full creative control over your story and marketing.