by authordwhawkins | Sep 16, 2025 | Publishing Advice
Publishing a book is exciting, but it’s easy to miss important steps along the way. Whether you’re releasing your first novel or adding to your catalog, a clear checklist helps keep the process smooth and professional. Here’s a straightforward guide to follow before...
by authordwhawkins | Sep 16, 2025 | Formatting and Typesetting
Formatting your manuscript into a professional book is smoother—and cheaper—when the file you provide is clean. Many new authors unknowingly make small mistakes in their manuscripts that cause big headaches later. Here are the most common issues I see, along with how...
by authordwhawkins | Sep 16, 2025 | Formatting and Typesetting
When it comes to publishing a paperback, one of the most important decisions you’ll make is choosing the trim size—the physical dimensions of your book. Trim size affects how your book looks, how it feels in a reader’s hands, and even how much it costs to print....
by authordwhawkins | Sep 16, 2025 | Publishing Advice
The world of indie publishing is full of advice—and not all of it is good. New authors often run into myths that can waste money, derail progress, or make publishing seem harder than it really is. Let’s set the record straight and bust some of the most common...
by authordwhawkins | Sep 16, 2025 | Formatting and Typesetting, Publishing Advice
One of the first questions indie authors face is whether to release their book as an ebook, a paperback, or both. While the formatting process for each medium has similarities, there are important differences every author should understand before jumping in. Ebooks:...
by authordwhawkins | Sep 16, 2025 | Formatting and Typesetting
Getting your manuscript ready for formatting is one of the most important steps in the publishing process. A clean, properly prepared file saves time, prevents costly errors, and ensures your book looks professional when it reaches readers. If you’re working in DOCX,...
by authordwhawkins | Sep 16, 2025 | Publishing Advice
In indie publishing, one of the biggest traps new authors fall into is the vanity press. These companies sell flashy “publishing packages” that often cost thousands of dollars but deliver very little in return. They promise everything from editing and cover design to...
