#AuthorCommunity
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Lonely Writers

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How Much Should a Manuscript Edit Cost?

Understanding manuscript editing costs and how to avoid ever overpaying again Sooner or later, nearly every author asks the same uncomfortable question: “Did I just (or am I about to) pay too much for my manuscript edit?” Given how confusing manuscript editing costs can be—and how little transparency exists in the industry—the answer is often…
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Popping the Cork on Champagne, or champagne?

Did you know there is a difference between Champagne and champagne? Well, honestly, there never was in my house growing up. My parents called Asti Spumante, Lancer’s Rose, and cold duck, “Champagne,” because they thought they all were the same. (And I can still remember the oohs and aahs over pink champagne! It was pink!)…
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A New Year “Hello!” from a Very Real Publishing Team

Hi Everyone~Before the year wraps up, we wanted to say hello, and introduce ourselves properly. Yes, that is our dog, Oliver. Yes, that is our Christmas tree behind him. And yes, we are very real people who genuinely care about writers and books. We know the internet can feel crowded with promises, shortcuts, and programs…
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Dan Cohen’s Father’s Dementia Made Dan Into an Author, and One of Our Partners

When did you become a writer? For myself, I had been a writing since elementary school. I began as a playwright. I would write one-act comedy skits I would coerce my friends into performing with me. Fortunately for me, the teachers at Leedom Elementary School were very encouraging, and they always managed to find a…
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NOODLES!!!!

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Obsidian Friday?

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Muting, and How to Prevent it From Happening to You on Facebook—Tips for Authors

Introduction This post is about muting or, rather, how to avoid being muted, by your Facebook audience. Let’s dig in…Every author has seen it—the desperate “Like my page!” posts, the relentless book plugs, the awkward event invites that aren’t really events. Although often well intended, these requests are among the fastest ways to get muted…
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In the Spotlight | Dreams of the Return by Alan Bern

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R. David Fulcher’s ASTEROID 6 Wins Wild Card Award at the 2025 Halloween Book Festival

We’re thrilled to share that R. David Fulcher’s short story collection, ASTEROID 6 AND OTHER TALES OF COSMIC HORROR, has been awarded the 2025 Halloween Book Festival’s Wild Card Award. Hosted annually in Hollywood, the Halloween Book Festival celebrates the best and scariest works of the season, honoring excellence in genres ranging from horror, science…
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Principles Authors Should Live By on Facebook

Introduction “Rules are not necessarily sacred, principles are.”— Franklin D. Roosevelt Facebook sometimes (or often) feels like shouting into the void, you’re not alone. Many authors struggle with what to post, how often to post, and whether their efforts even matter. The truth is, there’s no single formula. But there are guiding principles that separate…
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Facebook Author Strategy: Pages, Profiles, and What Actually Works

Introduction Few subjects stir more confusion among authors than the topic of their Facebook author strategy and answering the question: Should I create a separate author page, or just use my personal profile? On the surface, a fan page feels more “official.” But profiles often feel more authentic, and in today’s Facebook ecosystem, authenticity tends…
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“You Wrote It. Now Sell It.” Episode 13: Making Time to Promote and Sell Your Writing

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Unpublished Authors: To Build or Not to Build a Facebook Following?

Introduction If you’re an unpublished author, social media can feel like putting the cart before the horse. Should you invest time in building a Facebook presence before you even have a book? The short answer: maybe—but only if it aligns with your goals and genre. Let’s walk through why building a platform before publication sometimes…
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Publisher to Author: “Get on Facebook!” — Essential Strategies for Navigating the Terrain

Introduction It can happen that your publisher, editor, or even agent casually advises you to be on “on Facebook.” For many writers, that suggestion feels less like encouragement and more like a creativity death sentence. After all, you signed up to write books, not craft witty posts every day. So what do you do when…
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“You Wrote It. Now Sell It.” Episode 12: Substack for Writers: Growing Deeper Connections

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Sunday Morning Podcast

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Facebook for Authors: Myth, Necessity, or Distraction?

Introduction Facebook has long been a go-to platform for authors seeking to build an online presence. But in recent years new platforms such as Bluesky, Threads, BeReal, and others have emerged, crowding an already busy social media landscape. With so many platforms vying for our attention, it’s totally fair to wonder: Do authors still need…
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“You Wrote It. Now Sell It.” Episode 11: Substack for Writers: A Simple Way to Grow Your Audience

As writers, we’re always asking the same question: how do I find more readers? You might already have a website, maybe a few social media accounts, maybe even a book or two out in the world. But reaching the right people—and keeping them engaged—isn’t easy. That’s where Substack comes in. You’ve probably heard the name…
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“You Wrote It. Now Sell It.” Episode 10: The of Power Networking with a Fellow Writer

Writing can sometimes feel like a solitary journey—but networking ensures it doesn’t have to be. One of the most rewarding steps you can take as an author is to connect with another writer who is at a similar point in their career, works in your genre, and whose work you genuinely enjoy. This isn’t about…