The Writing & Self Publishing Blog
Guides, tools, and strategy to help you sell more books.
IS KDP STILL WORTH PURSUING IN 2026?
Wondering if KDP in 2026 is worth the effort for indie authors? This guide walks through pros, hidden challenges, and what separates hobby publishing from a real business. Learn how market research, series planning, and smart marketing turn Amazon’s platform into a long term income stream.
KDP’s AI Disclosure Rules Explained for 2025: A Plain-English Guide
KDP now asks whether your book includes AI-generated text, images, or translations. This guide shows where to disclose in the setup flow, what counts as generated vs assisted, and how to handle tricky cases like covers, picture books, and machine-translated editions.
The 7 KDP Keywords, Why They Matter and How To Pick Winners
Learn how to pick seven KDP keywords matching reader intent, low competition, and higher clicks. You get a clear workflow, validation steps, and compliant examples for fiction and nonfiction.
Professional Proofreading and Editing Services for Writers
Improve your writing with professional proofreading and editing services tailored for authors, bloggers, and businesses. Get error-free, polished text that keeps your voice intact.
Kindle Direct Publishing Guide: Format And Publish Your Book Step By Step
Master Kindle Direct Publishing with this step-by-step guide by Brandon Rohrbaugh. Learn to format, upload, and publish your ebook or paperback on Amazon KDP, including metadata, cover specs, pricing, and marketing strategies.
Self Publishing Success: 17 Powerful Secrets for Indie Authors
Self publishing success begins with powerful, actionable secrets for indie authors. Discover 17 strategies and tips to help you launch, market, and scale your book in today’s fast-changing publishing world.
What are Publishers Looking for in 2025?
Publishers in 2025 are seeking more than just exceptional stories—they want distinctive voices, a robust author platform, and books that reflect current trends in both content and presentation. With technology shaping reader discovery and market data guiding acquisition decisions, today’s successful manuscripts must combine originality, compelling hooks, and professional polish. Writers who embrace diversity, understand their audience, and build their personal brand are far more likely to capture a publisher’s attention and stand out in an increasingly competitive marketplace.
What is Self Publishing and How Do I Publish a Book?
Ever wondered if you could publish a book without begging for a publisher’s attention? Self publishing puts the power back in your hands. From writing your manuscript to designing the cover and hitting that “publish” button, this guide shows you how to bring your story to life, control every detail, and start reaching readers around the world, on your own terms.
Unlock Your Self-Publishing Success: Why Every Author Needs The AI-Enhanced Course
Discover how The AI-Enhanced Author: Mastering Modern Marketing and Branding empowers indie authors to build a standout brand, master book marketing, and harness AI tools—no tech experience required. Enroll today at brandonrohrbaugh.com!
Self-Publishing: The Ultimate Guide for Aspiring Authors
Thinking about self-publishing your book? This in-depth, beginner-friendly guide walks you through every step—from writing and editing to publishing and marketing—using tools like Amazon KDP, Canva, ProWritingAid, and more. Perfect for aspiring indie authors ready to take control of their writing journey!
Boost Your Book's Visibility: Top SEO Strategies for Indie Authors in 2025
Discover actionable SEO techniques tailored for self-published authors. Learn how to optimize your online presence, increase book discoverability, and drive more sales in 2025.
Writing Gripping Suspense: Building Tension Scene by Scene
Want to keep your readers up all night? Learn how to write suspense that sizzles, with step-by-step tips, real examples, and a free suspense checklist for fiction writers.
How to Write Romance That Feels Real (Expert Tips & Examples)
Want to craft a love story that sweeps readers off their feet? This expert guide reveals how to write romance that feels authentic, with proven tips, real examples, and a free chemistry checklist for writers.
The Ultimate Guide to Plotting Your Sci-Fi Novel (2025 Edition)
Learn how to plot a science fiction novel step-by-step with this in-depth guide. From worldbuilding to story structure, get expert advice, examples, and a free plotting worksheet—perfect for new and experienced sci-fi writers!
World-Building for Fiction Writers: Create a Story Universe Your Readers Will Love (2025 Edition)
Ready to build a fictional world that leaps off the page? This in-depth guide to worldbuilding for writers covers cultures, settings, maps, and more—plus, get a free printable checklist to make your novel’s universe unforgettable.
Plotting Your Novel: Save the Cat vs. Three-Act Structure (2025 Edition)
Confused about how to plot your novel? Learn the differences and surprising similarities between the Save the Cat and Three-Act Structure frameworks. Includes examples, pros and cons, and a downloadable plotting template for fiction writers.
Self-Publishing on Amazon: A Beginner’s Guide (2025 Edition)
Want to publish your book on Amazon? This beginner’s guide walks you step-by-step through Kindle Direct Publishing (KDP), including formatting, cover design, pricing, and launching your first self-published book—no tech skills required!
How to Stay Motivated When Writing Your First Draft: 10 Proven Strategies for Writers
Struggling to keep your momentum while writing a novel? Discover 10 expert strategies to stay motivated during your first draft—including goal-setting, rewards, and real-life author tips to help you finish strong.
25 Must-Try Writing Prompts for Every Genre (2025 Edition)
Stuck for story ideas? This long-form guide delivers 25 original writing prompts—5 each for Fantasy, Sci-Fi, Romance, Thriller, and Literary/General Fiction—plus tips to turn any prompt into a full-fledged novel. Perfect for new and experienced writers alike!
How to Write a Novel for Beginners: The Complete Step-by-Step Guide (2025 Edition)
Want to write your first novel? This step-by-step beginner’s guide covers everything from idea to finished draft, with free downloadable resources, expert tips, and a warm welcome into the world of fiction writing!