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Stuck on something? Ask it here. Answers come from indie authors who have been exactly where you are.
How long should I wait before chasing a book blogger who has not replied?
I sent review copies to six bloggers three weeks ago and heard back from one. Is it normal to follow up, and how long should I leave it before it starts to look pushy?
MarketingAnonymous1 day ago0 answersHow does royalty share work on ACX, and is it worth giving up half the royalties?
Looking at ACX and the royalty-share option would let me get a narrator with no money upfront, but I'd split royalties 50/50 with them for years. Is that a good deal or am I giving away too much?
AudibleAnonymous3 days ago0 answersShould I narrate my own audiobook or hire a narrator through ACX?
Thinking about an audiobook version. I have a decent speaking voice and a quiet room, so part of me wants to narrate it myself to save money. But I've heard self-narration can sound amateur. How do people decide?
AudibleAnonymous3 days ago1 answer answeredIs it worth using IngramSpark as well as KDP Print, or is KDP Print enough on its own?
I've got my paperback on KDP Print already. People keep saying I should also be on IngramSpark for wider distribution but it costs money and sounds like more admin. For a small indie, is it actually worth doing both?
IngramSparkAnonymous3 days ago1 answer answeredHow do I convert a PDF to PDF/X-1a for compliance with IngramSpark?
IngramSpark keeps rejecting my interior file. The errors mention it needs to be PDF/X-1a and CMYK, and something about curves and ICC colour profiles. I made the file in a normal word processor and I don't have InDesign. How do people convert to PDF/X-1a without expensive software?
IngramSparkAnonymous3 days ago1 answer answeredMy paperback and ebook aren't linked on the same Amazon page — how do I fix it?
Published the ebook and paperback through KDP but they're showing as two separate listings instead of being linked under one product page with the format options. How do I get them merged?
Amazon KDPAnonymous3 days ago1 answer answeredHow do I choose categories and keywords so my book actually gets found on Amazon?
This part confuses me most. KDP only lets me pick a few categories and seven keyword slots. How do I choose them so the right readers actually stumble onto my book instead of it vanishing?
Amazon KDPAnonymous3 days ago1 answer answeredIs a BookBub Featured Deal worth the money, or are the cheaper promo sites good enough?
I'm planning a price promo and keep seeing BookBub Featured Deals recommended, but they're expensive and hard to get accepted. Are the cheaper newsletter promo sites a reasonable substitute for a first-timer?
MarketingAnonymous3 days ago1 answer answeredDo Amazon ads actually work for a debut author with no reviews yet?
I keep hearing Amazon ads are essential but also that they burn money for new authors. I've got zero reviews so far. Is it worth starting ads now, or wait until I have some social proof first?
MarketingAnonymous3 days ago1 answer answeredI keep stalling at the midpoint of my novel — how do you push through the sagging middle?
Third time this has happened. Opening comes easily, I know my ending, but around the 40–50% mark I lose steam and the plot feels aimless. How do you get through it?
WritingAnonymous3 days ago1 answer answeredHow long should I let a first draft rest before I start editing?
Just typed THE END on my first full draft. Everyone says to put it in a drawer before editing but nobody says for how long. A week? A month? I'm itching to get back in.
WritingAnonymous3 days ago1 answer answeredAnyone up for swapping newsletter shout-outs? I write in the sci-fi space
I've got a small but engaged newsletter (around 400 subscribers, ~40% open rate) for my sci-fi. Looking to swap a mention with another author in SFF or adjacent. Reply if you're keen and we'll sort dates.
RequestAnonymous3 days ago0 answersLooking for two or three beta readers for a 60k cozy mystery — where do people find them?
First novel, cozy mystery, about 60,000 words, draft is clean but I've never used beta readers before. Where's the best place to find a few reliable ones who actually finish and give useful notes?
RequestAnonymous3 days ago1 answer answeredHow do you stay motivated when your book barely sells in the first months?
Launched three months ago and I'm averaging a couple of sales a week. I knew it'd be slow but it's still deflating. How do people keep going through this stretch?
GeneralAnonymous3 days ago1 answer answeredIs it still worth self-publishing in 2026, or is the market too crowded now?
Every week I read that Amazon is flooded and nobody can break through anymore. I've got a finished manuscript but I'm hesitating. Is it actually still worth putting a first book out as an unknown author?
GeneralAnonymous3 days ago1 answer answeredHow many reviews do I need before running Amazon ads?
I've heard everything from 10 to 50. My novel has 6 reviews so far — is it worth starting ads now or should I wait?
Amazon KDPAnonymous4 days ago2 answers answered