KN Magazine: Articles
This Crazy Writing Life’s Conversation with Emma Boyer of Written Word Media
In this insightful conversation with Emma Boyer, Vice-President of Digital Operations & Author Relations at Written Word Media, Steven Womack explores how indie authors can successfully navigate book marketing. From giving books away for exposure to leveraging targeted digital platforms, Emma shares practical advice on overcoming the challenges of indie publishing and building momentum with readers.
Crafting Killer Back Cover Copy
Want readers to grab your book off the shelf—or click “Buy Now”? It all starts with the back cover copy. Learn how to craft compelling blurbs that hook readers using GMC (goal, motivation, conflict) and genre-appropriate voice to boost sales and reader engagement.
This Crazy Writing Life: Amazon Ads Part Three–Don't Forget to Press the Clutch...
In this third installment on Amazon advertising, Steven Womack dives into manual ad targeting, explains the difference between keyword match types, and explores how to avoid getting lost in Amazon's massive category maze. If you're an indie author who wants to take the wheel, this is the roadmap.
This Crazy Writing Life: Dipping Our Toes In The Amazon Part Two — On Swimming Upstream...
In part two of our Amazon advertising deep dive, we unpack campaign architecture, custom vs. standard ads, bidding strategies, and the role of metadata in targeting. If you're ready to move beyond the basics and get serious about promoting your book, this is where the learning curve begins.
Audiobooks
Audiobooks are a rapidly growing format and can significantly expand your audience and sales. This post explores why authors should consider audiobooks, how to produce them, and how to effectively distribute them through platforms like ACX.
The Importance of Honest Feedback
Writing can be lonely, but getting honest feedback is essential to improving your craft. From critique groups to beta readers to professional editing, learn how each stage of input strengthens your manuscript and helps you grow as a writer.
Audiobooks
Audiobooks are booming—and if your book isn’t in audio, you’re missing out on sales, discoverability, and long-term income. Learn the why, how, and best practices for getting your book into audio and turning your backlist into an income stream.
Keywords, Descriptions, Jacket Copy
Learn the importance of keywords, descriptions, and jacket copy when publishing your book. Discover how to optimize your book for search engines and write compelling descriptions that hook potential readers.
Gotta Go Through It
Reflecting on the obstacles writers face, Chrissy explores how perseverance in the writing journey mirrors the message of “Going on a Bear Hunt”—you can’t go over it, can’t go under it, you’ve got to go through it.
The Indie Pubbing Journey Continues—Part Four: Navigating The Distribution Maze
You’ve written and polished your book—now what? This installment of This Crazy Writing Life explores the wild world of eBook distribution, weighing the pros and cons of going wide vs. going exclusive with Kindle Select. A must-read for indie authors navigating the modern publishing maze.
Getting Started In Indie Pubbing — Part Two – The First Few Choices
In part two of my series on independent publishing, I discuss the first critical choices you’ll need to make when deciding how to publish your book. From selecting the format—hardcover, paperback, or eBook—to considering production quality and distribution, these decisions will shape your indie-pubbing journey.
Getting Started In Indie Pubbing (or Good God, what have I gotten myself into?)
Thinking of self-publishing but overwhelmed by the noise? Whether you’re new to the game or a veteran author rethinking your strategy, this guide offers a grounded starting point to navigate the indie pubbing world—without blowing a fuse.
Making Your Plan
Success doesn’t just happen—it’s built on a solid plan. From setting realistic goals to structuring timelines, this guide breaks down how to chart a writing career with intention, efficiency, and long-term momentum. Whether you're building your first series or aiming for one hundred stories, it all starts here.
Agents- You Don’t Need Them
The gatekeeping power of literary agents is fading. From query letter struggles to payment pitfalls, this piece explores why modern authors don’t necessarily need agents—and how to navigate the publishing world without them.
Productivity
Writing one book is hard. Writing many is obsession. But if you want to succeed as an author, productivity isn’t just about typing faster—it’s about building systems, cultivating habits, and embracing the creative grind. Whether you're a plotter, a pantser, or somewhere in between, this piece explores practical, personal, and inspiring ways to keep the words flowing and the books stacking up.
When “The End” is Just the Beginning
After navigating the highs and lows of traditional publishing—including two orphaned series—Judy Penz Sheluk took control of her writing career by launching her own imprint. In this personal and empowering post, she shares the lessons learned and how the end of one chapter became the beginning of a bold new journey into indie publishing.
Timing is Your Time’s Best Friend: Calendar Management for the Soon-To-Be-Published Author
The months before and after a book launch are a whirlwind for any author. Whether you’re traditionally published or going indie, the key to success is proactive calendar management. In this guide, authors Kim Conrey and Roger Johns break down the production and promotion timelines every soon-to-be-published writer should know to stay ahead of the game—and stay sane.
Punctuation is Power - Part 5: Are you in business or in hobby?
In this article, the difference between approaching writing as a hobby versus a business is explored, emphasizing the importance of professionalism, editing, and the realities of the book industry in today’s market.
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