Business of Publishing

A sensitivity read checks your manuscript for stereotypes and false notes. Here’s what it is, who does it, what it costs, and whether your book needs one.

Accepting criticism is hard, and defensiveness is normal. Here are 4 steps for telling criticism from attack and using feedback to improve your writing.

Readers’ advisory is how librarians match books to readers. Here’s how writers can use it to figure out why they love a book and write more of it.

Book pricing is part art, part science. Here’s why books cost what they cost, why e-books aren’t cheaper, and how to price your own self-published book.

Manuscript rejection is rarely personal — but it’s rarely random either. Here are the 4 most common reasons agents and editors pass, and what each one actually tells you about your next move.

You already own the copyright to your book the moment you write it. So why register? Here’s what copyright registration actually requires, when it matters, and the mandatory deposit law that applies to every US publication.

Self-published authors can’t get CIP data—but you might still want an LCCN. Here’s what these Library of Congress identifiers actually are, which ones you’re eligible for, and whether any of it matters for your book.

What do you do when a book you love was written by a problematic author? Here are six concrete strategies for reading ethically without burning your whole TBR to the ground.

Use the book marketability matrix to find out where your writing lands—and where you want it to go. Good writing and commercial success aren't mutually exclusive, but they don't always come together either.

What is a Creative Commons license—and should you use one for your writing? Learn the difference between open access and free access, all 6 CC license types, and what open access means for federally funded research.

Book returns can cost self-publishing authors real money—but most don't know how the system works until it's too late. Learn how returns work with IngramSpark, KDP, and brick-and-mortar bookstores before you decide how to publish.

What goes on a book cover—and why? Learn the anatomy of professional book cover design, from front cover to spine to back cover blurbs, with insider tips for both traditionally published and self-publishing authors.

Wondering if Kindle Unlimited is worth it for your self-published book? Learn how KDP Select and Kindle Unlimited work, how royalties are calculated, and what to consider before enrolling your e-book.

Before query letters, agents, or book covers: every writer needs to complete their first draft before they can pursue getting published.

Writers make three common comparisons that quietly destroy their confidence — comparing their drafts to published books, to peers in their writing group, and to writers at a similar age or stage. Here's why those comparisons are unfair, and two useful comparisons you can make instead.

An author website helps readers find you, showcases your bibliography, and gives journalists and event organizers a place to pull your bio and press photo. Here's how to build one from scratch — what pages to create, what to put on them, and which platforms make it easy even if you're not a web designer.