@Sonja G Welcome to the Guild! We're glad you're here. It sounds like you've had quite the writing journey—from poetry and fanfiction to a military sci-fi horror series. And honestly, I think many writers can relate to creating a bit of a "Scrivener mess" while learning and drafting at the same time! Five years of work is a significant investment, and getting everything organized into a cohesive manuscript is a big step forward. Wishing you the best as you tackle revisions, and we look forward to hearing more about your series.

@Sandy Cahoon You could do that, or just post a bit here and ask for feedback!

Congratulations on 63 books—that is an incredible accomplishment and a testament to consistency, creativity, and dedication to your craft. Your experience will be a wonderful addition to this community. Looking forward to learning from your journey and hearing more about your writing process, publishing experiences, and what you've learned along the way. Welcome!

@Lara Helmling love this. I echo this!

What a beautiful, tough question. I love the idea of teaching children that kindness is a strength, not a weakness. As a mom of young kids, someone who would LOVE to write children's books, and an avid reader of them right now, haha, I would say if I had to choose one message, I think it would be that every person has value, it's important to lean into those values/strengths, and that the way we treat others matters. Children are constantly learning how to see themselves and the world around them, and stories have such a powerful way of shaping those lessons. I’d love to hear what other authors would choose, too. The themes we write about often reveal the kind of world we hope to help create.

Great question! KDP author copy shipping details can definitely be confusing. Yes, Amazon does have package weight limits, and larger orders may be split into multiple boxes depending on the total weight, book size, and shipping requirements. The exact number of boxes will vary based on the trim size, paper type, and page count of the book. For a 200-page book, 100 copies could potentially be split into multiple boxes, but the best way to know the exact shipping cost and packaging is to add the quantity to your KDP order page before checkout. Amazon will calculate the shipping based on your specific book specifications and location. It’s also worth remembering that author copies are printed at your print cost (not the retail price), so it’s a great option for events, direct sales, and local opportunities. Hopefully some authors here who regularly order bulk copies can share their experiences as well!