I have been hearing from a few of you that you've been having struggles figuring out how to generate images using AI and difficulties with character generation. (Disclaimer - I have never done a children's book, and I am not a prompt master, but here's a short video I put together to generate some solid images.) Let me know if you think this helps you!! @Nicole Lesley @Lisa Z

I know most of you are still in your writing phase, and getting everything put together, but let's not skip thinking about how to promote the book before it's published. Pre-launch marketing isn’t extra work it’s how you: - build momentum - attract early readers - start an email list before day one Here are 3 things you can do right now, even if your book isn’t finished yet 👇 1️⃣ Talk about the problem your book solves on social media - the struggle your reader is dealing with - common mistakes they’re making - small mindset shifts or “aha” moments This is how you start building your audience. Do a challenge where you post about problems and solutions within your niche for 30 days or more. You don't even have to mention the book yet. If people relate to the problem, they’ll want the solution when your book drops. 2️⃣ Start collecting emails early (even with a simple freebie)This can be: - a short checklist - a 1-page PDF - a few journal prompts - a “coming soon” interest list Start setting up a funnel now, and thinking about how you can grow your audience. Those videos you spend time creating in step one get those followers off your socials and into your email list. How do you do that? You give something away, a quiz, a checklist, a custom GPT. Your goal isn’t perfection — it’s ownership. Social platforms change. Your email list doesn’t. 3️⃣ Consider a pre-launch podcast tour to share: - why you’re writing the book - how your book will help people - give an estimate of your launch month and say you're looking for early readers. This is a great way to build trust and collect reviews quickly when your book comes out. People love rooting for something in progress. When they feel part of the journey, they’re more likely to buy. 📌 Reminder: Books that sell well usually don’t start at launch — they start before launch. 👇 What is one activity you will choose start doing right now to grow awareness of your upcoming book?

2nd draft introduction thoughts Introduction: Why this book exists Crochet is my therapy was created to help bring peace of mind to the woman who gives so much of herself to others by giving back to herself through creativity and mindfulness. My journey to crochet is my therapy. I started learning crochet as an outlet to pass the time when I got home from doing medical missionary work. My fellow team member, bless her heart, taught me the basics to get started. I created my 1st project. A scarf. I was intrigued by the thought of creating something I can wear and use. As you can imagine, doing medical missionary work can be rewarding. I grew in many ways. Some prayed for and expected, and some I didn't expect. Truth of the matter is, with all that serving, ya girl was tired, spent, and straight couldn't wait to go home kick off my shoes and relax my feet. I can write a book on that experience alone. Anywho. The more I practiced, honed my technique, and challenged myself with new projects. It became something I looked forward to doing. I enjoyed it and found it relaxing. I used that time to reflect on the day. I caught up on my fav K-dramas. If you know, you know lol. ;-) I spoke with God, and when I needed to woo sa the yarn and hook was waiting for me. Crochet became more than something to do to pass the time. It raised the bar in my creativity. I Honed a new skill set that opened doors to create extra streams of income selling crochet products, and teaching crochet. It became an outlet to release my cares, & stress, and receive clarity, peace of mind, and calm. Crochet is my self-care. Crochet is my therapy. Also my crochet journey has helped me be more patient with myself and helped me cultivate the capacity to look inward. I'm more solution oriented and focus on what's in my control as opposed to meditating on things and not doing anything about them. Dare I say it? Crochet is making me a better woman. There, I said it. Yes its true. And it can be true for you.

We talk a lot about books📚 in here (and I 💙 that), but I’ve noticed something interesting 👀 People really light up when we get a little more personal and talk about life outside of publishing. So let’s do that for a minute. I’d love to know where everyone is from — city, state, country, wherever you’re calling home right now. 📍 I live in Illinois not too far from Chicago. Along with @Jeff Baer @Steve Gast @Susan Wright @Tara Adler @Angel Conway and probably a handful more!! I know @MJ Berst is in Wisconsin. I know we have @Bradley Deacon living in Vietnam / @Nicole Lesley in Australia Would love for everyone to drop it in the comments 👇 It’s always cool to see how global (and diverse) this community really is.

I originally named this group (KDP publishing) which is how you self publish on Amazon, but it has been brought to my attention that not everyone knows what "KDP" means and it can create some friction for targeting the audience I want to target right now. What do you think if I switched the group name to something simple like "Book Publishing" this way it is clear and everyone understands immediately what the group is about, and can help people who are brand new to self publishing get started. Of course I wanted your feedback before I make any immediate changes. 🥰