I hear this question all the time from authors and it’s a valid one. We all want our books to reach more readers. But here’s the honest truth: it’s usually not the first question we should be asking. Before zooming in on sales and marketing, it’s worth zooming out and checking a few foundational pieces to your writing business instead: 👉 Is this a book readers will genuinely want to read? Not just one you’re proud of (that matters!), but one that’s well-shaped, makes sense, and has been properly edited and proofread? 👉 Does this book deliver what readers expect from the genre, while still being you? There’s a balance between your unique voice and reader expectations. Reading in your genre matters more than most people realize. Readers aren’t just buying a story they’re buying a feeling. 👉 Does the cover clearly signal the genre and fit your brand? A professional, on-brand cover helps readers instantly understand what they’re getting and whether it’s for them. Here’s the part we don’t talk about enough: Selling books isn’t just about marketing. It’s about building a body of work you’re proud of. Books that hold up over time. A backlist you’d confidently recommend years from now when a new reader discovers you! And yes — it’s normal to always feel like your work could be “better.” That feeling never fully goes away for most authors. But strong marketing starts long before promo plans, ads, or launch calendars. It starts with solid books and a clear brand foundation. So as you look ahead, here’s a question to sit with: Are you writing books (and building a brand) that can carry your vision forward long-term? The right questions lead to better answers. Good books lead to more trust, more readers, and a sustainable author career you can be proud of and lean on. You’ve got this! 🕯️🖤

As we close out another calendar year, take time this week to reflect on the past 11 months. . . I'll be posting a question each day of this week for you to take time and think about and reflect on your author journey. Sometimes we reject reflection, because we fear and regret the past. But I urge you to poke through the last few months. The past is invaluable in helping us identify Today, reflect on and journal on this question: What are you leaving behind in 2025? Feel free to share your answer in the comments below, or journal on your own and leave an emoji in the comments below when you're done.

As we get closer to wrapping up the year, this is the perfect moment to go back through everything you’ve spent on your author career — software, subscriptions, tools, courses, ads, office supplies, all of it — and do a quick audit. Not from a place of guilt, but from a place of clarity. 👉 A few questions to ask yourself: - What tools did I actually use this year? - Which subscriptions are helping me reach my goals… and which ones quietly auto-renewed without giving much value? - What could I simplify in my tech stack? - Is there anything I want to invest in more intentionally next year? A 15–20 minute audit can help you save money, clean up your systems, and start 2026 with a clearer sense of what’s actually supporting your author career. If you feel comfortable, share one thing you discovered as you reviewed your expenses — big or small.

No matter where you are in your author journey, having a clear strategy makes everything feel more focused. From your writing goals, your marketing, your releases, and even your daily habits. So here’s a simple reflection question for today: What’s the ONE strategic move you’re focusing on right now to move your author career forward? It could be: - tightening up your email list schedule - outlining your next book with intention - improving your backlist keywords - building consistency with writing sessions - planning your next launch - simplifying your systems or workflow There’s no right answer. When you know your next strategic step, it becomes so much easier to filter out the noise and actually make progress. What’s your current focus?

Not the big milestones, but the little ones we usually overlook! 👉 Did you write a paragraph? 👉 Open your document? 👉 Brainstorm a character? 👉 Clean your desk so writing feels easier? Share one small win you’ve had this week below. They all add up.