Author Help
@authorhelp.bsky.social
Author Help is a queer-owned author services company and a partner member of the Alliance of Independent Authors.
Our main social media account is https://gts.phillipsuk.org/@authorhelp. Most posts are copied to here.
https://authorhelp.uk/
Our main social media account is https://gts.phillipsuk.org/@authorhelp. Most posts are copied to here.
https://authorhelp.uk/
If you're struggling to finish your book, make sure you're not making this mistake.
https://janefriedman.com/the-big-mistake-that-keeps-writers-from-finishing-a-novel/
https://janefriedman.com/the-big-mistake-that-keeps-writers-from-finishing-a-novel/
The Big Mistake That Keeps Writers From Finishing a Novel | Jane Friedman
One writer explains why you shouldn’t necessarily get feedback on your first draft—and what you should do instead.
janefriedman.com
February 15, 2026 at 8:10 PM
If you're struggling to finish your book, make sure you're not making this mistake.
https://janefriedman.com/the-big-mistake-that-keeps-writers-from-finishing-a-novel/
https://janefriedman.com/the-big-mistake-that-keeps-writers-from-finishing-a-novel/
https://gts.phillipsuk.org/tags/bookbub has a https://gts.phillipsuk.org/tags/copyright primer for https://gts.phillipsuk.org/tags/authors .
https://insights.bookbub.com/copyright-for-authors-5-essential-things-you-should-know/
https://insights.bookbub.com/copyright-for-authors-5-essential-things-you-should-know/
Phillips UK Fediverse Server - GoToSocial
Private fediverse server.
gts.phillipsuk.org
February 14, 2026 at 8:22 PM
The Copyright Claims Board (CCB) makes filing a copyright violation claim easier, but recovering the damages awarded can be difficult.
https://www.plagiarismtoday.com/2026/02/02/the-problem-with-collecting-ccb-damages/
https://www.plagiarismtoday.com/2026/02/02/the-problem-with-collecting-ccb-damages/
The Problem with Collecting CCB Damages
Benjamin Bronner was one of the first to file a claim with the Copyright Claims Board. However, nearly four years later, he’s struggling to collect his damages.
www.plagiarismtoday.com
February 13, 2026 at 4:52 PM
The Copyright Claims Board (CCB) makes filing a copyright violation claim easier, but recovering the damages awarded can be difficult.
https://www.plagiarismtoday.com/2026/02/02/the-problem-with-collecting-ccb-damages/
https://www.plagiarismtoday.com/2026/02/02/the-problem-with-collecting-ccb-damages/
https://gts.phillipsuk.org/tags/sfwa have an interesting interview with a cover designer.
https://www.sfwa.org/2026/02/03/crafting-a-cover-an-interview-with-sff-illustrator-and-designer-jeff-brown/
https://www.sfwa.org/2026/02/03/crafting-a-cover-an-interview-with-sff-illustrator-and-designer-jeff-brown/
February 12, 2026 at 9:28 PM
https://gts.phillipsuk.org/tags/sfwa have an interesting interview with a cover designer.
https://www.sfwa.org/2026/02/03/crafting-a-cover-an-interview-with-sff-illustrator-and-designer-jeff-brown/
https://www.sfwa.org/2026/02/03/crafting-a-cover-an-interview-with-sff-illustrator-and-designer-jeff-brown/
Why KDP marketing fails, and how to build an audience.
https://blog.bookbaby.com/how-to-promote-your-book/book-promotion/why-kdp-marketing-fails-and-how-to-build-your-audience
https://blog.bookbaby.com/how-to-promote-your-book/book-promotion/why-kdp-marketing-fails-and-how-to-build-your-audience
Why KDP Marketing Fails (and How to Build Your Audience)
You’ve done the hard work. You’ve prepared and uploaded your book to KDP. You’ve seen your book go live and then… Crickets. There’s no avalanche of sales. No magical algorithm fairy coming down to bless your rank in the search results. It’s just you and your lonely Amazon page. Sure, you may get a few […]
blog.bookbaby.com
February 11, 2026 at 5:58 PM
Why KDP marketing fails, and how to build an audience.
https://blog.bookbaby.com/how-to-promote-your-book/book-promotion/why-kdp-marketing-fails-and-how-to-build-your-audience
https://blog.bookbaby.com/how-to-promote-your-book/book-promotion/why-kdp-marketing-fails-and-how-to-build-your-audience
How to sell pre-orders.
https://insights.bookbub.com/ways-to-sell-preorder-books/
https://insights.bookbub.com/ways-to-sell-preorder-books/
15 Ways to Sell Preorder Books You Need to See
Discover 15 creative book preorder incentives and marketing strategies from successful authors, from reader magnets to targeted ads.
insights.bookbub.com
February 10, 2026 at 6:16 PM
How to sell pre-orders.
https://insights.bookbub.com/ways-to-sell-preorder-books/
https://insights.bookbub.com/ways-to-sell-preorder-books/
https://gts.phillipsuk.org/tags/draft2digital now distribute https://gts.phillipsuk.org/tags/ebooks to bookshop.org (note that we've seen unconfirmed reports that bookshop.org won't list https://gts.phillipsuk.org/tags/erotica titles). [1/2]
Phillips UK Fediverse Server - GoToSocial
Private fediverse server.
gts.phillipsuk.org
February 9, 2026 at 5:58 PM
https://gts.phillipsuk.org/tags/draft2digital now distribute https://gts.phillipsuk.org/tags/ebooks to bookshop.org (note that we've seen unconfirmed reports that bookshop.org won't list https://gts.phillipsuk.org/tags/erotica titles). [1/2]
Jonathan Bailey says using https://gts.phillipsuk.org/tags/ai without disclosure is plagiarism.
https://www.plagiarismtoday.com/2026/02/03/if-you-dont-disclose-ai-youre-a-plagiarist/
https://www.plagiarismtoday.com/2026/02/03/if-you-dont-disclose-ai-youre-a-plagiarist/
Phillips UK Fediverse Server - GoToSocial
Private fediverse server.
gts.phillipsuk.org
February 8, 2026 at 8:11 PM
Jonathan Bailey says using https://gts.phillipsuk.org/tags/ai without disclosure is plagiarism.
https://www.plagiarismtoday.com/2026/02/03/if-you-dont-disclose-ai-youre-a-plagiarist/
https://www.plagiarismtoday.com/2026/02/03/if-you-dont-disclose-ai-youre-a-plagiarist/
Unhappy Returns: Harper's Bazaar Short Story Contest, America Star Books - Writer Beware
https://writerbeware.blog/2026/02/06/unhappy-returns-harpers-bazaar-short-story-contest-america-star-books/
https://writerbeware.blog/2026/02/06/unhappy-returns-harpers-bazaar-short-story-contest-america-star-books/
Unhappy Returns: Harper's Bazaar Short Story Contest, America Star Books - Writer Beware
I always try to keep track of the stories I write, and to update my posts when new information comes to light. Sometimes, though, it’s worth re-visiting the stories themselves–as in the two cases below, where “bewares” that appeared to have resolved return, unhappily, for a second go-around (or seem to). Harper’s Bazaar Short StoryRead More
writerbeware.blog
February 7, 2026 at 12:17 AM
Unhappy Returns: Harper's Bazaar Short Story Contest, America Star Books - Writer Beware
https://writerbeware.blog/2026/02/06/unhappy-returns-harpers-bazaar-short-story-contest-america-star-books/
https://writerbeware.blog/2026/02/06/unhappy-returns-harpers-bazaar-short-story-contest-america-star-books/
BookFunnel have unveiled some changes to their plans. Existing users will pay the existing prices unless they move to a new plan.
https://blog.bookfunnel.com/2026/new-plans/
https://blog.bookfunnel.com/2026/new-plans/
New Plans: More Pen Names, Cheaper Audiobook options, or Stay on Your Current Plan | BookFunnel: the blog
Hello, BFFs! We’re introducing updated BookFunnel account plans starting February 20, 2026. These changes are aimed at giving authors, especially those with multiple pen names and audiobooks, more flexibility as they grow. Before we dive into the details, here’s the most important thing to know: If you’re happy with your current plan, you can keep[...]
blog.bookfunnel.com
February 6, 2026 at 4:53 PM
BookFunnel have unveiled some changes to their plans. Existing users will pay the existing prices unless they move to a new plan.
https://blog.bookfunnel.com/2026/new-plans/
https://blog.bookfunnel.com/2026/new-plans/
If your books are printed and distributed by Ingram Spark, fill in this form if you don't want them used to train AI models.
https://www.ingramcontent.com/page/ai-opt-out
https://www.ingramcontent.com/page/ai-opt-out
February 5, 2026 at 9:29 PM
If your books are printed and distributed by Ingram Spark, fill in this form if you don't want them used to train AI models.
https://www.ingramcontent.com/page/ai-opt-out
https://www.ingramcontent.com/page/ai-opt-out
The queen of Britain says that comics and audiobooks count as reading.
https://www.theguardian.com/books/2026/jan/21/is-listening-to-an-audiobook-as-good-as-reading
https://www.theguardian.com/books/2026/jan/21/is-listening-to-an-audiobook-as-good-as-reading
Is listening to an audiobook as good as reading?
Queen tells reading campaign that listening counts too – and the publishing industry increasingly agrees
www.theguardian.com
February 4, 2026 at 5:53 PM
The queen of Britain says that comics and audiobooks count as reading.
https://www.theguardian.com/books/2026/jan/21/is-listening-to-an-audiobook-as-good-as-reading
https://www.theguardian.com/books/2026/jan/21/is-listening-to-an-audiobook-as-good-as-reading
The best thing you can do for your writing is to be yourself.
https://booksbywomen.org/no-one-is-you-and-thats-your-superpower/
https://booksbywomen.org/no-one-is-you-and-thats-your-superpower/
No One is You, and that’s Your Superpower - Women Writers, Women's Books
by Debra Borchert Recently, I attended a Zoom meeting, starring Kara Infante, podcaster-extraordinaire and host of Bookish Flights Podcast, in which she said, “No One is you, and that’s your superpower.” I thought about how most of us have experienced anxiety or nervousness at least once, and how those bouts can affect our self-confidence. As […]
booksbywomen.org
February 3, 2026 at 6:10 PM
The best thing you can do for your writing is to be yourself.
https://booksbywomen.org/no-one-is-you-and-thats-your-superpower/
https://booksbywomen.org/no-one-is-you-and-thats-your-superpower/
It's a mistake to compare the costs of ebooks and coffee.
https://authorhelp.uk/books-vs-coffee/
https://authorhelp.uk/books-vs-coffee/
Books vs Coffee - Author Help
A book can be sold many times, in a variety of ways. It's not always easy, but it's possible. Even the best coffee can only be sold once.
authorhelp.uk
February 2, 2026 at 5:58 PM
It's a mistake to compare the costs of ebooks and coffee.
https://authorhelp.uk/books-vs-coffee/
https://authorhelp.uk/books-vs-coffee/
How to fix common character arc issues.
https://www.writersdigest.com/7-common-character-arc-problems-and-how-to-fix-them
https://www.writersdigest.com/7-common-character-arc-problems-and-how-to-fix-them
7 Common Character Arc Problems and How to Fix Them
Award-winning author Sarah Branson shares seven common character arc problems and how to fix them in stories.
www.writersdigest.com
February 1, 2026 at 8:10 PM
How to fix common character arc issues.
https://www.writersdigest.com/7-common-character-arc-problems-and-how-to-fix-them
https://www.writersdigest.com/7-common-character-arc-problems-and-how-to-fix-them
How to manage long projects without an outline.
https://www.sfwa.org/2026/01/27/handling-longer-projects-without-relying-on-a-plot-outline/
https://www.sfwa.org/2026/01/27/handling-longer-projects-without-relying-on-a-plot-outline/
Handling Longer Projects Without Relying on a Plot Outline - SFWA - The Science Fiction & Fantasy Writers Association
by Adriana Kantcheva. Follow a pantser’s evolving process and see how giving ideas time to mature before drafting cut revision turmoil, clarified themes and character arcs, and made writing a novel less overwhelming.
www.sfwa.org
January 31, 2026 at 8:22 PM
How to manage long projects without an outline.
https://www.sfwa.org/2026/01/27/handling-longer-projects-without-relying-on-a-plot-outline/
https://www.sfwa.org/2026/01/27/handling-longer-projects-without-relying-on-a-plot-outline/
What improvisational comedy can teach about writing novels.
https://janefriedman.com/what-improv-comedy-taught-me-about-writing-novels/
https://janefriedman.com/what-improv-comedy-taught-me-about-writing-novels/
What Improv Comedy Taught Me About Writing Novels | Jane Friedman
Improv is about being in the moment, and showed one author how to let go, listen better, take risks, and move on when something doesn’t work.
janefriedman.com
January 30, 2026 at 4:52 PM
What improvisational comedy can teach about writing novels.
https://janefriedman.com/what-improv-comedy-taught-me-about-writing-novels/
https://janefriedman.com/what-improv-comedy-taught-me-about-writing-novels/
We Need Diverse Books launches Unbanned Book Network to fight school bans.
https://apnews.com/article/unbanned-book-network-diverse-publishing-65cc2402215c7899dfa74859a6c06f95
https://gts.phillipsuk.org/tags/bookstodon
https://apnews.com/article/unbanned-book-network-diverse-publishing-65cc2402215c7899dfa74859a6c06f95
https://gts.phillipsuk.org/tags/bookstodon
We Need Diverse Books launches Unbanned Book Network to fight school bans
We Need Diverse Books has launched the Unbanned Book Network to counteract book bans in schools and libraries.
apnews.com
January 28, 2026 at 8:52 PM
We Need Diverse Books launches Unbanned Book Network to fight school bans.
https://apnews.com/article/unbanned-book-network-diverse-publishing-65cc2402215c7899dfa74859a6c06f95
https://gts.phillipsuk.org/tags/bookstodon
https://apnews.com/article/unbanned-book-network-diverse-publishing-65cc2402215c7899dfa74859a6c06f95
https://gts.phillipsuk.org/tags/bookstodon
Why bonus content is an excellent marketing tool.
https://www.ingramspark.com/blog/why-bonus-content-is-one-of-the-smartest-marketing-tools-for-authors
https://www.ingramspark.com/blog/why-bonus-content-is-one-of-the-smartest-marketing-tools-for-authors
Why Bonus Content Is One of the Smartest Marketing Tools for Authors
Boost your book marketing with bonus content that attracts new readers, enriches your current audience's experience, and builds lasting connections.
www.ingramspark.com
January 23, 2026 at 4:51 PM
Why bonus content is an excellent marketing tool.
https://www.ingramspark.com/blog/why-bonus-content-is-one-of-the-smartest-marketing-tools-for-authors
https://www.ingramspark.com/blog/why-bonus-content-is-one-of-the-smartest-marketing-tools-for-authors
BookBaby are looking back to 2025 and forward to 2026.
https://blog.bookbaby.com/how-to-self-publish/self-publishing/the-year-in-book-selling
https://blog.bookbaby.com/how-to-self-publish/self-publishing/the-year-in-book-selling
The Year in Book Selling (and the Focus for 2026)
In 2025, print books became harder to place in stores — but far more profitable for authors. The book business continues to go through a major reset.
blog.bookbaby.com
January 22, 2026 at 9:27 PM
BookBaby are looking back to 2025 and forward to 2026.
https://blog.bookbaby.com/how-to-self-publish/self-publishing/the-year-in-book-selling
https://blog.bookbaby.com/how-to-self-publish/self-publishing/the-year-in-book-selling
How to organise and grow your author business.
https://www.writtenwordmedia.com/author-business-organization-2026/
https://www.writtenwordmedia.com/author-business-organization-2026/
How to Get Organized in 2026: Growing Your Author Business Without Losing Your Mind - Written Word Media How to Get Organized in 2026: Growing Your Author Business Without Losing Your Mind
Need better author organization in 2026? These author business tips help you plan, market, and write with less stress—using systems that actually stick.
www.writtenwordmedia.com
January 20, 2026 at 6:11 PM
How to organise and grow your author business.
https://www.writtenwordmedia.com/author-business-organization-2026/
https://www.writtenwordmedia.com/author-business-organization-2026/
How two indie authors became New York Times bestsellers.
https://www.ingramspark.com/blog/breaking-through-how-two-ingramspark-authors-achieved-new-york-times-bestseller-status
https://www.ingramspark.com/blog/breaking-through-how-two-ingramspark-authors-achieved-new-york-times-bestseller-status
Breaking Through: How Two IngramSpark Authors Achieved New York Times Bestseller Status
The NYT-bestseller list isn't just for big publishers anymore. Discover how two IngramSpark authors broke through with self-publishing.
www.ingramspark.com
January 19, 2026 at 5:53 PM
How two indie authors became New York Times bestsellers.
https://www.ingramspark.com/blog/breaking-through-how-two-ingramspark-authors-achieved-new-york-times-bestseller-status
https://www.ingramspark.com/blog/breaking-through-how-two-ingramspark-authors-achieved-new-york-times-bestseller-status
How to inspire change in your readers.
https://elizabethspanncraig.com/uncategorized/5-ways-novelists-can-craft-books-that-inspire-change/
https://elizabethspanncraig.com/uncategorized/5-ways-novelists-can-craft-books-that-inspire-change/
5 Ways Novelists Can Craft Books That Inspire Change – Elizabeth Spann Craig
Learn 5 techniques for writing novels that inspire real change, from Hero's Journey to NLP language patterns.
elizabethspanncraig.com
January 18, 2026 at 8:11 PM
How to inspire change in your readers.
https://elizabethspanncraig.com/uncategorized/5-ways-novelists-can-craft-books-that-inspire-change/
https://elizabethspanncraig.com/uncategorized/5-ways-novelists-can-craft-books-that-inspire-change/
If you have traditionally published books that are no longer selling, it may be worth going through the process to get the rights reverted.
https://writerbeware.blog/2026/01/09/reversion-redux/
https://writerbeware.blog/2026/01/09/reversion-redux/
Reversion Redux - Writer Beware
In the aftermath of the recent Anthropic Settlement (more information here), many writers are making a reassessment of the necessity and value of copyright registration. Claiming a share of pay-out from the settlement is 100% dependent on having a work registered with the U. S. Copyright Office in a timely fashion. It’s relatively easy toRead More
writerbeware.blog
January 16, 2026 at 4:53 PM
If you have traditionally published books that are no longer selling, it may be worth going through the process to get the rights reverted.
https://writerbeware.blog/2026/01/09/reversion-redux/
https://writerbeware.blog/2026/01/09/reversion-redux/
Bruce Shneier: AI and the Corporate Capture of Knowledge [1/6]
January 16, 2026 at 3:59 PM
Bruce Shneier: AI and the Corporate Capture of Knowledge [1/6]