welcome…
…to all my secrets on life as a published author
(I’m 7 traditionally published books in and I’ve learnt some stuff 😉)
I blog weekly about author websites, newsletters and life as a writer…
New posts published every Monday 😊
Want to learn more about me and my own publishing journey first?
(includes info on how I landed one of those mythical six-figure book deals!)
Read all about my own journey to publication →
Or scroll down to read all my other posts!
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Six signs it might be time to leave your literary agent
There are tons of articles out there about how to spot a shady literary agent, but they are almost all for people who are still looking for representation, and they talk about things like never paying someone to read your manuscript etc.
How I deal with bad reviews
If you’re having a novel traditionally published then there’s one thing that’s certain to happen: you are going to get a bad review.
Why I prefer one-book deals
I’m probably a minority here, I know. I know because I’ve asked a lot of my friends who are authors and they’ve pretty much all said they prefer the security of a two- or maybe even three-book deal.
The ONE thing I wish I had known before I got my book deal
I know, I know, it’s a bit of a click-baity title but please bear with me! I feel like this is the thing that NO-ONE talks about EVER. And for the life of me I can’t really understand why. Because if we did talk about it more it would take the pressure off all the debut authors out there who are having meltdowns.
3 things to do straight after getting a book deal
There are so many articles on the internet telling you how to get a book deal – some helpful, some bizarre, some basic. But what I found when I got my first book deal was that there wasn’t much information on what to do after you got your book deal…
5 tips for surviving your book’s publication week
Apologies for the slightly negative angle on the title for this post! But as a seasoned published author, I feel duty bound to explain to any debuts out there that they are not alone in finding publication week a little bit, well, tough.
How not to be a dick when you get a book deal 😉
Apologies for the slightly tongue-in-cheek title for this post, but it was one of those ideas that just popped into my head randomly when I was walking home the other day and I thought – yes! I have a LOT to say on that subject!
5 books that inspired me to become a writer
I was recently asked in an interview to talk about the top 5 books which most inspired me to become a writer and I found it such an interesting question! As authors, we are often asked if we have favourite books or favourite writers, but this was a different angle and it really got me thinking about my journey towards becoming a published author and the books that influenced my writing the most.
My publication journey (so far!)
It occurred to me recently that I’d never really shared much about my own journey to publication on here. But I think one of the reasons my lovely clients choose to work with me on their websites is because I know EXACTLY what it’s like to be a published author.
2021: my work year in review
I’m not entirely sure how to start this post! Last year, I said I hoped 2021 would be better than 2020, and we all know how that went. So I’ll skip past all that chat and move on to what I achieved this year work-wise!
2020: my work year in review
Phew! We made it, 2020 is nearly over. First of all please let me wish you all a very merry Christmas and hope that you all have a very well-deserved restful break over the festive season. I am exhausted, as I’m sure you are too.
Why I’ve put my prices up for 2021
By the end of this year, I’ll have built 24 author websites, which kind of blows my mind. It’s been amazing, and I have genuinely enjoyed every moment of it. I still feel so lucky to have found a job that I enjoy that also means I get to work with other writers.
Six-Month Studio Update
As it’s now June, and we’re very nearly halfway through the year (eeek, where does the time go?!) I wanted to do a more reflective post this week. It’s been just over 6 months since I launched my web design studio, and I still can’t believe how much I have loved every second of it.
5 of the best support groups for published authors
Some of the most interesting feedback I’ve had from my ebook The Debut Author’s Survival Guide has been about the pages right at the front of the book – all about your feelings as a debut author. I really believe (and I covered this in my post on managing your feelings as a debut author) that the experience of being published can be a little tricky to navigate.
Interview: Tracy Buchanan from Savvy Writers
I was so excited to interview bestselling author Tracy Buchanan, who also runs the Savvy Writers’ group - a group of published authors set up specifically to provide support for one another. Tracy is launching her first writing festival later this year, and in our chat she tells us all about what to expect, as well as sharing her tips on achieving longevity as an author…
Managing your feelings as debut author
Something a bit different from websites this week! I thought it was time for a break from the technical stuff, and time to talk about the whole experience of getting a book deal, so here’s an exclusive extract from my ebook The Debut Author’s Survival Guide!
Expert Q and A: agent Caroline Hardman from Hardman and Swainson
This is an interview I’ve been meaning to do in absolutely ages! So I’m really excited to finally have it done and live on my blog to share with you.
✨ 30 things I’ve learnt from 5 years being published ✨
September 6 2023 marked 5 years since my first book was released 😲
To celebrate, I shared a new post about what I’ve learnt from being published EVERY DAY throughout the month.
Enjoy!
curious about my books?
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pssst! before you go…
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Look at all the great stuff you’ll get…
Essential Guide to SEO for Authors
17 page guide
The Debut Author’s Survival Guide
30 page ebook
Author Website Content Guide
14 page guide
Author Newsletters
- a Beginner’s Guide
30 minute video
Blogging for Authors
- a Beginner’s Guide
18 minute video