Are you forgetting to read to your children? "There is no app, no television program and no toy more powerful than a loving adult reading a book to a child." Some of the most treasured childhood memories aren't extravagant holidays or expensive gifts - they're the quiet moments, curled up on the lounge before bed, a favourite picture book, a familiar voice, the excitement of turning the page to discover what happens next. For generations, reading to children has been one of t

AI Isn't Replacing Authors—It's Changing the Way We Publish "Will AI replace authors?" - It's one of the questions I'm asked more and more. The short answer? No. AI (Artificial Intelligence) has become the hottest topic in publishing. Whether you're traditionally published, self-published or somewhere in between, it's impossible to ignore the impact AI is having on our industry. Some people see it as a threat; others, like me, see it as the future. Personally, I believe it's

If you've ever found yourself creating the same post six times for six different social media platforms, you're not alone. One of the biggest misconceptions in business is that successful social media marketing requires you to be online all day, every day, but the reality is quite the opposite. The most successful entrepreneurs aren't necessarily posting more, we're just working smarter. Whether you're managing Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, TikTok, Snapchat, YouTube, or a co

How to Answer Without Sending People to Sleep As an author, there is one question you will hear more than almost any other: "So, what's your book about?" Simple question. Terrifying answer. Many authors spend years writing a book, only to freeze when asked to describe it in a single sentence. Others launch into a ten-minute explanation involving every character, subplot, historical detail, and personal inspiration behind the story. By the time they finish, the listener is mor

One of the most common questions authors ask is, “How do I get my book into bookshops?” The answer is both simple and complex, which is why I'm writing this blog. Bookshops are businesses at the end of the day. So every shelf, table display, and front-window placement is valuable retail space, and shops need to carefully choose books they believe will sell. Whether you are traditionally published, independently published, or self-published, the process of getting your book on

Let’s start with something many authors don’t realise: You don’t need an agent to pitch your book. An agent’s role is to act as a bridge between you and a publisher - submitting your work, negotiating contracts, and helping shape your author career. And while many authors who have agents value that support, it’s not a prerequisite for getting published. Authors pitch their work directly to publishers every day. What matters most isn’t whether you have an agent; it’s whether y

If you've ever dreamed of seeing your name on a book cover, you know the thrill and the challenge that comes with it. Traditional publishing can feel like a maze, full of gatekeepers and endless waiting. But what if I told you there’s a way to bypass all that? Self-publishing is not just a trend; it’s a revolution. And in Australia, the landscape is rich with options tailored to help writers like you bring your story to life. Today, I want to take you on a journey through the

I believe every manuscript has an author’s voice waiting to be heard. As your publisher, I step in not to rewrite that voice, but to help it SHINE. Have you ever wondered what changes when book editing is truly collaborative? I’ve seen it transform confusion into literary splender, and doubt into momentum. Before: a promising first draft with scattered structure, a voice hiding behind too many words, and gaps that leave the reader disconnected. After: a leaner, clearer manus

I remember the quiet hum of my own thoughts, the vastness of the blank page, and that familiar flicker of doubt – a solitary journey for so many writers, isn't it? It feels like you're navigating uncharted territory, all alone with your story. But what if your next chapter was about the magic that unfolds when you find the right collaborators? I've seen it time and time again, especially with the incredible writers I've had the privilege of coaching. Nerida’s Story: Take Neri

Author JB Thomas at his book launch for 'Heart Full of Storm' Last week, I attended the launch of Heart Full of Storm , a new MM Paranormal Romance by JB Thomas. It should have felt like just another book launch—but for me, it was something much more personal. JB has published four novels with me: Rose Red , Tarot Moon , 1999 , and The Longest Night . So when he told me his next book would be self-published, I’ll be honest—I felt it. My first reaction was pure emotion. A lit

Women in Publishing Summit Masterclass - 15.01.2026 with Aimee Ravichandran (Abundantly Social) “ Your book isn’t invisible, your strategy is .” Aimee Ravichandran If this sounds like you, you’re not alone: · I post everywhere, but nothing sticks · My launch fizzled out fast · I don’t know what actually worked How the market has changed: · Organic reach has declined. The ‘Kumbaya’ era is over – we can’t just rely on family, friends and organic sales to increase visibil

One of the biggest questions for authors is: How much is my book actually worth? Setting the right price is part art, part business. Price it too high, and you risk scaring off readers. Too low, and you undercut your work and may never recoup your investment. Here’s how to approach pricing in the Australian market — with both industry insight and practical advice for authors just starting out. 1. Understand Your Costs Before you even think about your retail price, you need

Before you start Chapter One, or even write your first word, pause and think like a publisher. Publishing isn’t just about writing a good book. It’s about knowing exactly where your book fits, who it’s for, and how to make it stand out. That’s called positioning , and it can make the difference between a book that gets noticed and one that gets lost in the crowd. Why Positioning Comes First: Traditional publishers don’t rely on luck. Before they even agree to publishing a ma

There’s more to beautiful book design than a striking cover or clean layout - it begins with type. Fonts are not just decorative choices; they influence how your story is read, perceived, and remembered. In publishing, typesetting, or typography, is a language of its own, one that communicates mood, tone, and professionalism long before a single word is spoken aloud. Whether you’re an indie author formatting your own book, or working with a graphic designer, understanding fon

Not long ago, getting your book stocked in a bookstore was close to impossible. Fortunately, those days are behind us. The rise of professional indie authors - and the high production standards now achievable through modern small publishing houses – like Bowerbird Publishing - has completely changed the landscape. Today, many independent bookstores welcome new titles, provided they meet industry expectations. But earning a spot on shelves isn’t just about having a great book

Happy library go-ers Helen, Veronica, Mary & Crystal Why Authors Should Support Their Local Library For generations, libraries have been the quiet champions of Australian literature - connecting readers with stories, preserving culture, and giving authors a platform to be discovered. For writers, especially indie or emerging authors, your local library is far more than a building full of books. It’s a gateway to visibility, credibility, and long-term literary relationships. H

We’re told not to judge a book by its cover, but readers absolutely do! Your cover is your first (and often only) chance to make an impression, and in a world overflowing with books, visual storytelling is more important than ever. A well-designed cover does three things: Signals genre: A thriller, romance, and memoir each have distinct design cues - colour palettes, fonts, and imagery that tell readers instantly what kind of story they’re picking up. Reflects tone: Types

Copyright can feel like a legal labyrinth, but it’s really about respect - for your work and for the work of others. As an author, understanding what you can and can’t use protects your integrity and your book’s professional standing. In Australia, copyright is automatic - you own the rights to your work the moment it’s written. But when you include someone else’s words or images, you need to tread carefully. Here’s what to watch for: Quotes: Short quotes are often fine und

Happy authors, Sandy Davies, Regina Petra Meyer, Crystal Leonardi, Debra Gavranich, Megan Formanek Book reviews are the lifeblood of an author’s credibility. They influence buying decisions, boost visibility, and help readers connect emotionally with your story. But not all reviews are created equal. Start by seeking authentic, diverse feedback from trusted sources: Advance Review Copies (ARCs): Send digital or print copies to reviewers, book bloggers, and influencers befor

Is it just me, or does time seem to be slipping through our fingers even quicker these days? Yet, many authors are finding themselves...