There's been no shortage of controversy in publishing lately, much of it happening when authors have engaged in unsavory behavior that alienates them from both readers and fellow authors. The #cockygate scandal, as of yet unresolved, is a prime example of an author taking career-ending steps that were completely unnecessary from a book visibility and income potential … [Read more...] about What’s All This Stuff about Book Stuffing?
Indie Author News
AuthorEarnings Debunks Industry Lies Surrounding SciFi, Fantasy
In another stunning display of both truth in publishing and meticulous attention to the data, the latest release from AuthorEarnings takes on another facet of the traditional publishing industry, namely the lies surrounding scifi and fantasy publishing. In a presentation at the 2018 SFWA Nebula Conference, cape-wearing number cruncher Data Guy presented findings that dispel a … [Read more...] about AuthorEarnings Debunks Industry Lies Surrounding SciFi, Fantasy
New “Gift” Option for Authors to Share Books on Amazon
When it comes to getting the word out about their books, indie authors need all the tools they can get their hands on. It might be in the form of blog tours, book swaps, ARC giveaways, or other types of meaningful promotion, but any mechanism for putting a book in front of readers is welcomed. Amazon has now quietly launched a new feature that will give authors another … [Read more...] about New “Gift” Option for Authors to Share Books on Amazon
2018 IndieReader Discovery Award Winners Have Been Announced
As indie author continue to make headway in an industry that only a few years ago shunned their very existence, more and more opportunities continue to open for them. However, recognizing some of the key players who've been their for small press publishers and self-published authors all this time is vital, as these entities have evolved along with the ever-changing … [Read more...] about 2018 IndieReader Discovery Award Winners Have Been Announced
What #Cockygate Court Ruling Should Mean to Authors…and One Author in Particular
Cocktales is available for a limited time. Just when you thought it was safe to write about cocks...er, cocky...again, the courtroom drama isn't over. Rather than admitting defeat and facing the loathing hordes, author Faleena Hopkins has apparently dug in her heels and plans to proceed with further legal efforts. In the meantime, a judge ruled last week--after some … [Read more...] about What #Cockygate Court Ruling Should Mean to Authors…and One Author in Particular
Another Romance Author In #CockyGate-Level Move
Ah, who can forget only a couple of weeks ago when a romance author destroyed any hope of having a career and a dedicated following by being a jerk to other authors? Dubbed #cockygate, author Faleena Hopkins filed a dubious trademark-slash-wordmark on the word "cocky" as it pertains to her Cocky Brothers book series. She then moved forward with threatening other authors who had … [Read more...] about Another Romance Author In #CockyGate-Level Move
Bronx Book Festival Highlights Bigger Problems For Readers
LitHub recently profiled the amazing story of Saraciea Fennell, a publicist for a Big Five publisher, who took on a seemingly impossible task for the best of reasons. After seeing the lack of attention her home in the Bronx receives on the literary radar, she set about creating the Bronx Book Festival. The daunting task has been a labor of love, and thankfully, has … [Read more...] about Bronx Book Festival Highlights Bigger Problems For Readers
Faleena Hopkins: Village Idiot or Smarter Than Us All?
It seems the literary internet can't get enough of Faleena Hopkins, aka the catalyst behind #cockygate and the Queen Bee of Trademark Trolls. With news that blew up the social media feeds of authors and readers alike almost a week ago, Hopkins continues to spark new articles and new reactions every day. But is she sparking book sales? At this point, there are obviously no … [Read more...] about Faleena Hopkins: Village Idiot or Smarter Than Us All?
#CockyGate Continues With Cringeworthy Victim-Blaming
Authors and readers alike have been following the saga of #cockygate, the internet-blowup surrounding one author's attempt to bully other authors into changing the names of their books. Author Faleena Hopkins first wordmarked her romance series title as it appears in a logo, but then may or may not have trademarked the word "cocky." As such, she began reaching out to authors … [Read more...] about #CockyGate Continues With Cringeworthy Victim-Blaming
SelfPubbed Romance Author Ignites Rage With Cocky Trademark
In the world of self-publishing, authors have to do whatever it takes to get their books in front of readers. For some authors, that means splitting their time between writing and promotion. For others, it means investing in social media managers and publicity packages. For other authors, though, the best way to become a household name is to pull a stunt so vile that it causes … [Read more...] about SelfPubbed Romance Author Ignites Rage With Cocky Trademark
Authors Can Take Advantage of eBook Piracy via YouTube Videos
There are millions of authors who find that some of their ebooks are available on pirate sites and they are resulting in lost sales. Once your book is out in the wild, it is impossible to make any money on it and some authors have even lost their book deals with major publishers. One of the ways authors can combat piracy is to upload half of their book to a torrent site in a … [Read more...] about Authors Can Take Advantage of eBook Piracy via YouTube Videos
Is Amazon Destroying Indie Authors Careers?
Ask any self-published author about their thoughts on Amazon, and you're likely to get one hundred opinions from one hundred writers. For some, the retail giant represents the gateway to opportunity, options for publishing that were never before available in history. For others, Amazon is symbolic of everything wrong with corporations: arbitrary rules, hoops to jump through, … [Read more...] about Is Amazon Destroying Indie Authors Careers?
Publishing Suicide: Indie Authors Turn into the Bullies
Over the years, this news site has covered far more news of author bullying than any site should ever have to. The articles on bullies who turn on authors--especially indie authors--never fail to draw the trolls and naysayers out of the woodwork, and this article will most assuredly be no different. This time, it's different, though. Rather than the poor creative who's faced … [Read more...] about Publishing Suicide: Indie Authors Turn into the Bullies
Traditionally Published Authors Want What Indies Have
When self-published authors like Amanda Hocking became book industry names, it was for reaching incredible sales figures on the fairly new Kindle e-reading platform. After reaching newsworthy levels of success, Hocking and others like her attracted the attention of literary agents and publishers looking to reach consumers. Experts would often question why an author who was … [Read more...] about Traditionally Published Authors Want What Indies Have