Eddy

How much should I pay for a professional book cover? TL;DR: Premade book covers typically cost $50–$200, while custom covers from experienced genre designers usually range from $300–$800. Elite designers often charge $1,000–$1,500+. Your cover is the single highest-ROI marketing asset for your book, so prioritize genre expertise and commercial effectiveness over simply finding the […]

What makes a good and effective book cover design? TL;DR: A good book cover instantly communicates genre, conveys professionalism, and earns a click from a browsing reader. The most important elements are genre-appropriate typography, strong composition, emotional clarity, and thumbnail legibility. A successful cover looks like it belongs alongside the bestsellers in your category. Great […]

What is a successful self-published book launch strategy? TL;DR: A successful book launch strategy is a coordinated 90-day marketing campaign that combines pre-launch audience building, launch-week sales concentration, and post-launch momentum. Effective launches align ARC reviews, email marketing, Amazon optimization, advertising, and reader engagement around a focused release window. The goal of a launch is […]

Should I run Amazon Ads for my self-published book? TL;DR: Amazon Ads can significantly increase your book’s visibility and sales, but profitability depends on strong conversion fundamentals — especially your cover, description, reviews, and category positioning. Start with small automatic campaigns, analyze the data, and gradually refine into manual keyword targeting campaigns. Ads work best […]

How do Amazon book categories work on KDP? TL;DR: Amazon book categories determine where your book appears in bestseller lists and genre browsing sections. Categories are based on BISAC codes and should be chosen strategically — specific enough to rank competitively, but accurate to your book’s content. You can add additional categories after publication through […]

How do I get book reviews for a self-published book? TL;DR: Build an ARC (Advance Reader Copy) team before launch, distribute review copies through platforms like BookFunnel or BookSprout, include review requests in your back matter, and consistently engage with readers through your newsletter and social media. Never pay for reviews or offer incentives in […]

How do I handle point of view (POV) in fiction writing? TL;DR: The primary POV options in fiction are first person, third person limited, third person omniscient, and second person. Third person limited is the most common in modern fiction because it balances intimacy with flexibility. Whatever POV you choose, maintain consistency within scenes to […]

What is “show, don’t tell” in fiction writing? TL;DR: “Show, don’t tell” means conveying information through action, dialogue, behavior, and sensory detail instead of direct explanation. Showing creates immersion and emotional impact, while telling creates speed and clarity. Strong fiction uses both strategically. The goal is not to eliminate telling entirely — it is to […]

How do I write natural dialogue in fiction? TL;DR: Natural dialogue captures the rhythm and emotional truth of real speech without reproducing its messiness. Use contractions, distinct character voices, subtext, and varied sentence rhythms. Cut unnecessary small talk and read your dialogue aloud to test whether it sounds believable. Great dialogue is not about perfectly […]