What are ARCs and how do I use them? TL;DR: Advance Reader Copies (ARCs) are pre-publication copies of your book sent to readers who agree to leave an honest review around launch. Use ARC distribution 2–4 weeks before release to build early reviews and visibility. ARCs help you generate early social proof for your book […]
How do I build an author platform before my book launches?
How do I build an author platform before my book launches? TL;DR: An author platform is your ability to reach readers directly. Start building 6–12 months before launch by focusing on an email newsletter first, then one social platform where your audience is active. To build an author platform, create a mailing list, set up […]
What is the best way to outline a novel?
What is the best way to outline a novel? TL;DR: There is no single correct way to outline a novel. Common methods include the three-act structure, Save the Cat beat sheet, Snowflake Method, and scene-by-scene outlines. The best approach is the one that helps you finish your book. Some writers outline extensively before drafting (“plotters”), […]
What Are Comp Titles and How Do I Choose Them?
What are comp titles and how do you choose them? TL;DR: Comp titles are recent books used to position your book in the market. Use 1–2 relevant, successful (but not massive) titles that match your genre, tone, and audience. Comp titles (comparative titles) help agents and readers quickly understand where your book fits. The best […]
How Do I Write a Compelling Opening Chapter?
How Do I Write a Compelling Opening Chapter? TL;DR:A compelling opening chapter establishes voice, introduces a character the reader wants to follow, raises a question or tension that creates forward momentum, and grounds the reader in a specific time and place. It does not need to open with action — it needs to open with […]
What Is the Three-Act Structure?
What Is the Three-Act Structure? TL;DR:The three-act structure divides a story into setup (Act 1, roughly 25% of the book), confrontation (Act 2, roughly 50%), and resolution (Act 3, roughly 25%). Key turning points — the inciting incident, midpoint shift, crisis, and climax — drive the narrative between acts. Most commercially successful novels follow some […]
How Long Should My Book Be? (Word Count by Genre)
How Long Should My Book Be? (Word Count by Genre) TL;DR:Word count expectations vary significantly by genre. Literary fiction runs 70,000–100,000 words. Romance is 50,000–90,000. Fantasy and science fiction can run 90,000–120,000+. Young adult is 55,000–80,000. Memoir is 70,000–90,000. Nonfiction varies widely from 30,000–80,000. These ranges reflect agent, publisher, and reader expectations. Word count is […]
Can I Use AI-Generated Illustrations Commercially?
Can I Use AI-Generated Illustrations Commercially? TL;DR:Yes, AI-generated illustrations can be used commercially in books you sell.Copyright protection for the illustrations themselves may be limited, but you can legally use them in commercial products. Yes, you can use AI-generated images commercially — but there are two separate considerations: licensing and copyright. 1. Licensing (Can you […]
How Does Storyloft’s AI Illustration Tool Work?
How Does Storyloft’s AI Illustration Tool Work? TL;DR:You describe what you want, select a visual style, and the tool generates images designed for book contexts — chapter illustrations, scene art, and interior graphics. Storyloft’s AI illustration suite is built specifically for books. Unlike general image generators, it focuses on creating visuals that stay consistent across […]
How Does Storyloft Handle Print Book Formatting?
How Does Storyloft Handle Print Book Formatting? TL;DR:Storyloft’s print formatting tool takes your manuscript and produces a publication-ready PDF with professional typography, configurable margins, trim sizes, headers, footers, chapter headings, and front/back matter — ready for direct upload to KDP and IngramSpark. Storyloft’s print formatting tool removes one of the most technical parts of self-publishing. […]