My $5,000 Publishing Nightmare

When I was a young writer in my 20s, I had just finished a children’s book. Eager to see it in print, I submitted it to a publishing company. To my delight, they responded enthusiastically: “We’d love to publish your book! It’s wonderful!” The only catch? They required me to “share in the investment.”

That should have been a red flag, but I was naive and unaware of the publishing industry’s darker corners. I did my due diligence—or so I thought. I researched the company, and everything looked legitimate. I even traveled to their headquarters, met the staff, and shook hands with the CEO.

Confident I was in good hands, I took the leap. Five-thousand dollars later, I believed I was on my way to becoming a published author.

Six months passed, and the updates stopped. My emails went unanswered. Phone calls were ignored. Eventually, I learned the awful truth: the CEO had taken all the authors’ money and fled the country. Lawyers tried to track him down, but he was never found.

I lost my $5,000. And I had no book to show for it.

The Scams Are Worse Today

Thirty years later, I’d love to say things have improved, but they haven’t. If anything, scams have become more sophisticated and widespread.

I receive frequent calls from supposed representatives claiming they want to turn my book into a movie or help me market it. When I research their companies, they don’t exist.

Recently, a subscriber to my website emailed me about a publishing offer she received: $17,000 to publish her book.

No. No. No. I urged her to think twice…and then three times…before signing that deal!

Understanding Publishing Models: Traditional, Vanity, Hybrid, and Publishing Services

In today’s publishing landscape, authors must remain vigilant against scammers who know how to exploit a writer’s aspirations.

First, it helps to understand just who the legit players are.

Traditional Publishing

First, there’s traditional publishing. You submit your manuscript to a publishing house, where the editors or their assistants review it. If the publisher chooses to invest in your story, they will cover all the costs associated with editing, cover design, printing, and distribution.

As the author, you do not pay to publish your book. Instead, you sign a contract giving the publisher certain rights in exchange for royalties. (Always review your contract with an intellectual property lawyer before signing it.) Traditional publishing is highly competitive, and acceptance rates are low.

Vanity Publishers

Vanity publishers are the worst of the bunch and the type you should avoid! They charge you a hefty upfront fee to publish your book, often without quality editorial services or marketing support. They get to enjoy the profits whether the book sells or not, and you may have difficulty retaining rights to your work.

How can you tell if you’re dealing with a vanity publisher? First, they accept all submissions as long as you’re willing to pay. Second, they charge large sums of money without detailing where that money is going. My writing friend who was offered the $17,000 publishing “deal” was dealing with a vanity publisher.

Next, they offer no real advantage in terms of distribution. They will “say” they distribute to bookstores, but double-check. Often, they just list the books on Amazon and call it good. They may also be unclear about how they handle royalties, taking a large percentage themselves or creating vague payment structures. Some will even require you to purchase a minimum quantity of books before receiving royalty payments and then may delay sending those payments.

Finally, most vanity presses do not have a good reputation in the publishing industry. Check the Writer Beware website and other online sources (Google “company name” and “scam”) to find out what people are saying about any company you’re considering working with.

Hybrid Publishing

Hybrid publishing serves as a middle ground between traditional and self-publishing. A reputable hybrid publisher will vet submissions, provide professional services (editing, cover design, marketing), and share risks and profits with the author.

The key word here: share!

That means they will take on some if not most of the costs. They may pay for production expenses, like cover design, formatting, or distribution. They may offer editing services for free. As the author, you may take on any expenses the publisher doesn’t cover.

A key difference between a hybrid publisher and a vanity press is that a hybrid publisher has a financial stake in the book’s success. They are paying at least some of the cost, but you may pay for some too. In turn, the publisher may offer higher royalties and a shorter publishing term, after which the rights will revert back to you.

The danger here is that a publisher may present themselves as a hybrid publisher when they are really a vanity publisher. Watch for these key factors to evaluate whether they are legitimate:

• They Have a Vetting Process: A reputable hybrid publisher does not accept every manuscript. They are selective and look for quality books that they can help succeed.
• They Offer Clear and Transparent Services: The publisher should provide a detailed contract listing all their services (editing, design, marketing, distribution) and a transparent pricing structure. They should also be clear about what they are investing in your book.
• They Have a Proven Track Record: Check their website for a list of published books and find out how well they are doing. Then, contact some of their authors to ask about their experiences.
• They Do Not Make Unrealistic Promises: If they guarantee bestseller status, movie deals, or instant bookstore placement, it’s a scam. Real publishers do not guarantee success.
• They Share Royalties with You: Unlike vanity publishers, reputable hybrid publishers invest in your book and often take a portion of the royalties rather than just charging fees upfront.
• They Have a Strong Reputation in the Industry: Look for third-party reviews from sources like the Independent Book Publishers Association (IBPA) or Writer Beware. If they have a history of complaints, be cautious.

Always do your research, and be sure you want to be associated with this publisher for the next several years.

Publishing Services

Finally, we have companies that offer straightforward publishing services. You can choose to pay for editing, cover design, formatting, and/or distribution, as your needs demand, but you retain ownership of your book—the publisher does not gain the rights.

Unlike vanity publishers or hybrid publishers, publishing service providers simply offer whatever services you need while allowing you to maintain complete control over your work. This can be a good option for authors who want professional help while remaining independent.

Five Signs a Publisher is Trying to Scam You

No matter what kind of publisher you’re thinking of working with—traditional, hybrid, or other—before you sign any publishing contract, watch for these warning signs.

1. They Have a Shoddy or Nonexistent Website

Always research a publisher’s website and social media. A reputable publisher will have:

• A professional website with clear details about their books and services.
• Active social media accounts featuring their authors.
• Real book listings with links to major retailers like Amazon and Barnes & Noble.

Scam companies often have poorly designed, one-page websites that lack clear details about their authors or books. If a website looks hastily thrown together, be wary.

2. They Ask for Large Sums of Money Upfront

Traditional publishers never charge authors to publish. Legitimate hybrid publishers and publishing services companies will charge fees but provide quality services in return. If a company is asking for a lot of money upfront and it isn’t clear what you’re paying for, it’s likely a scam.

3. They Make Grand Promises

Scammers know what authors want to hear. They’ll say things like:

• “We guarantee you’ll be a bestseller!”
• “We’ll get your book into all major bookstores!”
• “We have a rigorous selection process, and we’ve chosen YOU!”

Real traditional publishers do not charge for selection. If you’re paying, you’re not working with a traditional publisher. You “may” be working with a hybrid publisher, but again, be cautious. Scammers love to “say” they’ve chosen you and then turn around and charge exorbitant amounts to publish your book because they are making no investment themselves.

Also, anyone can get their book distributed to major bookstores—this doesn’t mean those bookstores will actually stock it.

4. They Pressure You to Sign Quickly

Real publishers give you time to review your contract. They understand that you will likely hire a lawyer, review the terms, and potentially ask for revisions.

Scam publishers rush you: “Sign now! Limited spots available!” If you feel pressured, walk away.

5. No Credible Authors Work with Them

This one step has saved me a lot of heartache. I’ve done it before signing every publishing contract I’ve signed.

Contact at least three authors published by that company. Ask them about their experiences. If you hear about late royalty payments, bad communication, or legal battles, that’s a massive red flag. This happened to me once, so I ripped up that contract and never looked back.

When I followed this step with the traditional publishers I ended up signing with, I received glowing recommendations.

Authors help each other, so don’t be afraid to reach out.

Final Thought: Do Your Research

No matter which publishing path you take, always research your options. If a company asks for money, look them up, ask other authors, and be skeptical of big promises.

(NOTE: If you’re thinking about it but haven’t self-published before, check out my Self-Publishing Success Plan for a straightforward checklist to help you stay organized and ensure you don’t miss any key steps as you prepare to publish your book.)

Check this post out if you’re trying to choose between traditional and self-publishing.

The post Before You Pay Thousands to Publish Your Book, Read This appeared first on WRITERS HELPING WRITERS®.

While there are many kinds of stories, most of them today are about a protagonist navigating a change or growth arc. In this model, the character undergoes a personal journey of evolution; they realize that their hurts, habits, or hang-ups are keeping them from success and, over time, adopt healthier responses and behaviors that enable them to achieve their story goal and become fulfilled.

Now, this isn’t a straightforward process. It’s a two-steps-forward-one-step-back journey that will require a lot of difficulties and poor choices before the character realizes the need for change. So, as authors, we put a ton of thought into planning and incorporating those conflict scenarios.

What we don’t spend so much time on is the second half of the arc, when growth is underway.

Once the character decides to change course, they’ll start moving the right direction. But they won’t always stay on the straight and narrow. Their old responses may be ineffective, but they’re comfortable and familiar. And change is hard. So the path to success (or failure, if your story showcases a failed arc) will be messy, alternating between forward progress and regression.

But growth should gradually be happening, and readers need to see this because it provides hope that the character could actually succeed. Luckily, there are many growth milestones—changes in the character’s responses—you can include in your story to show they’re evolving.

Growth Indicators

Trying a New Response. As the character realizes their old ways are inadequate or even harmful, they’ll become desperate enough to try something new. The outcome may be positive, ineffective, or mixed, but it doesn’t matter. Just the act of stepping out of their comfort zone and taking a risk is a sign that growth is happening.

Recognizing Landmines: In the past, the character failed to spot danger until it was too late, and they suffered terribly. The upside of this experience is they’ve learned to be attentive and prepare more thoroughly. If something happens now, they can react from a place of strength, better positioned to save themselves from preventable fallout.

Setting Boundaries: The character sees how their inability to say no in the past generated unwanted results. Setting reasonable boundaries now to protect themselves is an indicator that they’re becoming more self-aware and are willing to make hard choices.

Asking for Help: Some trials are too difficult to navigate solo, a lesson that a stubborn, independent, or untrusting character may have to learn the hard way. Once they do, however, the desire to avoid needless suffering teaches them to recognize when they need help, and by asking for it, they demonstrate maturity.

Choosing Positivity: If a character tends to be negative, show growth by shifting their mindset. This could mean they focus on strengths instead of weaknesses, engage in positive self-talk, or practice gratitude. Transformation typically begins in the mind, so even a small change like finding the silver lining in a bad situation shows readers that change is underway.

Regulating Emotions: Self-control is a major aspect of emotional maturity. Things are simple when life is peachy but become harder when conflict rears its head. Recalling the problems that were caused by a past loss of emotional control in the face of difficulty may encourage the character to restrain themselves this time around.

Not Giving Up. The journey to change is hard, with the character getting knocked down repeatedly. At first, they may not get up right away; they’ll retreat to their old ways because they don’t want to be hurt again. But struggling back to their feet and pushing forward is a sign that they realize the value of internal change and are willing to take risks to achieve it.

These are just a few ways you can show a character’s development, and you’ll need to use many of them throughout the story because evolution is an active process. The character will need to choose, over and over, if they want to take risks and pursue change or cling to their status quo. It’s up to us to provide those opportunities and position the character for growth. How do we do that, exactly?

Use an Emotion Amplifier to Show Progress

Emotion amplifiers are perfect for this because the character’s response to these challenging situations will highlight their growth (or lack thereof).

Amplifiers are states or conditions, such as bereavement, attraction, and isolation, that activate the character’s emotions and increase the chance of them reacting impulsively rather than carefully. As a result, they often lead to mishaps and mistakes that create more problems. But they can also be used to show that change is happening. As an example, let’s look at one character’s growth journey fueled by an unsettling amplifier that everyone has faced: indecision.

Amir is a recent university graduate with great job prospects. Three companies have offered him positions that would kick-start his career in biometrics—exciting but nerve-racking, because it’s such a big decision. It doesn’t help that one of his classmates is a few weeks into her first job and already regrets her choice.

With each passing day, Amir grows more conflicted, unable to choose. He has trouble sleeping, and his temper flares at the smallest thing. His girlfriend, tired of getting her head bitten off, has had enough and calls it quits. Then, after weeks of waffling, the most promising offer is rescinded, leaving Amir with the two least favorable options.

Here, we see Amir’s default responses to indecision, and they’re not doing him any favors. As readers witness his reactions, they’ll know exactly how Amir will have to change if he’s going to thrive. We can create opportunities for him to do better and show his evolution by hitting him with the same amplifier later in the story.

Fast forward six months, and Amir is facing indecision again—this time, regarding his living situation. A big rent increase is coming, so he must choose to remain in a cramped, expensive apartment near his friends or relocate to a more affordable place closer to work. The hold on the new apartment expires in a few days; as the deadline looms, his old insecurities and panic rise.

Once more, everything seems to set Amir off. He becomes aware of how often he’s apologizing for being a jerk, and he remembers what that cost him last time. His decision paralysis is familiar, too; it cheated him out of a great job opportunity before, and he doesn’t want that to happen again. He realizes he must change the way he responds to indecision, so he sits down and creates a list of pros and cons for moving. An obvious choice emerges, and he informs his current landlord that he’ll be gone at the end of the month.

The first time around, Amir flounders and flails. But the second time he faces indecision, armed with hindsight and a new sense of self-awareness, he rises to the occasion.

There are other ways to highlight growth, but I find amplifiers to be effective because of their universal nature. Readers are familiar with indecision. They’ve all struggled with it to varying degrees at multiple times in their lives. They know the intensely uncomfortable feelings associated with facing a difficult decision, and they know the fallout that occurs when an important choice is put off—or when the wrong choice is made. Readers will feel for Amir because they’ve been in his shoes.

But amplifiers work even when they’re unfamiliar. Readers don’t have to experience addiction or compulsion to empathize with a character who’s enduring them. They’ll see the pattern of dysfunctional reactions, how they create conflict and push the character’s goals out of reach, and they’ll notice the shift in mindset and responses that signal change for the better.

So when you need to show a character’s growth, consider employing an amplifier. And as the character evolves, use the growth markers above to highlight their forward progress.

The Emotion Amplifier Thesaurus will help you:

• Showcase a Character’s Hidden Emotions
• Write Realistic Responses
• Add Tension and Conflict
• Show Character Arc Growth
• Brainstorm High-Stakes Moments

Check out the emotion amplifiers covered in this book!

The post Build These Seven Growth Milestones into Your Character’s Arc appeared first on WRITERS HELPING WRITERS®.

What secret is your character keeping? Why are they safeguarding it? What’s at stake if it’s discovered? Does it need to come out at some point, or should it remain hidden?

This is some of the important information you need to know about your character’s secrets—and they will have secrets, because everyone does. They’re thorny little time bombs composed of fear, deceit, stress, and conflict that, when detonated, threaten to destroy everything the character holds dear.

So, of course, you should assemble them. And we can’t wait to help.

This thesaurus provides brainstorming fodder for a host of secrets that could plague your character. Use it to explore possible secrets, their underlying causes, how they might play into the overall story, and how to realistically write a character who is hiding them—all while establishing reader empathy and interest.

For instance, let’s see what it might look like if your character…

Has Given up a Child

ABOUT THIS SECRET: Whether a character puts a baby up for adoption, surrenders their own parental rights, or even abandons their child, giving them up won’t be an easy decision. Regardless of their reasons, guilt and heartbreak often follow, along with judgment from others, making this act a burden your character might prefer to carry alone.

SPECIFIC FEARS THAT MAY DRIVE THE NEED FOR SECRECY: Becoming a Parent, Being Capable of Harm, Being Judged, Being Labeled, Being Responsible for Others, Being Unable to Achieve a Dream, Criticism, Failure, Letting Others Down, Losing the Respect of Others, Never Finding Happiness, One’s Instincts Being Unreliable, Regret, Repeating a Cycle of Abuse

HOW THIS SECRET COULD HOLD THE CHARACTER BACK
Regretting their decision and living with terrible guilt
Constantly wondering where they child is and how they are, preventing the character from living in the moment
Shying away from opportunities that require the character to be responsible for others
The character believing that they are a certain way and embracing associated flaws (incapable, irresponsible, unreliable, unable to commit or follow through, etc.)

BEHAVIORS OR HABITS THAT HELP HIDE THIS SECRET
Never mentioning the child
Pretending that the child died
Hiding all photographs of the child
Getting rid of anything that belonged to the child (clothes, toys, keepsakes, etc.)

ACTIVITIES OR TENDENCIES THAT MAY RAISE SUSPICIONS
The character having a visible emotional reaction when the subject of children comes up
Avoiding playgrounds, nursery schools, and other areas associated with children
Shunning family gatherings

SITUATIONS THAT MAKE KEEPING THIS SECRET A CHALLENGE 
People who knew the character when she was pregnant asking about the baby
An old friend surfacing who knows about the child
Someone from the adoptive family reaching out unexpectedly
The child’s birth record or medical records surfacing

Other Secret Thesaurus entries can be found here.

Need More Descriptive Help?

While this thesaurus is still being developed, the rest of our descriptive collection (18 unique thesauri and growing) is accessible through the One Stop for Writers THESAURUS database.

If you like, swing by and check out the video walkthrough for this site, then give our Free Trial a spin.

The post Character Secret Thesaurus: Giving Up a Child appeared first on WRITERS HELPING WRITERS®.

Welcome to the next post in our Writing 101 series: Dialogue Techniques. The first installment covered common mistakes with dialogue mechanics, which are important to master if you want to write clear conversations readers (and editors and agents) can easily follow. But well-written conversations require more than proper punctuation and grammar. So we’re continuing the discussion today by examining effective dialogue techniques that will make your character’s conversations more authentic and purposeful.

Know When to Use Tags and Beats

Dialogue tags (he said, she asked) clarify who’s talking so readers aren’t confused. That’s really their purpose. So use them when speakers are changing during a conversation.

Beats, on the other hand, add context. These actions, thoughts, and physical gestures can show how the character feels or what they’re hiding. Beats add authenticity and information readers can use to better understand what’s happening in the scene.

Beats also impact pacing and can help you create the desired mood. Maintain a quick and snappy pace in action or highly emotional scenes with quick and snappy beats. Want to slow things down? Use languorous, drawn-out beats.

The best way to know when beats or tags should be used is to read your dialogue scenes aloud. If you find yourself stumbling or re-reading for clarity, that’s a sign that those parts need some extra love, and you may want to see if the tags and beats need to be finessed.

Avoid Adverbs in Dialogue Tags

“You’re a liar,” he said angrily.

This is weak dialogue because the adverb tells readers what the character’s feeling. Effective dialogue shows that emotional state through strong verbs and descriptors. If this is what you’re after, use a beat instead:

He grabbed Sam’s shirt, the fabric bunching in his fists. “Liar!”

Grabbing, fisted hands, and a physical altercation are anger cues. So is a raised voice, which is indicated with the exclamation point. Showing takes more effort and words than telling, but it pays off in dialogue that pulls readers in and makes them part of the action. For more information on the importance of showing in fiction and how to do it well, see our Show-Don’t-Tell resource page.

Keep Tags Simple

Because tags are only there to establish who’s talking, it’s best to keep them simple. A common mistake in this area is thinking that more expressive tags are stronger. But tags like exclaimed, cried, shrieked, or interrupted just make the writing feel forced, like it’s trying too hard. Said and asked, on the other hand, have become common enough to be invisible, which is a good idea for tags.

The occasional fancy tag can work, but if you’re trying to show a certain emotional state or intention, it’s usually best to use a beat.

Instead of this:

 “You have to leave,” she whispered.

“Get out!” she screamed.

Do this:

Her voice dropped to a whisper. “You have to leave.”

“Get out!” Her chest heaved and she blinked away tears.

Bottom line: when you opt for a tag, keep it simple, and let the character’s word choices and actions do the heavy emotional lifting.

Vary Beats to Avoid Repeated Sentence Structures

As we practice writing dialogue scenes, it’s easy to fall back on sentence structures that feel comfortable. This is natural, but it can lead to repetitive structures that call attention to themselves.

He stepped forward. “You know how I feel about you.”
She swallowed. “Do I?”
He pushed a curl behind her ear. “How could you not?”

The words and actions in this interaction are believable, but the way they’re conveyed are not. They’re stilted because they’re all following the same Beat, then Speech pattern. Vary the structures to avoid repetition.

 “You know how I feel about you,” he said, stepping into her space.
She swallowed. “Do I?”
He smiled and tucked a curl behind her ear. “How could you not?”

Experiment with the placement and structure of your beats and tags to maintain a pleasant flow. Once again, reading these passages aloud will help you hear redundancies and stumbly parts that need to be reworked.

Don’t Let Your Characters Call Each Other By Name

This is one my personal pet peeves—when characters who know each other use each other’s names.

“Jim, what do you think happens when we die?”
“Well, Tom, let me tell you…”

When people in real life are in the same room and they start talking, there’s no need to call each other by name. So they don’t. But we do this sometimes as writers when we want to be clear about who the participants are and who’s talking. Remember that this is what tags are for, and don’t fall into that trap.

When should you use names in speech?

• When someone new enters the room or conversation
• When emotions are high
• For emphasis: “Rachel, you don’t want to go there.”
• To indicate a shift (in emotion, mood, tone, etc.): The hair on my arms stood on end as the temperature plummeted. We both began to shiver. “Sebastian?”

Avoid “As You Know, Bob” Conversations

This happens when the author needs to relay information to readers, so they do it through characters who already know what’s going on.

“As you know, Bob, the fall festival’s coming up, where children will be bobbing for apples, begging for candy, and generally peeing their pants with excitement.” 

People don’t rehash old information as if it’s new to them. This isn’t natural speech; it’s a contrived device by the author, who is stepping in to explain something to readers. And readers can see that’s exactly what’s happening.

Here are some tips for using dialogue to convey information:

• Don’t use two characters who already know it. Include at least one person who’s being debriefed or is trying to gain knowledge.
• Instead of writing one big scene where all the information is shared, reveal it in bits and pieces over time.
• Use a variety of vehicles (thoughts, flashbacks, mixed media—diary entries, a newspaper clipping, an old photograph, etc.) so you’re not relying solely on dialogue to get the info across.
• For added authenticity, introduce some subtext. What facts aren’t being shared? Who’s holding them back? Are the other characters hiding what they feel or think about the information, and why?

Use Each Character’s Unique Voice

Every person has their own way of talking, their own individual voice, and the same is true for characters. A gruff ex-military type won’t speak the same way as a bubbly teen, and a university professor probably won’t phrase things like a street performer.

Here are some elements that contribute to a character’s unique voice:

• Word choice
• Sentence length and structure
• Tone
• Personality (verbose, timid, introverted, outgoing, controlling, nurturing, etc.)
• Personal beliefs and values
• Personal experiences
• Areas of insecurity
• Fight-flight-or-freeze tendencies
• Go-to emotional responses (natural reactions when they’re nervous, excited, mad, happy, etc.)

The most important step in identifying a character’s voice is to understand who they are. Get to know them, and you’ll start recognizing how they’ll speak and interact with others. Then you can write each character’s voice consistently, and the conversations you write will be more believable.

For more insight on figuring out a character’s voice and writing it well, see the Voice section of our Other Story Elements resource page.

Final Thoughts

Effective dialogue isn’t just about what’s being said. It’s the words each character carefully chooses, how they and the other players feel about those words, what’s left unsaid, and what’s happening beneath the surface. Use tags and beats strategically to keep conversations clear and create a satisfying rhythm. Give each character their own voice. And use dialogue to show (not tell) readers what they need to see and understand.

Above all, remember that perfect dialogue isn’t the goal. Instead, we want purposeful dialogue. When we write these scenes thoughtfully, we put readers in the room with the characters, taking part in the conversation. And that’s exactly where they want to be.

Other Posts in This Series

Dialogue Mechanics

The post Writing 101: Effective Dialogue Techniques appeared first on WRITERS HELPING WRITERS®.

What secret is your character keeping? Why are they safeguarding it? What’s at stake if it’s discovered? Does it need to come out at some point, or should it remain hidden?

This is some of the important information you need to know about your character’s secrets—and they will have secrets, because everyone does. They’re thorny little time bombs composed of fear, deceit, stress, and conflict that, when detonated, threaten to destroy everything the character holds dear.

So, of course, you should assemble them. And we can’t wait to help.

This thesaurus provides brainstorming fodder for a host of secrets that could plague your character. Use it to explore possible secrets, their underlying causes, how they might play into the overall story, and how to realistically write a character who is hiding them—all while establishing reader empathy and interest.

For instance, let’s see what it might look like if your character…

Is Living Under a Curse

ABOUT THIS SECRET: Depending on the kind of story you’re writing, curses might be an unknown in the character’s world or an essential part of the fictional landscape. But any unwelcome change inflicted on them by an outside source will be something they fear, whether it affects their physical appearance, mental capabilities, giftedness, or something else.

SPECIFIC FEARS THAT MAY DRIVE THE NEED FOR SECRECY: A Loved One Dying, Being a Burden to Others, Being Attacked, Being Judged, Being Labeled, Being Pitied, Being Taken Advantage of, Being Unable to Achieve a Dream, Discrimination, Humiliation, Isolation, Losing One’s Social Standing, Losing the Respect of Others, Never Finding Happiness, Not Being Believed, Persecution, Rejection

HOW THIS SECRET COULD HOLD THE CHARACTER BACK
Generalized apathy from believing they’re doomed no matter what they do
Being overwhelmed by anxiety, fear, or depression due to uncertainty about the curse
Becoming risk-averse
The curse becoming part of the character’s identity

BEHAVIORS OR HABITS THAT HELP HIDE THIS SECRET
Following a routine that keeps the curse hidden
Making logical excuses for why bad things seem to follow them around
Medicating to keep the curse from taking over
Talking a big game about not believing in magic, witchcraft, or superstition

ACTIVITIES OR TENDENCIES THAT MAY RAISE SUSPICIONS
Engaging in bizarre rituals
Refusing to speak a certain name, handle a certain object, or visit a location
Consulting a practitioner of the dark arts
Being able to do things other people can’t do

SITUATIONS THAT MAKE KEEPING THIS SECRET A CHALLENGE 
The curse manifesting itself in the presence of someone else
The curse causing repeated and noticeable trouble in the character’s life
Someone taking an interest in the character that increases scrutiny

Other Secret Thesaurus entries can be found here.

Need More Descriptive Help?

While this thesaurus is still being developed, the rest of our descriptive collection (18 unique thesauri and growing) is accessible through the One Stop for Writers THESAURUS database.

If you like, swing by and check out the video walkthrough for this site, then give our Free Trial a spin.

The post Character Secret Thesaurus: Living Under a Curse appeared first on WRITERS HELPING WRITERS®.

Hey, wonderful
writerly people!

It’s time for Phenomenal First Pages, our monthly critique contest. So, if you need a bit of help with your first page, today’s the day to enter for a chance to win professional feedback! (We’ve had past winners tell us they’ve found their dream editors through this contest, and even ended up with offers of representation!)

This contest is closed. Please try again next month. If you’d like to be notified when the next one goes live, consider subscribing to the blog (in the sidebar).

Two winners will receive feedback on their first 10 pages!

Entering is easy. All you need to do is leave your contact information on this entry form (or click the graphic below). If you are a winner, we’ll notify you and explain how to send us your first page.

Contest Details

• This is a 24-hour contest, so enter ASAP.
• Make sure your contact information on the entry form is correct.
• Two winners will be drawn. We will email you if you win and let you know how to submit your first 10 pages.
• Please have your pages ready in case your name is selected. Format with 1-inch margins, double-spaced, and 12pt Times New Roman font. 
• You’ll need to supply a synopsis (a rough one is fine) so Stuart has context for his feedback.

The editor you’ll be working with:

Stuart Wakefield

With 26 years of experience in theatre, broadcast media, and coaching, I’ve developed a deep love of character and what drives them. My coaching style is warm, thoughtful, and practical—I believe writing a book can be hard sometimes, but more often than not, it should be fun.

As an Author Accelerator Certified Book Coach, I specialize in story development, with a particular focus on character backstory and emotional depth. I’ve helped writers develop powerful, satisfying stories that hold up to editorial scrutiny—and two of my clients have books coming out this year.

I hold an MA in Professional Writing, and my most recent novel, Behind the Seams, reached the semifinals of the BookLife Fiction Prize Contest, scoring 10/10 in every category. I’ve also been commissioned to write a play, and my first TV show—based around celebrity characters—is available to stream online.

Grab my free ebook on emotional resilience for writers and learn more about my services at: https://www.thebookcoach.co/

I’m also the host of the podcast Master Fiction Writing, where I explore the craft of storytelling with writers, editors, and creatives from all walks of life.

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PS: To amp up your first page, grab our  First Pages checklist from One Stop for Writers. For more help with story opening elements, visit this Mother Lode of First Page Resources.

The post Phenomenal First Pages Contest – Guest Editor Edition appeared first on WRITERS HELPING WRITERS®.

Eleanor Hecks joins us to share seven writing fears common among writers and how they may be holding you back.

Writing is a journey filled with challenges, many of which stem from internal fears that can stifle creativity and hinder progress. Recognizing and addressing these fears is crucial for writers and educators aiming to foster a productive writing environment. Here are several common writing fears and strategies to overcome them.

1.   Fear of Failure

Writers worry their work won’t be good enough, that publishers will reject them or that readers will criticize their ideas. This fear often leads to self-doubt and procrastination, making starting or completing projects difficult.

Tip: The key to overcoming this fear is reframing failure as a learning experience rather than a final verdict. Every rejected manuscript, critical review or abandoned draft is an opportunity to refine your skills. Seeking constructive feedback from trusted peers and mentors can help you improve and build resilience.

2.   Fear of Inadequacy

Writers often struggle with imposter syndrome — the nagging fear that they aren’t truly skilled or deserving of success — but this phenomenon isn’t exclusive to writers. Over 80% of people experience imposter syndrome at some point. For writers, this can manifest as hesitancy to submit work, reluctance to call themselves “real” writers or constant comparison to more established authors.

Tip: One of the best ways to counteract this fear is through continuous learning. Attending workshops, reading widely and writing regularly can build confidence and reinforce skill improvement with practice. Every writer — no matter how experienced — starts as a beginner. Acknowledging your progress over time can help shift your mindset from insecurity to self-assurance.

3.   Fear of Judgment

Writing is an intensely personal endeavor, and sharing your thoughts with the world can be intimidating. Whether it’s fear of criticism, misunderstanding or personal exposure, worrying about how others will react can hold writers back from sharing their work.

Tip: One way to counteract this fear is by embracing the reality that no piece of writing will resonate with everyone. Some readers will love your work, while others may not connect with it. The most successful writers focus on their message rather than trying to please everyone.

4.   Fear of Financial Instability

One of the most pressing concerns for writers is whether they can make a living from their craft. The financial pressure to support oneself or a family can be overwhelming. Even just owning a home costs an average of more than $500,000, while raising one child to adulthood costs more than $233,000 on average — numbers which many believe a writing career can’t begin to support. Writers may fear that pursuing their passion won’t provide reliable income to support their families or themselves, leading them to abandon their creative aspirations.

Tip: To mitigate this fear, setting realistic financial goals and budgeting wisely can help manage expenses. Many successful writers balance their craft with other income streams, such as teaching positions, editing jobs or speaking engagements. Establishing a financial cushion can provide peace of mind, allowing you to focus on writing without constant monetary stress.

5.   Fear of the Blank Page

Staring at a blank page can feel like standing at the edge of an abyss. The pressure to produce something meaningful can be paralyzing, leading to writer’s block and avoidance.

Tip: Breaking the task into smaller steps can help. Instead of aiming for a perfect draft, focus on getting words on the page. Freewriting, setting timers and outlining can ease the pressure and make the process more manageable. Developing a daily writing habit — even just a few sentences — can also help overcome the inertia of starting a new project.

6.   Fear of Wasted Time

Many writers worry that the hours spent writing will be for nothing if their work isn’t published or recognized. This fear can make it difficult to invest time in writing, leading to stalled projects and unfulfilled ambitions.

Tip: One strategy to help you overcome this fear is shifting your perspective on what makes writing valuable. Writing is not just about publication — it’s about growth, self-expression and mastery of a craft. Even if a particular piece doesn’t gain external recognition, it contributes to your writing development. Setting achievable goals and celebrating progress — rather than just outcomes — can help maintain motivation.

7.   Fear of Success

Some writers fear what comes after success. The pressure to replicate a well-received work, meet reader expectations or handle increased scrutiny can feel overwhelming. Success often brings new challenges, including higher stakes, deadlines and public attention.

Tip: To navigate this fear, focus on what success means to you personally. Rather than being driven by external markers, define your own creative goals. Surround yourself with a supportive network of fellow writers, mentors and loved ones who help keep you grounded. Accept that growth is a continuous journey, and success is simply another step along the way.

Embracing Courage in Writing

Acknowledging and confronting these fears is a vital part of the writing journey. Remember, courage is not the absence of fear but the determination to forge ahead despite it. Writing is a growth process, and every challenge overcome is a step toward mastering your craft.

Eleanor Hecks is editor-in-chief at Designerly Magazine and a freelance writer passionate about helping other writers of all genres grow their following and community. You can find her work featured in publications such as IndependentPublishing.com and Self-Publishing Review, or connect with her on LinkedIn to keep up with her latest work.

The post Seven Writing Fears That May Be Holding You Back from Greatness appeared first on WRITERS HELPING WRITERS®.

What secret is your character keeping? Why are they safeguarding it? What’s at stake if it’s discovered? Does it need to come out at some point, or should it remain hidden?

This is some of the important information you need to know about your character’s secrets—and they will have secrets, because everyone does. They’re thorny little time bombs composed of fear, deceit, stress, and conflict that, when detonated, threaten to destroy everything the character holds dear.

So, of course, you should assemble them. And we can’t wait to help.

This thesaurus provides brainstorming fodder for a host of secrets that could plague your character. Use it to explore possible secrets, their underlying causes, how they might play into the overall story, and how to realistically write a character who is hiding them—all while establishing reader empathy and interest.

For instance, let’s see what it might look like if your character…

Is Hiding the Truth about their Family

ABOUT THIS SECRET: Families can be the source of many dark secrets: criminal activity (drugs, trafficking, terrorism), a cover-up, incest or abuse, nefarious ancestors, or something else. A character with these kinds of skeletons in the closet might feel obliged to keep them secret to protect the family name, avoid prosecution, achieve certain goals, or keep loved ones safe.

SPECIFIC FEARS THAT MAY DRIVE THE NEED FOR SECRECY: Becoming What One Hates, Being Attacked, Being Judged, Being Labeled, Being Returned to an Abusive Environment, Being Separated from Loved Ones, Being Unable to Achieve a Dream, Being Unsafe, Being Watched, Betrayal, Conditional Love, Humiliation, Isolation, Letting Others Down, Losing Autonomy, Losing One’s Social Standing, Losing the Respect of Others, Not Being Believed, Persecution, Rejection, Repeating a Cycle of Abuse

HOW THIS SECRET COULD HOLD THE CHARACTER BACK
Taking on the sins of the family as their own and being burdened with guilt and shame
Struggling with internal dissonance because they want to protect the family but they also want to be honest
Isolating themselves to avoid humiliation
Feeling like they can’t trust anyone

BEHAVIORS OR HABITS THAT HELP HIDE THIS SECRET
Lying about the family business
Pretending a particular relative is dead or lives far away
Misdirecting people who wander too close to the truth
Constantly monitoring family members who know the truth to be sure they’re keeping things quiet

ACTIVITIES OR TENDENCIES THAT MAY RAISE SUSPICIONS
The family’s activities (or history) making the news
The character becoming agitated when pressed for information about the family
Frequent fights behind closed doors with relatives
Relatives having different stories about the family’s history or certain events

SITUATIONS THAT MAKE KEEPING THIS SECRET A CHALLENGE 
Having to attend a family gathering
A love interest wanting to meet the character’s family
A journalist becoming interested in the family
Incriminating evidence being aired

Other Secret Thesaurus entries can be found here.

Need More Descriptive Help?

While this thesaurus is still being developed, the rest of our descriptive collection (18 unique thesauri and growing) is accessible through the One Stop for Writers THESAURUS database.

If you like, swing by and check out the video walkthrough for this site, then give our Free Trial a spin.

The post Character Secret Thesaurus: Hiding the Truth about Family appeared first on WRITERS HELPING WRITERS®.

When it comes to generating conflict, your character’s personality can help ensure that sparks fly, especially when their traits clash with someone else’s.

When people grate on one another their interactions become filled with misunderstandings, power struggles, one-upmanship, and impatience. Whether allies, enemies, or something in between, contrasting viewpoints and attitudes sharpen dialogue, and if tempers flare too far, friction can become all-out conflict.

And guess what–we want these escalations to happen! They keep relationships from getting stale, add plot complications, and keep the pace moving. So bring on those clashes, problems, and fallout, I say. Let characters get under each other’s skin. When people get along, it sucks the tension out of your story faster than a three hundred year old vampire enjoying a human buffet.

There are many ways to create friction– characters could have opposing goals, be competing for the same thing, or have opposite ideas about the path forward. These setups can all work, but only if they don’t come off like a plot device. For readers to see friction as natural, not manufactured, it needs to come from within the characters. An easy way to do this is to let their opposing personalities do the work.

Leaning into Opposites

The low-hanging fruit of clashing personalities is to play with opposites. Methodical and impulsive. Proper and flamboyant. Perfectionistic and lazy. These combinations can be fun to write while juicing interactions with friction. To find trait combos that will cause natural friction, check out these lists from the Positive Trait Thesaurus and the Negative Trait Thesaurus.

Is your character an obsessive rule follower afraid to step outside his comfort zone? Have him be swept up in friendship with someone spontaneous and a bit rebellious. Or is a coworker stealing the credit for your protagonist’s hard work, but she won’t speak up for herself? Pair her with a new cubicle-mate who has confidence in spades and a vengeful streak that ensures all wrongs will be put right.

Opposite traits can be negative, positive, or one of each. It’s all up to you. And, with a bit of extra thought, opposing traits can serve an even deeper purpose: to spotlight a character flaw that’s holding your protagonist back.

Introduce a Character Foil

A character foil is someone whose traits contrast with the protagonist’s, either in big, obvious ways or through a few key differences. This contrast helps readers see how the protagonist is navigating life differently, and maybe it’s not going so well for them.

When a foil character exhibits traits the protagonist lacks (but needs), it creates a mirror moment. The protagonist starts to see their flaws more clearly, and that realization can become a turning point in their character arc. If they want to move forward, something has to change.

Double Down on the Same Trait

Another method is to give two characters the same trait: controlling and controlling, manipulative and manipulative, idealistic x 2. Positive or toxic, characters with identical traits tend to cause the relationship pot to boil, and soon, the battle royale for dominance is on.

Clashing Traits Don’t Always Mean Fireworks

Sometimes writers get a bit too excited over creating relationship tension, as it can lead to some spectacular clashes. Realistically, though, friction is more about getting under each other’s skin just enough to behave like a passive-aggressive jerk.

When irritated, characters may get snarky in their responses, offer backhanded compliments, or deliver a narrow, you’re so stupid stare. Decisions in the moment can be emotion-driven, too. Maybe they withhold advice, information, help or even share a half-truth, knowing it will mess up the other’s plans. My point is, have fun with your friction, especially if it leads to well-deserved consequences!

Also, Friction Isn’t Always Negative

Not all friction is hostile. It can come from navigating healthy boundaries that characters aren’t used to. It can be a part of the learning curve of new cultures and customs. Even people who want the same thing must figure out how to work together, encountering friction through trial and error.

In romance, attraction creates tension. And much of what makes chemistry sizzle on the page is emotional friction—conflicting desires, fears, and how each handles vulnerability.

Friction happens in friendships, family dynamics, the workplace, and other relationships. Whenever two people are wired differently, there’s an opportunity for tension. Unravelling the ‘why’ behind it is what readers show up for.

Choose a Character’s Personality Traits Carefully

While it might seem like a fun way to add drama, clashing traits shouldn’t be assigned without thought. Each character’s personality is a unique window into who they are, where they came from, and the people and experiences they were exposed to before your story began. Credible characters have traits that make sense for their unique history–that’s a big part of what makes them authentic to readers.

If you’d like to understand more about personality traits and how to choose the right ones for a character, give this a read. Happy writing!

What clashing personality traits have you woven into your relationships? Let me know in the comments!

The post Using a Character’s Personality Traits to Generate Conflict appeared first on WRITERS HELPING WRITERS®.

We’ve all heard the writing advice that we need to throw rocks at our protagonists. More obstacles, more tough choices, and more loss test them and force them to grow and change. This is all true and necessary.

But one of those most overlooked forms of safeguarding our protagonists is by making their problem an everyone else problem.

If their parents could just value them for who they are, your character would be a lot happier. Or if their significant other would understand them, things would be just right. Or if their kids would put in more effort, all would be perfect in their world. If their boss would see what they’re capable of and promote them, everything would be different.

Characters can sometimes focus on the way others are letting them down. And in that case, the behavior of other characters becomes the story problem. Your character’s wellbeing hinges on someone else changing.

Back to those “rocks” we need to throw at our characters. Yes, it’s important to toss obstacles and road blocks at our characters. But I would argue that the largest boulder we can throw at our characters comes in the form of a massive mirror. If our characters are forced to look at their own behavior, their own choices, and the way those things are blocking them from what they actually need, the hardest obstacle of all emerges—changing themselves.

While it’s easy to point the finger, to assign blame, to critique and find fault in others (and it might all be deserved, by the way!), the harder thing is to self-reflect. To have your protagonist evaluate their own behaviors in light of the behaviors of those other characters. To identify choices they can make that not only free them from whatever unhappy construct they’re trapped in, but that usher them toward what they ultimately need, all as a result of their own actions.

In the real world, we know it’s not only impossible to change someone else’s behavior, it’s also not our responsibility. In the world of writing, we want to be conscientious about the way we handle that truth, too. Our characters become the vehicle for conveying a deeper truth readers then carry into their lives.

If your character’s story is an everyone else problem, where is the space for your protagonist to exercise agency? To grow and change? To test out what they can control and to deliver themselves the satisfying ending they crave?

Let’s look at a few ways to move your character from thinking their problem is about someone else to understanding that their own choices will deliver them what they need:

1. Introduce characters that show your character what’s possible behavior-wise. Maybe another character is thriving despite being in a similar situation. Or perhaps another character challenges your character directly on their decision to stay stuck in an unhappy relationship. Who can come along to plant seeds that give your character the courage to try new behaviors? To let go of the expectations they’ve placed on others? To show them that we don’t have to fixate on how others can and will let us down?
2. Introduce characters that mimic your protagonist’s detrimental choices. Maybe your character meets someone and realizes how that character is holding themselves back or making poor decisions. Maybe your character meets someone in the same situation and who is very much stuck in a victim role. Mirror characters are a safe way for your protagonist to see the truth about their own choices and to give them aha moments about themselves. Sometimes it’s not until they see something in someone else that they can then see something about their own lives. Your character might even begin to support or mentor someone else, and that forces them to want to employ change in their own life.
3. Introduce subplots that invite your character to put energy and heart elsewhere. Maybe they take up a new hobby or job, or they go somewhere completely new. Where can they thrive? Under what circumstances can their strengths emerge? Where can they have greater autonomy and see how their own choices can and will lead them to what they need? Where can they be appreciated in ways that they’ve lacked? You might even have some new subplots that reveal what your character doesn’t want—new activities or new places that echo the unhappy aspects of their preexisting lives. That way, they’re empowered to walk away in a lower-stakes setup, and to see that doing so isn’t so bad after all.
4. Present a conflict that moves them away from the rut of missed expectations. If a more significant problem emerges that invites your character in, they can loosen their focus on the way they enter the story mired in unhappy circumstances. In overcoming an unrelated conflict, they may see themselves in a new light and realize their happiness doesn’t reside in others’ hands.
5. Force them to confront the past despite their journey. While we want new people and places and experiences to grow our protagonists, part of their story arc is seeing their past with a shifted perspective. Healing is about coming to terms with the past—not simply moving away from it. If your protagonist has a new support system around them as a result of their own choices, they’re better equipped to confront the past with courage. That way, we see the power those unsatisfying relationships once had as being diminished. Perhaps the protagonist can even reflect on their own counterproductive part in the way things once were.

It’s Important to Note That Blaming Others and Not Wanting to Make Changes Are Normal and Even Expected Reactions.

Your character might enter the story this way and spend your first quarter wrestling with the view that everyone else is their problem. But beware that readers are turned off to characters with a victim mentality. Also, readers come to a story expecting change. For the protagonist’s agency to emerge and story structure to function, the reader will expect that somewhere around the 25% mark, there’s a collapse in that everyone-else-is-the-problem perspective. The character will begin to see that being held hostage by missed expectations is what’s harming them above all, and they’ll begin driving their own quest toward well-being through those five strategies above. If we’re to reach the ending fully believing your character is going to be okay, it will take time all throughout those final three-quarters to see how and why.

While we’d all love to change something about the people around us, controlling others isn’t feasible and it renders us powerless. In story, it’s no different. The more we empower our protagonist to step into new relationships and new experiences, the more we lessen the grip of missed expectations. We position our characters to face a problem that is fixable and give them that satisfying ending they deserve.

The post Five Ways to Get Your Protagonist to Realize They’re the Problem appeared first on WRITERS HELPING WRITERS®.

What secret is your character keeping? Why are they safeguarding it? What’s at stake if it’s discovered? Does it need to come out at some point, or should it remain hidden?

This is some of the important information you need to know about your character’s secrets—and they will have secrets, because everyone does. They’re thorny little time bombs composed of fear, deceit, stress, and conflict that, when detonated, threaten to destroy everything the character holds dear.

So, of course, you should assemble them. And we can’t wait to help.

This thesaurus provides brainstorming fodder for a host of secrets that could plague your character. Use it to explore possible secrets, their underlying causes, how they might play into the overall story, and how to realistically write a character who is hiding them—all while establishing reader empathy and interest.

For instance, let’s see what it might look like if your character…

Fled a Crime Scene

ABOUT THIS SECRET: Fleeing a crime scene—on purpose or unintentionally—is a secret that clings like gunshot residue. The character might not have committed the crime, but being there at the wrong time makes them look guilty, or at the very least, deeply suspicious. Staying silent isn’t just about avoiding legal trouble, it’s about dodging the endless fallout—like being blacklisted from jobs, losing friends, or becoming the hot gossip at every dinner party.

SPECIFIC FEARS THAT MAY DRIVE THE NEED FOR SECRECY: Being Attacked, Being Unsafe, Being Watched, Government, Letting Others Down, Losing One’s Social Standing, Losing the Respect of Others, Not Being Believed, Rejection, Trusting Others

HOW THIS SECRET COULD HOLD THE CHARACTER BACK
Being fearful of situations similar to where the crime was committed
Avoiding public activities out of fear a witness may recognize and out them
Fearing that if they come forward, they’ll face legal and social repercussions or jail time
Close relationships being compromised due to the character’s dishonesty about what happened

BEHAVIORS OR HABITS THAT HELP HIDE THIS SECRET
Destroying evidence that places them at the scene of the crime
Avoiding the location where the crime was committed to prevent being recognized
Lying about their whereabouts during the time of the crime
Breaking off contact with anyone who may suspect the truth
Becoming isolated out of fear for their own safety

ACTIVITIES OR TENDENCIES THAT MAY RAISE SUSPICIONS
Exhibiting avoidance tendencies when the topic comes up with a partner or spouse
Lying “tells” being activated when topics around the event come up—e.g., excessive sweating, stammering, or not making eye contact
Becoming obsessed with the victim
Being unable to explain evidence that points to a crime (a crumpled fender, bloodstains on a shirt, bruised knuckles, etc.)

SITUATIONS THAT MAKE KEEPING THIS SECRET A CHALLENGE 
Being asked directly about the events surrounding the crime
An accomplice wanting to confess
Being connected to the setting or people involved in the crime in a way that others know about
Being roped into the investigation because of their connection to an involved party, one of the investigators, or another witnesses

Other Secret Thesaurus entries can be found here.

Need More Descriptive Help?

While this thesaurus is still being developed, the rest of our descriptive collection (18 unique thesauri and growing) is accessible through the One Stop for Writers THESAURUS database.

If you like, swing by and check out the video walkthrough for this site, then give our Free Trial a spin.

The post Character Secret Thesaurus: Fleeing a Crime Scene appeared first on WRITERS HELPING WRITERS®.

I’d always heard that landing a Bookbub deal could really help with marketing your book.

I’d tried a couple of times before with no luck. But recently, I submitted my historical fantasy, The Curse of King Midas, and was selected for a BookBub Featured Deal.

But there was a catch—it wasn’t for the U.S. market. My deal was for international readers only.

When I realized that, I wasn’t so sure about moving forward. I did some research and then decided to go for it.

In this article, I’ll discuss my experience, share my results, and tell you whether it was worth it.

How Much Does a BookBub Featured Deal Cost?

Cost is one of the biggest factors in deciding whether to apply for a BookBub deal. Prices vary depending on several factors:

• Your book’s genre
• The price of your book during the promotion
• Whether your deal includes the U.S. or is international only

For my deal, I promoted a fantasy novel at $0.99 (the second-lowest pricing tier available, after “free”). My international-only deal (which included the United Kingdom, Canada, and Australia) cost $196.

The price would have been significantly higher if I had been selected to include the U.S. Since this was my first experience with Bookbub’s featured deals, I was kind of glad to have been chosen for international only. It gave me a chance to see what the deal would do for me without spending as much as a U.S. deal would cost.

The trade-off between price and royalties is important to consider. A lower-priced book will sell more copies but yield lower earnings per sale. (At 99 cents per book, I earned only about 30 cents per copy, for example.) Plus, the Bookbub featured deal costs less.

A higher-priced book (you can go up to $4.99) means fewer sales but greater royalties per copy. It also means a higher price for the Bookbub deal, though. (You can find the prices here.)

I’ve also heard that you have a better chance of being selected for a Bookbub deal as an indie author if you price your book on the lower end of the spectrum.

I opted for the $0.99 price point because my primary goal was to increase readership rather than maximize immediate earnings—and I wanted to improve my chances of being accepted for the deal.

What Was My Goal with This Bookbub Featured Deal?

My main objective was to introduce more readers to The Midas Legacy series before the release of Book II in June (2025). I wanted to get my book into as many hands as possible so new readers could discover the series. I was hoping to earn some of my money back, but I wasn’t overly concerned with breaking even or turning a profit from this deal alone.

Results from My BookBub
Featured Deal

BookBub estimates that a deal like mine (in the fantasy genre) could result in between 10 and 2,250 copies sold. Thankfully, I sold more than ten! Considering my book remains relatively unknown to the general fantasy audience, I feel pretty good about the results.

My BookBub email went out on February 12th, and by the end of the next day (February 13th), here were my total sales:

• 124 copies sold (all ebook)
• Amazon: 102 copies
• Draft2Digital: 22 copies
• Total royalties earned: $46.93
  • Amazon: $36.40
  • Draft2Digital: $10.53

By the end of the day on February 15th, I had sold 50 copies total on Draft2Digital (all international buyers), bringing my Draft2Digital earnings up to $23.24. Additionally, I sold eight more copies on Amazon (not counting U.S. sales), adding roughly $2.40 to my total Amazon royalties (I’m not sure how the exchange rates may affect this).

Updated Totals:

• Total books sold (excluding U.S.): 160 copies
• Total royalties earned: $62.04

(A few more sales trickled in later on that I didn’t include here.)

Since this was an international-only deal, I’m counting only UK, Australia, and Canada sales. I did have some U.S. sales at the same time, as I ran a concurrent 99-cent deal in the U.S. to take advantage of the opportunity. (I sold nearly 200 books with the deals combined.) I’m not counting those sales here, though, as they were not due to the Bookbub international deal.

Was My BookBub Featured Deal Worth It?

Based on my primary goal—introducing more readers to my series—I’d say yes, it was worth it.

Did I make all my money back? No. I spent $196 and earned $62.04 in direct royalties, meaning I recouped about 31% of my investment. But that wasn’t the only metric I was tracking.

Here’s why I still consider this deal a success:

1. New Readers Found My Book – 160+ new people in international markets now own my book. Some of them may read it, love it, and go on to buy Book II when it releases in June. That’s my hope, anyway!
2. Potential Long-Term Impact – I’ll be watching to see if I gain new reviews, email subscribers, or follow-up sales in the coming months.
3. Exposure in Key Markets – The UK, Australia, and Canada all performed well. These are valuable markets for fantasy books, so getting my foot in the door was beneficial.

Would I do it again? Possibly! If I see strong engagement from the readers who picked up my book, I’d consider another international deal—or, ideally, a U.S. BookBub deal to see how it compares.

If I do get another chance, I think I may go for a higher price point. One drawback of the 99 cents is that many readers will purchase, but then not read the book. They’ll leave it to languish on their ereaders. A higher price point may result in fewer sales, but inspire purchases from readers ready to read—though I’m not certain on this.

If you’re a writer considering a BookBub international deal, I hope my experience helps you decide whether it’s the right move for your books!

Note: Get more articles, free reports, and free chapters of Colleen’s award-winning books when you sign up for her motivational newsletter for writers!

The post I Tried a BookBub Featured Deal—Here’s What Happened appeared first on WRITERS HELPING WRITERS®.