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Abigail Stone Books

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I'd love to hear from you! Whether you have questions about my books, want to discuss a potential collaboration, or are interested in scheduling a consultation,

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If you're reaching out for a publishing consultation, please write "Publishing Consultation" in your message, and tell me what you'd most like to talk about!

In case no one has reminded you lately, all your favorite books (and your non-favorites) were labored over by an entire village of people who have dedicated their lives to the power of words!📚🫶🏻

Had the absolute best time at the Independent Book Publishers Association conference in Portland learning more about all the wild ins and outs of the work we do.

Thanks @ibpalovesindies for hosting & @indigoriverpub for sending me! See ya next year!😍

#indiebooks #indiepublishing #indiebooksellers #workinpublishing #bookpublishing

In case no one has reminded you lately, all your favorite books (and your non-favorites) were labored over by an entire village of people who have dedicated their lives to the power of words!📚🫶🏻

Had the absolute best time at the Independent Book Publishers Association conference in Portland learning more about all the wild ins and outs of the work we do.

Thanks @ibpalovesindies for hosting & @indigoriverpub for sending me! See ya next year!😍

#indiebooks #indiepublishing #indiebooksellers #workinpublishing #bookpublishing

If you talk trash about the L.A. River but you can’t tell an egret from a heron as they graze among its wetland stretches, you have nothing to say to me!! 😌

But truly, it’s so fun as a writer getting to fill your pages with things you love! Here, I invoked the river to give an example of how you’d choose different words when editing depending on your reader’s context.

This book walks writers from idea to finished manuscript! If you’re a writer, I hope you’ll enjoy it and fill pages with all the niche things you love!! Find it at the link in my bio / gift it to a writer friend. 💕

#WLYMI #writelikeyoumeanit #authorlife #lariver #folar

If you talk trash about the L.A. River but you can’t tell an egret from a heron as they graze among its wetland stretches, you have nothing to say to me!! 😌

But truly, it’s so fun as a writer getting to fill your pages with things you love! Here, I invoked the river to give an example of how you’d choose different words when editing depending on your reader’s context.

This book walks writers from idea to finished manuscript! If you’re a writer, I hope you’ll enjoy it and fill pages with all the niche things you love!! Find it at the link in my bio / gift it to a writer friend. 💕

#WLYMI #writelikeyoumeanit #authorlife #lariver #folar

Write as quickly as you can and as badly as you dare!! @dianapglyer

A bonus quote on first drafts: “I’m writing a first draft and reminding myself that I’m simply shoveling sand into a box so that later I can build castles.”😌

Find Write Like You Mean It in my bio for more concrete guidance and encouragement through the writing process! ❤️

#wlymi #writelikeyoumeanit #writeyourbook #authorsoninstagram #writinglife

Write as quickly as you can and as badly as you dare!! @dianapglyer

A bonus quote on first drafts: “I’m writing a first draft and reminding myself that I’m simply shoveling sand into a box so that later I can build castles.”😌

Find Write Like You Mean It in my bio for more concrete guidance and encouragement through the writing process! ❤️

#wlymi #writelikeyoumeanit #writeyourbook #authorsoninstagram #writinglife

“I’m gonna be reading like I mean it!” —Dad

The book launched on April 28th and the most important review is in! 😂

This guide through the writing process is available now—link in bio.❤️

#WLYMI #writelikeyoumeanit #authorcommunity #writeyourbook #writerscommunity

“I’m gonna be reading like I mean it!” —Dad

The book launched on April 28th and the most important review is in! 😂

This guide through the writing process is available now—link in bio.❤️

#WLYMI #writelikeyoumeanit #authorcommunity #writeyourbook #writerscommunity

Happy book birthday to Write Like You Mean It!!! 🥳

After editing dozens and dozens of books, it feels so surreal to be on the other side as a first-time author. 🥲

Find the book at the link in my bio to order, and feel free to join my email list at abigailstonebooks.com for future updates!

PC: @vieraanicole

#WLYMI #writelikeyoumeanit #writeyourbook #writerswrite #firsttimeauthor

Happy book birthday to Write Like You Mean It!!! 🥳

After editing dozens and dozens of books, it feels so surreal to be on the other side as a first-time author. 🥲

Find the book at the link in my bio to order, and feel free to join my email list at abigailstonebooks.com for future updates!

PC: @vieraanicole

#WLYMI #writelikeyoumeanit #writeyourbook #writerswrite #firsttimeauthor

I think one of the most surreal parts of creating a book is the vulnerability of finally showing it to someone you REALLY admire—and hearing that they loved it.

These are a few of the endorsements we received from our advanced copy of Write Like You Mean It, and they all mean so much to me in different ways.

Michael Dean Clark is also a former professor of mine, and besides being a fierce champion of writers and an incredibly talented wordsmith, his class in my senior year at APU exposed me to the publishing world for the first time.

Taylor Norman is basically my editor hero—someone who really embodies a life and gifting immersed in stories and their tellers!

Libby is one of the most gorgeously introspective people I have met, able to tenderly weave musings from dissertation-writing to childhood meals and everything in between! Also, a beloved part of my writing group community.

And Licia is someone who has come to mentor me more recently as an author coach, bringing me into the programs and worlds she is constantly constructing to help people make it in this writing life!

The book officially launches tomorrow, and I am feeling super in awe of all the talented and generous people who believe in it so much already.

If you're looking for a book that finally makes the writing process make sense, find it at the link in my bio—or share with a friend whose writing you believe in! ❤️

#WLYMI #WriteLikeYouMeanIt #writeyourbook #booksforwriters #booksaboutwriting

I think one of the most surreal parts of creating a book is the vulnerability of finally showing it to someone you REALLY admire—and hearing that they loved it.

These are a few of the endorsements we received from our advanced copy of Write Like You Mean It, and they all mean so much to me in different ways.

Michael Dean Clark is also a former professor of mine, and besides being a fierce champion of writers and an incredibly talented wordsmith, his class in my senior year at APU exposed me to the publishing world for the first time.

Taylor Norman is basically my editor hero—someone who really embodies a life and gifting immersed in stories and their tellers!

Libby is one of the most gorgeously introspective people I have met, able to tenderly weave musings from dissertation-writing to childhood meals and everything in between! Also, a beloved part of my writing group community.

And Licia is someone who has come to mentor me more recently as an author coach, bringing me into the programs and worlds she is constantly constructing to help people make it in this writing life!

The book officially launches tomorrow, and I am feeling super in awe of all the talented and generous people who believe in it so much already.

If you're looking for a book that finally makes the writing process make sense, find it at the link in my bio—or share with a friend whose writing you believe in! ❤️

#WLYMI #WriteLikeYouMeanIt #writeyourbook #booksforwriters #booksaboutwriting

In Steal Like an Artist, Austin Kleon says, “I think computers have robbed us of the feeling that we’re actually making things.” He quotes Stanley Donwood, saying that computers are alienating because they put a sheet of glass between you and whatever is happening.

That’s why it’s so surreal as an author seeing this thing you’ve worked on for years in a digital form… suddenly right there on your kitchen table! So vulnerable seeing the word from your messy word document now polished and published for all to read.

Authors, do you relate???

Write Like You Mean it is out in FIVE DAYS and officially live for pre-order on Barnes & Noble. Find it at the link in my bio and grab one for you or a writer friend you believe in!!

#wlymi #writelikeyoumeanit #writeyourbook #writingsupport #howtowriteabook

In Steal Like an Artist, Austin Kleon says, “I think computers have robbed us of the feeling that we’re actually making things.” He quotes Stanley Donwood, saying that computers are alienating because they put a sheet of glass between you and whatever is happening.

That’s why it’s so surreal as an author seeing this thing you’ve worked on for years in a digital form… suddenly right there on your kitchen table! So vulnerable seeing the word from your messy word document now polished and published for all to read.

Authors, do you relate???

Write Like You Mean it is out in FIVE DAYS and officially live for pre-order on Barnes & Noble. Find it at the link in my bio and grab one for you or a writer friend you believe in!!

#wlymi #writelikeyoumeanit #writeyourbook #writingsupport #howtowriteabook

😝 Write Like You Mean It launches in 8 days!! Got to share more here about how we want to give people a PROCESS to guide them rather than just an end product to try and emulate without a concrete path towards it.

If you dream of writing a memoir, sharing your expertise, getting a project done for school/your career, or have a story idea that’s been on the back burner for too long, this book is for you. ❤️

Pre-order at the link in my bio or share the book with a writer to tell them you want them to keep going!!🥹

#wlymi #writelikeyoumeanit #howtowriteabook #writeyourbook #writingsupport

😝 Write Like You Mean It launches in 8 days!! Got to share more here about how we want to give people a PROCESS to guide them rather than just an end product to try and emulate without a concrete path towards it.

If you dream of writing a memoir, sharing your expertise, getting a project done for school/your career, or have a story idea that’s been on the back burner for too long, this book is for you. ❤️

Pre-order at the link in my bio or share the book with a writer to tell them you want them to keep going!!🥹

#wlymi #writelikeyoumeanit #howtowriteabook #writeyourbook #writingsupport

🥹 Our book is officially ON SALE!!! 🥹 Find it at the link in my bio! The launch date is April 28th, so if you pre-order now, it’ll come around then!

If you have an idea, a story, a message, an experience—anything!—you’ve always wanted to write but haven’t been able to, this book is our love letter to you! We created it to be a companion on the creative journey that you can turn back to again and again. It provides both structure and flexibility to finally help you write the words only you can write.

If you’re not a writer but know someone who is, consider gifting this book as a way to say you believe in them and want to read what they have to write!

Sales in the first 2 weeks especially tell Amazon how important this book is, so we IMMENSELY appreciate all your love and care during this launch period!🥹

The world is better with your words in it!

#WLYMI #writelikeyoumeanit #writeyourstory #writerswrite

🥹 Our book is officially ON SALE!!! 🥹 Find it at the link in my bio! The launch date is April 28th, so if you pre-order now, it’ll come around then!

If you have an idea, a story, a message, an experience—anything!—you’ve always wanted to write but haven’t been able to, this book is our love letter to you! We created it to be a companion on the creative journey that you can turn back to again and again. It provides both structure and flexibility to finally help you write the words only you can write.

If you’re not a writer but know someone who is, consider gifting this book as a way to say you believe in them and want to read what they have to write!

Sales in the first 2 weeks especially tell Amazon how important this book is, so we IMMENSELY appreciate all your love and care during this launch period!🥹

The world is better with your words in it!

#WLYMI #writelikeyoumeanit #writeyourstory #writerswrite

Early in 2022, while working as Editorial Director at Berry Powell Press, I wrote down the name “Diana” in my notebook. I was journaling by the LA River (my favorite spot!) when I started thinking about how much I love what I do—and how much of it I owed to a favorite college professor, who gave me the lens I still use to evaluate everything I write or read.

Shortly after, serendipitously, that very same professor connected with my publisher through a mutual friend. God has a way of foreshadowing, and I love him for it.

Over the four years between then and now, I went from being Diana Glyer’s former student to her editor... then, as the collaborative process took shape, I went from being her editor to becoming her co-author. As we began writing together, our shared Google Doc became a co-labor of love, pouring out everything we had so longed to package up and give to every writer we know.

Now, it turns out, we have done just that! My name has been in the acknowledgements of so many books, but it’s surreal to see my name for the first time on a cover. Even more so to see my name beside someone whose teaching and career and passion I have admired so much at such formative moments of my life.

All that to say... we have a book coming out on April 28th!!! For anyone who has always wanted to write a book (or anything) and didn’t know how, this is for you. It’s called Write Like You Mean It: Start Strong, Maintain Momentum, and (Finally) Get It Done!

For book updates, check out my website abigailstonebooks.com and sign up for the newsletter! And feel free to share with a writer in your life who may need some encouragement. ❤️

(Thank you @vieraanicole for my new photos!!!)

#WLYMI #BookLaunch #WritingLife #WriteYourBook #howtowriteabook

Early in 2022, while working as Editorial Director at Berry Powell Press, I wrote down the name “Diana” in my notebook. I was journaling by the LA River (my favorite spot!) when I started thinking about how much I love what I do—and how much of it I owed to a favorite college professor, who gave me the lens I still use to evaluate everything I write or read.

Shortly after, serendipitously, that very same professor connected with my publisher through a mutual friend. God has a way of foreshadowing, and I love him for it.

Over the four years between then and now, I went from being Diana Glyer’s former student to her editor... then, as the collaborative process took shape, I went from being her editor to becoming her co-author. As we began writing together, our shared Google Doc became a co-labor of love, pouring out everything we had so longed to package up and give to every writer we know.

Now, it turns out, we have done just that! My name has been in the acknowledgements of so many books, but it’s surreal to see my name for the first time on a cover. Even more so to see my name beside someone whose teaching and career and passion I have admired so much at such formative moments of my life.

All that to say... we have a book coming out on April 28th!!! For anyone who has always wanted to write a book (or anything) and didn’t know how, this is for you. It’s called Write Like You Mean It: Start Strong, Maintain Momentum, and (Finally) Get It Done!

For book updates, check out my website abigailstonebooks.com and sign up for the newsletter! And feel free to share with a writer in your life who may need some encouragement. ❤️

(Thank you @vieraanicole for my new photos!!!)

#WLYMI #BookLaunch #WritingLife #WriteYourBook #howtowriteabook

Cataloging a week spent singing in the cacophony of Cairo! A week of wonders: ancient creations, mummy grins, unplanned cities, unceasing noise, baby hiccups, sweet potatoes from the cart, a lone jellyfish, pomegranate arils, organized drawers, finally-hung artwork, new friendships despite a lifetime of barriers, excavating my Arabic vocab. Most of all, a week witnessing the wonder of how you’ve chosen to make yourselves foreigners so others can finally feel at home where they are—and how sweet it is to nest in someone’s life and not let go. Thanks for showing me all this and more! @angelajoypie @wamesjhitfield

Cataloging a week spent singing in the cacophony of Cairo! A week of wonders: ancient creations, mummy grins, unplanned cities, unceasing noise, baby hiccups, sweet potatoes from the cart, a lone jellyfish, pomegranate arils, organized drawers, finally-hung artwork, new friendships despite a lifetime of barriers, excavating my Arabic vocab. Most of all, a week witnessing the wonder of how you’ve chosen to make yourselves foreigners so others can finally feel at home where they are—and how sweet it is to nest in someone’s life and not let go. Thanks for showing me all this and more! @angelajoypie @wamesjhitfield

In one of my absolute favorite books on writing, Anne Lamott said to use your writing as a love letter. I got to do that in this piece, reflecting on the absolutely infectious joy of people dear to me—from those I live daily life with to those I get to see every once in a while to those whom I've never met, but their art brings me joy nonetheless!

Thanks @alexis.ragan for inspiring this piece with your prompt in our writing group, then publishing it in your journal! @vesselsoflightjournal

I hope you enjoy this poem and that it inspires you to take the pressure off yourself and let your words flow as a love letter to the people, places, and things that fill your life with loads of secondhand joy. ❤️🍋

PC: @vieraanicole 📸

In one of my absolute favorite books on writing, Anne Lamott said to use your writing as a love letter. I got to do that in this piece, reflecting on the absolutely infectious joy of people dear to me—from those I live daily life with to those I get to see every once in a while to those whom I've never met, but their art brings me joy nonetheless!

Thanks @alexis.ragan for inspiring this piece with your prompt in our writing group, then publishing it in your journal! @vesselsoflightjournal

I hope you enjoy this poem and that it inspires you to take the pressure off yourself and let your words flow as a love letter to the people, places, and things that fill your life with loads of secondhand joy. ❤️🍋

PC: @vieraanicole 📸

It’s out!!!!!! While many of my friends are now popping babies, I’m over here helping authors pop out their book babies! 👶

JJ’s Audition Adventure was officially born July 4th at whatever time Amazon deemed fit. He is 10 inches long, 15.2 ounces. We love him so much already!!! (Mine is an advanced copy which is why it has the “Not for Resale” strip).

This is a book about a goofy young boy named JJ who decides he wants to be an ✨actor✨! With the help of his family and especially his Tio Rolando, he learns how to make his first audition tape! It’s quirky, heartwarming, and shows creative kids the first steps to pursue dreams of being on the big screen. It was such a blast being the editor on this project and seeing it grow to what it is today.

It’s available on Amazon now and will be available for bookstores on July 25th—the day of the online launch party! JOIN US July 25th 4pm PST on zoom to celebrate this birth—register at ExploreTheSpark.com! 😘😘🎬

#bookbaby #childactors #entertainmentindustry #firstaudition #kidlit

It’s out!!!!!! While many of my friends are now popping babies, I’m over here helping authors pop out their book babies! 👶

JJ’s Audition Adventure was officially born July 4th at whatever time Amazon deemed fit. He is 10 inches long, 15.2 ounces. We love him so much already!!! (Mine is an advanced copy which is why it has the “Not for Resale” strip).

This is a book about a goofy young boy named JJ who decides he wants to be an ✨actor✨! With the help of his family and especially his Tio Rolando, he learns how to make his first audition tape! It’s quirky, heartwarming, and shows creative kids the first steps to pursue dreams of being on the big screen. It was such a blast being the editor on this project and seeing it grow to what it is today.

It’s available on Amazon now and will be available for bookstores on July 25th—the day of the online launch party! JOIN US July 25th 4pm PST on zoom to celebrate this birth—register at ExploreTheSpark.com! 😘😘🎬

#bookbaby #childactors #entertainmentindustry #firstaudition #kidlit

Next Thursday I get to share at APU about what it’s like being an artist/writer pursuing a creative practice while also bringing in the bread!! 🥖

Honestly, it’s tough! Working in publishing both pours into and complicates my personal creative life. 😂 But I’m excited to share about what has helped me stoke the creative flame as I’ve spent time discovering and crafting my own voice amid daily and weekly work rhythms.

My biggest hope for this time is that you’d leave with an urgency to practice creativity and freely explore the gifts God has given. I’m also excited to share about a couple of projects I’m working on!

This isn’t only for APU students, so if you’re in the area, I’d love to see you there!! If you go to APU, come by! 🤩

I’d also love to hear: what questions/struggles/strategies have helped you in your creative practice, especially while balancing with work?

Hope to see you there! 🫶🏻

Slay poster by @jubileeveee

Next Thursday I get to share at APU about what it’s like being an artist/writer pursuing a creative practice while also bringing in the bread!! 🥖

Honestly, it’s tough! Working in publishing both pours into and complicates my personal creative life. 😂 But I’m excited to share about what has helped me stoke the creative flame as I’ve spent time discovering and crafting my own voice amid daily and weekly work rhythms.

My biggest hope for this time is that you’d leave with an urgency to practice creativity and freely explore the gifts God has given. I’m also excited to share about a couple of projects I’m working on!

This isn’t only for APU students, so if you’re in the area, I’d love to see you there!! If you go to APU, come by! 🤩

I’d also love to hear: what questions/struggles/strategies have helped you in your creative practice, especially while balancing with work?

Hope to see you there! 🫶🏻

Slay poster by @jubileeveee

Breaking my informal Instagram posting fast to digitally immortalize some warm & fuzzy winter memories before winter is over. ❄️ Sometimes it’s nice just to lurk here without being perceived, 🙈 but sometimes it’s also nice to pin some photos up in this communal scrapbook. I feel like that’s how Instagram started, and I like that even in the midst of all the ads and noise, it’s kind of migrating back toward that space. 🫶🏻 Anyways, enjoy these photographic snowflakes (kind of the same as everyone else’s but also unlike anyone else’s)! 😙

Breaking my informal Instagram posting fast to digitally immortalize some warm & fuzzy winter memories before winter is over. ❄️ Sometimes it’s nice just to lurk here without being perceived, 🙈 but sometimes it’s also nice to pin some photos up in this communal scrapbook. I feel like that’s how Instagram started, and I like that even in the midst of all the ads and noise, it’s kind of migrating back toward that space. 🫶🏻 Anyways, enjoy these photographic snowflakes (kind of the same as everyone else’s but also unlike anyone else’s)! 😙

What got me was the “books that make you cry” shelf. 🥹😂 I love this creative take on curating a bookstore experience!

I heard about @zibbysbookshop recently and finally got to go on me & Erik’s date day. ☺️ Got their book End Credits by @virtualpattylin for some timely thoughts on what being a writer in Hollywood is like!

Excited to start reading and visit again soon! 🤩 What’s the most creative thing you’ve seen in a bookstore?

#indiebookstore #bookstagram #localbookstore #localbookshop

What got me was the “books that make you cry” shelf. 🥹😂 I love this creative take on curating a bookstore experience!

I heard about @zibbysbookshop recently and finally got to go on me & Erik’s date day. ☺️ Got their book End Credits by @virtualpattylin for some timely thoughts on what being a writer in Hollywood is like!

Excited to start reading and visit again soon! 🤩 What’s the most creative thing you’ve seen in a bookstore?

#indiebookstore #bookstagram #localbookstore #localbookshop

I get this question all the time and I really do love it!!!!! 🥳  The most important thing to remember here is that you absolutely have a message worth sharing. And the best WAY to share that message is entirely dependent on your goals!   Here are some questions to help you process your own goals that will inform what publishing could look like.  1. Who is your audience—is it a large group or super niche?  2. How many books do you hope to sell—dozens, hundreds, thousands, more?  3. Do you want to invest time, effort, and money into getting it out there or do you just want to publish and go on with your life as normal?  4. Do you have a budget and how important is it that you make a profit?  5. How important is prestige to you—in a publisher, awards, bestseller lists, etc.?  6. Would your ideal timeline be more life 6 months, a year, two years, or something else?  7. How important is control? Are you looking for someone to polish what you’ve done or are you open to big-picture revisions?  How you answer each of these is going to inform what publishing path works best for you—traditional, self, or hybrid.  In the meantime, I always recommend you just keep writing, and practice SHARING that writing. Our best book ideas tend to come from what’s resonating with others!  Have you thought about these before? Comment or reach out with questions! Would love to brainstorm together. 🤓

🔖Save this for later!

#publishing #publishinghouse #publishingcompany #indiepublishing #authorsofinstagram #authorscommunity #writingabook #publishingindustry #bookjourney

I get this question all the time and I really do love it!!!!! 🥳  The most important thing to remember here is that you absolutely have a message worth sharing. And the best WAY to share that message is entirely dependent on your goals!   Here are some questions to help you process your own goals that will inform what publishing could look like.  1. Who is your audience—is it a large group or super niche?  2. How many books do you hope to sell—dozens, hundreds, thousands, more?  3. Do you want to invest time, effort, and money into getting it out there or do you just want to publish and go on with your life as normal?  4. Do you have a budget and how important is it that you make a profit?  5. How important is prestige to you—in a publisher, awards, bestseller lists, etc.?  6. Would your ideal timeline be more life 6 months, a year, two years, or something else?  7. How important is control? Are you looking for someone to polish what you’ve done or are you open to big-picture revisions?  How you answer each of these is going to inform what publishing path works best for you—traditional, self, or hybrid.  In the meantime, I always recommend you just keep writing, and practice SHARING that writing. Our best book ideas tend to come from what’s resonating with others!  Have you thought about these before? Comment or reach out with questions! Would love to brainstorm together. 🤓

🔖Save this for later!

#publishing #publishinghouse #publishingcompany #indiepublishing #authorsofinstagram #authorscommunity #writingabook #publishingindustry #bookjourney

I was called out on this the other day. 😂 But truly, I wish more people knew how interesting the copyright page can be, especially for writers and authors.

When I go to the copyright page, I’m usually curious about the following:

1. WHO PUBLISHED THIS? I typically look for this if the quality level is either lower or higher than I expected—or if there’s something really innovative about the book! I’m curious to see if it’s a big traditional publisher or a smaller indie press, and I’m especially excited by the latter.

2. WHEN WAS IT PUBLISHED? This gives me context if the content or design feels dated. Or if I’m reading about something like AI, recency speaks to credibility. It’s also fun when you find that the book just came out and you happen to be one of the first readers!

3. WHO DESIGNED IT? If a book cover and/or interior is particularly eye-catching, clever, or elegant, I want to know who designed it! Sometimes the copyright will say. Once in @octavias_bookshelf , I picked up a gorgeous book to check the designer, and it happened to be my friend @fleckcreative ! Sometimes I’ll find them on social if I love their style.

4. IS THE COPYRIGHT IN THE AUTHOR’S NAME? If the copyright is in someone else’s name (like the publisher’s), this means the author no longer owns or controls their intellectual property. While there could be other reasons, this is often due to a bad contract where they didn’t have an agent representing them.

If you’re a writer, the copyright page can help you understand comparable titles better, and it can even help you find publishers or designers you may want to work with!

Do you do this? Let me know if you learned something new! 😁

#bookpublishing #ampublishing #indiepublishing #indieauthors #authorsofinstagram #bookadvice #publishingtips #authortips #writingcommunity

I was called out on this the other day. 😂 But truly, I wish more people knew how interesting the copyright page can be, especially for writers and authors.

When I go to the copyright page, I’m usually curious about the following:

1. WHO PUBLISHED THIS? I typically look for this if the quality level is either lower or higher than I expected—or if there’s something really innovative about the book! I’m curious to see if it’s a big traditional publisher or a smaller indie press, and I’m especially excited by the latter.

2. WHEN WAS IT PUBLISHED? This gives me context if the content or design feels dated. Or if I’m reading about something like AI, recency speaks to credibility. It’s also fun when you find that the book just came out and you happen to be one of the first readers!

3. WHO DESIGNED IT? If a book cover and/or interior is particularly eye-catching, clever, or elegant, I want to know who designed it! Sometimes the copyright will say. Once in @octavias_bookshelf , I picked up a gorgeous book to check the designer, and it happened to be my friend @fleckcreative ! Sometimes I’ll find them on social if I love their style.

4. IS THE COPYRIGHT IN THE AUTHOR’S NAME? If the copyright is in someone else’s name (like the publisher’s), this means the author no longer owns or controls their intellectual property. While there could be other reasons, this is often due to a bad contract where they didn’t have an agent representing them.

If you’re a writer, the copyright page can help you understand comparable titles better, and it can even help you find publishers or designers you may want to work with!

Do you do this? Let me know if you learned something new! 😁

#bookpublishing #ampublishing #indiepublishing #indieauthors #authorsofinstagram #bookadvice #publishingtips #authortips #writingcommunity

This topic is why I started sharing about writing on my IG in the first place!

I have so many friends who are passionate about writing and creativity. Maybe they are moving toward a book, a blog, writing professionally—or maybe writing just unlocks something in them that makes them feel like their truest self.

I feel really blessed to be in a job where I get to coach writers, and I love to share what I learn with my friends who are exploring the craft, discovering their voice, and dreaming about where it might lead.

These are my three biggest tips to just keep growing and building that creative muscle!

Let me know if this encourages you, helps you in your writing journey, and what questions you have! 🤩

#writingcommunity #writinginspiration #writingtips #writersofinstagram #indieauthors #writingadvice

This topic is why I started sharing about writing on my IG in the first place!

I have so many friends who are passionate about writing and creativity. Maybe they are moving toward a book, a blog, writing professionally—or maybe writing just unlocks something in them that makes them feel like their truest self.

I feel really blessed to be in a job where I get to coach writers, and I love to share what I learn with my friends who are exploring the craft, discovering their voice, and dreaming about where it might lead.

These are my three biggest tips to just keep growing and building that creative muscle!

Let me know if this encourages you, helps you in your writing journey, and what questions you have! 🤩

#writingcommunity #writinginspiration #writingtips #writersofinstagram #indieauthors #writingadvice

Don’t be shy, congratulate @marisgentry on entering her library era 😂📚💳 But truly this is a niche way of spending quality time that really gets me. 🤌🏻

What’s your favorite library or the most recent book you’ve gotten there?

Shoutout to the @altadenalibrary for being so lovely all the time. 💕

#libraryfun #librarydesign #librarybook #writerlifestyle #booklovers #librarylover #altadena

Don’t be shy, congratulate @marisgentry on entering her library era 😂📚💳 But truly this is a niche way of spending quality time that really gets me. 🤌🏻

What’s your favorite library or the most recent book you’ve gotten there?

Shoutout to the @altadenalibrary for being so lovely all the time. 💕

#libraryfun #librarydesign #librarybook #writerlifestyle #booklovers #librarylover #altadena

All great writing is rewriting! Even if it drives us a little crazy sometimes. The people in our corner keep us going—even when we need some tough love!! 🤪

#writingcommunity #writersnetwork #editorscircle #writingsupport #writerlife

All great writing is rewriting! Even if it drives us a little crazy sometimes. The people in our corner keep us going—even when we need some tough love!! 🤪

#writingcommunity #writersnetwork #editorscircle #writingsupport #writerlife

Hello!!! Two equally significant announcements for you today:

1) I am wearing the exact same outfit today as I was in this picture (minus the lanyard from @ibpalovesindies, though it is a good lanyard).

2) I recently did my first podcast episode! It was fun being interviewed by my boss @carmenreneeberry for our new podcast, Real Authors In Real Time. I totally recommend it if you're a writer or author looking for a sense of direction, community, and perspective in your publishing journey!

My episode is on the types of editing writers need to know about—to improve their own writing and to work well with an editor or publisher!

I also got to shout out my former life in the @apuwritingcenter that made me the editorial woman I am today. 🤓

Search "Real Authors on Real Time" on Spotify, Apple, or wherever else you listen if you'd like to hear my voice talk about writing while you wash dishes. 😘

#writingpodcast #authorpodcast #editor #editorscircle #writingsupport #ampublishing

Hello!!! Two equally significant announcements for you today:

1) I am wearing the exact same outfit today as I was in this picture (minus the lanyard from @ibpalovesindies, though it is a good lanyard).

2) I recently did my first podcast episode! It was fun being interviewed by my boss @carmenreneeberry for our new podcast, Real Authors In Real Time. I totally recommend it if you're a writer or author looking for a sense of direction, community, and perspective in your publishing journey!

My episode is on the types of editing writers need to know about—to improve their own writing and to work well with an editor or publisher!

I also got to shout out my former life in the @apuwritingcenter that made me the editorial woman I am today. 🤓

Search "Real Authors on Real Time" on Spotify, Apple, or wherever else you listen if you'd like to hear my voice talk about writing while you wash dishes. 😘

#writingpodcast #authorpodcast #editor #editorscircle #writingsupport #ampublishing

Share your doodles with me!!! Or with someone!!! ☺️ Creativity is a muscle and sometimes we apply so much pressure we paralyze it.

Do you think about writing this way? I’m working on this paradigm shift.

If you’re in a creative rut, I challenge you to spend some time doodling with words this week. 😋🌸

#writingcommunity #writingtips #writinginspiration #creativejournal #startwriting #writersupportingwriters

Share your doodles with me!!! Or with someone!!! ☺️ Creativity is a muscle and sometimes we apply so much pressure we paralyze it.

Do you think about writing this way? I’m working on this paradigm shift.

If you’re in a creative rut, I challenge you to spend some time doodling with words this week. 😋🌸

#writingcommunity #writingtips #writinginspiration #creativejournal #startwriting #writersupportingwriters

I don’t think my Grammy knew how much I wrote about her, but in so many ways she was my roots. I wrote about her when I tried to understand myself. I wrote about her when I thought about change. Once I woke up at 4am with an idea for a poem about her I poked into my phone while squinting into the blue light.

As a child, she spoke over me the verse that would become my life verse so many years later. Zephaniah 3:17 which says the Lord delights over you with singing, which I’d later connect to the fact that Abigail means “my father’s joy.” She knew me in more ways than I knew myself, and my love for her could never be as encompassing and pure and unconditional as her love for me. I miss her. It was an honor accepted with shaky hands to share a poem for her eulogy last week. It’s such a sliver of all she is and was, but I’m grateful it’s brought comfort to others who miss her too. She was a poet so I hope she likes it. ❤️

I don’t think my Grammy knew how much I wrote about her, but in so many ways she was my roots. I wrote about her when I tried to understand myself. I wrote about her when I thought about change. Once I woke up at 4am with an idea for a poem about her I poked into my phone while squinting into the blue light.

As a child, she spoke over me the verse that would become my life verse so many years later. Zephaniah 3:17 which says the Lord delights over you with singing, which I’d later connect to the fact that Abigail means “my father’s joy.” She knew me in more ways than I knew myself, and my love for her could never be as encompassing and pure and unconditional as her love for me. I miss her. It was an honor accepted with shaky hands to share a poem for her eulogy last week. It’s such a sliver of all she is and was, but I’m grateful it’s brought comfort to others who miss her too. She was a poet so I hope she likes it. ❤️

Recently, an author shared that something her and I talked about was really helpful. We talked about how often, we think of “writing time” as time when we are glued to a laptop typing. We can get stuck in a rut, forcing ourselves down again in front of the keyboard but wondering why our stream of ideas feels dry and stagnant.

This bring up a very important truth—that while we write or type to record, process, and form our ideas, our ideas do not come from our laptops. Our ideas come from our lives. They come from post-work walks, pillow talk conversations with friends, fascinating podcasts, wacky things you find at the thrift store, slow moments to observe the world moving around us with a writer’s eye.

“Writing time,” then, includes every bit of time we spend away from our laptops filling up our creative tank. Our inspiration and source material is found simply in paying attention, and this is an important part of the writing process as any.

If you’re feeling stuck at the keyboard, or feeling guilty for not writing enough, I want to pass this reminder on to you: Release yourself from the desk. Sit down again when you are full-bellied and full of whimsy. Pursue the things that give you life, and life will flow from your words.

Let me know if this resonated with you and what fills you up! 😋

#writerlifestyle #writingsupport #writinghelp #writerthoughts #writingtips

Recently, an author shared that something her and I talked about was really helpful. We talked about how often, we think of “writing time” as time when we are glued to a laptop typing. We can get stuck in a rut, forcing ourselves down again in front of the keyboard but wondering why our stream of ideas feels dry and stagnant.

This bring up a very important truth—that while we write or type to record, process, and form our ideas, our ideas do not come from our laptops. Our ideas come from our lives. They come from post-work walks, pillow talk conversations with friends, fascinating podcasts, wacky things you find at the thrift store, slow moments to observe the world moving around us with a writer’s eye.

“Writing time,” then, includes every bit of time we spend away from our laptops filling up our creative tank. Our inspiration and source material is found simply in paying attention, and this is an important part of the writing process as any.

If you’re feeling stuck at the keyboard, or feeling guilty for not writing enough, I want to pass this reminder on to you: Release yourself from the desk. Sit down again when you are full-bellied and full of whimsy. Pursue the things that give you life, and life will flow from your words.

Let me know if this resonated with you and what fills you up! 😋

#writerlifestyle #writingsupport #writinghelp #writerthoughts #writingtips

Too late to post an Easter reflection? Here it is anyways! 🤭 I'm not an expert on poetry at all, and most of my writing is in longer form, but poetry is really fun to noodle around with especially when you get a particular idea or image stuck in your head!

Around Easter, I think about the verse that says "The same Spirit of God who raised Jesus from the dead lives in you." And I've been thinking about how things come back to life around us all the time—both in flashy and in mundane ways. I've been thinking about how dreams come back to life, parts of ourselves come back to life, ideas come back to life, possibilities come back to life. Even burnt toast can come back around. So I wrote this with that idea—that we can usher that same spirit of resurrection into our lives even with a faith that may feel feeble and dull.

Second pic is me with the flowers in our courtyard. They disappear for months and then suddenly you can smell them from around the corner. Enjoying them while I can at this little stop in their life cycle. ❤️

Anyways... share poetry or writing thoughts with me! 😍 I love to hear it. Also, we may be re-opening writing group for new people soon if you're interested in stretching creative muscles together!

#poemsofig #writersofinstagram #writingcommunity #easterreflections #resurrection #poetrylovers #writingsupport

Too late to post an Easter reflection? Here it is anyways! 🤭 I'm not an expert on poetry at all, and most of my writing is in longer form, but poetry is really fun to noodle around with especially when you get a particular idea or image stuck in your head!

Around Easter, I think about the verse that says "The same Spirit of God who raised Jesus from the dead lives in you." And I've been thinking about how things come back to life around us all the time—both in flashy and in mundane ways. I've been thinking about how dreams come back to life, parts of ourselves come back to life, ideas come back to life, possibilities come back to life. Even burnt toast can come back around. So I wrote this with that idea—that we can usher that same spirit of resurrection into our lives even with a faith that may feel feeble and dull.

Second pic is me with the flowers in our courtyard. They disappear for months and then suddenly you can smell them from around the corner. Enjoying them while I can at this little stop in their life cycle. ❤️

Anyways... share poetry or writing thoughts with me! 😍 I love to hear it. Also, we may be re-opening writing group for new people soon if you're interested in stretching creative muscles together!

#poemsofig #writersofinstagram #writingcommunity #easterreflections #resurrection #poetrylovers #writingsupport

I am forever indebted to @christinakasali who spent 3 hours putting these videos together so I could spend 20 minutes slapping text on top. 😮‍💨 I did NOT want to take on the task of fitting one of my favorite weekends EVER into an aesthetic one-minute video. But I did want to share what this retreat meant to me, and I hope it can mean something to you too—especially if you are a writer trying to find you voice. 🎤

How often do we get to see other writers in their unfinished process? How often do we allow others into our own? As an editor this is so important to me, yet it still feels vulnerable to let others play that role in my life. Big thank you to my pen pals here and for those who couldnt make it but show up throughout the weeks.❤️ Praying we’d open ourselves to more moments like this and find the people who can hold our words well, even as they are in the tender process of formation.

Curious to hear if this resonates with you—I’d love to support as you find your voice! 🌸

@ashleykendalljones
@angelajoypie
@christinakasali
@katybug24
@eugenah
@erika_faye
@katyaodraws
@poppyxpaper
@elisabethsondrea
Libby (where did your IG go?)

#writingcommunityofinstagram #writersgroup #writingparty #writingretreat #writerslifestyle #writingsupport

I am forever indebted to @christinakasali who spent 3 hours putting these videos together so I could spend 20 minutes slapping text on top. 😮‍💨 I did NOT want to take on the task of fitting one of my favorite weekends EVER into an aesthetic one-minute video. But I did want to share what this retreat meant to me, and I hope it can mean something to you too—especially if you are a writer trying to find you voice. 🎤

How often do we get to see other writers in their unfinished process? How often do we allow others into our own? As an editor this is so important to me, yet it still feels vulnerable to let others play that role in my life. Big thank you to my pen pals here and for those who couldnt make it but show up throughout the weeks.❤️ Praying we’d open ourselves to more moments like this and find the people who can hold our words well, even as they are in the tender process of formation.

Curious to hear if this resonates with you—I’d love to support as you find your voice! 🌸

@ashleykendalljones
@angelajoypie
@christinakasali
@katybug24
@eugenah
@erika_faye
@katyaodraws
@poppyxpaper
@elisabethsondrea
Libby (where did your IG go?)

#writingcommunityofinstagram #writersgroup #writingparty #writingretreat #writerslifestyle #writingsupport

Okay… my high from the last week was discovering the absolute GEM that is the @altadenalibrary!!! I’ve been a library fan, particularly for free audiobooks and when I need to research through lots of books for work. But this library is in a field of its own.

@ashleykendalljones and I meandered up to peek through the glass knowing they were closed. But instead of a peek, we got a full tour while they set up for a live performance event!

They have such a beautiful, thoughtfully crafted space for the community here. Not only that, but they have a FAB LAB where you can use their machines to do sewing, embroidering, screen printing, 3D printing, and button making!!! They also have a little bookstore you can shop at. 🥹

Anyways… this is my shout out: don’t sleep on the library. 🙅‍♀️💤📚💳 Library lovers tap in. See ya there. 💁‍♀️

#librarylife #librarydesign #altadena #bookloversunite #librarylover #booklovers

Okay… my high from the last week was discovering the absolute GEM that is the @altadenalibrary!!! I’ve been a library fan, particularly for free audiobooks and when I need to research through lots of books for work. But this library is in a field of its own.

@ashleykendalljones and I meandered up to peek through the glass knowing they were closed. But instead of a peek, we got a full tour while they set up for a live performance event!

They have such a beautiful, thoughtfully crafted space for the community here. Not only that, but they have a FAB LAB where you can use their machines to do sewing, embroidering, screen printing, 3D printing, and button making!!! They also have a little bookstore you can shop at. 🥹

Anyways… this is my shout out: don’t sleep on the library. 🙅‍♀️💤📚💳 Library lovers tap in. See ya there. 💁‍♀️

#librarylife #librarydesign #altadena #bookloversunite #librarylover #booklovers

Our marriage is a four-year-old! Learning, exploring, toddling, tasting.

I love that you started playing piano this year and we threw you a Star Wars birthday party. I love that we celebrated our anniversary by feeding giraffes.
I love the childlikeness that persists in and through you, like a balloon that keeps tugging me back into the clouds when my heart gets too heavy.

You say things that are so optimistic they sound fake, but you always mean them. You are the most genuine person I know. Persistently praise-filled. Wholeheartedly hopeful. Gentle and kind.

Love you nugget ✌🏻 And thanks for getting me the shirt with the reading frog on it. Her little shoes make me cackle. 👠

Our marriage is a four-year-old! Learning, exploring, toddling, tasting.

I love that you started playing piano this year and we threw you a Star Wars birthday party. I love that we celebrated our anniversary by feeding giraffes.
I love the childlikeness that persists in and through you, like a balloon that keeps tugging me back into the clouds when my heart gets too heavy.

You say things that are so optimistic they sound fake, but you always mean them. You are the most genuine person I know. Persistently praise-filled. Wholeheartedly hopeful. Gentle and kind.

Love you nugget ✌🏻 And thanks for getting me the shirt with the reading frog on it. Her little shoes make me cackle. 👠

Been off Instagram for a bit, but I wanted to shout out @storytellerkath’s author event I got to attend last month to celebrate the second edition of her book, Black Was Not A Label!

I remember squealing with @ashleykendalljones at the first launch of this book 3-ish years ago at @mantracoffee. Kat, you were the one who showed us that people our age could write books. 😂 I had no idea I’d end up working in publishing, but even at that point, you allowed us a peek into that world through your journey. You are such an artful and powerful communicator, showcasing both the pain and beauty in deep complexity. Thanks for using your words!!

Totally recommend checking out Kat’s writing and grabbing a copy of BWNL, now published by @redhenpress! 🥰

#booksigning #localbookstore #authorcommunity #supportlocalauthors #bookrecommendation

Been off Instagram for a bit, but I wanted to shout out @storytellerkath’s author event I got to attend last month to celebrate the second edition of her book, Black Was Not A Label!

I remember squealing with @ashleykendalljones at the first launch of this book 3-ish years ago at @mantracoffee. Kat, you were the one who showed us that people our age could write books. 😂 I had no idea I’d end up working in publishing, but even at that point, you allowed us a peek into that world through your journey. You are such an artful and powerful communicator, showcasing both the pain and beauty in deep complexity. Thanks for using your words!!

Totally recommend checking out Kat’s writing and grabbing a copy of BWNL, now published by @redhenpress! 🥰

#booksigning #localbookstore #authorcommunity #supportlocalauthors #bookrecommendation

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