More and more authors are turning to self-publishing. Agents are swamped with queries, the timeline is long, and there is only so much room in big publishing houses. Self-publishing gets rid of any gate-keepers, putting the power of your story in your own hands. It dismantles barriers, allows writers of diverse backgrounds and cultures to share their work and keep their profits. The reasons for writers to self-publish are quickly overriding the outdated idea that self-publishing is only for “lesser-quality” works (but let us not digress too much).

Beware: this article is long! So, grab a drink or a snack, save this article to refer to in your self-publishing journey, and let’s jump in.

Before we get started, here are my shameless self-promotional links to my own work:

Season of Fire

The Starlit Shadow

The First-Forged Mirror: A Starlight and Shadows Story

Here is what you’ll find in this article:

TABLE OF CONTENTS

• Writing

• Editing

• Blurb and Tagline

• Cover Design

• Formatting

• ISBNs

• KDP eBook Publication and Print Publication

• IngramSpark Publication

• Goodreads Set Up

• Social Media

• ARC Campaign

And, as a disclaimer, this is based on my personal experiences with publishing. Take what works for you, leave what does not.
^{**A huge, enormous thank you to Travis Baldree, whose similar article inspired this post**}

Writing

1. Tell the story you want to read.
   You are going to be spending a lot of time with your book. A lot. Write what brings you joy. For me in writing my first book, Season of Fire, I just sat down and started writing a story that combined my love for Pride and Prejudice, Bridgerton, witches, and burning the patriarchy. These are things that are deeply important to me, dare I say hallmarks of my personality. I wanted to write a story about witches, witch hunters, magic, and the social season. So, I did. My final product was a bit of a hot mess, but we’ll get to that later in editing.
   
   When writing my novella for The Starlit Shadow (my traditionally and independently published romantasy with Cranthorpe Millner), it started out as world building notes. Then morphed into a complete story with highly intelligent and introverted characters who are dear to me, ethical questions about science and magic, and love. These are themes that resonate with me, and, therefore, will resonate with others.
   

2. Study craft books.
   Here are my favorites. This is not a comprehensive list, but I learned so much about story structure, writing, and editing from these books:
   - Save the Cat Writes a Novel by Jessica Brody
   - The Emotion Thesaurus: A Writer’s Guide to Character Expression by Angela Ackerman and Becca Puglisi
   - Bird by Bird by Anne Lamott
   - Self-Editing for Fiction Writers by Renni Browne
   - Intuitive Editing: A Creative and Practical Guide to Revising Your Writing by Tiffany Martin Yates
   
   And, of course, reading lots of books in your genre through the lens of a writer is also critically important. This allows you to gain an idea of where your book would be placed in a bookstore, alongside which authors, what genre, which tropes. Studying how authors tell their stories allows you to improve your own craft.
   

3. Plan.
   I would call myself more of a plantser, and think good books can be written off the cuff, but in order to build a sustainable career and schedule for myself, I now believe in the power of The Spreadsheet. At this stage, I’ve got a very good handle on structure and what makes a story “good”, or at least enjoyable to readers. Writing my novella took only three months because I discovered the magic of outlining and using a plotting spreadsheet. This plotting spreadsheet took me 4 years to develop, after studying craft books and figuring out what works for me when thinking about story structure. Now, I can enter new projects with confidence, and worry less about the structure and more about telling a captivating story. And it helps me make deadlines.

Software

I used Scrivener for drafting. I find that the layout and tools with the program suit my needs well, especially the notecard feature. For Mac users, the software is currently priced at $59.99 USD.

For editing, I switch to Microsoft Word.

Editing

Whether you hire a professional, or have an editorially-minded friend or colleague look over your book, you need to have someone else read your book before you publish it. There are several different types of editing that you should be aware of, especially if you intend to hire a professional. I see lots of folks complaining about editors online because they don’t understand what kind of edit they have paid for and are disappointed when they receive their notes back. Don’t make that mistake!

Copyediting

Copyediting is the final polish before publication. This is where your editor focuses on the technical side of writing: spelling, grammar, punctuation, capitalization, word usage, and consistency. They’ll catch missing commas, repeated words, incorrect verb tenses, and other mechanical errors that are easy to miss after reading your manuscript dozens of times.

If your story itself is already strong and you’re happy with the structure, copyediting helps make your writing look professional and saves you from embarrassing typos.

Line Editing

Line editing goes beyond fixing grammar. Instead, the editor looks closely at how every sentence reads. Are your word choices as strong as they could be? Is a sentence awkward or repetitive? Could a paragraph be tighter or more emotionally impactful?

Think of line editing as improving the craft of your prose. The story stays the same, but the writing becomes clearer, smoother, and more engaging. This is also one of those terms that editors define differently. Some combine line editing with copyediting, while others treat them as completely separate services.

Mechanical Editing

Mechanical editing focuses on consistency and style rather than storytelling. The editor applies a specific style guide. Most fiction editors use The Chicago Manual of Style to ensure things like capitalization, abbreviations, numbers, punctuation, and formatting are consistent throughout the manuscript. Many copyeditors include mechanical editing as part of their process, so it’s worth asking whether it’s already covered before paying for it separately.

Substantive Editing

Substantive editing sits somewhere between line editing and developmental editing. Some editors call this a comprehensive edit, or a full manuscript critique.

Rather than looking only at individual sentences, the editor examines how scenes, chapters, and paragraphs work together. They may suggest reorganizing information, trimming unnecessary sections, clarifying confusing passages, or strengthening transitions between scenes.

The focus is on making the manuscript read more smoothly without fundamentally changing the story itself. Like line editing, this term isn’t used consistently across the industry, so always ask what a substantive edit includes before hiring an editor.

Developmental Editing

Developmental editing is the big-picture edit.

Instead of focusing on grammar or sentence-level writing, a developmental editor examines whether the story itself is working. They’ll look at pacing, plot structure, character development, point of view, dialogue, world-building, stakes, themes, and overall organization.

They’ll ask questions like:

• Does the beginning hook the reader?

• Are the character motivations believable?

• Does the pacing drag in the middle?

• Are there plot holes or inconsistencies?

• Does the ending feel satisfying?

A developmental editor’s job isn’t to rewrite your book. It’s to help you write the strongest version of it. Because this type of edit requires the most time and analysis, it’s also typically the most expensive. But if you’re planning to publish professionally, it can be one of the best investments you make.

My advice: Don't pay for copyediting until you're 100% sure that your story is finished. If you're still making major changes to the plot, characters, or chapters, you'll likely undo much of the copyeditor's work. Save sentence-level polishing until after you've finished the big-picture revisions.

For Season of Fire, I hired Carrie Jones to edit my work, and found her through Reedsy, which is a freelancing platform for writers, editors, illustrators, and cover designers. With the Reedsy Marketplace platform, I was able to browse the profiles of editors who specialized in my genre and read reviews. I did careful research, selecting only those editors who fit in my price range and who knew my genre. Then, I had 5 editors give me a quote for their services. Ultimately, Carrie fit my budget and I got good vibes from her response. With the original behemoth 150k draft of Season of Fire, Carrie gave me a 20 page editorial letter that was pretty much worth its weight in gold. She taught me things about writing that I was then able to apply to all my future writing. And because this was my first attempt ever at writing a book, I had a lot to learn. Carrie gave me kind constructive criticism, and helped me realize that I had written the equivalent of two books. So, substantial editing occurred. (Imagine me with a machete hacking my book to pieces and rebuilding it piece by piece. Yeah, it was like that).

For my subsequent books, I hired a developmental editor Demi Michelle Schwartz at Amethyst Ink Editorial, who I had found on Twitter (pre-sale to Elon) to review the first 50 pages of The Starlit Shadow, because I kept getting feedback that my story was starting off too slowly. For The First-Forged Mirror, I hired a proofreader (copyeditor) to catch any terrible typos. And Maddie at Smitty Behind the Scenes did, indeed, catch some embarrassing typos. I had previously connected with Maddie who is a local bookseller and runs the Maine Book and Print Festival. She just started her editorial business, and gave me a promotional deal on her services, which was amazing.

This is where my plug for networking comes in. If you can connect with other writers, editors, booksellers, and professionals, you don’t have to pay a large sum of money to get high-quality edits. You just have to be willing to put yourself out there! I will caution you from using your best friends to look over your work, though. Sometimes you need some tough-love feedback, someone who is neutral to your feelings and truly just wants to make sure your book is the best it can be! (Shameless self-promotion for my editorial services here, too.)

Once you receive your edits, you’ll want to move through them using Track Changes in Microsoft Word, which is the industry standard and why I switch to the program during this stage.

When you are 100% sure that your story is the best it can possibly be, that your word count falls into accepted industry standards, and that it is as free of typos as you can get, then you’re ready to start the publication process.

Blurb and Tagline

I take a bit of an unhinged approach to the blurb and tagline. For each of my projects, I write a mock query letter, or sample blurb and taglines so that I can stick to the promise of my story, before I start writing.

In a Writing Day workshop, I learned this invaluable formula for writing taglines.

In a SETTING after a CATALYST, a PROTAGONIST has a PROBLEM caused by an ANTAGONIST as she tries to achieve a GOAL.

After I write my tagline, I usually go back and highlight each part that corresponds to this formula, just to make sure I got it all. Then I revise, revise, revise.

Also, include specific details that bring your characters and setting to life! For example, I had:

Rose Worthington is floundering in Regency London’s latest social season, which wouldn’t be so bad if she weren’t also experiencing uncontrollable flare-ups of magic.

Adding specific details about how Rose’s magic manifests makes it come alive:

Avoiding suitors and dancing at balls is hard enough without trying to hide uncontrollable flare-ups of magic that result in shattered glass and scorched wallpaper.

You may or may not want to use this sort of tagline for your book. These are usually printed on book jackets, and are meant to sell your book in a sentence to readers. Structuring your blurb and tagline for optimal Amazon and ebook selling is a bit different. Here is my blurb for Season of Fire:

Studying other books in your genre on Amazon, especially the ebook category, are immensely helpful in learning how to structure your blurbs. You can also use this checklist:

Start with an irresistible hook

Your first line matters more than anything else. On sites like Amazon, readers often only see the first few lines before they have to click to expand the description. If they aren’t intrigued immediately, they’ll move on. A great hook is usually under fifteen words. It creates curiosity, establishes the tone of your story, and gives readers a reason to keep reading.

Match the tone of your book

Your blurb should feel like your novel. Writing a dark fantasy? Your blurb should feel mysterious and ominous. Cozy romance? It should feel warm and playful. The language you choose sets reader expectations, so make sure it matches with your book.

Keep it short and easy to read

Short paragraphs are your friend! Readers often skim online, so giant blocks of text can be intimidating. Use plenty of white space and short sentences. Aim for clear, accessible language rather than trying to sound poetic.

Introduce only the characters readers need to know

One of the easiest ways to overwhelm readers is by throwing too many names at them. In most cases, stick to your protagonist and, if necessary, the love interest or primary antagonist.

Show what makes your story unique

Focus on what readers actually care about: What makes your protagonist compelling? What’s the central conflict? Why is this story different from every other book on the shelf? Readers are buying an experience, or picking your book from hundreds because they are looking for some emotional response to what they’re going to read, so highlight that.

Make the stakes clear

By the end of your blurb, readers should understand three things:

• What does the main character want?

• What’s standing in their way?

• What happens if they fail?

If those questions aren’t answered, your blurb probably needs another pass.

Skip the clichés

Phrases like these appear in lots of blurbs:

• But everything changes...

• The only problem is...

• Can she save the kingdom?

• Can he save the world—and the girl he loves?

Be specific! Replace generic statements with concrete details that could only belong to your story.

End on a cliffhanger

The final sentence should leave readers wanting more. Sometimes a single unanswered question or a punchy final line is enough to create curiosity. Don’t explain the ending, but make readers feel like they need to know it.

Keep it around 200 words

Most blurbs fall somewhere between 150 and 250 words. That’s plenty of space to introduce your protagonist, establish the conflict, raise the stakes, and leave readers wanting more.

Don’t forget your audience

One of the easiest ways to attract the right readers is to tell them who the book is for. You can do this naturally by mentioning your genre, comparable authors, or popular tropes.

For example:

• Perfect for fans of political fantasy, forbidden magic, and slow-burning romance.

• A dark academia fantasy for readers who loved Babel and Ninth House.

• If you love morally gray characters and deadly magical competitions, this one’s for you.

Note:

If you’re choosing to publish in print, your back cover blurb or inside jacket blurb might differ slightly from what you would post on Amazon. This article that was shared as a resource in my graduate courses offers a little more insight into jacket copy: What is Jacket Copy? Blurbs That Work.

Cover Design

Now, I know you. You will want to leap into hiring a designer for your cover before your book is ready for publication. We want the pretty cover. We want to post the pretty cover to our socials to attract more readers. However, don’t make the mistake I did and skip to this step too early if you plan on publishing for print.

When you hire a cover artist or designer, they will need to know the completed word count of your book. This is because they need to calculate the spine width of the design. Now, many artists on my TikTok video about this said that they will of course hand over a design if you are not ready with the final page count yet, but they want you to be up front about that. Also, don’t keep them waiting. They are busy, and don’t want to hang on to your project for too long!

When your artist asks for page count, they may also ask for the book dimensions. You can use Amazon KDP (Kindle Direct Publishing)’s Calculator to help you decide what size you want your book to be:
https://kdp.amazon.com/cover-calculator

The type of paper you want also matters, as different types have different weights, which affects the overall dimensions of your book. The typical convention is that fiction is printed on cream paper.

Where to look for cover artists:

• Instagram

• Reedsy Marketplace

• GetCovers (great for ebooks especially, and cost $60!) I used them for The First-Forged Mirror.

• Check the artist of book covers you like, especially indie ones

Design Brief

Once you find an artist, you will need to provide them with a design brief. Remember: your cover is a marketing tool. Your cover is often the first thing a reader sees. Before they read your blurb, before they check your reviews, before they click “Look Inside,” they’re making a split-second decision based on what they see.

Know your audience

Before you think about colors, fonts, or imagery, ask yourself one question: Who am I trying to reach?

Different genres have their own visual language. Fantasy covers look different from thrillers. Cozy mysteries look different from dark romance. Readers subconsciously recognize these patterns, and they’re often using your cover to decide whether your book belongs in the genre they love.

One of the best exercises you can do is open Amazon or walk through your local bookstore and look at the top-selling books in your category.

Ask yourself:

• What colors appear over and over?

• Are the covers character-focused or object-focused?

• Are they illustrated or photographic?

• What kinds of typography are they using?

• What mood do they create?

Your goal is to understand what readers expect so your book feels at home beside the books they already love.

Build a cover design brief

Your designer doesn’t need a chapter-by-chapter summary of your novel. What they do need is enough information to capture the heart of your story.

I like to include:

• A short synopsis (one or two paragraphs)

• The genre and target audience

• The overall mood or tone

• Comparable books or covers I love

• Important symbols or imagery from the story

• Any elements I definitely don’t want included

Trust your designer

This one can be hard. After all, you’ve lived with this story for months or years. You know every character, every scene, and every tiny detail. But you hired a professional for a reason.

A good cover designer understands composition, typography, visual hierarchy, and, perhaps most importantly, book marketing. They know what catches a reader’s eye in a crowded Amazon search results page.

That doesn’t mean you can’t give feedback. It just means being open to ideas you may never have considered.

Focus on the heart of the story

Ask yourself: If someone remembered only one image after finishing my book, what would it be?

Often, the simplest concept is also the strongest.

Be realistic about your budget

Professional cover design is an investment. If you’re self-publishing, your cover is one of the places where I recommend spending money if your budget allows. A professionally designed cover builds trust with readers and signals that your book has been produced with care.

That said, there are options for nearly every budget from premade covers to fully custom illustrations.

Before hiring a designer, decide what matters most to you. Do you need something quickly? Do you want something completely custom? Or are you trying to keep costs as low as possible? Unfortunately, you rarely get all three. In publishing, as in most creative fields, you usually have to choose between fast, inexpensive, and highly customized.

Communicate throughout the process

A cover design is a collaboration. The clearer your communication is from the beginning, the smoother the process will be. When giving feedback, try to explain why something isn’t working rather than simply saying you don’t like it.

For example:

• “The typography feels too modern for a historical fantasy.”

• “I’d like the cover to feel more mysterious than romantic.”

• “Can we make the magic feel brighter and more hopeful?”

Specific feedback gives your designer something they can actually work with.

At the same time, don’t be afraid to let them surprise you!

For Season of Fire, I chose to work with My Lan Khuc, who I found on the Reedsy Marketplace. I loved My Lan’s hand drawn character style, and she fit my price range perfectly. My Lan asked me thorough questions about the vibes I wanted, and we went through a few revisions of characters until they matched the descriptions in the book. I provided book cover examples of what I was going for, and images for character references. Overall, the process took two months from initial query to finished product.

Formatting

Vellum

There are a lot of options available! Ultimately, I settled for paying for Vellum because it could do all of the things I wanted it to, including letting me add fancy endpapers! Vellum comes in Press ($249.99) or Ebooks ($199.99) editions, and allows you to create unlimited numbers of books. This program is intuitive, and creates high quality files for you to upload to KDP or Ingram Spark for distribution.

For my endpapers and title page, I used Canva to create a 3375 x 2625 pixel canvas. I created my own publishing imprint logo, and the title page, and found a print pattern that matched the historical, Regency fantasy genre. For the back of the book endpapers, I used the same size canvas and simply extended the print pattern across the entire page. This fits my printed book size, which I selected as 5.5 x 8.5 inches.

With the click of a button, I was able to add a content warning, copyright page, dedication, custom title page, acknowledgements and an about the author section. These templates are provided in Vellum.

This is, admittedly, a pricier option. However, the amount of time it has saved me is invaluable, which is why it gets my recommendation.

Atticus is a somewhat comparable option for PC users: https://www.atticus.io/ ($147)

Word

If you don’t want to pay for a formatting software or service (some people hire others on Fiverr or UpWork to format their books) Amazon’s eBook formatting guide is available here:
https://kdp.amazon.com/en_US/help/topic/G200645680

If you want to incorporate artwork and drop-caps into your book, you will need a separate source document for print output, which can be a lot to manage. If you only plan on publishing ebooks on Amazon this route is great!

Copyright Page

Here’s an example of what to include on your copyright page. Change the relevant details to fit your book.

The First-Forged Mirror: A Starlight and Shadows Story

Copyright © 2026 by Cidney Mayes

All rights reserved.

No part of this publication may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system, or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic, mechanical, photocopying, recording, or otherwise, without the prior permission of the publishers. Any person who commits any unauthorized act in relation to this publication may be liable to criminal prosecution and civil claims for damages.

This book is a work of fiction. Names, characters, places, and incidents are either products of the author’s imagination or are used fictitiously. Any resemblance to actual events or locales or persons, living or dead, is entirely coincidental.

Book Cover by GetCovers

First Edition 2026

ISBN 979-8-9916361-5-5

Crow Quill Publishing

cidneymayes.com

Look to your bookshelf and study how books are set up. This was honestly the most helpful. I grabbed two or three titles in my genre, and took note of how the books were set up, then did my best to duplicate it.

ISBNs

This is, undoubtedly, what I get the most questions about. ISBNs are the unique identifier for your book, short for International Standard Book Number. They can be a bit confusing, especially as Amazon and other publishers do provide ISBNs for free. But, I would caution you against using these free ISBNs if you want brick and mortar stores to carry your book.

You need a unique ISBN for each format of your book. So, you would need 1 for an ebook, 1 for paperback, 1 for hardcover, and 1 for audiobook. To purchase ISBNs, at least for USA residents, you will need to use Bowker. (Canadian authors have been happy to tell me that they get ISBNs for free!)

With Bowker, you can purchase:

• 1 ISBN for $125

• 10 ISBNs for $295

• 100 ISBNs for $575

My recommendation is to purchase 10 ISBNs, especially if you are producing your book for paperback and/or hardcover.

When you purchase ISBNs, you will set up the name of your publishing imprint. This is the “company” that you are publishing under. Flex your creativity and choose something that encompasses your author brand!

To access your purchased ISBNs and assign them, you’ll log into your My Identifiers account, click account, and then My Identifiers. (This was confusing for me, so here’s what you’re looking for).

Each version of my book has been assigned its own ISBN. Once you go through and add all of the information about your book, including cover file, blurb, keywords, etc, then you can clone it to the next one, making your job easier in subsequent assigning.

You’ll also need to set a publication date (some time in the future, when you expect your book to go live). Title Status should be set to Active Record and a target audience of Trade if you’re writing a novel. For price, if you know what your price will be, you can enter it, but you can also select Not Set so you have flexibility.

Bowker will try to sell you barcodes, but do not bother with this. KDP and Ingram will both generate one for you, and there are free online tools to do it. Don’t waste your money!

It will take a few days to process, so make sure to do this step well before your book’s publication date.

If you are publishing with KDP, there are also ASIN numbers. These are Amazon’s equivalent to the ISBN, and stands for Amazon Standard Identification Number. They will automatically generate one for you, and you don’t need to worry about it. Just know that it exists, and it’s a way that your book can be referenced.

KDP - Kindle Direct Publishing

The publishing dashboard walks you through each step, so I won’t spend pages explaining every button you need to click. Instead, I want to focus on the decisions that actually matter.

One tip before you begin: set up your KDP account well before launch day. Add your tax information, banking details, author information, and start creating your book as a draft. You’ll have plenty of time to review your metadata, upload files, and catch any issues before your release date arrives. Launch week is stressful enough without realizing you forgot to verify your banking information!

Ebook Publishing on KDP

Publishing an eBook is fairly straightforward. You’ll upload your manuscript, cover, book description, keywords, categories, and pricing before previewing the final product.

The process itself is intuitive, but there are a few settings worth paying attention to.

Categories

When you publish, Amazon allows you to select two primary categories for your book. Amazon’s recommendation system will often place your book into additional categories over time, and you can even request to be added to more categories after publication if they’re a better fit.

I recommend looking at successful books similar to yours and seeing which categories they’re ranking in. If your book belongs there too, those categories can help readers discover your work more easily.

Keywords

Keywords are another discoverability tool. Think about the phrases readers might actually type into Amazon’s search bar.

Instead of choosing broad words like fantasy or romance, be more specific:

• fae romantasy

• enemies to lovers fantasy

• gothic dark academia

• magical competition

• regency fantasy romance

Your goal is to help the right readers find your book. Think of this like optimizing the SEO of your book. When you look for books, what are you typing in?

KDP Select (Kindle Unlimited)

One of the biggest decisions you’ll make is whether to enroll your eBook in KDP Select.

If you do, your eBook becomes available through Kindle Unlimited, where readers can borrow it as part of their subscription. Instead of earning money per sale, you’ll also earn royalties based on the number of pages readers actually read. The tradeoff is exclusivity.

While your book is enrolled in KDP Select, the digital edition cannot be sold anywhere else. Not on Kobo, Apple Books, Google Play, or your own website. Whether that’s worth it depends on your goals.

When I first published, my priority wasn’t maximizing profit. It was getting my book into as many readers’ hands as possible. Kindle Unlimited helped increase discoverability, and I found it worthwhile. That doesn’t mean it’s the right choice for everyone. If publishing “wide” across multiple retailers is important to you, you’ll likely want to skip KDP Select.

Pricing

Pricing is always a balancing act.

Amazon offers two royalty rates for eBooks:

• 35% royalties

• 70% royalties

To qualify for the 70% royalty rate, your eBook generally needs to be priced between $2.99 and $9.99 (with a few additional requirements).

For my own books, I intentionally priced them at the lower end of that range. As a newer author, I wanted to remove as many barriers as possible for readers. My philosophy is: I’d rather gain loyal readers than maximize my earnings on every sale.

There’s no universally correct price. Think about your goals before choosing one.

If you’re using your own ISBNs, KDP will provide a place to enter them when you set up your book. (Make sure the Publisher matches your imprint on Bowker.)

Publishing Your Paperback

Once your eBook is finished, creating a paperback is very similar. Instead of uploading your EPUB file, you’ll upload your print-ready PDF along with your full wraparound cover.

If you’ve used formatting software like Vellum or Atticus, much of this process is incredibly simple since both programs generate print-ready files for you. Like the eBook process, KDP walks you through each step. The biggest decisions happen after you’ve uploaded your files.

Always Order a Proof Copy

If there’s one piece of advice I want you to remember from this section, it’s this:

Always order a proof copy.

Never approve your paperback based solely on the digital preview. Holding the book in your hands is the only way to catch issues like:

• Spine alignment

• Cover colors

• Margin spacing

• Font size

• Image quality

• Paper choice

• Even a stray typo!!

I went through a few proof copies before I was completely happy with my final product. You get them at print cost, and they print and ship fast

Matte or Glossy?

This is mostly personal preference. Matte covers tend to feel softer and more premium, while glossy covers make colors appear more vibrant.

Spine Alignment

One thing that surprised me was learning that print-on-demand books have slight manufacturing tolerances. That means your spine may shift by a millimeter or two between print runs. Because of this, avoid placing important artwork or text too close to the edges of the spine.

Barcodes

Amazon can provide a barcode for you. I’ve used it, and had no problems with it. You can choose to make your own barcode (Kindlepreneur has a free generator) but you don’t need to.

Pause and Assess

If you’re publishing both an eBook and a paperback, I recommend getting everything working perfectly in KDP first. Order your proof copies, fix any formatting issues, adjust your cover if necessary. Once you’re completely happy with the finished product, then move on to IngramSpark for broader print distribution.

It’s much easier to troubleshoot your files once than to troubleshoot them across multiple platforms simultaneously!

A Note on Expanded Distribution

If you choose to enroll in this, you get a lower royalty rate (40%), and it will make your book more widely available. If you want wider distribution, just use IngramSpark, which will be better received. If you do select Expanded Distribution you will not be able to use IngramSpark.

IngramSpark

If KDP is how you reach Amazon readers, IngramSpark is how you reach almost everyone else, including brick and mortar booksellers.

IngramSpark distributes print books to thousands of bookstores, libraries, schools, and online retailers around the world. While listing your book with IngramSpark doesn’t guarantee that a bookstore will stock it, it makes it possible for them to order it. Bookstores and libraries cannot order from Amazon. And you will be surprised by how many folks will want to order your book! So, don’t skip this step!

That said, IngramSpark isn’t as beginner-friendly as KDP, and there are a few important differences you should know before you jump in.

Personally, I chose to publish through both KDP and IngramSpark.

KDP gives me excellent visibility on Amazon, while IngramSpark makes my books available to bookstores and libraries. I wanted the widest distribution possible, even if it meant a little more work for me.

Ingram is Slower Than KDP

If you’ve already published through KDP, prepare yourself. IngramSpark moves at a much slower pace. File reviews, proof approvals, metadata updates, and distribution all take longer than they do on Amazon. What takes a day or two with KDP can easily take a week or more through IngramSpark.

Because of that, build extra time into your publishing schedule. Don’t wait until the week before launch to upload your files!

Review Your Proof Before Enabling Distribution

One thing that surprised me was that uploading your files doesn’t automatically make your book available everywhere. After your files are approved, you’ll receive a digital proof to review. Once that’s approved, you’ll be able to order a physical proof copy.

I strongly recommend waiting until you’ve reviewed the physical proof before enabling distribution. Once your metadata (your book information like blurb, genre, etc.) begins flowing out to retailers, making changes becomes much slower. Depending on what you’re updating, it can temporarily make your book unavailable while the new files are processed.

Getting everything right the first time saves a lot of headaches later!

Goodreads Set Up

Setting up your author page on Goodreads is a rite of passage for authors. Most of the time, authors are initially denied their applications. So, if this happens to you, don’t worry!

You can check up the guide from Goodreads here: How Do I Join the Author Program

Goodreads remains one of the largest online communities for readers, and having an Author profile gives you more control over how your books appear on the platform. You can update your biography, add your website and social media links, connect your blog, run giveaways, and interact with readers all from one place.

The setup process is fairly straightforward, but here are my tips for a (hopefully) seamless experience:

Create a Dedicated Author Email Address

Before creating any author accounts, I recommend setting up a dedicated email address just for your writing career. This doesn’t have to be complicated. A simple address like yournameauthor@gmail.com works perfectly.

Using a separate email keeps your publishing correspondence organized and makes it much easier to verify your identity on platforms like Goodreads, Amazon KDP, and other publishing services.

You’ll also want to list this email somewhere on your author website, such as your Contact page, since Goodreads uses it to verify that you are who you say you are.

Create a Separate Goodreads Account for Your Author Identity

This is one step that surprises a lot of people. If you’ve been using Goodreads for years as a reader, don’t convert that account into your author account.

Instead, create a brand-new Goodreads account using your author email address. Goodreads reviewer spaces are meant for readers. As an author, it’s considered best practice to keep your professional presence separate from your personal reading activity. Having a dedicated author account also helps avoid awkward situations where readers are browsing your profile and stumbling across years of reviews or ratings that have nothing to do with your writing career.

Think of it as creating separate personal and professional social media accounts.

Add Your Book to Goodreads

Before you can claim your Author profile, your book needs to exist in Goodreads’ database.

Fortunately, this often happens automatically once your book is available through Amazon or other major retailers. If it doesn’t, Goodreads provides a way to request that your book be added.

Double-check that all of your information is correct, including:

• Book title

• Subtitle

• Cover image

• Publication date

• ISBN

• Series information (if applicable)

It’s much easier to fix these details before readers begin adding your book to their shelves.

Apply for the Goodreads Author Program

Once your book is listed, you’re ready to claim your profile. Simply search for your book on Goodreads, click your author name, and scroll to the bottom of the page. You’ll see a link that says “Is this you? Let us know.”

From there, Goodreads will guide you through a short application.

To approve your application, Goodreads typically verifies:

• Your Goodreads account uses your official author email address.

• Your author website verifies that same email address.

• Your book has been published or has an official upcoming publication announcement.

• Your Goodreads author page correctly lists your books.

If you’re publishing through KDP, Goodreads may also ask you to provide the email address associated with your KDP account to verify ownership.

Approval usually only takes a few days.

If Your Application is Rejected

Don’t panic! Most rejected applications simply need a little more verification.

The most common issues include:

• Your Goodreads account isn’t using your official author email.

• Your author website doesn’t display or verify your contact information.

• Your books aren’t correctly connected to your author page.

• Goodreads can’t verify your publication status.

Once you’ve corrected those issues, you can simply reapply.

Authors with Multiple Pen Names

If you write under more than one name, Goodreads treats each pen name as a separate author identity. That means you’ll need a separate Goodreads account, and a separate Author Program application, for each pen name.

You can’t manage multiple author identities from a single Goodreads account.

My recommendation

Set up your Goodreads account well before your book launches.

Once your profile is approved, spend a little time filling it out completely. Add a professional author photo, write a short bio, include links to your website and newsletter, and make sure your social media accounts are connected.

Readers are curious! If someone finishes your book and loves it, one of the first places they’ll often look is Goodreads. Having a polished Author profile makes it easy for them to discover your other books, follow your career, and stay connected for future releases.

Social Media

Oh, social media. The thing we did not know we were signing up for when we decided we wanted to write books. However, social media is the driving force of book sales today. So how do you use social media to your advantage? The short answer: treat social media as a way to build relationships, not just sell books.

Readers don’t follow authors because they want to be advertised to every day. They follow because they connect with the person behind the stories and want to see your process, your personality, your inspirations, your bookshelves, your writing struggles, and the things that make your stories unique.

Your goal is to find the readers who are already looking for the kind of stories you write!

Create Your Social Accounts with Your Brand in Mind

Before you start posting, take some time to think about your author brand.

Your brand is more than your logo, your colors, or your website design (although those things matter). Your brand is the feeling readers associate with you and your books.

Ask yourself:

• What genres do I write?

• Who are my ideal readers?

• What emotions do I want my books to evoke?

• What topics or aesthetics naturally connect to my stories?

• What makes my author identity recognizable?

For example, an author writing cozy mysteries might lean into warm colors, coffee shops, small towns, and humor. A dark fantasy author might create a moodier aesthetic with gothic imagery, atmospheric photography, and discussions about morally gray characters.

Consistency helps readers recognize you when they encounter your content across platforms. Also, faceless accounts do just fine on social media! If you’re not comfortable talking directly to the camera, it’s totally okay. Your goal is not to go viral! Your goal is to build trust with the readers most likely to love your books.

Choose Platforms You Actually Enjoy

You do not need to be on every platform. Choose the places where your readers spend time and where you actually enjoy creating content.

TikTok/BookTok

TikTok has become a major discovery platform for books. It works especially well for emotional content, storytelling, tropes, behind-the-scenes videos, and personality-driven posts.

You don’t need expensive equipment. Many successful BookTok videos are simply authors talking to their audience, sharing writing updates, or creating relatable content.

Instagram

Instagram is excellent for building a visual brand. It works well for cover reveals, aesthetic posts, quotes, reels, character introductions, and connecting with readers through stories.

Newsletter

Okay, technically not social media, but I have to mention it. Your newsletter is one of the few places where you actually own your audience. Algorithms change. Platforms disappear (remember the TikTok shut down scare?). Your email list belongs to you, so start building it early! Have a signup section on your website, or use another tool like Substack.

Create Content That Isn’t Just “Buy My Book”

Nobody likes following an account that feels like one long advertisement. Instead, think about the different types of content you can create. Here are just a few recommendations. And remember, social media is constantly evolving, so these might not always be applicable.

Here’s a big list of the most common types of content I see that are successful for authors:

• Your writing process

• Your research

• Your outlining methods

• Your favorite writing tools

• Your editing journey

• Your publishing milestones

• “If you love these tropes, you’ll love my book...”

• “Books that inspired my fantasy world...”

• “Things my main character would absolutely do...”

• “The scene I was most excited to write...”

• Writing tips

• Publishing lessons

• Editing advice

• Research rabbit holes

• Lessons learned from your own journey

• Your favorite books

• Your pets

• Your writing rituals

• Your favorite snacks

• Your office setup

• Your hobbies

You don’t need to share everything about your personal life. You simply need to give readers a reason to connect with the person behind the books.

ARCs - Advanced Reader Copy

ARC campaigns are a way to get reviews about your book before it goes live for publication. These are the most successful strategies I have seen indie authors use to get book buzz.

Posting ARC Sign Up Calls on Social Media

Google Forms
I set up a simple Google Form for potential ARC readers that included the cover, the blurb, asked whether they were willing to provide an unbiased review, whether they reviewed on Goodreads or Amazon, where they posted on social media, their preferred eARC format, and an email address.

I had 100 responses over a few days before I turned off the form. I filtered some out, based on whether readers fully answered the questions, or the preferred genres obvious in their reviews.

Then, I sent out eARCs, sharing a link to the PDF of the ebook. Not all of my eARC readers have read or reviewed, but there was enough that I was happy with how it went.

BookSirens
This is a paid service that provides a few different plans for authors and is widely used. Note: there was some controversy about the types of books that they allowed on their site. The book in question promoted sexual assault in a gross manner. Proceed with that in mind.

BookSirens charges authors a flat $10 listing fee per campaign, plus $2 per reader who downloads your ARC, up to a budget cap you control. Alternatively, a $100/year "Author Plan" covers unlimited books for up to two pen names. You can also invite your own readers at no cost.

Many, many readers still use BookSirens. They often include notable titles in promo bundles, which can drive readers to download your book. They send many follow-up reminder emails to reviewers to ensure that they do write reviews and post them in a timeline fashion.

Designing and Sending PR Boxes to Influencers

This is, perhaps, my most extra advice. You by all means do not have to do this, but I did for my independently published book The Starlit Shadow. It was a lot of fun, and really paid off. I created a list of BookTok and Bookstagram influencers who read books in my genre. Then, I sent an email to them (their PR email is usually in their profile)

Hi NAME,

My name is Cidney, and I’m reaching out to see if you’d be interested in an early review copy of my upcoming romantasy novel, The Starlit Shadow, releasing on August 19th. I love your BookTok and have enjoyed watching your videos!

About the Book:

At the House of Night, courtesan Sorsha Sventura bargains for her freedom by agreeing to spy on Lord Corvus Stormfall, a fae noble collecting fees for forbidden magic. Corvus, the second son of a powerful family, is drawn to Sorsha despite suspecting enchantment. As passion grows between them, they uncover a fae conspiracy to overthrow the mortal royals. They must risk everything to restore banished magic before a coup rips them, and their world, apart.

Perfect for fans of Quicksilver and The Shadows Between Us. Readers of Lauren Roberts, Sarah J. Maas, and Carrissa Broadbent will also enjoy this title.

I’d love to send you a digital ARC if you’re interested in reading and posting your review, as well as a PR Box with a physical copy. Let me know if you are interested, and I’ll send the details your way. Hope you’re having a wonderful day!

Best,

Cidney Mayes

https://cidneymayes.com/

That’s it! I chose to send 12 boxes, and the responses were overwhelmingly positive. Content creators need content, and providing them a physical item they can use on their platform really helps them and you.

I used BoxUp to design and print my book boxes. You can download a template from them, then import it into Canva. I had so much fun designing them, and choosing items to go into the box.

Here’s exactly what I used:

Custom Display Mailer Box ($107 with shipping)
Print Options: Both Sides (Inside & Outside)
Quantity: 12
Size: 9” x 6” x 4”

Because my budget was limited, I put in the book, a handwritten thank you note, a custom design book mark, and an art print. Some people put way more in their boxes, which is great! But this was perfectly fine.

For printing services of the bookmarks and art prints, I used VistaPrint and was able to use discount codes to get them cheaply.

THE END!

You made it to the end of this guide! I hope this has been helpful for you. If there is something I did not cover, please feel free to reach out here, or send me an email at cidneymayesauthor@gmail.com.

Thank you so much for reading, and good luck with your publishing journey!

I hope everyone is enjoying the warmer days of spring! In Maine, the crocuses and tulips have bloomed and pollen is flying through the air. Much to my personal joy and my allergies’ despair. This newsletter is packed with juicy details, so grab a cup of coffee and sit back for some exciting updates!

The First-Forged Mirror: A Starlight and Shadows Story

I’m so excited to share that my prequel novella, The First-Forged Mirror: A Starlight and Shadows Story is coming June 2, 2026!

A spellbinding romantasy prequel filled with star-crossed love, dangerous magic, and devastating choices, The First-Forged Mirror is perfect for fans of bittersweet romance and cozy fantasy.

Subscribe now

Seraphine has spent over twenty years perfecting her craft as an artificer in the mountains of Grauradur. Her work is unerringly precise, she is respected, and she prefers to work in solitude. When a scholar named Eiran arrives at her workshop with an unusual commission and a curiosity about her that refuses to stay within its brief, she can’t help but take note, observing him as she would a puzzle to be solved.

She does not expect to love him.

She does not expect to lose him.

When a council shrouded in secrets offers Seraphine a new commission, an object capable of anchoring corrupted magic before it devours what remains of the world, she accepts. Not for the council, but for Eiran. But the lore of making has never asked for skill alone. And the mirror, it turns out, knows the difference.

The First-Forged Mirror is a prequel story to The Starlit Shadow about the oldest truth of creation: that the finest things are never made without cost.

ARC Readers Wanted

If you are interested in receiving an ebook review copy for The First-Forged Mirror, you can check out this link:

Get your ARC

This novella is perfect for you if you enjoy:

• Bittersweet romance

• Cozy high fantasy

• Introverted + intelligent FMCs

• Gentle + dedicated MMCs

• Short reads

  Spots are limited, so don’t wait if you think you might want to read. Reviews are the lifeblood of authors. So, in advance, thank you! I appreciate your time and review.

Pre-Order Info

You can pre-order your Kindle copy, or pre-save the novella if you are a Kindle Unlimited Subscriber now.

Kindle Pre-Order

In the next two weeks, paperback preorders will also be live from major retailers. I’ll share another update with those links soon!

But, Cidney, where’s Starlit Shadow #2?!

Worldbuilding is incredibly important to me and my process of writing. In order for me to finish Sorsha and Corvus’s story in a way that feels authentic, fresh, and just as sizzling, I wanted to explore some lore, the origins of certain magical items, and a few important characters. When I sat down to plan, I had no intention of writing a whole novella about it, but here we are! I enjoyed writing this cozier, more gentle story and wanted to share it with you.

Q: Do I need to read The First-Forged Mirror before I read Starlit Shadow #2?
A: Nope! This is a standalone prequel story that focuses on different characters. (Of course, it will all tie together, but it’s not necessary to read the novella to enjoy Starlit Shadow 2).

Q: Is the novella spicy?
A: Surprisingly (shockingly?) no. It is terribly romantic and bittersweet, though.

Back to The Dawnstruck Storm. This will be the focus of my writing for the next few months! The outline is complete, and some chapters have been written. Yay! I can’t wait to continue working on the final installment of Sorsha and Corvus’s story.

Podcast Interviews

A huge thank you to Paperback Bromance for having me on the show last month! If you’d like to hear what Matt, David, and Phoebe thought of Season of Fire and The Starlit Shadow, check out their review episodes! Note: there are spoilers. You can also listen to my author Q&A episode where we dive into inspiration for my stories, my religious upbringing and how that influences my fiction writing, what candle scents my books would have, among other things.

Book Events

Find me Sunday, May 24th at the Mid-Maine Book Bazaar in Fairfield!

With over 40 Maine authors, food trucks, drinks, and free admission, this is an event you won’t want to miss! Check out the event page for more details.

That’s all the news for now! Thank you so much for reading and for your continued support. Take care of yourself and each other.

<3 Cidney

Hello everyone,

April has been a very busy month so far! I’m so excited to share some very cool updates with you about The Alchemy Between Us, where you can find a few author interviews, and news about what’s coming next for the Starlight and Shadows series.

Subscribe now

We made it through March, which is one of the hardest months of the year for me. Between school budget cuts and late nights of board meetings, the endless cold that will not turn into spring no matter how hard I wish, and working on two writing projects at once, I felt like it was the longest month ever. But the crocuses and daffodils have finally emerged, and in Maine this is the best sign that warmer days are not far away. With those flowers, some excellent news has arrived in my inbox and I am excited to share it with you.

RevPit Win!

My dark academia fantasy book, The Alchemy Between Us, was selected as a runner up for the RevPit Annual Contest!

For those unfamiliar, RevPit, or Revise and Resub, is an annual contest for writers. Winners work one on one with an editor to polish their manuscripts for submission to agents. To be chosen from hundreds of stories is truly special, and I am looking forward to taking advantage of my upcoming conversations with a few editors to see how I can bring this book to the next level.

My romantasy book The Starlit Shadow was shortlisted in 2022. I got the opportunity to work with editor Megan Records whose advice and insight was one of the key reasons I was able to publish that book. Megan passed away from cancer earlier this year, and I know the RevPit community is missing her presence. She positively impacted many, and I am so thankful for the time she gave me.

If you are a writer looking to pitch your book to an agent, I highly recommend you participate in RevPit. The annual contest begins in March each year. Even the act of participating can be so beneficial to working on your pitches, meeting other authors and industry professionals, and getting encouragement. Check it out!

Interviews

This month I had the opportunity to be featured on BookStack’s Indie Author Spotlight! You can read the interview here where I talk about how I got into writing, my ideal writing setup, and the most difficult part of publishing.

I also had the chance to sit down and talk with the wonderfully kindhearted humans who host the podcast Paperback Bromance.

Matt, David, and Phoebe are excellent hosts and asked great questions about me, my writing journey, and my books! Their review episodes for Season of Fire and The Starlit Shadow are coming soon, followed by a special author interview episode. We talk about my religious upbringing and how it influenced my books’ burn the patriarchy themes, which scenes are hardest for me to write, that time I trained with a medium during the COVID lockdown, and more! Make sure to subscribe so you don’t miss a moment. And, like I said, they are genuinely some of the sweetest people I have met.

Starlight and Shadows Series Updates

Surprise! An exclusive novella is coming your way! I am so excited to share that a special prequel novella to The Starlit Shadow is scheduled for release on June 2nd. This novella, The First-Forged Mirror, was so fun for me to write and I can’t wait to share this origin story with you. Here is an exclusive sneak peek of the story:

You are not the first.

Before Sorsha Sventura began her quest to restore banished magic to the land of Tenebris, there was another who sought to curb the magic’s corruption and restore balance between kingdoms.

Seraphine has spent over twenty years perfecting her craft as an artificer in the mountains of Grauradur. Her work is unerringly precise, she is respected, and she prefers to work in solitude. When a scholar named Eiran arrives at her workshop with an unusual commission and a curiosity about her that refuses to stay within its brief, she can’t help but take note, observing him as she would a puzzle to be solved.

She does not expect to love him.

She does not expect to lose him.

When a council shrouded in secrets offers Seraphine a new commission, an object capable of anchoring corrupted magic before it devours what remains of the world, she accepts. Not for the council, but for Eiran.

But the lore of making has never asked for skill alone. And the mirror, it turns out, knows the difference.

The First-Forged Mirror is a prequel story in the Starlight and Shadows series about the oldest truth of creation: that the finest things are never made without cost.

BONUS: Starlit Shadow 2 Title Reveal!

Drafting is well under way for sequel to The Starlit Shadow. Get ready for The Dawnstruck Storm! In this thrilling conclusion to the duology, there will be travel, political maneuvering, new characters, and Sorsha and Corvus’s love will be tested. I am loving every moment of writing this story, and can’t wait for you to read it.

Thank you for making it all the way to the end of my newsletter! I truly appreciate your support.

<3 Cidney

Subscribe now

Hello everyone,

This month’s focus is on drafting! Let’s be honest: most writers don’t quit because they “aren’t disciplined enough.”

They quit because drafting a book is harder than anyone admits. Leigh Bardugo has a wonderful Ted Talk “The Art of Discomfort” about the myth that creating art should be effortless. When in actuality it is not effortless at all. The beginning of the project is often filled with excitement and momentum, but then “real life” shows up. Work deadlines, family obligations, exhaustion, and imposter syndrome can all get in the way of completing your manuscript.

But this should be the year that you finish your book. The world has a need for your voice, your story, and the unique perspective you bring to the world. Things can seem pretty grim, but to combat callous cruelty, the rise of AI taking over spaces in the arts, and the suppression of peoples’ voices, we need quality books that offer us new ways of looking at the world, whether that is through the lens of fantasy or whatever genre you write in.

It would be presumptuous of me to give you the idea that I have novel drafting All Figured Out. In fact, I am still finding methods and strategies that help me produce first drafts, and sometimes the novelty of an approach can be very helpful. Other times, I fall back on what I know.

What I can give you are strategies that are proven to help you finish your draft. Below is the drafting system I use and teach to help writers actually complete their manuscripts, even with limited time, fluctuating motivation, and an understanding that our time is precious and limited.

Read more

Hello everyone,

Today we’re talking about the dreaded Draft Stall. Almost every writer I work with in a coaching or editing capacity experiences this hurdle. They have wonderful ideas, are incredibly motivated to write, and they easily get a few chapters down.

Then, somewhere around the 15-30k word mark, the momentum dies, and doubt comes in to wreak havoc. Rereading or editing feels safer than moving forward, and the manuscript does not progress while guilt builds in the background.

If this is you, you are not failing. This is a very common transition point in the writing process, well documented and very validated.

It’s not a question of motivation or ability. This phase mimics the dip in confidence experienced by those in the Exploration phase of the Information Search Process (Kuhlthau). A dip is expected, and manifests as anxiety, confusion or frustration.

Why We Stay in the Pit of Despair

So, the dip is real, and we can expect it. Usually, the Pit of Despair comes after the setup phase, when the story starts asking more of you. It happenes when writers realize that the book is going to be longer than they expected, that the plot needs more structure than vibes, or thatyour characters now have to make decisions. Everything suddenly becomes more complex, or maybe the ending suddenly feels very far away.

Most writers can stay stuck here for a long time. Here are the most common reasons why writers get stuck.

Reason #1: You’ve Left the Idea Phase and Entered the Execution Phase

Early drafting is full of whimsy, joy, and discovery. The vibes are doing a lot of the lifting. Maybe we haven’t completely figured out where the story is going yet, but that’s ok! Early drafting is incredibly forgiving; middle drafting is not.

During this phase, I often realize that my characters are simply cardboard standees that need a lot more development, or that the world I thought I had created is actually quite flat.

In the opening chapters, you can gesture at tension and hint at stakes, or rely on atmosphere. But once the story is in motion, each scene needs to escalate conflict, reveal character, or move the plot forward.

If you stall here, it’s often because your brain is asking: What actually happens next?

And if you don’t have a clear answer, your brain might default to avoidance.

Reason #2: Perfectionism Sneaks In Disguised as “Being Serious”

When the overwhelm starts, the editor comes out. Writers will go back and re-read, or start to edit what they’ve got so far. However, checking for continuity, fixing problems before they get worse, or making sure it’s “good enough” to continue actually stalls the process. You can’t revise a draft that doesn’t exist yet!

Drafting and revising do require different mindsets. Don’t get into your own head before you’ve had a chance to tell the story to yourself first. After all, that’s what first drafts are for.

Reason #3: The Story Gets Emotionally and Logistically Harder

There’s a reason writers call Act II the “Messy Middle”. Early chapters can feel safe, while the middle asks for commitment. Characters have to make irreversible choices, relationships deepen or fracture, themes start to surface, the emotional core of the book becomes necessary. It can feel like you’re trying to weave too many threads at once, and it can be overwhelming!

It isn’t being lazy if you stall here. The resistance usually means that you are getting close to something important. Your rational-brain knows that you are capable of really delivering on story elements, and your emotional-brain panics about how hard that seems.

Reason #4: Your Writing System Isn’t Built for the Long Haul

Many writers rely on motivation to get started, but motivation is unreliable. It’s the same with starting any new habit, like exercise or staying off your phone. Motivation is a great tool, but it won’t ever carry a whole book.

When the novelty wears off, you need a sustainable schedule, clear goals, permission to write badly, and systems that work on low energy days. Without reliable systems, drafting starts to feel like a personal failure instead of a logistical problem.

What Actually Helps

If you’re stuck here, try these:

• Draft forward, even if it’s messy.

• Lower the bar on the page. Progress beats polish.

• Focus on completing individual scenes, not chapters or word counts.

• Accept that discomfort is a sign you’re doing real work.

Most importantly, remind yourself that stalling does not mean your story is not worth pursuing. It usually means you’ve reached the point where the book needs structure, support, and a drafting process that can sustain you through the middle.

What’s Next

In my paid February post publishing next week, The Drafting Survival Guide: How to Finish a First Draft Without Burning Out in 2026, I break down:

• A sustainable weekly drafting schedule

• Word-count strategies for busy writers

• What to do when motivation collapses

• Provide a downloadable Drafting Survival Kit with printable worksheets and trackers that you can mix and match

I hope this has been validating if you’re feeling stuck at all. Remember, the act of effortless creation is a myth! It takes hard work, effort, and grit, but you’ve got this.

If you want more craft and writing focused newsletters delivered straight to your inbox, and to get the Drafting Survival Newsletter and Downloadable Kit, you can subscribe:

Subscribe now

Thanks so much for reading, and good luck with your writing projects!

<3 Cidney

Here is a little update on some events and what is happening with my writing life.

January was a really hard month for a lot of reasons, particularly in my community where ICE agents were very present and negatively impacting the students I work with. We are still grappling with the effects of this in our schools and community, but I continue to be inspired by those who have rallied around the neighbors who need us and who have volunteered their time and money to protecting them. Finding purpose through acts of service and advocacy has helped me stay grounded, and be a steady presence.

I also found some moments of joy in between the heartache. Part 1 of Bridgerton’s fourth season has already been watched twice in my house, and I am very much looking forward to watching some impeccable Olympic figure skating. I also have a few author events to look forward to this month, and some exciting writing updates.

Events

I am thrilled to be taking part in two events this month!

Saturday, February 7 - Valentine’s Boozy Book Fair
Sidereal Farms Brewery
37 Sidereal Wy
Vassalboro, ME
12pm - 3pm
Hosted by the wonderful Smitty’s Book Cellar, join me and other local authors for a lovely afternoon of romance books and librations at Sidereal Farm Brewery.

Friday, February 13 - Valentine’s Romantasy Book Talk
Mockingbird Bookshop
74 Front Street
Bath, ME
5:30pm
Join me and author Kate Hyers for a special romantasy-themed Valentine’s event! We’ll be discussing my romantasy The Starlit Shadow and The Courtesan’s Eye by Kate.

Subscribe now

Writing Updates

Querying

Back into the trenches! I have started querying my adult dark academia fantasy The Alchemy Between Us. My hope is to acquire agent representation for this book, but I am also reaching out to indie presses. I have received one full request so far from the handful of queries I have sent! As you may or may not know, querying is an arduously long process that can take months. I’ll keep you posted with news as I receive it along the way. While I wait, I am keeping busy with a variety of other writing projects.

About The Alchemy Between Us:
At an elite magical university in 1930s New York, Isadora Fox is determined to secure her future as an archivist until she’s drawn into the orbit of the Revenants, a brilliant and reckless clique, and their hunt for a book rumored to grant immortality. When their ambition unleashes deadly magic, Isadora is the only one who can stop it. But every spell costs her a memory, and saving them may mean losing herself.

Cidney Mayes: Ghostwriter

I am adding a new title to my writing repertoire! I am so thrilled that I have accepted a job as a ghostwriter for a project that allows me to explore one of my many literary passions: the incomparable Jane Austen. I can’t share any more details right now, but this is an avenue of writing that is currently bringing me a lot of joy.

Other Projects

But, Cidney! What does this mean for Starlit Shadow #2?! Worry not, friends. Plotting is 80% finished for the sequel to The Starlit Shadow! I can happily share that the project outline is nearly complete, and I’ve started drafting the thrilling conclusion this duology. As I have grown as an author, I have found that a complete outline helps me write much faster, and decreases the amount of time I spend on rewrites and revision. I am excited to keep working on this book!

Here’s a little spoiler free sneak peek into what’s next:
Sorsha, still beholden to the House of Night, must claim her rightful place. Corvus must navigate his duties as ruler of House Stormfall and his desire to be with Sorsha. With deadly creatures on the loose, war on the horizon, new allies and enemies, and magic still gone from the land, their love will be tested.

And, of course, I’ve got several more WIPs lined up. If only I could write faster!

That’s all the news that’s fit to print for now. Thank you as always for your support.

<3 Cidney

Subscribe now

If you did not know, I live in Portland, Maine where the most recent deployment of ICE agents have been abducting people off the streets. I had the surreal experience of opening social media on my lunch break and seeing a video of someone being taken away on my street. It’s a terrible feeling, and I know a lot of folks are asking “what can I do?”

I feel fortunate to work in a school where I can be a supportive adults to kids who are feeling nervous and scared. It gives me a place to direct my energy, as well as signing up for mutual aid groups. However, the kids who need us most, who are in need of academic and emotional support, are not coming to school out of fear. The system is working how they want it to, and it’s not fair.

We are still navigating what to do, how to help, how to support our students and neighbors. But we must not stay silent. Stand with your community and show up when it matters. If you are in Maine and are looking for resources on how to help, I recommend the Maine Immigrant Rights Coalition. They have many resources and trainings.

I am also reaching for things that bring me joy. Reading, playing around on my piano keyboard, yoga, getting hyped for Bridgerton Season 4…things like that. I’m also gearing up for a few February book events, and was recently hired to work on a secret project, which I will share as much as I can of in an author updates post early next week. Until then, I will be devoting my time to helping my community with my time and resources as I am able.

Take care of yourself and each other, and remember to fight for love and justice, and always strive to triumph over evil.

<3 Cidney

Subscribe now

I don’t think I am alone in craving authenticity in my life. With the explosion of AI and its wide-reaching impacts on the arts, the bombardment of unrealistic beauty standards on social media, and the despicable lack of empathy towards other humans, I want to cultivate empathy, courage, and truth.

Intentionality means slowing down, appreciating what I have, and what my body and mind can do. It means taking my time with writing projects, exploring more creative outlets, and minding my finances instead of being influenced or a passive consumer. Leaning into a slower, more mindful approach to living and cultivating joy and peace (for myself and others).

Here are a few things I am looking forward to being intentional about in 2026:

• focusing on writing projects, taking my time with them

• learning a new creative hobby (music)

• investing more in my yoga practice

• keeping my body heathy with movement and plant-based meals

• appreciating the things I have

I hope you have a wonderful start to the new year, and, in the wise words of Leigh Bardugo, Begin As You Mean To Go On and take 15 minutes to cultivate your passions and intentions. (I love this approach because it doesn’t have to be a monumental shift in your habits or mindset.)

Do you have a word of the year, or something you are looking forward to cultivating in 2026? I’d love to hear it.

Wishing you joy and intentionality in the year ahead,
Cidney

Every year since 2021, I’ve participated in National Novel Writing Month with the goal of writing 50,000 words in thirty days. Over time, I’ve come to realize that this goal is terrible for me, and with NaNoWriMo’s dissolution, I’m refocusing my November energy on revision.

Between the time change and it getting dark at 5:00pm, family conference season at school, and the beginning of a busy holiday season, adding a big goal to my writing practice made me dread it. When I inevitably fell behind with my word count goals, I would see it as a failure.

This year I’m trying something new by focusing on my final revisions for a project I’ll be querying soon. My adult fantasy dark academia novel is steeped in mystery, memory, and obsession. It’s decidedly not romance. It’s messy and dark and asks the question: how far would you truly go for those you love? (Read on for a sneak peek of some beautiful character art of my newest dark academia project!)

The Plan

Instead of daily word counts, I’m tracking chapter progress, going through the manuscript to fix some overarching plot elements, tighten some threads, and crank up the emotional impact. Then, the book is off to beta readers!

If you’re also revising this November, I encourage you to set realistic, meaningful goals. Even if they don’t fill a word count tracker.

Finding Joy in the Process

I really like sitting down with a pen and going through my book on paper. It can feel daunting, but it’s also where the story comes alive. I legitimately had a little self-satisfied laugh, sort of like an evil villain, when revising my first two chapters because I was so pleased to see the foreshadowing that was already there. It encouraged me, and let me know I’m on the right track.

Revision helps me uncover patterns, deepen the world, and find my voice as an author.

So this November, I’m leaning into refinement, rediscovery, and the quiet magic of revision.

Come Chat With Me in Person!

If you’re local to Maine, I’d love to see you Wednesday, November 13th at 6 PM at Back Cove Books in Portland for a fireside chat and author signing event.

We’ll talk about the writing process, the journey from idea to finished book, and dive into my new romantasy The Starlit Shadow.

Come say hello, bring your questions, and I can’t wait to connect in person! I’ll have beautiful art prints to give away, too!

Connection Question

Are you revising or drafting this November? What’s your approach when diving into edits? I’d love to hear your thoughts!

Art Sneak Peek

At a magical university in 1930s New York, a scholarship student archivist joins her brilliant, reckless friends in a forbidden quest for immortality. But when their ritual unleashes dangerous magic that feeds on the living, she must choose between saving them and losing herself, because each spell she casts erases her memories.

Want to follow along my querying journey? Subscribe so you don’t miss a beat!

With gratitude,
Cidney

Subscribe now

Hello everyone,

So far The Starlit Shadow Book Tour has been better than I could have possibly imagined! I am so grateful and humbled by the overwhelmingly positive response to my newest romantasy, and have loved connecting with readers and other indie authors over the past few weeks.

I completely sold out of copies at Barnes and Noble, and luckily had more in my car. I sold out of those that same day, too!

The fun doesn’t stop there! October and November has some of the most exciting stops yet!

Upcoming Stops

Saturday, October 4
The Tiny Bookshop – Rockport, ME
1:00–3:00 PM
Book Signing

Saturday, October 18 (Rain Date: October 19)
Falling For You Fest – Ricker Hill Orchard, Turner, ME
Hosted by Novella Books
11:00 AM–2:00 PM
Book Fest with all the autumn vibes!

Wednesday, November 13
Back Cove Books – Portland, ME
6:00 PM
Author Chat + Book Signing
RSVP encouraged

I especially can’t wait for the cozy orchard setting at the Falling For You Fest. It’s the perfect spot for a fall signing! The author chat at Back Cove Books will be a more intimate chance to dive into the book’s inspirations and behind-the-scenes details. This is the event where I think it will finally hit me that, hey, I’m a published author!!

If you’re nearby, I’d love for you to stop in, bring a friend, or spread the word to fellow readers. And if you can’t make it in person, thank you for cheering me on from afar! Your support makes this journey possible.

With gratitude,
Cidney
Author of The Starlit Shadow

Subscribe now

I’m thrilled to share some exciting news: my book tour for The Starlit Shadow is officially underway! Join me in the coming weeks as I travel to connect, read, and celebrate stories that bind us together.

Here’s where you can find me:

September 6 - Maine Book and Print Fest
Head of Falls Park
Waterville, ME
10am - 3pm

September 13 - Barnes & Noble South Portland
200 Running Hill Road
South Portland, ME
11am - 1pm

September 13 - Literally Kittery Grand Opening
10 Walker Street
Kittery, ME
4pm - 8pm

October 4 - The Tiny Bookshop
163 Union Street
Rockport, ME
1pm - 3pm

October 18 - Falling For You Fest hosted by Novella Books
*Rain Date: October 19
Ricker Hill Orchard
Turner, ME
11am- 2pm

October 25 - Barnes & Noble Newington/Portsmouth October Author Event
Fox Run Crossings
45 Gosling Road
Newington, NH
12pm - 4pm

Come say hello if I’ll be in your area!

Leading a Workshop at the Maine Book & Print Fest

I’m honored to announce that I’ll be leading a workshop at The Maine Book & Print Fest this year! I’m beyond excited to contribute to this vibrant literary celebration.

Workshop Details
FIRST IMPRESSIONS THAT LAST: CRAFTING UNFORGETTABLE OPENINGS
Saturday, September 6
Greene Block + Studios18 Main Street
Waterville, ME
2pm - 3pm

Your story only gets one chance to make a first impression. In this hands-on workshop, author Cidney Mayes will guide you through the art of writing irresistible openings that grab attention from the very first line. Learn what agents and readers look for on page one, identify common pitfalls to avoid, and practice proven strategies to start your story strong. Participants will have the opportunity to revise their own first pages and leave with practical tools to make their beginnings unforgettable.

Materials: Participants are encouraged to bring their opening pages for workshop and feedback opportunities.

This event free and open to the public (no tickets required) and promises a stellar lineup of author-led sessions, signings, and more! All workshops are first come, first served, so don’t be late! I’d love to see you there!

Why This Matters to Me

It’s one thing to write a book, but now you get to read it! It is truly a magical experience to connect with readers and writers, and share our love of books and stories. I’ve already made so many wonderful connections, and I can’t wait to make more! And leading a workshop at the Maine Book & Print Fest? It’s especially meaningful to help grow creative spirit in my home state.

What You Can Do

1. Come to the Fest: Swing by Head of Falls Park on Sept. 6 to attend my workshop, connect on the lawn, or explore the stalls.

2. Share the Post: Spread the word with friends who love storytelling, writing, or Maine literary life.

Thank you so much for all your support!

With gratitude and much excitement,
Cidney
author of The Starlit Shadow

Subscribe now

I’m so excited! The day has finally arrived! After months or writing, editing, and waiting The Starlit Shadow is now out in the world. The best part about writing (other than making mood boards and world building) is getting to share a story with all of you. I hope you enjoy this story of star-crossed love, yearning, and choosing your own fate.

About the Book:
At the House of Night, courtesan Sorsha Sventura bargains for her freedom by agreeing to spy on Lord Corvus Stormfall, a fae noble collecting fees for forbidden magic. Corvus, the second son of a powerful family, is drawn to Sorsha despite suspecting enchantment. As passion grows between them, they uncover a fae conspiracy to overthrow the mortal royals. They must risk everything to restore banished magic before a coup rips them, and their world, apart.

Perfect for fans of Quicksilver and The Shadows Between Us. Readers of Lauren Roberts, Sarah J. Maas, and Carrissa Broadbent will love this high-stakes story of love, duty, and the cost of defying fate.

Where to Buy

Amazon

Barnes & Noble

Bookshop

Waterstones

You can always request a physical or digital copy from your local public library, too!

Want to win a free copy?
Goodreads is hosting a giveaway! Enter by August 28th for a chance to win a free e-book of The Starlit Shadow.

Enter the Giveaway

Stay tuned for more exciting news soon, including my book tour stops for this fall!

Subscribe now

I am a plantster. I like to have a plan, but I want the freedom to deviate from the plan. A lot of the joy of writing comes from discovery, in exploring how characters evolve or coming up with awesome scenes. However, too much deviation from a plan leads to really long writing projects. When you have as many planned books as I do, I don’t want to spend all my time in revisions fixing plot holes, linking cool scenes together, or establishing my emotional arcs.

This is where my plotting spreadsheet saves the day! Based on a few different craft books, mostly the Save the Cat Writes a Novel Beat Sheet, and a few other corners tips from writers in various corners of the internet, this Plotting Spreadsheet ensures that I know where I am going in the story, even if I how I get there changes slightly.

I’ve used this spreadsheet in writing my most recent book, and my word output has jumped dramatically. Some of that may be because I am more learned and experience, but this plotting spreadsheet keeps me focused.

The beat sheet includes major plot points, where to put pinch points, word count goals, what page I should be (approximately) in my Word document, and space for plot notes I don’t want to forget. I used this during my planning stages, and adjust as necessary when I make those juicy moments of discovery. It’s broad enough to work for a variety of genres, but you don’t have to follow it exactly. Take what works, and toss the rest!

Want to try it for yourself?
Here’s the direct link to download my beat sheet:

Cidney's Plotting Spreadsheet

Whether you are Team Pantser or Plotter, I hope this helps you get one step closer to finishing your book.

Let me know your favorite outlining method, or just reply to say hi! I’ll be sharing more behind-the-scenes tools and tips in future posts, so stay tuned.

Thanks so much for reading, and good luck with your writing projects!

Want more top-notch content delivered straight to your inbox? Hit that subscribe button!

Subscribe now

Leave a comment

Calling all fantasy and romantasy readers!
Are you a fantasy romance reader? Do you have a BookTok, Bookstagram, or reading-focused social media page? We want YOU to be a stop on our virtual tour for The Starlit Shadow!

What is a virtual tour?
Receive an advanced reader’s copy of THE STARLIT SHADOW and post about it from August 25th – 29th!

I am also available for lives, author chats, etc. Please contact me if you are interested in signing up for an author chat, as spots are limited!

About the Book:
The Starlit Shadow is a fantasy romance with forbidden magic, star-crossed love, and a kingdom on the edge of ruin.

A courtesan strikes a dangerous bargain to spy on a rakish fae heir in exchange for her freedom. As forbidden attraction between them blooms, they discover a fae-led conspiracy to restore banished magic to the land, forcing them to choose between rebellion and each other.

How do I sign up?

Please complete this application form from my publisher:
THE STARLIT SHADOW BOOK TOUR APPLICATION

Thank you for your interest in being a stop on the tour!

Not interested, but know someone who would be a perfect fit and loves to read free books? Send them this post, or direct them to my social media!
Instagram
TikTok

With love and gratitude,
Cidney

🎲 When unspoken feelings and rolling dice collide, anything can happen. 🎲

Liam has been harboring a secret crush on Emma, his co-worker-turned-D&D-party-member. As their characters embark on a perilous quest, their in-game chemistry starts feeling a little too real. Will a fateful dice roll or a moment of courage finally push Emma to confess her feelings for her literal knight in shining armor? Find out in this nerdy, swoon-worthy, dual-POV romance that’s a critical hit for the heart.

Read now at Five South!

After so much writing, revising, and dreaming, I am so excited to share this book with you. Rose is a character who is dear to my heart. She wants so desperately to be seen and loved for who she is, and is determined to take charge of her life. My obsession with Jane Austen and Austen scholarship, Bridgerton, witches, and cults have all aligned to create this story with heart, intrigue, and friendship, and romance.

When I started writing with the goal of writing a book by the time I turned 30, I had no idea that I would discover such a passion for writing. I have learned so much since completing the first draft in November 2021 about the craft of writing, the publishing industry, and the wonderful community of writers who have supported this journey.

You can grab your copy of Season of Fire here!
Amazon
Barnes & Noble

About the Book

A dazzling romantic fantasy featuring a slow-burn friends to lovers romance, a secret society of witches, and the perils of London's high society.

In a world of rigid expectations and dazzling balls, twenty-three-year-old Rose Worthington would rather manage her family’s country estate than participate in London’s high society. When her latent magical abilities begin to flare—shattering glass and scorching walls—she struggles to conceal her powers. But she can’t hide from Lady Nightingale, the mysterious leader of a secret society of witches, who offers Rose a way to control her powers and navigate the perils of society

As whispers of witch hunters prowling the streets grow louder, Rose must navigate the treacherous world of the social elite, hiding her powers from those who seek to destroy her kind. She shouldn’t be pining for Philip, childhood friend left behind in the country, or spending so much time with Lord Alexander Crawford, the season’s most eligible bachelor.

Torn between love and loyalty, Rose’s attempts to prove herself within the Nightingales lead to a dangerous mistake. With her newfound sisterhood at risk and witch hunters closing in, she must decide who she can trust—and how far she’s willing to go to protect her magic before it’s too late.

Thank you so much for all of your support. I would not be here without you!

If you are someone who loves ARCS (me!) and loves writing reviews for debut authors (me!) then head over to Book Sirens for an advanced reader’s copy of Season of Fire. Spots are limited, so don’t wait if you’re interested!

Click here to request an ARC!

About the Book: This historical romantic fantasy is perfect for fans of Netflix and Julia Quinn’s Bridgerton, A Discovery of Witches by Deborah Harkness, the Belladonna series by Adalyn Grace, and Throne of the Fallen by Kerri Maniscalco.

23-year-old Rose Worthington would rather manage her family’s country estate than participate in London’s high society. The arrival of her cruel cousin, the sole male heir to Worthington House, strips her of her duties and thrusts her into a world of dazzling balls and rigid expectations. When Rose’s latent magical abilities begin to flare—shattering glass and scorching walls—she struggles to conceal her powers. But she can’t hide from Lady Nightingale, the mysterious leader of a secret society of witches, who offers Rose a way to control her magic and navigate the perils of society.

Rose’s first priority is to conceal her powers from those who seek to destroy her kind. She shouldn’t be pining for Philip, her childhood friend left behind in the country, or spending so much time with Lord Alexander Crawford, the season’s most eligible bachelor. Especially when her cousin has threatened her with an arranged marriage. Torn between love and loyalty, Rose’s attempts to prove herself within the Nightingales lead to a dangerous mistake. With her newfound sisterhood at risk and witch hunters closing in, she must decide who she can trust—and how far she’s willing to go to protect her magic before it’s too late.

✨ Season of Fire is available to add on Goodreads now! It will be out on 2/25/25. ✨

About the Book:

23 year-old Rose Worthington would rather manage her family’s country estate than participate in London’s high society. When her latent magic begins to flare—shattering glass and scorching walls—she is recruited by Lady Nightingale, the head of a secret society of witches. She promises to help Rose harness her powers and navigate the rules of the elite.

While learning about her magic, Rose grapples with her complex feelings between her childhood friend in the country and the season’s most eligible bachelor. As rumors of witch hunters surge, Rose’s desire to prove herself leads to a dangerous mistake. Now, she must protect her sisterhood and her magic - or lose everyone she loves.

Tropes and Themes:

• Friends to lovers

• Slow-burn romance

• Secret societies + cults

• Mental health + healing

• Bridgeton-meets-witches

For Fans Of:

• Bridgerton

• One Dark Window

• Throne of the Fallen

• Heartless Hunter

• Belladonna

I’m Cidney. I’m a speculative fiction writer from Portland, ME. While fantasy will always be my favorite genre, I also love writing mystery. All of my books must include romance — the more angst, the better. My debut romantasy novel will be coming out next year with Cranthorpe and Miller! My journey to publication was, like many other writers, winding road of trials and successes. It’s surreal to even say that my book is being published! Read on to learn a little more about the. book . . .

About the Book

House of Night (working title) is a romantic fantasy set in a world where magic has been banished, and the once-powerful fae are now ruled by mortal royals. Abandoned as a child, Sorsha Sventura is a courtesan at the notorious House of Night, where the rich come to play and indulge in forbidden magic. Adept at distracting her clients with smuggled magic potions, everything changes when she is asked to entertain Lord Corvus Stormfall. Corvus, a second-born son with a rakish reputation, knows he will never live up to his avaricious father’s expectations. When he is sent to collect black market dues from the House of Night, he finds himself enamored with an enchanting courtesan, Sorsha. Shortly after their first meeting, Sorsha seizes an opportunity to end her indentured servitude by striking a dangerous blood pact with her mistress— she will spy on Corvus in exchange for her freedom.

As attraction between them blooms, Sorsha and Corvus find themselves caught in a fae-led conspiracy to overthrow the mortal royals and bring magic back to the land of Tenebris, forcing them to decide if they want to take part in a rebellion or stick to what they’ve always known. After they discover a terrible secret that the king has been hiding about what really happened to their magic, they realize that the very freedom they crave may destroy everything they love, including each other. . .

Perfect for fans of Sarah J. Maas, Carissa Broadbent, and Callie Hart!

Subscribers can expect behind-the-scenes looks at my writing process, sneak peeks of my writing, and access to exclusive content like giveaways and special offers. Let’s connect on Instagram and TikTok! I’m so happy you’re here!

⋆⁺₊⋆ ☾⋆⁺₊⋆

Subscribe now