Keri-Rae Barnum is the owner and CEO of New Shelves Books, a full-service publishing consulting and book marketing agency. A leading expert in self-publishing and book marketing, she has helped hundreds of authors turn their writing into successful careers through strategic platform building, dynamic book launches, and innovative marketing campaigns.With a deep understanding of what it truly takes to succeed in indie publishing, Keri is known for her no-nonsense approach to book marketing and author career growth. She works closely with both publishers and independent authors to enhance production, distribution, and visibility in bookstores, libraries, and digital platforms.A sought-after international speaker, Keri shares her expertise at writing and publishing events, equipping authors with the tools they need to navigate the realities of self-publishing. Her passion for education and commitment to industry transparency make her an invaluable resource for writers who are ready to approach their publishing goals with strategy, persistence, and a business mindset.Discover more about Keri and connect with her at www.NewShelves.com. She lives in Brockport, New York.With over 30 years in publishing, Amy Collins is an agent at Talcott Notch Literary Services, representing authors across the fantasy, romance, horror, thrillers, pop-culture, cookbooks and lifestyle genres. Formerly a book buyer, publisher, and sales director, Amy pairs deep market insights with dedication to her clients. A USA TODAY bestselling author herself, her works include It’s the Little Things (Simon & Schuster). She’s often featured in classes and articles by Writer’s Digest and speaks globally at conferences. To give back to the writing community, Amy manages AgentsHelpingAuthors.com, supporting writers with scholarships and can be found at amysadvice.com and on social media @askamycollins

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• Tough Love for Indie Authors: An Honest Look at What It Takes to Win in Self-PublishingBy Keri-Rae Barnum; Foreword and Contributions by Amy CollinsIntroductionPart I: To Be or Not To Be . . . A PublisherChapter 1: Publishing Paths: Choose Your RoadChapter 2: Why Indie Is a Power MoveChapter 3: Write What Sells (Without Selling Out) Chapter 4: Genre Is a Promise, Make Sure You Keep ItChapter 5: What Does Success Look Like for You?Chapter 6: What It Really Takes to Win in Self-PublishingChapter 7: Finding Your Dream Team (While Avoiding Scams)Chapter 8: How to Build Sustainable SuccessPart II: Creating a Book That SellsChapter 8: Editing Like a PublisherChapter 9: Cover Design That SellsChapter 10: Formatting That Works (and Sells)Chapter 11: Packaging Your Book Like a ProPart III: Publishing Like a ProChapter 12: Your Book’s Journey: From Idea to InventoryChapter 13: Production Timelines and Publishing SchedulesChapter 14: ISBNs, Metadata, and Retail ReadinessChapter 15: Self-Publishing PlatformsChapter 16: Beyond POD: Offset PrintingChapter 17: Think Like a Publisher, Act Like a CEOChapter 18: Distribution, Wholesalers, and What They Actually DoPart IV: Marketing and Selling Your BookChapter 19: Building an Author Platform That Doesn’t SuckChapter 20: Marketing That Actually WorksChapter 21: Mastering AmazonChapter 22: The Sales Materials Every Indie Author NeedsChapter 23: Getting Into BookstoresChapter 24: Getting Into Airport StoresChapter 25: Getting Into LibrariesPart V: Scaling Your Author Chapter 26: DIY PR vs. Hiring a PublicistChapter 27: Long-Term Marketing StrategiesChapter 28: Scaling Up: Turning One Book into a CareerChapter 29: Ready to Win at Self-Publishing?Glossary of TermsAppendices: Checklists & Templates

Keri-Rae Barnum is the owner and CEO of New Shelves Books, a full-service publishing consulting and book marketing agency. A leading expert in self-publishing and book marketing, she has helped hundreds of authors turn their writing into successful careers through strategic platform building, dynamic book launches, and innovative marketing campaigns.With a deep understanding of what it truly takes to succeed in indie publishing, Keri is known for her no-nonsense approach to book marketing and author career growth. She works closely with both publishers and independent authors to enhance production, distribution, and visibility in bookstores, libraries, and digital platforms.A sought-after international speaker, Keri shares her expertise at writing and publishing events, equipping authors with the tools they need to navigate the realities of self-publishing. Her passion for education and commitment to industry transparency make her an invaluable resource for writers who are ready to approach their publishing goals with strategy, persistence, and a business mindset.Discover more about Keri and connect with her at www.NewShelves.com. She lives in Brockport, New York.With over 30 years in publishing, Amy Collins is an agent at Talcott Notch Literary Services, representing authors across the fantasy, romance, horror, thrillers, pop-culture, cookbooks and lifestyle genres. Formerly a book buyer, publisher, and sales director, Amy pairs deep market insights with dedication to her clients. A USA TODAY bestselling author herself, her works include It’s the Little Things (Simon & Schuster). She’s often featured in classes and articles by Writer’s Digest and speaks globally at conferences. To give back to the writing community, Amy manages AgentsHelpingAuthors.com, supporting writers with scholarships and can be found at amysadvice.com and on social media @askamycollins

Select Guide Rating

• Tough Love for Indie Authors: An Honest Look at What It Takes to Win in Self-PublishingBy Keri-Rae Barnum; Foreword and Contributions by Amy CollinsIntroductionPart I: To Be or Not To Be . . . A PublisherChapter 1: Publishing Paths: Choose Your RoadChapter 2: Why Indie Is a Power MoveChapter 3: Write What Sells (Without Selling Out) Chapter 4: Genre Is a Promise, Make Sure You Keep ItChapter 5: What Does Success Look Like for You?Chapter 6: What It Really Takes to Win in Self-PublishingChapter 7: Finding Your Dream Team (While Avoiding Scams)Chapter 8: How to Build Sustainable SuccessPart II: Creating a Book That SellsChapter 8: Editing Like a PublisherChapter 9: Cover Design That SellsChapter 10: Formatting That Works (and Sells)Chapter 11: Packaging Your Book Like a ProPart III: Publishing Like a ProChapter 12: Your Book’s Journey: From Idea to InventoryChapter 13: Production Timelines and Publishing SchedulesChapter 14: ISBNs, Metadata, and Retail ReadinessChapter 15: Self-Publishing PlatformsChapter 16: Beyond POD: Offset PrintingChapter 17: Think Like a Publisher, Act Like a CEOChapter 18: Distribution, Wholesalers, and What They Actually DoPart IV: Marketing and Selling Your BookChapter 19: Building an Author Platform That Doesn’t SuckChapter 20: Marketing That Actually WorksChapter 21: Mastering AmazonChapter 22: The Sales Materials Every Indie Author NeedsChapter 23: Getting Into BookstoresChapter 24: Getting Into Airport StoresChapter 25: Getting Into LibrariesPart V: Scaling Your Author Chapter 26: DIY PR vs. Hiring a PublicistChapter 27: Long-Term Marketing StrategiesChapter 28: Scaling Up: Turning One Book into a CareerChapter 29: Ready to Win at Self-Publishing?Glossary of TermsAppendices: Checklists & Templates