The Em Dash Debate
Let’s talk about dashes. Not the hyphen (which has its own job), but the real players: EN DASH (–): Used for ranges like 1990–2024 or Monday–Friday. EM DASH (—): A punctuation POWERHOUSE that adds emphasis, breaks up thoughts, and makes writing flow better. And I’ll add, has no spaces between the letters Lately, I’ve seen people calling out […]
READY TO RISE ABOVE THE CROWD?
of books are released each year!! —everyone has a story to tell. Most of us at some time or another feel like our work is drowning in the slush pile, buried under the weight of competition. The challenge is even steeper for indie authors—no traditional publishing house backing, no big budgets, and . At OMERA, […]
AUTHENTICITY vs, AI: The Battle for the Soul of Publishing
Authenticity vs. AI? It’s an interesting world today. The rise of AI-generated content is rewriting the rules of publishing—bringing exciting possibilities but also some really tough challenges. As authors, we’re faced with proving originality in a world where algorithms can spit out entire books in seconds. As publishers, it’s about tackling the ethical and legal […]
BRIDGING THE BOOK GAP: From “Meh” Manuscript to Polished Perfection
It’s a new chapter for writers! Way before I started in 2005, traditional publishing has been guarded by gatekeepers—decision-makers who dictate which stories make it to market and which won’t. Their influence shaped literary trends and built the shelves of Coles, WH Smith, Waldenbooks, Chapters, and the like. But now, those gates are being pushed […]
DIVERSITY: More Than Just A Buzzword!
Diversity! Someone said the other day that diversity is like the office coffee machine—ubiquitous, necessary, and always part of the conversation. Great analogy! But here’s what I’m seeing: some writers enthusiastically embrace the idea of diversity but skip the instructions on how to seamlessly integrate it into their storytelling. That’s when things get wobbly—and credibility […]
The Power of Authentic Connection
“Authentic connection”—it’s not just another buzzword, is it? Especially in an industry where stories and relationships fuel everything we do. People want to know the real person behind the books, not just the polished blurb or posed cover photo. It truly is remarkable what a little authenticity can do; it builds loyalty in ways no […]
In Order to Lead, You Must First Learn to Follow
In order to lead, you must first learn to follow. This sentiment rings true across every industry and publishing is no exception. The most successful leaders often start as dedicated followers, investing in learning the ropes, respecting the process, and honing your craft before you step up to lead. For indie authors, following means committing […]
JUDGE A BOOK BY ITS COVER! Absolutely
Judge a Book by Its Cover? Absolutely! The book cover is the first thing that a potential reader sees, making it one of the most critical elements in the selling process. The bookshelves are packed, and the competition in publishing has never been fiercer! A well-designed cover can instantly grab someone’s eye, sparking curiosity and […]
GET SEEN! SET SOLD! – Visibility is the Real Bestseller
Ever wonder why your book isn’t flying off the shelves like you imagined? Let’s talk about the not-so-secret ingredient: VISIBILITY ! You need your books to stand out and reach the right audience so that readers discover your work. You may not see yourselves as sellers, but getting your books in front of readers requires […]
SELF TALK: The Chatter That Matters
Personal cheerleader or a relentless critic? Daily self-talk is great, but the million-dollar question is: Is it chatter that matters? Is it helpful, supportive, and dripping with positivity? We hear people say all the time, “speak it into existence.” — the powerful combo of inner thoughts and what we say aloud. These little statements are […]
