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 others for using the em dash, claiming it’s a dead giveaway of an AI-generated post.

Seriously? The irony? The em dash has been around far longer than ChatGPT—it’s just finally getting the attention it deserves again.

As a Literary Agent, I’m all for it. Whether someone picked it up from ChatGPT or their high school English teacher, good writing is good writing.

If AI is reminding people how to use punctuation properly instead of overloading posts with ellipses (…), THAT’S NOT A BAD THING. Texting has already bastardized spelling and grammar—at least this is helping people learn again.

And those calling people out for using AI? I’ll say with confidence, they’re probably using it too—just tweaking things a little more to make it sound authentic.

P.S. Mac users, if you’re wondering how to type an em dash: OPTION + SHIFT + HYPHEN.

I looked this one up for Windows, which isn’t quite as simple: Alt key and type 0151 (em dash ) or 0150 (en dash)

Now you have no excuses!

#WritingTips #IndieLife #GrammarMatters #IndieAuthors #SelfPublishing #PublishingTips #WritingCommunity #LinkedIn #OmeraPress #Technology #Marketing #SocialMedia #PersonalDevelopment #WhatInspiresMe #Business #ArtificialIntelligence

The post The Em Dash Debate appeared first on OMERA Press.

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, we work with indie authors who are serious about their craft—no shortcuts, no skimming the surface.

Why? Because , and like all great art, it demands respect.

Here’s what many indie authors and publishers forget:

—and yes, that means editing again (and maybe even again after that).

—understand who they are, what they love, and how your book speaks to them.

—it’s your golden ticket to capturing attention, whether it’s an agent, a bookstore, or a reader flipping through your pages. ( : – . … , .)

—I can’t stress this enough!! Your book’s cover is its first handshake. A great design can be the difference between a curious click and being overlooked entirely.

Indie publishing isn’t a sprint; it’s persistence, polish, and professionalism that win the day.

If you’re ready to do the work and make your book shine, we’re here to help you rise above—not just in the slush pile, but on the shelves. Like I always say: Let’s stand out like a cornstalk in a field of beans.

The crowd may be noisy, but with the right tools, your voice can rise above it. Because at Omera, we know indie authors are more than capable of holding their own—no wand required.

engage. encourage. empower.

https://lnkd.in/gc5sBdtX

#PublishingIndustry #IndieAuthors #OMERAPress #WritingCommunity #AuthorsLife #WritingTips #WritersLife

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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 gray areas that come with AI-created works..

At Omera Press, we stand for indie authors, real stories, and authentic voices. The heart and soul of storytelling lies in the writer’s journey—their struggles, their victories, and their unique perspective. That’s something no machine, no matter how advanced, can replicate.

That said, some people have incredible stories to tell but struggle to put them into words. For them, AI can be a tool—not to replace their voice, but to help shape it. It can act as a bridge between imagination and storytelling. Even then, the heart of the story still comes from the human behind it.

The question now is: how do we as an industry embrace innovation without losing sight of what truly matters?

How do we ensure that writers remain front and center, even as technology changes the game?

Let’s keep the conversation going—what’s your take?

engage. encourage. empower.

#AIPublishing #IndieAuthors #StorytellingMatters #AuthenticVoices #AIinWriting #PublishingIndustry #FutureOfWriting #CreativeInnovation #WritersCommunity #BookPublishing #OMERAPress

The post AUTHENTICITY vs, AI: The Battle for the Soul of Publishing appeared first on OMERA Press.

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 open, if not entirely dismantled, by alternative publishing models.

Indie authors, hybrid publishers, and direct-to-consumer platforms are offering writers more control and opportunities to connect with readers.

However, the shift isn’t without its own hurdles.

One of the biggest challenges for writers is delivering quality and maintaining credibility. Alternative publishing models offer freedom, but not every writer is prepared to tackle editing, marketing, and distribution solo. A poorly executed book can stall a career before it starts. Readers might embrace an indie author’s journey, but they still demand polished, professional work. Credibility isn’t a nice-to-have—it’s non-negotiable.

One of my biggest gripes is the flood of unprofessional work filling the slush pile. New publishing models need to step up. It’s not enough to offer authors a platform—they need tools and guidance to produce books that can compete with traditionally published titles. Readers shouldn’t have to wonder if an indie book is “worth it.” Quality must be a given, and that requires commitment from both authors and the platforms backing them.

At OMERA, we’re here to bridge the gap between creative freedom and professional standards. We’re not replacing traditional publishing—we’re complementing it. For authors sidelined by gatekeepers, we offer the tools, guidance, and support to bring work they can be proud of into the light.

The publishing world is changing, and indie authors have a vital role to play. But let’s be clear: bypassing gatekeepers doesn’t mean bypassing the hard work. It’s about raising the bar, reaching readers, and sharing stories that matter.

Our credibility—and that of the authors we champion—rests on the quality we produce. The gates are open, but the path forward still demands dedication, innovation, and an unwavering commitment to excellence.

Because, in the end, it’s not just about who opens the gate. It’s about what waits on the other side.

What steps do you take to ensure your work stands out with professional quality in this competitive publishing environment?

#IndiePublishing #WritingCommunity #BookMarketing #AuthorSupport #PublishingTips #SelfPublishingSuccess #QualityMatters #IndieAuthors #WriteBetter #PublishingIndustry

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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 is left hanging. Believe me, I know a thing or two about wobbliness.

Once upon a time, I “apprenticed” at a marketing photography company, I was tasked with building furniture for shoots. One bookshelf, in particular, still haunts me. I briefly skimmed the instructions, but we were in a rush. I winged it. The result? A wobbly disaster. Couldn’t hold a single product. When I left for school, my send-off card featured a photo of that bookshelf. My legacy – something shaky.

Lesson learned: furniture or diversity, skipping steps is never a good idea. It hurts the final product and your credibility.

The push for inclusivity has never been louder. Readers want books that reflect the world they live in—a beautifully messy, kaleidoscopic mosaic of experiences, identities, and perspectives (I swiped your line @you know who ).

And they’re right. STORIES have POWER. They shape how we see ourselves and others, show empathy, and how we connect. A world where all books are written from the same vantage point? Boring. Life isn’t vanilla—mine certainly isn’t (I’m smiling).

Adding “that” character/situation just to check a box? Let’s not. Glitter on a mess doesn’t make it art. Readers aren’t fooled. They want characters with depth, purpose, and dimension—No cardboard cutouts.

The key? Draw from real life. Recall people you’ve met whose complexities and layers made them unforgettable. Those characters bring stories to life. They feel genuine because they are genuine. I do this with each character in my books – in all their diversities.

Wake up all 5 senses & learn to bring alive the olfactory language of experience:
https://lnkd.in/gzQnKXdd

Publishing thrives on fresh perspectives. Ruth Bader Ginsburg ( her) quote comes to mind: “Fight for the things you care about but do it in a way that inspires others to join you.”

My fight is for indie writers. Take note: craft stories that spark genuine empathy, understanding, and curiosity. Diversity isn’t just a box to tick—it’s the foundation of storytelling, building stronger connections and richer narratives.

Make the promise to create well-fleshed-out characters that reflect life in all its unpredictable, twisty-turny, and yes, occasionally ridiculous variety.

Last words– and for the record: while I may struggle at bookshelf assembly, but crafting books is another matter entirely. That’s my expertise—now I help others create their best work, the right way, and get it into hands of eager readers.

#AuthenticVoices #IndieAuthors#WriterLife #OmeraPress #writingcommunity

The post DIVERSITY: More Than Just A Buzzword! appeared first on OMERA Press.

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 marketing trick could ever match.

Take my recent experience at the Vancouver Writers Festival, where I met Kern Carter, author of ‘And Then There Was Us’. Kern spoke at two venues I attended, Coming of Age and Finding Hope. He shared raw, personal stories that inspired his work. Despite his book being fiction, he shared the journey between him and his daughter that became the heart of his story. His message?

Choose forgiveness.

It was a powerful takeaway, one I’ll remember every time I see his handwritten message in my signed copy.

I had the good fortune of a “behind-the-scenes” chat with Kern Carter, who shared his journey from self-publishing to being picked up by not one, but TWO traditional publishers.

I have to smile because, as Kern pointed out, no matter the route—self-published or traditional—the energy required for marketing is the same. You have to put in the work to engage readers.

Kern is a true example of an author who knows how to use authentic connection to his advantage. Meeting him was a real pleasure; his talks were both engaging and genuine, and reading his book afterwards felt richer because of it. The book was real, too. A young girl’s journey on learning to make peace with her past and reconnect with her family. It resonated.

These types of in-person connections are where readers get to experience the person behind the words. It’s how you get noticed – standing out like a cornstalk in a bean field. It’s powerful, it’s genuine, and in the end, that’s what truly resonates.

#AuthenticConnection #BehindTheBooks #IndieAuthors #Storytelling #AuthorLife #ReadersAndWriters #OMERAPress #IndiePublishing #ForTheLoveOfWriting #VWF2024 #KernCarter

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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 encouraging them to pick up the book.

True story: a few months ago, I bought a book solely because of its cover. It’s still sitting on my coffee table because the cover appealed to me that much—I haven’t even read it yet! I’m almost afraid to, in case the content doesn’t live up to the promise of that fabulous design. I’m definitely interested in the subject matter, but this just shows how powerful a book cover can be!

However, a cover is more than just a decorative element; it visually communicates the genre, tone, and essence of the story. It sets reader expectations.

Whether it’s bold colours for a thriller or soft pastels for a romance, the cover gives a first impression of the experience inside.

A book cover also plays a vital role in marketing! A professional, polished cover creates a sense of credibility, making a book feel more legitimate and worth reading.

BIG HINT:
!!!! For indie authors especially, a strong cover can help you stand out from the competition and compete with traditionally published works!!!!

Ultimately, the cover serves as the silent salesperson, drawing in the right readers and making that first connection.

Have a PROFESSIONAL cover designer create your book cover. It will visually attract the right audience and convey the essence of your story. Unless you’re a superstar at art, a well-designed cover crafted by an expert is a key investment in your book’s success.

How do you design your book cover?

#OMERAPress #FirstImpressionsCount #IndieAuthorSuccess #JudgeByTheCover #BookCoverDesign #BooksThatSell #WritersJourney #AuthorsLife #WritersAndAuthors

The post JUDGE A BOOK BY ITS COVER! Absolutely appeared first on OMERA Press.

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 active promotion.

In today’s crowded market, it’s not enough to simply write a great book—people need to know it exists! Sales and marketing build that visibility.

Here’s why they matter:

REACHING READERS → Sales and marketing help you connect with your target audience, making sure the right readers find your books. Without these efforts, even the best books can go unnoticed.

BUILDING A BRAND → Your name becomes your brand. Marketing helps create a recognizable presence, so readers remember and seek out your future works.

ENGAGING READERS DIRECTLY → Speaking engagements, trade shows, and conferences allow you to engage with readers in person. Meeting you can spark interest in your work, creating a personal connection that drives book sales and word-of-mouth promotion.

CREATING BUZZ → Events create buzz around your book. Whether it’s a conference talk or a signing at a trade show, being seen and heard helps build momentum and attract attention from media, influencers, or bookstores.

ESTABLISHING CREDIBILITY → Being part of industry events and speaking engagements positions you as credible and active participants in the literary community. This increases your chances of being taken seriously by readers, agents, and publishers.

Visibility drives sales, and without it, even the best-written books can go unnoticed. By gaining exposure through effective marketing and targeted promotion, you can build a lasting presence, attract more readers, and ultimately increase your sales.

Want to drive more visibility and book sales? Come join the OMERA Community. I’ll take you there!

www.omerapress.com

Next week, I’ll be at the Vancouver Writers Festival attending several sessions, including Coming of Age, Finding Hope, Worlds of Imagination, and Good Reads for Middle Grade talks. If you’re there, come find me!

Home

#BookMarketing #AuthorBrand #IndieAuthors #ReadersAndWriters #BookPromotion #WriterCommunity #AuthorVisibility #WritingLife #PublishingJourney #BookBuzz #AuthorConnections #MarketingForAuthors #BookLovers #WritingSuccess #VWF2024

The post GET SEEN! SET SOLD! – Visibility is the Real Bestseller appeared first on OMERA Press.

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 big influencers.

It’s all about repetition—whether you’re whispering them to yourself in the mirror or belting them out in the shower, pretending you’re the next big pop star. Trust me, your subconscious is taking note, even if your makeshift mic (read: shampoo bottle) isn’t as impressed!

PEOPLE CHANGE WHEN THEY SEE VALUE IN CHANGE!!

When you decide you want to change or make something happen, craft a statement that embodies that change, and repeat it like you’re stuck on a catchy song. Better yet – incorporate it into your catchy song! My mantra is Queen’s “Don’t Stop Me Now!”

Remember, your mind holds one thought at a time, so fill it with thoughts that support your goals.

Here’s some self-talk game changers I learned:

Positive statements only: Seriously, who needs negativity? Instead of saying, “I’m not going to fail,” try “I’m on my way to success.” Much better, right?

K.I.S.S – Keep it short and simple: Think “record-breaking month” instead of a dissertation. The shorter, the better—like a tweet!

You don’t have to believe right away: Keep repeating. It’ll eventually seep into your subconscious like a good “Ted Lasso” binge you can’t stop thinking about.

Repetition is key: Just like how you memorize lyrics to your favourite song, keep repeating until it sticks.

Create reminders: Carry your “statements of promises” everywhere. Sticky notes, phone backdrops, or even a personalised mug—whatever works!

MOST OF ALL:

SEE IT AND FEEL IT —then it will be: Visualise your success; it’s like a sneak peek of your future.

LAWS OF ATTRACTION: If you’re positive and goal-oriented, you’ll attract more of that good stuff.

If you BELIEVE, it becomes certainty: Confidence is contagious—spread it like confetti!

DREAM BIG: If your vision isn’t making you a bit nervous, it might need a little more oomph.

Chat up yourself with chatter that matters. Make it the kind of conversation that leaves you feeling inspired and ready to take on the world (or at least your to-do list)!

#SelfTalk #PositiveAffirmations #WritingCommunity #AuthorLife #Confidence #Motivation #Visualisation #DreamBig

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