Author Gold

Monthly Round-Up of Publishing Insights, Most-Read Posts, Creator Spotlight, Indie Book of the Month, and more! Art by Jen | Author Gold Did you know? Author Gold provides personal author coaching on publishing and marketing. Learn more about my services HERE. This month in Author Gold, the inaugural Author Gold Short Story Award writing contest entries are in our judge’s hands. Our community passed 600 subscribers. The resource library keeps growing. Our conversations are deepening.

Most author websites accidentally create confusion, friction, and weak reader connection. Here’s the practical, research-based audit I used to fix mine. Find the problems that lose your audience. Image by pikisuperstar on Magnific After writing about reader-focused author websites, I audited my own homepage using research-based marketing principles and UX principles. I wanted to see whether my website was creating the kind of reader experience I hoped it was creating.

Don't copy what others do. Avoid common author website mistakes and build yours to grow. Build an Author Homepage That Helps You Grow! Image by pikisuperstar on Magnific I’ve been redesigning my old author website because it looked pretty but was failing me. People visited and then left. Without subscribing. Without connecting. Without coming back. I made a mistake that many writers make: I built my website thinking like a writer, not like a reader.

Get more from Author Gold in the Substack app Available for iOS and Android

A fast yet comprehensive way to see how well you’ve positioned yourself with your niche. Photo: freepik.com If you read Tuesday’s post on defining your niche, now this is where we apply it! In this test for Gold Tier subscribers, you’ll find out how clear your niche really is, with my advice to strengthen areas where it needs work.

Did you know? Author Gold provides personal author coaching on publishing and marketing. Learn more about my services HERE. April has been productive! We explored the practical side of author growth, including positioning, protecting your work, and staying grounded during the writing process.

Author’s Note: I promise this article is fun and you will not lose your mind. Most advice on niche is vague or overwhelming (or wrong). This article gives writers a practical approach so you can define yours. First I’ll give you the definitions and explain why this topic is so dang important. Then, stick with me through 3 practical steps, and you’ll come out at the end with your niche.

Hello my Gold Tier Members! As my special thanks for your support and membership, I’m please to offer you a free entry to the inaugural Author Gold Short Story Award! To submit your short story to the contest for free, please use this link below. Please only submit ONE entry using this link.

On April 23rd, submissions go live for the inaugural Author Gold Short Story Competition! This is a writing contest for writers who are serious about getting published. If you’ve been sitting on a story, this is your moment to put it in front of a real editorial process.

The Intro Blurb: “Children’s adventure stories featuring relatable characters navigating emotions and life challenges. My books help families build emotional confidence and bond together!” The newsletter website theme will be next.