Pretty sure we all know this trend won't continue. 😑
But while we're here...
Some tips and tools for the 2026 calendar year.
Canva Premium--I make my covers and Insta reels through them. But no lie...I had to lean into discomfort because I didn't know jack shit about it. Now? I am a sight to behold, or something.
Play around with it. You can do so many things on the cheap.
Bookmark Publishers Weekly. I subscribed for email and print versions. You don't need both. Website info, without a subscription, is timely and informative. Bestseller lists. Recent books sold. Agents acquiring.
Publisher Rocket. Publisher Rocket is the ultimate tool for authors to optimize their book listings and dominate the Amazon marketplace. It's $199 for forever. You can look up "keyword search", "competition analyzer", and "category search" off Amazon. It's the gift that keeps on giving.
At the least, set up a FB Author page. My website is always in flux, needs a revamp, and annoys me daily. My FB page is clean and accessible to all.
READ READ READ! Visit your local library, or utilize Kindle on Amazon. Hit up a bookstore. But always continue to broaden your mind and spark new ideas.
I DO have Adobe Photoshop. Bought it at a time when it was hugely on sale with Adobe Premiere something or other. CAVEAT: It intimidates the shit out of me. So many tabs and drop downs and my ADHD brain goes into "help me" mode. I do finish up my reels on here. That's about the only thing I can manage. BUT...there are so many options if you're looking for something a bit more in-depth.
And always...write. Write when you can. Write when you can't. Write when you don't want to. Put those words on .doc or paper.
That, my dear ones, is the magic.
