The Learning Zone
Features, articles, and information to help you on your publishing journey
To Be Or Not To Be... Indie or Mainstream?
The novels we are reading here in 2019 are indistinguishable from the books published by the big (or small) mainstream publishing houses. In part, this is due to the advancements made with Print On Demand... Read more »
Traditional Publishing vs Self-Publishing: What's the Difference?
Many authors do switch publishers - because what worked for their first book isn't always right for subsequent books. To help you with your decision, we've outlined the differences between traditional publishing and self-publishing. Read more »
How Much Does It Really Cost to Self-Publish?
One of the questions we are often asked at SilverWood Books is whether self publishing is worth the investment compared with mainstream publishing. In this article, we'll deconstruct the costs and explore how to make a return on your investment. Read more »
How to Find the Right Agent for You, and Stay Positive in the Face of Rejection
As an author, you’ll have poured your heart and soul into your work; in real time, it equates to thousands of hours of focus, research, thought, scribbles, interviews and nuts-and-bolts writing. Read more »
Why Isn't My New Book Going Into Every Bookshop?
To help you understand how book distribution works, here's a snapshot of what really happens to get your first book onto readers' shelves. Read more »
Book Sales and Signings
After your book is published, you may wish to use a bookshop promotion service as part of your marketing strategy. SilverWood often refers its authors to Nigel Roberts Book Sales and Signings. Read more »
Why Publishing Your First Book is Scarily Like Having Your First Baby
In conversation with SilverWood Books, author Sharon King highlighted how your first book is like having your first baby, without the physical pain, but almost as much swearing! Read more »
5 Hurdles for Publishing Your Book: How to Finish Writing
You start writing a book, but down to the last chapters, it can feel like you’ll never finish. How will you know when it’s done? Our authors and publishing team have some brilliant advice on how to finish writing your book. Read more »
Why Editing is the Most Important Step Before Publishing Your Book
The true purpose of editing is to make your book the best it possibly can be for readers. To help, here’s our guide to what’s involved in book editing before publishing your masterpiece. Read more »
Ignite Your Book Sales - Because We Do Judge a Book by its Cover
No one wants to admit it but, subconsciously, we all judge a book by its cover. Read more »
Avoid Curling Sandwiches: Plan Your Dream Book Launch
When the writing is complete, the cover design is ready, and your book is edited and off to print, the next leap of faith is your book launch. Read more »
The Author's Journey: A Tale of Two Generations with Gillian Morton
In 2018, Gillian proudly published her novel 'Bombweed’ after it had been in the family for over half a century. We spoke to Gillian to find out what it was like turning a private family treasure into a novel that thousands of people will enjoy. Read more »
The Principles of Great Book Cover Design
The average reader makes a judgement on a book in just 8 seconds, so effective cover design is a vital ingredient in your publishing success. Read more »
What makes a writer?
Having worked for Heinemann and Macmillan, Dr Alison Baverstock wanted to understand: what makes a writer? Why do some authors get published, when others don't? How do authors keep going? Read more »
By the book
Whether you're writing about boxing or baking, sharing your knowledge with others is a fulfilling journey. Find out how to turn your expertise into a non fiction book: Read more »
Writing a non-fiction book: how do I get started?
Editorial mentor Sophie Bradshaw shares her three-step guide to turning procrastination into productivity. Read more »
The 5 Ps of Publishing
SilverWood’s guide to the five most important aspects of running a publishing project. Read more »
4 Useful Tips for Giving an Author Presentation
SilverWood author David Ebsworth offers helpful advice for authors preparing to give a presentation. Read more »
Printing and Publishing Glossary
A list of commonly used terms to help you on your publishing journey. (Updated and refreshed.) Read more »
Choosing How to Print and Distribute Your Book
The difference between POD and Bulk Printing explained. Read more »
Asking for Amazon Reviews
How making the most of your mailing list can help sell more books. Read more »
Copyright Information for Authors
A basic introduction to UK copyright law - not a replacement for qualified legal knowledge or advice, but a useful overview for self-publishing authors. Read more »
Why publish your own work?
There are as many different reasons to publish a book as there are writers - what's yours? Read more »
How Reading Can Boost Your Mental Health
Following World Mental Health Day, we talk about the benefits of reading for mental health, and share tips on how to use books for your own self-development. Read more »
From Novice to Expert - A Librarian's Guide to Marketing
Wendy Worley used her experience as a school librarian to good effect when she set out her book marketing strategy. Read more »
Want a Career in Publishing?
Job vacancies in publishing are few and far between, so just how DO you get started? Read more »
Behind the Scenes of Book Printing
Publishing Assistant Emily Heming reports on her visit to one of our specialist book printers, Latimer Trend Ltd. Read more »
First Impressions...
By SilverWood author Helen Hollick, formerly Managing Editor for the Historical Novel Society Indie Reviews and now Discovering Diamonds. Read more »
Exploring a Grey Area of Copyright
I read an article about a self-published 'author’ (debateable term) who had produced dozens of new books in one year. Someone got suspicious and looked into the details. Read more »
The Burden of Proof: Why Proofreading Matters
Picture the scene: you’re flicking through a recipe book, looking for a quick and delicious dinner, and suddenly you come across a somewhat unsavoury ingredient: "salt and freshly ground black people". Oh dear! Read more »
How to Write the Perfect Blurb
The age-old adage, “don’t judge a book by its cover”, sadly, just isn’t true. Your book cover and crucially your blurb will help readers decide whether to purchase your book or leave it on the shelf. Read more »
A Rose by Any Other Name: Using a Pseudonym
Having a pseudonym can be useful for today’s writers, however this should be considered carefully before a decision is made. Read more »
Building an Audience for Talks & Events
SilverWood author Helen Barbour gives us an insight into how she approaches building an audience for her events and talks. Read more »
Indexing Your Book
Have you considered having an index in your non-fiction book? An index helps the reader to retrieve information from your text quickly and efficiently, saving time and ensuring a more useful reading experience. Read more »
Resources for Writers
A list of useful resources on writing books, ideal for aspiring authors. Read more »
What Are You Signing Up To?
However you plan to produce your book, the chances are that you’ll work with other professionals at some stage in order to achieve your goals. So how do you choose the right people? Read more »
Tips for a Successful Book Launch
Congratulations, your book is published! Now, it is time to celebrate your accomplishments and launch your book. Read more »
How to Have a Successful Book Signing
Once you’ve approached bookshops and have a signing planned, what steps do you need to take to make the event a success...? Read more »
Author Branding
As an author, branding yourself means selecting the strengths, aims and characteristics that make you (and your work) interesting and appealing to readers. The purpose of this is to make you distinctive, in a world overrun with talented up-and-coming authors. Read more »
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