When to Split Your Novel into Multiple Books
By: Ginger | Posted on March 6, 2026
For many genres, shorter and tighter books perform better in today’s distracted market than a single massive novel. But if you’re already sitting on a 200,000 word manuscript that feels impossible to shorten, what are your options? What seems like a problem at first glance may actually be a hidden opportunity. In this week’s blog, Ginger shares how he split a 260,000 word draft into two separate books and why that decision led to a stronger story, a faster publishing timeline, and better reader response. From identifying natural structural break points to ensuring each installment delivers real narrative closure, he walks us through the practical and psychological factors that need to be considered. In many cases, turning one massive project into multiple satisfying novels is not just viable, it’s the smarter move. In my previous posts, I’ve discussed the surprising power of shorter fiction in today’s market. Readers are busy,… Read More >
Why I Love Morally Grey Characters Who Choose Right
By: Ginger | Posted on February 6, 2026
Some of the most unforgettable characters in fiction are not shining heroes or irredeemable villains, but the ones who live in the uncomfortable space between. The morally grey character who stumbles, compromises, and flirts with darkness before finally choosing to do the right thing often leaves the deepest mark on readers. These characters resonate because their failures feel human and their redemptive moments feel earned. In today’s blog, Ginger looks at why readers never seem to tire of watching flawed characters rise to the occasion when it matters most, and why authors return to this arc again and again as a powerful storytelling tool. Using familiar examples, he explores how to build genuine moral ambiguity, ground questionable choices in understandable motivations, and craft redemptive decisions that feel costly, intentional, and true to the character. By examining what these moments reveal about choice, consequence, and growth, it becomes clear why morally… Read More >
Why Has Romantasy Become the Hottest Genre?
By: Ginger | Posted on November 28, 2025
Fantasy might be full of dragons, quests, and enchanted kingdoms, but the hottest thing in publishing right now is something far more specific. Romantasy has exploded into a global phenomenon, reshaping bestseller lists, driving profits, and turning unknown authors into household names. If you have been following this trend and wondering whether it is worth paying attention to, the numbers alone might surprise you. This week, Ginger breaks down why this fusion of magic and romance has taken over the market and why readers cannot seem to get enough of it. He takes us through who is driving the demand, which tropes dominate the genre, how social media has supercharged its rise, and the strategic choices that help authors stand out in an increasingly crowded space. From worldbuilding and character chemistry to marketing, pricing, and platform building, this article explores the opportunities and challenges romantasy offers so you can decide… Read More >
This Simple Fix Can Double Your Direct Sales
By: Ginger | Posted on November 14, 2025
More and more authors are taking control of their careers by selling books directly to readers. For many, it’s both exciting and liberating, but it can also feel overwhelming. Even after you’ve built your store, created your landing page, and started running ads, you may find the numbers just aren’t adding up. Visitors click through, but sales don’t follow. Often, the problem isn’t your copy, cover, or price. It’s something far simpler that most authors never think about. In this week’s post, Ginger reveals one of the biggest hidden obstacles to successful direct sales, and what you can do about it. Slow-loading pages can derail your sales before a potential reader even sees your offer, with every second of delay leading to a steep drop in conversions. The good news is that once you know how to test your site’s speed and pinpoint the issues, the fix is simple. This… Read More >
How Treating Writing Like a Business Makes You a “Real Writer”
By: Ginger | Posted on August 22, 2025
Self-publishing has opened the door for anyone with a story to share, but turning that story into something readers actually buy is a different challenge entirely. For many authors, the dream is not only to hold their book in their hands but also to experience the thrill of seeing it sell, receiving reviews from strangers, and feeling like a “real” writer. The reality is that this kind of success rarely happens by accident. It comes from treating writing not just as an art, but as a business—one with a plan, a process, and a clear path forward. In this post, we explore why making the decision to see yourself as a professional author is the first step toward achieving the success you want. We’ll talk about how adopting a business mindset can open the door to opportunities you never imagined, from book signings to steady royalty checks, and why creating… Read More >
Build a Book Sales Funnel That Converts
By: Ginger | Posted on May 9, 2025
Building a successful book sales funnel is not just about clever ads or a polished website. It’s about guiding your readers from curiosity to purchase in a smooth, reliable way. If you’re selling eBooks directly to readers, even small issues like a slow-loading page or a confusing checkout can cause them to drop off before they buy. In today’s blog, Ginger breaks down how to build a book sales funnel that truly converts. Drawing from his own direct sales experience and use of a variety of tools, he shares tips on writing effective Facebook ads, optimizing landing pages, and streamlining your checkout process. Any author looking to create a reliable sales funnel that leads readers straight from interest to purchase will find this guide indispensable. The fundamental goal of storytelling is to take your readers on a journey, leading them on a path that makes them feel one initial emotion,… Read More >
What can writers learn from Colleen Hoover?
By: Ginger | Posted on January 24, 2025
When it comes to staggeringly successful self-published authors, the name Colleen Hoover should top anyone’s list. Since publishing her debut novel in 2012, she has gone on to become a literary phenomenon with over 20 million books sold and named one of the world’s most influential people in 2023. Her rise to fame should be studied as a blueprint by other aspiring writers, which is exactly what Ginger aims to help with in today’s blog as he breaks down everything that Colleen does right. By analyzing her ability to craft emotionally impactful stories, foster deep reader connections, and navigate the ever-changing publishing world, Ginger uncovers strategies that resonate far beyond the page. Hoover’s career offers countless lessons, from the art of creating unforgettable characters to leveraging modern tools like social media to engage and grow a devoted readership. Whatever skill it is you need to grow, there’s plenty to learn… Read More >
What Can Writers Learn by Studying the Novels of Jilly Cooper?
By: Ginger | Posted on December 13, 2024
For fans of romantic fiction, the television adaptation of Jilly Cooper’s iconic novel Rivals is a long-awaited celebration of an author who has been shaping the genre for decades. If you haven’t yet discovered the work of this British writer, you might be wondering what all the fuss is about. The fact is, Cooper is more than just a successful novelist. She’s a trailblazer whose wit, charm, and unforgettable characters have earned her a devoted following across generations. Ginger counts himself among those fans, which is why he’s taken a closer look at the glitz, glamor, and steaminess of her novels to uncover the invaluable lessons they offer to other writers. From her expert use of character and pacing to her sharp dialogue and picturesque settings, Jilly Cooper’s books are a masterclass in storytelling and thus the perfect study choice for for authors looking to hone their skills. One of… Read More >
Fantasy Novels to Pick Up this Holiday Season
By: Hidden Gems | Posted on November 12, 2024
If you’re looking for the perfect holiday gift for the fantasy reader in your life, here is a list of novels loved by Hidden Gems ARC readers that are sure to keep the pages turning. Pick one (or more) up this holiday season, you won’t be disappointed! Battle Mage by Mark Stanley With a 4.4 star average on Amazon, Battle Mage is book two of the three book The Vellhor Saga series. This installment builds upon the ongoing struggle (and romance) of Gunnar and Anwyn to protect their realm from encroaching darkness from the first installment in this series. Marco M. describes in his five star Amazon review, “The pacing is intense, with battles, betrayals, and moments of hope woven throughout. Fans of epic fantasy will appreciate the rich world-building and the well-crafted magic system. The novel explores themes of sacrifice, loyalty, and the price of power, making it an… Read More >
Self-Improvement books for your Holiday Reading List
By: Hidden Gems | Posted on November 5, 2024
While it may be too early to be working on your 2025 Resolutions, it’s never too early (or late) to develop new skills to continue on a self-improvement journey. With that in mind, we are certain that there’s a self-help book out there for you within this broad category. Today we’ve rounded up the self-improvement books our Hidden Gems ARC readers loved the most recently. Healthy Communication With Your Partner by Amanda Thomas With 140+ ratings and a 4.8 star average on Amazon, Healthy Communication With Your Partner by Amanda Thomas helps you build the necessary communication skills to change any conflict into an opportunity to build your connection with your partner. Chey writes in their five star Amazon review, “We can all use reminders about how to communicate better, especially with partners, and this book is a great tool. It has practical and relatable strategies to improve your relationship…. Read More >
