Ashante Thomas's Blog

Freelancer ▪ Acquisitions Editor

June 2, 2026

Debunking the “Experts”: Why Aspiring Authors Need to Question Online Voices

The internet is packed with publishing “rules” passed down like gospel. But if you’re an aspiring author, it’s time to start interrogating the advice on your feed. A lot of it lacks crucial nuance or is flat-out wrong. Take a LinkedIn post I saw recently claiming authors must “fight for a cover design they love.”… Continue reading

Publishing Tips

#authorqueries, #authortips, #bookcoaching, #Bookpublishing
May 25, 2026

Mourning the Tandoori Chicken I Left 200 Miles Away

Stepping into a new press can feel a bit like diving into a new novel without reading the jacket copy: you’re trying to learn the lore, memorize the characters, and figure out where you fit in the universe. Happily, our recent all-staff retreat provided the ultimate crash course. While our daytime agenda was packed with… Continue reading

Publishing Tips

#Bookpublishing, #editorlife, #nonfiction, #TeamBuilding
May 19, 2026

Owning the Sales Driver’s Seat

Let’s get real for a moment about what a publisher actually does and what they can’t do. A publisher is your ultimate strategy partner. They will take your manuscript and polish it to a brilliant sheen with professional editing, typesetting, and cover design. They’ll plug it into distribution channels, put it in front of libraries,… Continue reading

Publishing Tips

#ashantethomas, #authortips, #booklaunch, #booksales, #editorlife, #nonfictionauthors
May 5, 2026

Over-communicating with Your Editor is Your Best Strategy

When your manuscript moves from “contract signed” to “in production,” it’s easy to feel like you’ve been handed off to a giant machine. You might see my name pop up in your inbox at the start of every month for a status check, but I want to let you in on a secret: I am… Continue reading

Publishing Tips

#ashantethomas, #authorsofinstagram, #authortips, #booklaunch, #bookproposal, #booktok, #editorlife
April 15, 2026

Achieving a Book with Long Life

Let’s clear the air about a common first-time author misconception: signing with a publisher doesn’t guarantee a strong-selling book and certainly not a bestseller. That contract is a professional partnership, and it’s only as strong as the parties involved. A publisher provides the engine, but you are the driver. If you want your title… Continue reading

Publishing Tips

#ashantethomas, #authortips, #bookproposal, #booktok, #publishing
March 23, 2026

Navigating the Editor Handoff for Authors

So your editor — the person who listened to your book pitched, signed you to a deal, and served as your primary contact — is leaving the press. Now, they’ve introduced you to their replacement. Scary business! Whether you’re weeks from launch or mid-book tour, the “honeymoon phase” with your new editor is actually a… Continue reading

Publishing Tips

#authortips, #books, #publishing
February 2, 2026

Understanding the “Support” Promises

Authors must realize that their network is not a monolith is the first step toward a successful nonfiction launch. When you announce your book project, the chorus of “Congrats! I’m buying copies” feels like a nice hug, but as an author, you need to trade that warmth for hard facts. I recommend getting this clarity… Continue reading

Publishing Tips

#ashantethomas, #bookproposal, #booktok, #publishing
November 17, 2025

Calling in All Favors for Book Launch

If you’re writing your first book, let me give one of most important pieces of advice I’ve learned: call in every favor you’ve ever earned. This is not the time to be shy. That podcast you guested on three years ago? Reach out. That journalist who quoted you in a piece once? Send them a… Continue reading

Publishing Tips

#authormarketing, #authorpromo, #authortips, #authortok, #booklaunch
October 9, 2025

Optimizing Your Platform for Book Buzz: Tip 1

A successful book launch is a marathon, not a sprint. As a veteran nonfiction acquisition editor, I’ve seen countless authors pour their hearts and souls into their manuscripts, only to fall short when it comes to getting the word out. In the coming months, I’ll share three common mistakes and tips to overcome them. Tip… Continue reading

Publishing Tips

#authortips, #bookcoaching, #bookpromotion, #booktok, #publishing
July 27, 2025

Understanding why Your 500k Followers Might Not Make You a Bestseller

You’ve built a loyal following. Congrats—that’s no small feat! But here’s the truth: followers alone won’t move your book off the shelves. Some may cheer you on, but others are simply there for the bite-sized insights or free advice. That’s not a flaw in your brand—it’s reality. If you’re counting on your social media audience… Continue reading

Publishing Tips

#authortips, #bookmarketing, #bookproposal, #booksales, #booktok, #publishing

About Me

Rooted in the rhythms of Motown and most at home on Midwest hiking trails, I am an editor with a career that bridges trade and scholarly publishing. Whether working in continental philosophy, Holocaust studies, or my current focus on health and fitness, I respect the creative process and the dedication it takes to bring a book to life. When I am not tending to my backyard patch of cabbage, I use this space to clear my mind and share practical insights. My goal = help nonfiction authors demystify the publishing journey and enjoy a much richer experience from manuscript to marketplace.