Ashante Thomas's Blog

Freelancer ▪ Acquisitions Editor

December 26, 2024

Choosing the Right Book Binding

Nonfiction lovers often face a binding dilemma: paperback or cloth or spiral bound? All formats offer clear advantages. Paperbacks standout for accessibility. Their lower price point makes knowledge more attainable for budget-conscious readers and book buyers. Plus, their flexible design makes them ideal for reading on the go—easily slipping into bags and backpacks. However, paperbacks… Continue reading

Publishing Tips

#authortips, #publishing, #writers
September 15, 2024

Setting Yourself Up for Success Post-Contract

Once you’ve signed that coveted book contract, the journey is far from over. In fact, it’s just beginning. The following are three actions to take to ensure a smooth and successful publication process. You can have an efficient, successful publishing experience by following these steps. Continue reading

Publishing Tips

#authortips, #bookproposal, #books, #CopyrightClearanceCenter, #permissions, #publishing, art, reading, writing
March 1, 2024

Using Your Complimentary Copies—Wisely

Many authors receive free copies of their book at publication, but most don’t know how they can leverage those copies to increase book sales and to draw in new clients. The following are a few ideas: Authors can also use their author discount to purchase additional copies to accomplish many of these tasks too. The… Continue reading

Publishing Tips

#ashantethomas, #bookpromotion, #booksales, #marketing
October 24, 2023

Tapping Your Network

You’ve signed with your dream publisher and submitted your manuscript to production. As release day draws closer, you wonder what you can do as author to help sales and publicity. The following are a few tips that involve leveraging your network to drive sales as soon as your book is available for preorder. > Ask… Continue reading

Publishing Tips

#ashantethomas, #books, #publishing
August 24, 2023

Refreshing Your Website before Hitting “Send”

Many publishers check prospective authors’ platforms ahead of offering them a publishing agreement. Their goal is to sign authors with a strong platform to mitigate the risk of signing someone who cannot help drive sales of their book. So, the following are two elements that authors should address before sending a publisher their book proposal.… Continue reading

Publishing Tips

#ashantethomas, #bookproposal, #publishing
July 29, 2023

Shifting the Focus of Your Book Post-Contract

Often, books are contracted months or even years ahead of their release. As authors’ platforms and work evolve, they may find that the audience or topic they’re writing to is no longer the largest part of their business. To get the publisher’s support to change directions while keeping the contract terms intact, an author might… Continue reading

Publishing Tips

#ashantethomas, #authorplatform, #bookcontract, #publishing, #publishing101
June 19, 2023

Positioning Yourself as the Right Person to Write This Book

A proper book proposal should position the prospective author as an expert or unique voice on the subject. After all, the writer isn’t just trying to convince the publisher to release a book on the subject but to contract the writer to author that book. When making their case, the writer can include the following… Continue reading

Publishing Tips

#bookproposal, #publishing, #writers
April 11, 2023

Communicating Your Vision for Your Book’s Cover Design

Cover design is one of the most exciting parts of the book production process. Undoubtedly, both author and publisher understand that a well-designed cover draws in readers, and all parties want to be proud of the end result. However, the author and publisher often have differing ideas of what that design looks like. For the… Continue reading

Publishing Tips

#ashantethomas, #books, #coverdesign, #publishingtips, #writers
February 28, 2023

Identifying Your Primary Audience

Whether reading a proposal or discussing a prospective author’s book idea, there’s a point when my focus turns to primary audience—that is, the customer who will buy the most copies of the author’s book. It is quite common for authors who want their books to reach as many people as possible and undoubtedly to sell… Continue reading

Publishing Tips

#books, #publishing, #writers
January 2, 2023

Optimizing Online Presence to Attract Trade Publishers

I’ll begin with a quote by bestselling author Jeb Blount (2010): “People buy you.” In this case, people encompass acquisitions editors—the party a publisher tasks with signing new authors to books that support publisher goals. Before an acquisitions editor invites a prospective author for a meeting or to send a book proposal, they will likely… Continue reading

Publishing Tips

#books, #publishing, #writers

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.