Ashante Thomas's Blog

Freelancer ▪ Acquisitions Editor

#ashantethomas

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
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
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
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
July 18, 2021

Submitting Your Proposal (for First-timers)!

So you’ve finally written your book and compiled a list of publishers whose audience will love it. But what do you send? Each publisher has its own guidelines—usually found on its website, but send the following and no detail will be left to chance. Cover letter (or email) summarizing your manuscript, your expertise, other publishers… Continue reading

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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.