Ashante Thomas's Blog

Freelancer ▪ Acquisitions Editor

#bookproposal

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
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
April 13, 2025

Growing Your Platform after Book Proposal Rejection

Embrace the feedback and get to work. Continue reading

Publishing Tips

#authortips, #bookproposal, #publishing
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
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
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
November 12, 2022

Choosing a Publisher for Your Book

Consider who publishes the books you cite in your own work Continue reading

Publishing Tips

#bookproposal, #firsttimeauthors, #publishing, #writers
January 9, 2022

Preparing to Meet an Acquisition’s Editor

Whether you contact the editor or she prospects you to discuss your book idea, you should bring your A game to the meeting. That is: Be professional—Arrive on time, minimize distractions as much as possible, and be ready to discuss your work and your book idea. Editors often schedule meetings back-to-back so it’s a good… Continue reading

Publishing Tips

#bookproposal, #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.