Ashante Thomas's Blog

Freelancer ▪ Acquisitions Editor

#booktok

August 18, 2026

Building a Business Before the Book Deal

Having a massive social media following is great, but let’s get real: does it actually translate into a business? The answer is no, and traditional publishers know it. Publishers are smarter than ever. We aren’t just looking for vanity metrics or a viral moment that lands you ten thousand new followers overnight. We vetting authors… Continue reading

Publishing Tips

#ashantethomas, #booklaunch, #bookproposal, #booktok
August 2, 2026

Powering Your Way into a Strong Launch: 3 Tips

You’ll hear it a million times from editors, publicists, and marketing specialists, and you can consider me adding 1,000,001 times: Waiting until launch week to start marketing your book is a mistake. By the time your book drops, you should already have at least six months of momentum behind you. Smart strategy isn’t launching a… Continue reading

Publishing Tips

#authortips, #booklaunch, #booktok, #writers
July 6, 2026

Securing Your Book’s Long-Term Success: 6 Tips

I’ve given advice on everything from preorder incentives to finding a press. But what about the journey itself? To stay on track, I’m sharing the following six tips to for your toolkit: Stay committed, keep organized! Continue reading

Publishing Tips

#ashantethomas, #authorcoaching, #authortips, #booklaunch, #bookproposal, #booktok
June 21, 2026

Untangling Success From Bestseller Status

I typically post 1-2 times each month, but this topic really hit me. Recently, I’ve heard two authors (including one of them mine) share that she felt like a failure because the book didn’t hit a bestseller list and she didn’t land an interview on a major podcast. I’ll tell any aspiring or published author… Continue reading

Publishing Tips

#ashantethomas, #authorplatform, #booklaunch, #bookproposal, #booktok
June 20, 2026

Building Early Buzz with a Small Budget

Nonfiction authors don’t need a full-scale PR machine to start getting their books into readers’ hands. A few small moves can create real momentum long before launch day. Start by refreshing your online presence. Updating your socials with a clear announcement that your book is available for preorder signals to your audience that something exciting… Continue reading

Publishing Tips

#ashantethomas, #authortips, #bookcoaching, #booklaunch, #booktok
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
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.