ACCESS TO CLASSES

Join my Self-Pub or Workshop Squad on Patreon

Gain access to courses , files, behind-the-scenes tips and tricks, and additional documents as well as the ability to message me and ask questions! If you see the Patreon logo on a course - that means it is exclusive to my Self-Pub and Workshop Squad on Patreon.

OVERVIEW & BASICS

KDP University
Learn all the ins and outs of KDP straight from the experts themselves, Click here to access free KDP University courses.
How to publish a book
A walk-through guide of 7 steps to take when publishing a book! Click here to read the exclusive Patreon guide.
kdp vs ingramspark
Kdp printing cost
Calculate your profits and understand your cost with KDP's Printing Cost Calculator. Click here to read the exclusive Patreon post.
​Kindle vella
​THE COST OF SELF-PUBLISHING

WRITING & EDITING

children's book manuscript basics
is grammarly worth it?
How to integrate grammarly and word
Behind the scenes: editing a children's book
I share a behind the scenes video with tips I use to edit my books, find errors, and improve readability.​ Click here to watch the Patreon exclusive video and blog.
creative writing tips
I share how I get inspired to write more creatively and use examples of showing not telling. Click here to read the Patreon exclusive blog.
Translating your book
I cover the exact cost of translating a finished book, what to look for in a translation, and when to consider taking the next step. Click here to read the Patreon exclusive blog.
​what's that word?
Click here to read a Patreon exclusive blog post about my favorite free resource to find definitions, synonyms, and more to help add variation to your writing.

ILLUSTRATIONS

finding an illustrator
My best resource for finding qualified and professional illustrators. Click here to read the Patreon exclusive blog.
​illustrator contract
If you are an illustrator working with an author or an author working with an illustrator here is a good template of where to start! Click here to download the Patreon exclusive document.
illustration faq

ILLUSTRATION TUTORIALS

ADOBE PHOTOSHOP
BEFORE YOU START:
I highly recommend downloading these free Photoshop Brushes to get you a diverse range of presets to work with.
​PHOTOSHOP BASICS
PART 1
​We will cover how to lay out your Photoshop screen and go over the brush settings.
PART 2
​We will cover layers and blending modes! Be sure to watch Part 1 first!
​CHARACTER ILLUSTRATION 101
Learn how to illustrate a balloon character from scratch using only a round brush! Take Photoshop Basics I and II first. Click here to see the Patreon exclusive video.

Level: Beginner
​Requirements: Drawing Tablet, Adobe Photoshop
*Amazon Affiliate link for the tablet I have used for 3+ years and HIGHLY recommend! ($80)
​mixed media illustration tutorial
Learn how to illustrate an animal character with a photo using mixed media (a photograph and digital illustration)! Click here to see the Patreon exclusive video.

Level: Beginner-Intermediate
​Requirements: Drawing Tablet, Adobe Photoshop, Animal Photo (or use mine!)
*Amazon Affiliate link for the tablet I have used for 3+ years and HIGHLY recommend! ($80)
​create a coloring book page
​create a dot to dot
​Illustration Timelapse
I share one of my illustrations that was liked by Tom Bancroft, creator of Mushu, and show the entire process from concept to finished product. Click here to watch the Patreon exclusive video.
​illustrating a spread
My photoshop file settings
I paint in sRGB, and set my preview space to CMYK (Go to View>Proof Setup>Working CMYK). Just be aware that CMYK is typically duller in color, so it is good to be aware of. I either convert to CMYK when saving or export as RGB and then when I format the book in InDesign I export it as a CMYK file.
ADOBE ILLUSTRATOR
​create a vector from a photo

FORMATTING

​fONTS
Find the perfect font for your book with my favorite font site recommendations. Click here to read the Patreon exclusive blog.
what to put in the front of your book
Click here to see exactly what I put in the front of my book with additional optional clauses that you are welcome to add. Copy and paste straight from this Patreon exclusive blog.
​compare all of your fonts
Click here to see Patreon exclusive blog post about a free tool to compare all of your fonts for easy viewing when picking!
ADOBE INDESIGN
FORMATTING WORKSHOP
I walk through formatting a book in InDesign, step by step, as well as answer frequently asked questions about Affinity Publisher, InDesign, and formatting! Click here to watch the Patreon Exclusive video.
​Indesign basics
Indesign text & illustrations
​indesign page size fix
Why are my illustrations off-color when i import them into indesign?
This is a color-space issue. Follow this guide to find where the error may be occurring.

1) Are you dragging in a Photoshop file or an exported .JPG?
You should be dragging in a .JPG, so if you aren't (and even if you are just double check your settings here) but in Photoshop go to:
File > Export > Export As
Make Format is JPG
And where it says color space, check the Convert to sRGB box.
If this wasn’t done already, try importing the new .JPG file into InDesign and see if that fixes it. If yes, yay! Just add the above to your steps. This is something I do every time I export an image. If no, keep following along.
 
2) The color space in InDesign should have been set right when you downloaded it, but things can change or defaults can be off and make things funky.
Open up the document you are working in and go to
Edit > Convert to Profile
Do not change anything here, we are just looking right now.
Check to see that the Destination Space profiles are set to the following:
RGB Profile: Working RGB – sRGB IEC61966-2.1
CMYK Profile: Working CMYK – U.S. Web Coated (SWOP) v2
If it does match, and the .JPG fix above didn’t work – let me know. If it doesn’t match continue to the next step.
 
3) Close the Convert to Profile box.
Go to
Edit > Assign Profiles
And click the Assign Profile box and make sure it is set to:
sRGB IEC61966-2.1
Click OK.
why do my illustrations look blurry in indesign?
It is common for your InDesign to display a low-resolution file. This is to help your computer run a little faster since it doesn't have to process intensive files. If you want to change it go to:

View > Display Performance
Then choose between Typical Display or High Quality Display.
This should resolve the issue.

Or when you export your final .PDF you will see that the images are indeed high-quality.
ADOBE INDESIGN TEMPLATES
​8.5" X 8.5" iNDESIGN TEMPLATE
Download blank interior documents marked for recommended content. Download for both documents with and without bleeds in INDD or IDML. Click here to access the Patreon exclusive documents.
​8.5" x 11" Indesign template
Download blank interior documents. Download for both documents with and without bleeds in INDD or IDML. Click here to access the Patreon exclusive documents.
INGRAMSPARK
INGRAMSPARK COVER TEMPLATE
Generate a perfectly sized cover specific to your book with a barcode associated. Click here to read the Patreon exclusive blog.
KDP
KDP COVER TEMPLATE
Generate a perfectly sized cover specific to your book. Click here to read the exclusive Patreon post.
KDP Cover design with photoshop

FINAL DETAILS

​where to get isbn's
Getting an ISBN (International Standard Book Number) is a must have in the publishing world! Find out where to buy legitimate ISBN numbers. Click here to read the Patreon exclusive blog.
lccn step by step guide
Register for a free Library of Congress Control Number to have a better chance of having your book stocked in libraries. Click here to follow along with a step by step Patreon exclusive blog post and video.
bisac cODES
A previous requirement for IngramSpark was to know your BISAC code! Now they have made the process much easier, but if you ever need to know your codes, here is where to go. Click here to read the Patreon exclusive blog.
copyright step by step
Register your books copyright with the Library of Congress and add an extra layer of protection to your work. Click here for the exclusive Patreon step by step guide.
​copyright infringement: A real case
cease and desist template
A template I use for elevating cease and desist cases before I take legal action with a legal professional. Click here to download my Patreon exclusive cease and desist template.

UPLOADING AND PUBLISHING

​bOOK DESCRIPTION WORKSHOP
I cover how to write a catchy book description and what elements to use in your own work, as well as critique other members work to help enhance their descriptions. See examples of best-selling books, including my own, as well as movies that use my same best-selling formula! Click here to watch the Patreon exclusive workshop.
INGRAMSPARK
​PUBLISH ON INGRAMSPARK
set up a pre-order on ingramspark
ingramspark returns
I show an example of what a "Return-Deliver" book from IngramSpark looks like. Click here to see the video and read my Patreon exclusive behind-the-scenes thoughts and explanation behind returns.
ingramspark coupon codes
KDP
​PUBLISH ON KDP
set up a pre-order on kdp
​create an ebook with kids kindle creator
​amazon book categories
Learn how to add up to 10 categories and change them based on new and growing categories. Click here to read the Patreon exclusive guide.
​finding amazon book categories
Easily find new categories with a free tool. Click here to see my recommendation in a Patreon exclusive blog.
create a clickable link in kids kindle book creator
Click here for a Patreon exclusive blog on how to create a link step by step with codes ready to copy and paste!

AUDIOBOOKS

​record an audiobook
ACX
​ACX INTRO SCRIPT
Click here to access my Patreon exclusive script that I use for my audiobooks and meets the ACX requirements!
Sell on acx: Step by step
how to fix acx audio
Click here to access my step by step Patreon exclusive blog on how to fix common errors when upload your ACX audio. Note that ACX will tell you exactly what to fix.

ANIMATIONS & VIDEO

royalty free sound effects
A wonderful resource of high-quality sound effects perfect for trailers, animations and more. Click here to see the Patreon exclusive blog about these resources.
​video marketing 101
Create fun and exciting book trailers to build excitement around your books release. Click here to watch the Patreon exclusive video.
AFTEREFFECTS
INTRODUCTION TO AFTEREFFECTS
​aftereffects shortcuts
Click here to download shortcuts to go along with the AfterEffect tutorial in this Patreon exclusive blog.
sing-a-long tutorial
Make a fun and exciting sing-a -long video to keep your readers engaged and singing the words of your book in song. Click here to see the Patreon exclusive video and blog.

MARKETING

PAID ADVERTISING

FEATURE YOUR BOOK ON MY BLOG
Be featured on my blog! Click here for the Patreon exclusive opportunity to have your new book shown to my followers on my website, Goodreads, Patreon, and Twitter!
AMS
AMS CLASS
PART 1
Click here for Patreon exclusive homework to maximize your ads effectiveness for the rest of the class.
PART 2
PART 3
PART 4
Click here for the Patreon exclusive blog post about the next steps after the ads course.
AMS Q&A
AMS Strategy flowchart
Click here for a Patreon exclusive downloadable flowchart for the AMS Q&A  video to work your way through what to do next.
ams workshop
Click here to watch the Patreon exclusive workshop where I cover additional AMS information and talk about sizing up your campaigns to cover multiple countries as well as how to troubleshoot if they don't perform as expected.
BOOKBUB
​bOOKBUB FEATURED DEAL
​bookbub results
Click here to see the Patreon exclusive blog about my numbers, analytics, effectiveness and more for multiple Featured Deals with BookBub.
Bookbub featured new release
I test a Featured New Releases effectiveness and share numbers without any other adverting active while discussing if it is worth the cost. Click here to read the Patreon exclusive blog.

FREE ADVERTISING

​free ebook strategy
Click here to learn how setting a free e-book giveaway is a win-win for you and your readers in this exclusive Patreon post and click here to see my Zombie book promo numbers in this exclusive blog here!
promote your ebook with free resources
If you are running a free eBook promotion, share you book with additional resources to increase your chances of getting downloads! See my list of resources here!
increase knep with 6 strategies
KNEP is the count of "pages read" for their book signed up in Kindle Unlimited. Authors get paid per page read. Click here to learn how to increase yours across 6 Tests with Results in this exclusive blog post for Patreon members!
​author interviews
press releases
press release template
Click here for my Patreon exclusive Press Release Template for InDesign (or IDML) that I personally use for sending my Press Releases which have gotten me national coverage.
is your book in libraries?
Click herewww.patreon.com/posts/50058431 to see a blog where I show you how to figure out which libraries around the world are carrying your books!

OPTIMIZING & GROWING

THE MAGIC SENTENCE
One sentence in your book can make you hundreds. Seriously! Click here for the Patreon exclusive blog post.
​google alerts
AMAZON & KDP
increase your amazon rank
direct review link
Help your readers leave a review by sending them a direct link to write one! Click here to read the Patreon exclusive blog with a customizable link!
​AUTHOR CENTRAL
​CREATE A SERIES
Create a series on KDP and increase your readership! Click here for a Patreon exclusive guide on how to create a series on KDP.
INGRAMSPARK
​SELLING ON INGRAMSPARK

SOCIAL MEDIA & DESIGN

​Book mock-up resources
From paperbacks to hardcovers in all different shapes and sizes, I list my favorite free mock-ups that will bring your books to life. Click here to read the Patreon exclusive blog!
​website critique & advice
Click here to join me in a review of top author websites across all genres and deep dive into what makes them work and what doesn't in this Patreon exclusive workshop.
canva book mock-up
instagram analytics
Click here to dive into understand your individual Instagram Analytics by looking at which posts perform better and understand why with a document I've created exclusively for Patreon members.
​instagram do's and dont's
Grow your following organically and increase your following with an audience who is engaged and cares. Click here to watch the Patreon exclusive video.

IN PERSON EVENTS

​finding schools and contacts
postcard template and order form template
Find schools in your area with a great tool and figure out who to contact to have the most success rate. Click here for a Patreon exclusive blog with real world examples a postcard template and an order form template.
what to do at school visits
​timing school visits
Ciick here to see a Patreon exclusive step-by-step break down with timing of each part of the visit. Also access a school order from template and a behind the scenes look at a real school reading.
behind the scenes: A school visit
Click here to watch a Patreon exclusive short video from a live-reading I did at a parent night for Caridee: The Long-Leggedy Chickadee.
​how to move past distractions
cardboard cutouts

THE BUSINESS SIDE

taxes and expenses
Click here to read about how I track and categorize my spending, profits, and mileage all with one program. Quickbooks Self-Emplyed exports into a document at the end of the year to hand over to your CPA or automatically integrates with TurboTax. This is not a sponsored post, and I can say I have been a customer for several years now, and love the service. It saves me time and money.

Get 50% off your first 6 months
BOOK SALES TRACKING SHEET
Click here to download my Patreon exclusive sales tracking sheet that I personally use to track my sales!

ADDITIONAL CONTENT

ANSWERING YOUR QUESTIONS

author q&a
​goal setting
THE CASSIDY INFORM ACT
I discuss new legislature and how it may affect online sellers. Click here to read the Patreon exclusive blog where I discuss my thoughts and more information broken down into sections.
8 things i would change
Click here to read a Patreon exclusive blog with a more in-depth explanation with real world examples.
why i left facebook and instagram
​how i start a book series

MISHAPS AND SHENANIGANS

missing kdp sales
Click here to read the Patreon exclusive blog where I provide a more in-depth explanation along with how I am preventing it from happening again.

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© 2021 Bethany Stahl