Kick *ss Writer’s Guide
Kick Ass Writer’s Guide assists new indie authors improve their writing skills and build an author business. We offer coaching for both fiction and non-fiction. We’ve gathered a few basic resources we think play a crucial role in an author’s journey from manuscript creation to publication and marketing.
an imprint of Silver Girl Press
Book Covers
Services range from DIY tools to pre-made covers, catering to various styles and budgets. These services cater to different budgets and styles, ensuring a cover that not only looks professional but also resonates with the book’s target audience.
- Canva Designs
- Creating a KDP Book Cover with PowerPoint
- DIY Book Covers (free fiction templates from Derek Murphy)
- eBook Launch
Desktop Publishers
Software for formatting and designing books. These tools are essential for creating professionally formatted books.
- (Alternatives to Adobe InDesign)
- Affinity Publisher (Inexpensive. Includes professional features)
- Scribus (Free open source)
- Xara Page & Layout Designer 11 (good for beginners)
Grammar Checkers (Style Analyzers)
These tools assist you in refining your prose. They check for grammatical errors, stylistic inconsistencies, and provide readability assessments, making them invaluable for self-editing. Free or free trial versions available, but the paid versions of each are worth it. While the programs have similarities, they each have valuable differences.
- Grammarly
- PerfectIt (it found issues other programs did not find)
- ProWritingAid
eBook Publishers
Platforms for digital publishing and distribution allow you to publish your works digitally. They offer various distribution channels and formats catering to a wide range of e-readers.
Web Hosting
Services for your author online presence. These services make it easier for you to establish and maintain an online identity.
- iCloud.com
- LiquidWeb (good customer service)
- Nexcess.net
Writing Resources
Educational and organizational support to help you at every stage of the writing process.
- Author 2.0 Blueprint (free download at TheCreativePenn.com)
- The Writer’s Handbook (free online)