#denise grover swank

[nanowrimo]

5 Steps to Get Your Novel Ready to Self-Publish

Every year, we’re lucky to have great sponsors for our nonprofit events. Kindle Direct Publishing, a 2022 NaNo sponsor, helps you self-publish eBooks and paperbacks for free. Today, author Denise Grover Swank shares some tips to help you get your novel ready to publish:

Congrats on completing NaNoWriMo! I completed my first book with NaNoWriMo in 2009, and was thrilled when I’d finished, but I wasn’t ready to hit publish just yet!

1. Have someone else read your novel.

Every book needs revising and editing. Trust me, I’ve written over seventy books at this point and still need to revise books. 

You’ll either need to find a developmental editor or alpha readers. Alpha readers—well-read readers and/or other authors—are great for writers on a budget and are usually free. You can find them in writers’ groups or your friends who are readers. Just be careful if you’re using friends and family: they’re going to be biased. (Unless they’re my aunt who read my paranormal thriller and told me I should write children’s books.) 

2. Invest in copy editing.

You’ve revised and edited your book, now what? Copy editing is where you may want to invest if you can. Copy editors look at your book line by line and correct grammatical mistakes. Please, please, please don’t try to do this yourself. You’ve read you book countless times and will miss things. Trust me. I know. (If you need a proofreader, here’s where your friends who can spot a typo a mile away come in handy.)

3. Get a good cover.

Let’s talk covers! Study the market and find out what’s selling in your genre, then find a cover designer who fits the trends. You can spend anywhere from $100 to $1000 or more, but you can get by on the lower end. Just don’t try to make one yourself unless you’re really good at graphic design. 

4. Get the formatting right.

You’re almost ready to publish, but first you need to format your eBook and print book—You can do this by using the free templates available on Kindle Direct Publishing, you can pay someone to do it, or there are several programs less than $200 that will do this for you. 

5. Now you’re ready! 

There are multiple places to publish, but KDP (Kindle Direct Publishing) is super easy to use! Be sure to claim your books on Amazon Author Central, create an author page, then ask readers to follow you. Amazon will let your readers know about preorders and releases. Kindle Unlimited is great for newer authors who are still finding an audience, and readers in KU are more willing to take a chance on new-to-them authors. And finally, use the gifting option on your product page for giveaways on social media. Readers who love your book will tell their friends—never underestimate word of mouth marketing!

New York Times, Wall Street Journal, and USA Today bestselling author Denise Grover Swank lives in Kansas City, Missouri. You can find out more about Denise at www.denisegroverswank.com.

Top photo by Nong V on Unsplash. 

[he-is-lightning-in-a-bottle]

There's also a new sub genre that has totally taken off during the pandemic called Paranormal Women's Fiction. If you enjoy paranormal romance but are tired of formulaic heroines who are super hot twenty-somethings making naive choices, this is the genre for you! All these new heroines are normal people in their late 30s, 40s, and 50s with careers or children or marriages in various states of happiness, mom bods, and all the practical wisdom of people who've been adulting for a while. They're relatable and funny and smart, and reading along as they navigate their encounters with the paranormal for the first time and begin a midlife adventure is a hoot.

As defined by the authors who started trying to carve out this genre:

We are not inventing books with 40+ heroines. We are hoping to define a place for them amongst other genres. There are so many great stories already with older women dealing with real life issues (and magical ones, ’cause paranormal is just cool), but often these books are lumped in with genre titles amongst new adult books and can be hard to find.

Older women kick ass. They know things. They’ve been there. They are worthy of their own literature category. They stopped giving a fuck. They also have their own set of issues that they face–empty nests, widows, divorce, menopause, health, etc–and these issues deserve to be addressed and embraced in literature.

Women friendships matter. Women matter. Our thoughts and feelings matter.

Growing older is a real part of life. No need to hide in the shadows. Unless you’re like a vampire and like shadows. Then by all means, skulk away.

(source)

A good place to begin reading in this genre is with the thirteen authors who helped create it, so check out books by these authors that have "Paranormal Women's Fiction" on the cover or in the title/description:

K.F. Breene, Deanna Chase, Jana DeLeon, Christine Gael, Elizabeth Hunter, Darynda Jones, Eve Langlais, Shannon Mayer, Kristen Painter, Robyn Peterman, Michelle M. Pillow, Mandy M. Roth, Denise Grover Swank

heard some guy in barnes and noble today say “i can’t stand adult fiction they’re all like ‘i’m getting a divorce’” 

[abm1g-5]

The book "Twenty-Eight-and-a-Half Wishes" by Denise Grover Swank is a delightful and relatable exploration of the challenges faced by modern women in the 21st century. As a work of "chick lit," the novel offers a refreshingly honest and humorous perspective on the complexities of navigating life, love, and personal growth. At the heart of the story is Rose Gardner, a young woman who finds herself thrust into a whirlwind of unexpected events after receiving a mysterious list of wishes. Rose's journey is one that resonates with many women, as she navigates the ups and downs of relationships, career aspirations, and the pursuit of self-discovery. One of the standout aspects of "Twenty-Eight-and-a-Half Wishes" is its ability to capture the nuances of modern womanhood. The author skillfully weaves together themes of independence, vulnerability, and the search for purpose, creating a narrative that feels both authentic and empowering. Rose's struggles with self-doubt, her desire to break free from societal expectations, and her determination to forge her own path are all relatable experiences that many women can identify with. Moreover, the book's exploration of the complexities of relationships, both romantic and platonic, offers valuable insights into the challenges faced by women in the 21st century. The author's portrayal of the dynamics between Rose and the various men in her life, as well as her friendships with other women, provides a refreshingly honest and multifaceted representation of the modern female experience. Overall, "Twenty-Eight-and-a-Half Wishes" is a delightful and empowering read that captures the essence of chick lit in the 21st century. Its relatable characters, engaging plot, and insightful exploration of the female experience make it a must-read for anyone seeking a heartwarming and inspiring story about the strength and resilience of modern women.

Written by: Elisha Matabuena

[joyffree]

A woman fleeing her past finds more than she bargains for in a suspense series by New York Times, Wall Street Journal, and USA Today bestselling author Denise Grover Swank.

A Cry in the Dark by Denise Grover Swank is on sale in audio, only on Chirp!

Start listening today! Chirp: https://bit.ly/3sl09p2

Narrated by: Shannon McManus

 @valentine_pr_

[cocktailsfairytales]

A woman fleeing her past finds more than she bargains for in a suspense series by New York Times, Wall Street Journal, and USA Today bestselling author Denise Grover Swank.

A Cry in the Dark by Denise Grover Swank is on sale in audio, only on Chirp!

Start listening today!

Chirp: https://bit.ly/3sl09p2

Narrated by: Shannon McManus

#DeniseGroverSwank #bookclub #bookish #booklover #booksta #bookstagram #bookworm #readersofig #readersofinstagram #valentineprlm @valentine_pr_

[booklovingpixies]

RELEASE BLITZ - The Curse Keepers by Denise Grover Swank

I have seven days to the save the world…we’re screwed. The Curse Keepers by Denise Grover Swank is now live! Blurb When the keepers meet for the first time, the gate will be opened.Two little rules have kept me safe since my mother died protecting me: always trust your instincts and forget everything about the curse.But when I accidentally activate an ancient catastrophe I’ve spent my life…

[haylie-spnfam4ever]

Ten People I’d like to get to know better

Thank you for tagging me @impala-dreamer never done anything like this before so let’s give it a shot! ❤️

last song: Heavy is the Crown by Linkin Park

fav color: Green and Grey

last book: currently reading Rose Gardner Mysteries by Denise Grover Swank.

last movie: Wonder Woman 1982

last tv show: finished part 1 of Outer Banks season 4 last night. So so good!

sweet/spicy/savory: sweet and spicy

relationship status: single

last thing i googled: Rotator Cuff muscles. shit i need to know for school

current obsession: always obsessed with my favorite band (Linkin Park) coming back with a new album coming out in November, anything spn, Fire Country, and anything new about Countdown

looking forward to: this semester of school being done 🤣

Tagging: @muchamusedaboutnothing i don’t have many friends on this app so anyone who sees this is welcome to play!

Ten people I’d like to get to know better ᯓᡣ𐭩

Thank you for thinking of me @zepskies and @spacecowgirl126 💖

last song: "Autumn Town Leaves" Iron & Wine

fav color: Gray, Red, & Tardis Blue!

last book: errr... I've been carrying Good Omens around with me to finish for a while. Also working on The Witching Hour...

last movie: watched "Trap" last night. not great but shirtless beefy Josh Hartnett so I'm happy. ;)

last tv show: What We Do In The Shadows

sweet/spicy/savory: I'll take savory please and thank you

relationship status: happily married irl and dating people in my head...

last thing I googled: JDM The Unholy Movie Streaming Free (spoiler, it's not)

current obsession: The Ballroom Thieves (running through all their albums. love them!) um... Sebastian Stan's stubble... Jackles' Tracker hair... Perfecting my cold brew recipie... never breaking my streak of never learning to spell recipie

looking forward to: finally getting my ass in gear and writing again. sigh...

Tagggggging: @k-slla @kittenofdoomage @nightxcreature @feelmyroarrrr @all-alone-he-turns-to-stone

@caplanbuckybarnes

@haylie-spnfam4ever @jdmorganz @princessmisery666 @deanwinchesterswitch

and viewers like you <3

[queen-of-bright-shiny-things]

“Je t’aime, mon amour.”

“Je t’aime, Mathieu. Mon coeur.” He was right. It meant so much more in French.

[bookboleynreads]

Release Blitz! Matchmaking a Billionaire by Angela Denise

Release Blitz! Matchmaking a Billionaire by Angela Denise

He’s everyone’s dream man but hers.Matchmaking a Billionaire, a sexy, opposites attract romantic comedy from New York Times bestselling author Denise Grover Swank and USA Today bestselling author Angela Casella, writing as Angela Denise, is now available! Bryn I used to believe in what we do at Mayberry Matchmakers, but now? Love is just another four-letter word. Too bad my grandmother hasn’t…

[haylie-spnfam4ever]

of course! I’m trying to get as many people as I can to read this series bc i think its awesome, But i can be biased 😂

It’s called the Rose Garner Mysteries by Denise Grover Swank. Roughly a 9 book series, but there are a few novellas in between a couple books. But its mainly about the main character Rose has a special gift and can see the future, she has visions when she touches someone and sees what happens to them in the future. She tries to deal with family drama, as well as tries to ignore her gift because it gets her into so much trouble with the law, and dangerous situations that could get her killed. a couple love interests as well in all of that too!

i can only find the book on Amazon if you prefer to have a paperback book. But there are eReads of it as well. The author has a website as well, and many more books too! if you have questions about it tho, please let me know!

i’m currently on book 6 or 7. I haven’t read anything in a WHILE bc i just moved states and trying to unpack everything, so I hope to get back to it soon.

Hello!! I just wanted to tell you that i love your writing so much!! I have read Night Falls so many times, and is my favorite series of yours!! Anyway.. for your AMA’s, do you have a favorite genre to read/write?

much love to you❤️❤️😊😊

OH MY GOSH THANK YOU ☺️ Night Falls is my favorite too

And I LOVE angst. Reading and writing. I live for drama

And thank you for being such an active follower. I see your name pop up on my fics all the time and it means a lot 🥰 @haylie-spnfam4ever

[joyffree]

The Bad Luck Club series by Angela Casella & Denise Grover Swank is now on sale!

Start reading now!

Love at First Hate FREE https://books2read.com/u/meXx6z

Jingle Bell Hell $2.99 https://books2read.com/u/mK75rV

Fraudulently Ever After $2.99 https://books2read.com/u/bQAwzE

Matchmaking Mischief $2.99 https://books2read.com/u/bWpa2W

Bringing Down the House $2.99 https://books2read.com/u/mVD95P @valentine_pr_

[cocktailsfairytales]

Four hilarious happily-ever-after, full-length books, two novellas, plus bonus material...

Asheville Brewing Box Set by Angela Casella & Denise Grover Swank is on sale for 99¢ this week only!

Download your copy today!

Amazon Worldwide: https://mybook.to/AshevilleBrewingBoxSet

Included in the box set:

All the Luck You Need

Any Luck at All

Better Luck Next Time

Getting Lucky

Bad Luck Club

Luck of the Draw

#AshevilleBrewing #Boxset #RomCom #RomanticComedy #AngelaCasella #DeniseGroverSwank #bookclub #bookish #booklover #booksta #bookstagram #bookworm #readersofig #readersofinstagram #valentineprlm @valentine_pr_

[haylie-spnfam4ever]

Thank you for tagging me @whatareyousearchingfordean

i’ve never done these before so fingers crossed i do it right😂🤍

Currently reading: Twenty-Eight and a Half Wishes by Denise Grover Swank

Last song: Second Chance by Shinedown

Last movie: probably what i saw in the movie theater a few months ago which was Avatar: The Way of Water.

Currently working on: uhhh… i don’t write much, so nothing. i dabble here and there sometimes, but never post anything.

Tagging: i don’t have many followers so anyone who sees this is welcome, as well as @muchamusedaboutnothing & @supernatural-jackles @waywardbaby ❤️❤️❤️

Whatcha Up To Tag Game

Tagged by: @kwistowee thank you!

Currently reading: no books; I’ve mostly been looking up recipes bc I’m obsessed with oranges and apples right now

Last song: some random piano cafe stuff for focusing at work

Last Movie: Shin Ultraman

Currently working on: teaching myself to roller skate

I tag: @jarpadandjensens, @jensensgotyoudean, @dean-winchesters-bacon, @titobeauvi, @lastcallatrockysbar

[booklovingpixies]

RELEASE BLITZ - Matchmaking a Roommate by Denise Grover Swank & Angela Casella

Matchmaking a Roommate by Denise Grover Swank & Angela Casella is now live! He’s her next makeover project. She’s his next mistake. Ivy I’m Ivy Anders, popular romance novelist and small-town success story. Or so they say. I tell myself I’m only back in my hometown because my father had a heart attack, but that’s not the full story.I can’t go home. And the longer I stay, the less I want to.…

[loveinquotesposts]

https://loveinquotes.com/but-once-you-find-real-love-something-so-deep-it-sinks-to-your-toes-a-love-that-fills-you-so-completely-it-makes-you-a-better-person-than-you-were-without-him-once-you-find-that-love-don/

But once you find real love, something so deep it sinks to your toes, a love that fills you so completely it makes you a better person than you were without him—once you find that love, don’t let it go. Holly ― Denise Grover Swank, Only You

#DeniseGroverSwank, #DeniseGroverSwankDeniseGroverSwankLoveQuotes, #DeniseGroverSwankQuotes, #DeniseGroverSwankLoveQuotes, #OnlyYou, #OnlyYouQuotes