2019 Holiday Content Processing
This is a friendly reminder that as the holiday season approaches, the schedule for our regular content processing services will be adjusted.* December 19 is the…
Market Research Doesn’t Have to Hurt
Noah Steele, indie author of gay romance, shares his insights on market research. It’s not as scary as you might think!
KWL – Ep 173 – Launching a Stand-Out Series Wide with Michael Anderle
Michael Anderle, best-selling indie author, gives us the scoop on the launch of his first “wide” series, Opus X. He tells us his author origin story, and…
KWL Ep 172 – Storytelling for Change with Juan Pablo Villalobos
This week on the podcast, award-winning Mexican author and academic Juan Pablo Villalobos spoke to us about his latest title, The Other Side. This project explores…
KWL Ep 171 – Making Your Backlist Work for You with Zoe York
Zoe York talks to us about how she began her career writing “the stories of her heart”, and then went on to turn those stories into…
KoboWriMo 2019: Day 15
We’re at the halfway point for NaNoWriMo! This mini-marathon of writing has been intense, and we’re definitely feeling the burn. Check in on what the Kobo team has been up to.
Must Read Nonfiction: KWL Team Recommendations
The Kobo Writing Life team loves Nonfiction November! Check out the books we think everyone should read.
Ep #170 From Wedding Planner to Writer with Violet Howe
Violet Howe talks to us about her writing career and how feeling strongly about her story and characters led her to indie publishing. Violet discusses how writing two different series in the same town allows her to explore two genres. Violet also talks to us about how her past work experiences have influenced her writing but also how they have helped with other aspects of her writing business.
Six Tips on How to Write Sizzling First Love Scenes
Prize-winning author, former BBC journalist, bookseller and magazine editor Helena Halme shares her wisdom on creating gripping, sexy, and heartfelt first romantic encounters.
Different Approaches to Completing NaNoWriMo 2019
We’re almost at the halfway point for NaNo! I wanted to take a step back and reflect on my progress and what I’ve learned in the first few weeks of the challenge.
The Broken Union of Narrative Voice and Story (and how to bring them back together)
Narrative voice and story content are intricately bound together, and the two must be compatible for your novel to work. Recognize the four most common issues with narrative voice and how to overcome them.
KoboWriMo 2019: Day 7 Update
We’re a quarter of the way through our NaNo journey! Members of the Kobo team share what they’re working on and how NaNo is going so far.
Ep 169: Lessons from the ER: How Melissa Yi Balances Writing and Medicine
Melissa Yi, an emergency room physician and author, chats to us about how she balances being a writer and part-time doctor. She discusses how her work experiences have made their way into her Hope Sze Medical Mystery Series and she shares some of her favourite emergency room stories. Plus an exclusive sample of her audiobook, Code Blues!
Ten Emergency Medicine Myths From Reddit, Vetted by an ER Doctor
By Melissa Yi Hi, I’m Dr. Melissa Yi, emergency physician and the author of GRAVEYARD SHIFT, which debuted November 1st. Have you ever wondered if the…
NaNoWriMo 2019: Beginning of the Trail
Our NaNoWriMo journey has begun! Check out Joanna Penn’s 5 tips to help you write a novel in one month. Plus an exclusive offer on The Writer’s Toolbox 2019 and The Successful Author Mindset.
KWL Facebook Takeover with OverDrive’s Adam Sockel and Jill Grunenwald
The Kobo Writing Life team is excited to announce our latest Facebook Live Q&A on November 21st 2019. From 12:00 PM-1:00 PM EST, our takeover hosts Jill…
KWL Ep#168 – The Author and Narrator Relationship with Rachel Grant and Greg Tremblay
Author Rachel Grant and her narrator Greg Tremblay shed some light on the process of creating an audiobook. Rachel discusses the working relationship she has with Greg and how his narration has influenced her future work. Greg shares his experience as a narrator, and the process for creating audiobooks. Start self-publishing today with KWL.
The Book Scoop: October Edition and Horror Writing Playlist
Catch up on popular new releases across genres this October. Plus news on major book award winners and a spine-tingling horror writing playlist!
Checklist for NaNoWriMo 2019
National Novel Writing Month is only days away! Make sure you’re prepared for what’s coming, so you can start this challenge strong.
Indie Horror Quiz
Tell us what your horror tastes are and we’ll recommend a top-rated title on Kobo! Halloween vibes, anyone?
War, Resistance, and Exile: Anne Allen on Writing The Guernsey Novels
Award-winning author Anne Allen discusses the fascinating history of the British island of Guernsey. The island’s turbulent past and its connection to the legendary Victor Hugo served as a backdrop of inspiration for The Guernsey Novels.
#167 Relatability in Romance with Samantha Young
New York Times bestselling author Samantha Young talks to us about the life-changing success of her self-published novel On Dublin Street. Samantha examines the benefits of being a hybrid author, stepping out of her comfort zone with her forthcoming novel Outmatched and why relatable characters are the hallmark of all her novels. Plus an exclusive offer on Samantha’s audiobook, Into the Deep.
KWL Author Feature: Writing Dialogue With Flair
Every month, the KWL newsletter features a discussion prompt and gives authors the opportunity to contribute to the blog. See what experienced authors have to say about crafting dialogue.
How to Prep for NaNoWriMo 2019
NaNoWriMo stands for National Novel Writing Month: a frenzy of writing with the goal of producing a 50,000-word novel during the thirty days of November. Find out more about this global writing challenge!
#166 How to Craft a New Writing Persona with Piper Rayne
Writing duo, Piper Rayne, gives us insights on what it is like being a writing duo and they discuss the writing and revision process that works best for them. No two writing duos are alike! They discuss the prep work and strategy behind releasing a successful new persona and give their tips for new co-authors starting out. Plus an exclusive offer on Book #1 of The Baileys!
Commonly Miscategorized Genres and Subgenres: Why These Mistakes Matter
Incorrectly categorizing your books can keep them away from your target readership. Worse still, this could lead to bad reviews, when readers do not get what they expect. Are your novels in the right category?
KWL Facebook Takeover with Tyra Burton
The Kobo Writing Life team is excited to announce our latest Facebook Live Q&A on October 17th 2019. From 12:00 PM-1:00 PM EST, our takeover host, Tyra Burton, will…
5 Advantages of Writing in Multiple Perspectives
Have you ever considered telling a story in different points of view? Five key ways multiple narratives can benefit your novel, adding depth and meaning to your story.
#165 Storytelling with Waubgeshig Rice
Waubgeshig Rice, an author and journalist originally from Wasauksing First Nation, talks about his latest novel, Moon of the Crusted Snow, a take on a post-apocalypse story told from an indigenous perspective. He also describes his path to writing and offers advice for young aspiring writers.
The Age of Audiobooks: Rising Popularity and Expert Perspectives
KWL recently launched an audiobook upload service for its authors! Whether you are considering creating an audiobook or just want to stay up to date with…
Reedsy Discovery: A New Marketing Platform For Your Frontlist
Ricardo Fayet, CMO and Founder of Reedsy, talks about Reedsy Discovery’s unique approach to book marketing.
Author Origin Stories That Are Sure to Inspire You
Some of the most renowned authors have surprisingly humble beginnings. Their stories of overcoming poverty and childhood struggles, persevering through rejection after rejection, and writing out of necessity to support their families are truly remarkable. You will appreciate these legendary authors more knowing how far they’ve come.
#164 – Learning the Habits of your Readers with Emma Chase
Emma Chase, NYT bestselling author, discusses the importance of learning the habits of your readers and setting reader expectations before the release of a new book. She discusses how she built up her newsletter audience and gives us hints about what to expect next from her Royally series.
The Book Scoop: September Edition and bonus Sci-Fi Writing Playlist
September’s top book releases and news from the book world, plus a personally curated Sci-Fi writing playlist!
Breaking News: Kobo Writing Life Launches Direct Audiobook Upload!
A video tutorial on the audiobook publishing process, plus tips and resources to help KWL authors succeed with audio.
Writers Conferences, Festivals, & Workshops: Where to Find Them and What to Expect
Writing is most often a solitary pursuit. Many of us are introverts who live in our books (whether we are writing them or reading them). If…
KWL Ep. 163 How to Stay Relevant with an Authentic Online Presence with Rachel Van Dyken
New York Times best-selling author, Rachel Van Dyken discusses how having an authentic online presence offers something tangible to readers and allows authors to stay relevant in the ever-changing publishing world. She talks to us why she decided to be a hybrid author and discusses her upcoming novel Fashion Jungle which she co-wrote with model Kathy Ireland.
5 Steps to Standing Out and Selling More in Your Genre
So, you have a concept of the tale you want to tell. Is the story truly of your own design? Follow these five steps to creating an original story.
Quiz Time: Which Type of Writer Are You?
Every author has a characteristic writing style and a creative essence that they use to put words to paper. Take the quiz to learn what resonates in your writing. If you are yet to be published, use your imagination for the questions about your novel!
KWL Ep. 162 Behind the Book with Ghost Writer Joshua Lisec
Joshua Lisec take us behind the scenes on what it is like being a celebrity ghostwriter. He discusses how he became a ghostwriter, what the ghostwriting…
Facebook Live with Ryan from BookSweeps
The Kobo Writing Life team is excited to announce our latest Facebook Live Q&A on September 20th 2019. From 12:00 PM-1:00 PM EST, our takeover host, Ryan Zee from Booksweeps will be answering all your questions on the Kobo Writing Life Facebook page. If you can’t make the takeover, feel free to comment on this post with your questions and we can ask them for you! Keep reading to learn more about Ryan and his experience in the indie world, and get your questions ready!
How Not To Get Lost in Translation
Dutch author Jeroen van Mastbergen enlisted the help of translator Goltan Varashk to translate his Young Adult title in English. Here they tell us about the process of working together––and the challenges of translating jokes!
KWL Ep 161: How to Sustain a Successful Writing Career with Jill Shalvis
With 20 years in the industry and over 100 novels under her belt, New York Times and USA Today bestselling author Jill Shalvis shares her tips for finding the right method of publication for you and how to sustain a lifelong publishing career.
Characters Who Speak For Themselves: Chatting With KWL Authors
KWL authors share their experiences of how their characters came to life and took the story into their own hands.
Planning: How to Keep Your Sanity as an Indie Author
If you’re one of those writers who buys a planner six months early, I’m betting you’re psyched to see the title of this article! If not, I hope to lure your over to the dark side with some guidelines to help keep you on track as an author and savvy entrepreneur.
Ep 160 — From Fan Fiction to Finalist with Kobo’s Winning Romance Author Julie Evelyn Joyce
Julie Evelyn Joyce talks to us about the inspiration for prize-winning novel Steeped in Love. Julie shares how writing Gilmore Girls fan fiction taught her about craft and how a chance meeting at RWA led her to entering and winning Kobo’s Emerging Writer Prize!
The Book Scoop: August Edition
If you’ve been soaking up the final glorious rays of summer or have been too busy to follow new releases, let me introduce some great titles that have come out this month.
Podcast Ep 159 — Best Practices for Indie Writers with David Wind
This week, Steph and Joni sat down with David Wind, author of The Indie Writer’s Handbook. Wind has written 59 titles and started his author journey with a traditional publisher, before becoming a very early adopter of indie publishing in 2008.
How to Immerse Readers in Setting + KWL Fantasy Writing Playlist
Creating a vivid and realistic setting for your readers is a complex process. KWL breaks down the nuances of setting, from its relation to characters, plot, and symbolism, writing with the five senses, and figurative language. Plus, some musical inspiration for setting: get lost in your fantasy world with our playlist of the month!
Podcast Ep 158 – Using Obsession to Drive your Debut Novel with Nora Decter
Nora Decter, Kobo’s Emerging Writer Prize Winner for Literary Fiction, chats to us about her debut novel How Far We Go and How Fast. She talks about…
How to Get Book Reviews and Generate Buzz as an Indie Author
KWL has compiled a list of budget-friendly book review platforms that will help get readers talking about your book.
Writing Tips From Famous Authors
When it comes to writing, people who learn this craft – both for professional or personal use – can benefit from advice. When this advice comes from notable authors, those that have produced some of the best books and stories ever written, their words are worth taking into account. Assignment Helper provides an inspiring infographic featuring advice from famous authors.
Which Type of Romance Heroine from the Past Are You?
If you found yourself in a Jane Austen novel, who would you be? Do you see yourself in a story by the Brontë sisters? According to Austen, “there are as many forms of love as there are moments of time.” So have fun with this, it is by no means an absolute science.
Podcast Ep 157 – Creating Your Own Audiobook with Sarah Williams
This episode starts a little differently, with an excerpt from Sarah’s audiobook, The Brothers of Brigadier Station, narrated by Myles Pollard. If you’d like to read…
Five Most Common Self-Publishing Mistakes
So you’ve written a book! Now what? Regardless of how long you’ve been writing, there’s a lot to learn about actually publishing your book. We’ve put together some of the most common blunders we see from indie authors. Some of these may seem like no brainers to you, others might spark a light bulb moment.
Podcast Ep 156 — Diversity in Romance with Jackie Lau
Jackie Lau reflects on her first year of self-publishing and the steps she took to ensure success. She discusses the importance of diversity in romance and how she wanted her characters to fill a void that is missing in the romance community. She also talks about how Twitter and Instagram are the social media platforms that work for her.
The Book Scoop: July Edition
July passed by in a whirlwind, as it always does and always will. Here’s what you may have missed during the heatwave. I went on an epic journey through the internet jungle of Canadian, American, and Kobo bestseller lists, to update you on some great new summer reads.
How Music Can Benefit Your Creative Process + KWL Romance Writing Playlist
Can listening to music help you write a better novel? Potentially. Here’s why you should consider incorporating instrumentals into your creative process.
KWL Ep 155: How to Find the Right Editor for You with Stefanie London
Stefanie London, USA Today best-selling author, shares her tips for completing your first draft, how to sustain productivity while working from home and how to find the right editor for your project. She also discusses the importance of taking time off for your creativity.
KWL EP 154 — All About Reedsy with Co-Founder Ricardo Fayet
Founder of Reedsy, Ricardo Fayet answers all our questions about the company from founding principles to their latest launch, Reedsy Discovery. He talks about SEO and steps authors can take to increase their searchability to ensure new readers find their books. He also discusses the manual process of acquiring freelance professionals to ensure authors have help for every step in their publishing career.
Why Book Blurbs are Crucial to the Success of your Novel
A look into why the book descriptions of bestselling novels work so well and how to craft a captivating blurb.
My Writing Life: EWP Romance Winner, Julie Evelyn Joyce
Steeped in Love, a self-published book by Julie Evelyn Joyce won this year’s Emerging Writer Prize for Romance. Get to know Julie, her writing style, and what inspired her winning book.
The Essential Storytelling Ingredient That Makes Your Story More Addictive
Simply put, stakes are the negative consequences of failure. If your protagonist fails, bad things will happen. Unlike an intriguing hook or compelling protagonist, stakes put readers under tension.
Getting Your Story Heard
Audio has been worth all the hard work. The audiobook is currently a bestseller in the US and Australia, and Myles has agreed to record the next two books in the Brigadier Station serieslater in the year. We have also been invited to teach workshops together and attend book signings. One audiobook has raised my profile and dramatically increased my book sales.
KWL EP 153 – The Michael Tamblyn Interview: Why Our CEO Loves Indie Authors
Michael Tamblyn, the CEO of Kobo, provides the most compelling argument to date about why indie authors need to go wide. Spoiler: You don’t want one algorithm to run your life. Michael discusses the origin story of Kobo and Kobo Writing Life and his own unique career path that led him to where he is today. He also talks about how indie authors have been excellent at exploiting opportunities as the eBook market shifts. Join the platform that’s fast, free, easy. www.kobo.com/writinglife
How Adam Croft Supercharged his Writing Career
Hooks and blurbs can literally make or break careers so I can’t overstate the importance of getting them right.
#152 – Indie Author Warrior: David Gaughran
Indie publishing activist David Gaughran discusses the benefits of BookBub in targeting specific markets such as Kobo and how much money authors should spend on advertising. David discusses the importance of creating a marketing strategy and how to revive a title with decreasing sales.
KWL EP 151 – Moving Beyond Archetype: How to Write a Compelling Villain with Sacha Black
Sacha Black joins us to discuss the archetypal villain and how writers can stop writing boring clichéd villains. Sacha gives tips on how to write a kickass protagonist that stands out and why copywriting is a skill all writers should continually work on.
Anxiety, Be Gone! Calming Your Mind with Stories
Adam Dahari discusses the importance of books and how they can impact mental health.
Facebook Live with Ricardo from Reedsy
The Kobo Writing Life team is excited to announce our latest Facebook Live Q&A on May 30th 2019. From 12:00 PM-1:00 PM EST, our takeover host, Ricardo Fayet from Reedsy will be answering all your questions on the Kobo Writing Life Facebook page.
#150 – Fight Writer’s Block with Mythulu Creation Cards
Learn how to combat writer’s block or any type of creative block with Mythulu creation cards. Creator Laura Crenshaw talks about the creative process involved in…
“I found a career where walking the towns of Ireland and seeing the interior of a pub is in my job description.”
I treat it like a job, because it is a job. I retain control of content, cover, blurb, and marketing. I am happier for it. I bring a healthy income into our household after years outside of the workforce. I actually found a career where walking the towns of Ireland and seeing the interior of a pub is in my job description.
How Dale Mayer Writes 9000 Words Before Breakfast
Dale Mayer, USA Today bestselling author, gives advice to listeners on how to develop a long and successful career in indie publishing. She also explains how dictating her books helped her become one of KWL’s most prolific authors.
KWL EP 148 – For the Love of Rom-Coms with Sally Thorne and Mhairi McFarlane
For this episode of the KWL Podcast, we hosted a very special live fireside chat at Kobo HQ in Toronto with bestselling authors Sally Thorne and Mhairi McFarlane. We dive deep into romantic comedies and the key components that make a great love story. Spoiler alert: it’s sexual tension!
How Indie Publishing Changed Julie de Lestrange’s Life
Julie de Lestrange is a true KWL superstar in her native France. Her first independently published novel was such a success that she caught the attention…
KWL Ep 147 Penny Reid
Book Smart Romance: How Penny Reid bypassed gatekeepers to create her own niche market. Penny discusses the ways in which writing romance is revolutionary, why creators…
KWL Author Takeover #5: David Gaughran
The Kobo Writing Life team is excited to announce our latest Facebook takeover on Thursday April 25th, 2019. From 12:00 PM-1:00 PM EST, our takeover host, author David Gaughran will be live on the Kobo Writing Life Facebook page chatting with KWL director Christine Munroe. We’ll be doing a Q&A and will answer questions from the audience if we have time, so be sure to tune in.
KWL Podcast EP 146: Carrie Ann Ryan
With 12 books releasing this year, New York Times and USA Today bestselling author Carrie Ann Ryan, takes time out of her jam-packed schedule to talk to us about her writing technique, how the self-publishing landscape has changed since first starting out and why she wanted to branch out into a new genre. Carrie also gives listeners a sneak peek of her first YA novel, From Breath and Ruin.
KWL EP 145 Adam Cushman on Book Trailers
Have you ever wondered if a book trailer would be right for your next novel? This week on the KWL podcast, Marina and Stephanie chatted with Adam Cushman, the founder of Film 14, about the benefits of creating a cinematic book trailer.
KWL EP 144 – Dharma Kelleher
KWL EP 144 – Dharma Kelleher Gritty crime fiction writer, Dharma Kelleher joins us to talk about her experience as a transgender author, and the recent…
NetGalley Promo Opportunities
Are you an indie author looking to promote your titles and grow your readership? Kobo Writing Life and NetGalley have partnered to benefit authors and publishers looking to do just that.
KWL Podcast Bonus Episode: Preview of Kobo in Conversation
Please enjoy this preview of Kobo’s new podcast Kobo in Conversation!
Why is Little Timmy’s Face on Fire?(or how to write a good book description)
One of a potential reader’s biggest “sell” points is your book description. Sadly, it’s also one of the things that I most often see get mangled by authors. But fear no more! I’m going to give you a quick rundown on the elements you need for great cover copy.
KWL EP 143 – Brent Pilkey
Retired police officer, Brent Pilkey joins us to talk about his time as a beat cop for one of the roughest areas of Toronto, and how this experience influenced his writing. Brent discusses the genesis of his Rage series and how he decides which areas of being an officer should be excluded from his novels. Brent also discusses his writing process and what readers can expect from him next.
Don’t let comparison steal your joy!
Bestselling author and KWL superstar Susan Stoker still occasionally falls victim to comparing herself to other authors. Here she discusses why comparison is destructive and how to battle self-doubt as an author.
The A to Z of KWL
Not sure where to start with publishing? Tara Cremin lays out the A-Z of Kobo Writing Life!
KWL EP 142 – Meredith Wild
KWL EP 142 – Meredith Wild Superstar New York Times and USA Today bestselling author Meredith Wild, talks about her unique experience as being both an…
KWL EP 141 – Stuart Bache
Book cover designer Stuart Bache joins us on the podcast this week debunking our theory that authors should not design their own covers. Stuart talks to us about his journey into cover design and how he started his business Books Covered.
KWL EP 140 – Lauren Layne
Lauren Layne, New York Times bestselling author and branding superstar, shares her secrets on cultivating an author brand and mastering trickier social media platforms, specifically Instagram and Pinterest.
Creating an effective cover, indie author bestsellers and the evolution of romance writing
What’s happened in the book world this week?
KWL EP 139 – Damon Suede
Damon Suede, a chart-topping M/M romance author, will change the way you think about craft and characters.
3 Great Reads by Indigenous Authors
Looking for inspiration for your next read? Adam Dahari describes his favourite reads by Indigenous Canadian authors!
KWL EP 138 – Brenna Aubrey
Breakout star in France, Italy and Germany, Brenna Aubrey gives listeners tips on translations. Brenna also discusses how she fell into her niche (writing “geek romance”) and why ultimately, she decided on self-publishing rather than traditional.
KWL EP 137 – Nana Malone
In this episode, Stephanie and Marina interview USA Today best-selling author Nana Malone. Nana talks to us about her writing journey and how adapting and changing…
5 Pinterest Tips for Authors
Pinterest is the single-biggest traffic driver to my website, and my click-through rate on my book-related pins is higher than anything I’ve ever seen on Facebook, Twitter, or Instagram. Here are some of my key learnings on how authors can better use Pinterest.
Writers Talking Writing, Dan Mallory, and Cover Inspiration on Instagram
What’s new in the literary world this week?
KWL EP 136 – Melissa Saneholtz
In this episode, Chrissy and Stephanie sit down with virtual assistant and CMO of Book+Main, Melissa Saneholtz.
Telling vs. Showing When Emotions Are at Work
By Angela Ackerman Show, Don’t Tell is one of those writerly phrases thrown out often enough that many writers can’t help but roll their eyes when…
Maple to Manuka: A Visit to New Zealand
KWL Author Experience Manager Tara Cremin connects with the global indie author community all the way across the world
KWL Ep 135 – Wendy Reid
In this episode, Steph sits down with Senior QA Analyst Wendy Reid from Kobo to learn more about accessibility in ePubs. Wendy gives us a breakdown…
Kobo’s Emerging Writer Prize; Angie Thomas on Writing, and Wattpad’s New Publishing Division
By Joni Di Placido Calling all Canadian authors: The Kobo Emerging Writer Prize is now accepting submissions! Follow the link to see the rules and put…
KWL Ep 134 – Ben Macintyre
In this episode we bring you a Kobo in Conversation with author Ben Macintyre about his latest book, The Spy and the Traitor. Ben was interviewed…
10 Ted Talks to Inspire You to Start Your Novel
10 great TED talks to inspire you to start writing!
Writing Tips, Marketing Advice and Book News: What’s Happening This Week?
By Joni Di Placido It’s a new year and we’re bringing this feature back: a place to share the most interesting book news and author tips…
KWL Ep 133 – Let’s Talk Podcasting with Amanda Cupido
In this week’s episode, Cristina sits down with author and podcast producer Amanda Cupido to talk about her book Let’s Talk Podcasting: The Essential Guide to Doing it Right.
The 2019 KWL Reading Challenge
We’ve put together a challenge for anyone looking to embark on a reading journey and explore new genres and authors in 2019!
In Praise of Public Speaking
How I went from petrified to panelist By Judy Penz Sheluk My earliest memory of public speaking goes back to the eighth grade, when I stood…
Calling All Authors: The Indie Unconference is coming to Italy!
By Elizabeth Jennings and Tiziana D’Oppido The Indie Unconference, Europe will take place in April 11–13 2019 in Matera, Italy SPECIAL GUESTS: Camille Mofidi and Sandra Lonchamp of Kobo Writing Life,…
KWL Ep 132 – The House with a Clock in its Walls
In this episode, Rene sits down with the cast and crew of the recent film The House with a Clock in its Walls
KWL Ep 131 – Ricci Wolman
KWL EP 131 – Ricci Wolman In this episode, Chrissy chats to Ricci Wolman the founder and CEO of Written Word Media. Ricci talks about why…
The Best of the KWL Blog 2018
Happy New Year from us all at Kobo Writing Life! As we leave 2018 behind, let’s take a moment to celebrate and revisit some of the…
Six Remedies for a Conference Hangover
By Linda Shenton Matchett Even though 2018 marks my eleventh year of attending Crimebake, a mystery writing conference held each November in the Boston, Massachusetts area,…
KWL Ep 130––Signe Pike
In this episode, Steph and Laura chat to author Signe Pike about her novel The Lost Queen. Signe talks to us about her time as an…
KWL Ep 129––Bishop Blue
In this episode of the KWL Podcast, Steph and first-time co-host Mickie interview Bishop Blue, a musical duo that is pioneering the concept of “novel songwriting.”
What We Read in 2018: Recommendations from the Book Lovers at Kobo
The Entire Kobo Staff 2018 has been a fantastic year for books and publishing. At the beginning of the year, we posted a KWL Reading Challenge…
KWL Cover Contest 2018: The Finalists!
It’s time for the finalists! The top three covers in every category have been placed into one final poll and we are asking YOU to vote for your overall favourite.
KWL Ep 128––Dr Lee Airton and Gender: Your Guide
In this week’s episode, Rene sits down with Professor Dr. Lee Airton to talk about Airton’s new book, Gender: Your Guide: A Gender-Friendly Primer on What…
Update: New Categories for your Book
You’ll now have the option to browse through over 2,000 categories to find the ones that best suit your book and help tell your story.
The KWL Cover Contest 2018: Week 4––NON-FICTION
The final category is NON-FICTION! Please scroll thorugh, vote for your favourite, and share on social media! Good luck, non-fiction writers!
Global Reach: Indie Publishing in the UK
Our EU Manager, Camille Mofidi, sits down to chat with UK Content Lead, Nick Coveney about the state of indie publishing in Great Britain. Welcome, Nick!…
KWL Ep 127––Adam Croft
KWL EP 127 – Adam Croft In this episode, Chrissy interviews international best-selling author Adam Croft. Adam talks to us about rethinking his writing career…
Setting Up a Multi-Author Bookstore Event
When my debut mystery novel, The Hanged Man’s Noose, was published in 2015, one of the first things I did was set up a bookstore event at my local Chapters. Visions of eager customers lining up outside the door danced through my head.
The reality was considerably different.
The KWL Cover Contest 2018: Week 3––MYSTERY/THRILLER
Week three, and our final fiction cover poll; with ten more beautiful book covers!
10 Steps to a Bestselling Novel
By Sierra Delarosa Are you aiming for your next book to become a bestseller? Why do some books become more popular than others? While there’s no surefire…
KWL Ep 126––Sarah Winman
KWL EP 126 – Sarah Winman In this episode, author Sarah Winman drops by Kobo’s headquarters in Toronto to talk to Chrissy about her latest release,…
Bookish Gifts for the Bibliophile in Your Life
Melissa Chan is a local Toronto designer and founder of Literary Book Gifts, a gift shop for book lovers. She’s kindly offering an exclusive discount for KWL authors on her site––read on for the discount code!
KWL Author Takeover #5: Chrishaun Keller-Hanna
The Kobo Writing Life team is excited to announce our latest Facebook takeover on November 29th 2018. From 1:00 PM-2:00 PM EST, our takeover host, Chrishaun Keller-Hanna will…
The KWL Cover Contest 2018: Week 2––SCIENCE FICTION/FANTASY
By Joni Di Placido Week 2 of our 2018 cover contest, and it’s time to look at Fantasy and Science Fiction titles! Scroll through the covers,…
KWL EP 125 – Courtney Summers
KWL EP 125 – Courtney Summers In this episode, Stephanie and Marina sit down with New York Times best-selling author Courtney Summers. We talk to Courtney…
To Swear or Not To Swear: Where Are Your Boundaries As An Author?
How do you feel about swearing in your books? Hard no, or appropriate when the narrative calls for it?
Nanowrimo, Stan Lee, The Crimes of Grindelwald and more!
By Marina Ferreira Hello everyone! I have another quick literary round up for you today. Hope you’ve had a great and productive week working on your…
The KWL Cover Contest 2018: Week 1––ROMANCE
By Joni Di Placido As we approach the end of the year, it’s time to celebrate some of the best covers of 2018! We’re going…
A Beginner’s Guide to Setting Up Affiliate Links
By Joni Di Placido Affiliate income is an absolute no brainer for any independent publisher or author. Vivian Arend wrote a comprehensive guide about making the…
KWL EP 124 – Eve Langlais
Kobo Writing Life Podcast Insights and inspiration for growing your self-publishing business, featuring interviews with bestselling authors and publishing experts. In this episode, Stephanie sits down…
5 Children’s Books That You Can Read Again, And Again, And Again
By Dani Di Placido I read an article online a couple of years ago, stating that most American parents read to their children for less than…
What, Why, and How Readers Read: 10 Fun Facts
This one is for those stat-hungry authors among you! A KWL author conducted a reader survey: here are some of the take-home messages.
4 Steps to Starting Your Novel
By Signe Pike “I’m working on a novel” If you’ve ever uttered these words you are most likely acquainted with the particular horrors of trying to…
KWL EP 123 – Shayla Black
KWL EP 123 – Shayla Black In this episode, Stephanie and Laura sit down with New York Times and USA Today bestselling author Shayla Black.…
Killing it at the Dublin Murder One Conference
KWL author Robert Craven was invited to do a reading at the 2018 Murder One festival in Dublin. Here he shares some snippets about his experience.
The Best Romance Novels for Fall 2018
Originally posted on Kobo.com There’s a chill in the air, leaves are falling, and we’re layering up with scarves and sweater dresses. But who says that…
NaNoWriMo, Banned Book Sculptures and Double the KWL Podcast Fun!
All the book news you need from the past week!
Go Global with Literary Translation
We’ve partnered with Language+ Literary Translations, a team of experienced translators who specialize in literary genres. Language+ Literary Translations will offer a special discount to Kobo Writing Life authors as part of our partnership.
Ready, Set, WRITE! NaNoWriMo 2018 is kicking off!
NaNoWriMo (National Novel Writing Month) began today! Wishing all you NaNoNovelists a fantastic month of writing!
KWL EP 122 – Toronto Public Library
KWL director Chrissy Munroe spoke with digital collections specialists Maria Cipriano and Beth Godlewski, who were informative, engaging and hilarious. Tune in to the podcast on iTunes, Spotify or anywhere you can download podcasts!
NaNoPlanno: Tools for NaNoWriMo Prep
NaNoWriMo stands for National Novel Writing Month: a frenzy of writing with the goal of producing a 50,000-word novel during the thirty days of November.
Literary Round Up: October 26th
By Joni Di Placido Happy Friday! Before we head into the weekend, let’s recap what’s been happening in the world of books this week! The…
Building Your Street Team
Folsom is one of the many indie authors who has the benefit of a secret weapon—a street team of ardent fans who are devoted to her and, perhaps more importantly, to her ongoing success as a writer.
KWL EP 121 – Behind-the-Scenes Look at Kobo’s New eReader Forma with Ramesh Mantha
In this episode, Chrissy chats with Kobo’s VP of Product and Devices, Ramesh Mantha to learn all about Kobo’s newest eReader: Forma
Publishing (And Pasta!) at the Women’s Fiction Festival in Matera
This literary festival is a unique conference in Europe dedicated to women’s fiction, with a four-day program for authors to learn more about the craft of writing fiction; the book market; the new landscape of both traditional and self-publishing.
KWL Author Takeover #4: Damon Courtney
The Kobo Writing Life team is excited to announce our latest Facebook takeover on October 26th 2018. From 12:00 PM-1:00 PM EST, our takeover host, Damon Courtney from Bookfunnel will be answering all your questions on the Kobo Writing Life Facebook page.
Each person who comments with a question and “likes” the Kobo Writing Life page will be automatically entered to win one of two $25 gift cards to the Kobo store.
Literary Round Up: October 19th
Marina here with this week’s Literary Round Up! A few announcements: The Kobo Writing Life podcast is now releasing new episodes weekly! Check out the…
How To Win NaNoWriMo
NaNoWriMo is a fun way to connect with a global writing community and a great way to focus on really prioritizing your writing for 30 days
KWL EP 120 – Camille Mofidi: Translation
In this episode, we sit down with the European Manager of Kobo Writing Life, Camille Mofidi.
KWL EP 119 – Sasha Cottman
KWL EP 119 – Sasha Cottman In this week’s episode, Chrissy sits down with Australian author Sasha Cottman. Sasha talks to us about her first-year…
Literary Round Up: October 12
By Joni Di Placido Welcome to this week’s literary round up! What’s new in the wonderful world of books this week? HUGE thank you to everyone…
How To Build An Author Platform And Why You Need One
By Victoria M. Patton First, what is an author platform? In essence, it’s a way for you to reach your potential readers, fans, followers, and ultimately…
Self-Care Strategies for Authors on World Mental Health Day
While many of us work to keep ourselves physically well and look after our bodies, it’s easy to neglect our mental health. This is a gentle reminder today and every day, to be kind to yourselves and take care of you.
Writer in residence: Learning the Difference Between a café and a cabin
By Vannessa Barnier After working 9-5 for six months, I was itching to get into the woods and wash my hair with dirt. I organize poetry…
Literary Round Up – October 5th
Hello everyone! Marina here with another Literary Round Up! I have some exciting and fun tidbits to share with you about everything that’s been happening…
Why Library Discovery is the Best Discovery
If I could focus on one means of discovery for my books, I’d focus on libraries.